Fashion designer and entrepreneur Masaba Gupta has shared intimate details about her daily wellness practice and a personal health challenge, offering a glimpse into her life as a new mother and creative professional. The 36-year-old revealed that a specific 12-minute ritual is non-negotiable for starting her day and also spoke candidly about her recent experience with postpartum depression.
The Non-Negotiable Morning Ritual
During a conversation on former tennis champion Sania Mirza's YouTube podcast, Gupta was asked about the one thing she cannot begin her day without. Her immediate response was her 12-minute breathwork practice. "I have to do it. Otherwise, I don't feel awake. Every morning," Gupta emphasized, highlighting the critical role this routine plays in her daily life.
This admission points to a deeper commitment to mental and physical well-being, especially amidst the demands of her career in the high-pressure fashion industry and her responsibilities as a mother to her daughter, Matara.
A Candid Admission on Postpartum Mental Health
In the same conversation, Masaba Gupta offered a vulnerable insight into her motherhood journey. While she described her pregnancy as smooth, she disclosed that she has been grappling with feelings of postpartum depression for the past two months—almost a full year after giving birth.
This revelation is significant as it sheds light on the fact that postpartum depression can manifest well beyond the immediate weeks following childbirth, challenging common perceptions and encouraging broader conversations about maternal mental health timelines.
Expert Weighs In on the Breathwork Benefits
Taking a cue from Masaba's disciplined routine, we consulted consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal to understand the science and benefits behind such a practice.
Goyal explained that Gupta's habit reflects a profound shift in modern wellness understanding. "Breathwork is one of the simplest ways to regulate the nervous system and ease the body out of a stressed, reactive state," Goyal stated. She elaborated that starting the day with slow, intentional breathing supports better oxygen flow, lowers morning cortisol (the stress hormone), and establishes a sense of calm that permeates the rest of the day.
From a health perspective, this short routine can enhance focus, mental clarity, and emotional stability. "It prepares the body for digestion, movement, and decision-making by activating the calming side of the nervous system," Goyal added. For someone with a demanding, creative lifestyle like Masaba's, these grounded minutes can be a powerful tool to prevent burnout and foster a more balanced, controlled day.
Goyal stressed the accessibility of breathwork, noting it requires no equipment or intense effort, relying instead on awareness and gentle consistency. "When practised daily, even for a few minutes, it improves energy, sleep quality, and resilience to stress," she affirmed.
She concluded by framing Masaba's ritual as a meaningful reminder: "Wellness does not always come from doing more. Sometimes it begins with simply sitting still, breathing deeply, and giving the mind and body space to settle before the noise of the day begins."
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from the public domain and expert commentary. It is essential to consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any new health or wellness routine.
