Akshay Kumar on the ‘middle-class habit’ he misses: Why simple routines matter more than success

What happened:
Actor Akshay Kumar has spoken about a simple habit from his pre-fame life that he deeply misses — going to the beach every day to work out. In a 2025 interaction, the actor said that while he is not fond of eating out, he misses exercising outdoors by the sea, something he can no longer do due to his public profile. “I used to go every day. I worked out there. Now I can’t,” he said, adding that he now relies on gym workouts instead.

Why it matters now:
Akshay’s remark has struck a chord because it highlights a quiet trade-off that often comes with success — the loss of ordinary freedoms. While fame and financial security offer comfort and control, they can also limit access to spontaneous, grounding routines that once came naturally.

What experts say:
Psychotherapist and life coach Delnna Rrajesh explains that people don’t miss simplicity out of nostalgia alone. According to her, everyday routines from earlier life stages play a crucial role in regulating mental and emotional well-being.

“Simple routines once regulated the nervous system in ways that success often cannot,” she explains. Activities like walking instead of driving, being outdoors, unstructured movement, and time without constant monitoring act as natural stabilisers for the mind and body.

The psychology behind missing ‘simple pleasures’:
Experts say that middle-class routines often involve organic movement, community interaction, and predictable rhythms. These habits reduce cognitive load and stress, helping individuals feel anchored. As professional lives become more demanding and visible, these grounding elements are often replaced by structured schedules and performance-driven routines.

What it means for people:
Akshay Kumar’s reflection resonates beyond celebrity life. It highlights why many people, regardless of income or status, yearn for simpler habits — morning walks, outdoor workouts, unplanned time — even after achieving conventional success.

The bigger picture:
The takeaway isn’t about rejecting ambition but recognising the importance of preserving small, everyday practices that support mental balance. As lifestyles grow faster and more controlled, experts suggest intentionally building space for simplicity — even if it looks different from the past.