Tag: lifestyle

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Let’s make it kids friendly

If you want to unleash your child’s creativity, we suggest that no matter the quality and sturdiness of the desk you use a “placemat” or desk laminate that adds an additional layer of protection to prolong the lifespan of the furniture and make your child play carefree…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Home is truly a paradise for people and we always try to make our paradise more beautiful for our kids. The pandemic has changed our way of life and expectations at and from our homes. It’s not any different for kids either. When it comes to kids, there’s an extra layer of care and stress for parents in terms of recrafting an environment at home for study and playtime. The need for a balanced or easily adaptable environment becomes paramount to enable a child to differentiate between study and playtime. This increases the need for storage, so kids can have their space. When you make an inventory to provide more storage, you wonder where to begin. Erik Jan Middlehoven, Home Furnishing & Retail Design Manager, India IKEA, said, “Planning is key”, and shares some points as a blueprint to build your child’s spacestation-cum-phrontistery.

Build the right environment to keep them engaged

It is important that your child’s surroundings are very comforting, safe, and he/she can use their surroundings to study and play. While we tend to let our children sit at the dining table for learning, it would be important to have furniture that is ergonomic and suits their size like PAHL. Don’t forget that learning has gone digital, so there is more of a reason to stress on proper seating that allows for better posture. You don’t want too much distraction near the study area as the attention span is already shorter at a younger age. Make sure the space is clutter free and has enough room to let your child focus on one topic or activity.

Finding the balance between study and playtime

Small spaces are only as restrictive as you think of them to be. Try creating different spaces for different activities in that one place. The key is compartmentalization. Look for a way to create that balanced environment by opting for storage boxes to quickly put away study material and bring it back out when it is time to study again. This technique sensitizes the child to prepare themselves for when it is time to study and when it is playtime, get your child a few TROFAST boxes to make it seem like a fun activity. The sooner you begin, the quicker you teach your children from a young age to clean up and organize.

Desks that grow with your child

Sounds interesting? We’re referring to long-term solutions like PAHL desk where the table legs are extendable and adapt to your child as your they grow. If your wallet is a little bit thinner, then consider working with a chair pad or two. Desks surfaces are, by definition, multifunctional. If you want to unleash your child’s creativity, we suggest that no matter the quality and sturdiness of the desk you use a “placemat” or desk laminate that adds an additional layer of protection to prolong the lifespan of the furniture and make your child play carefree. FLISAT is another type of extendable desk that adds a bit of elegance to the study environment.

Adjustable Wall/Table lamps

Last but not least, you want to ensure that your child has the proper lighting to set the tone of study time. A trick to get optimal usage of light is to set the lamp at a height of 80cms from the table, without having it scatter off the required area. Desk lamps like KRUX are what you should opt for; lamps that are aesthetically pleasing to the child while also serving the purpose of optimal lighting on the desk.

Storage for kids isn’t child’s play for any parent. It is the smart and clever solutions that actually work and grow with your children. The above suggestions are sure to make it easier while you build your inventory.

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Food Health Lite Blogs

Eat better and live healthier

People now have started adapting to the higher standard of quality of life where there is a certain prefixed standard of living that all of us are trying to accommodate and change…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

People have plenty of choices and choosing the best is not an easy task. Right and good nutrition plays a vital role in every individual’s life. Nutrition at the right time, with a hint of knowledge, is also important. We all know that nutrition plays an immensely active role in maintaining a healthy immune system for a longer period and it’s really considerate to follow the certain specification, looking at the current times.

Given the schedule of today’s generation, the entire lot has been busy and caught up in various activities, as compared to the ancient times. People now have started adapting to the higher standard of quality of life where there is a certain prefixed standard of living that all of us are trying to accommodate and change. The lifestyle most of us adapt to is unrealistic in terms of schedules, and work. There is a common issue regarding the people who work at offices for a stretch time of around 12hrs, in which they skip the proper amount of nutrients hence they consume junk & external food in their daily lifestyle. Unhealthy food does satisfy your hunger but the effects are not as expected in a long run.

The body needs good amount of nutrients which contains vitamins, minerals to work at its best. The food we consume does not have the ability to proportionate the right nutrients for our body, and that’s the whole reason why we started feeling hungry after some time even after consuming the food.

Constant is the only change they say, hence a certain amount of change in your diet can improvise your health and will keep you healthy for a longer period of time. That’s we think at Smart greens (Plant-Based Nutrition Brand) people should start consuming plant-based nutrition in their daily lifestyle. Because Plant-Based Food will be derived from a natural source without any harmful chemicals.

Plant-Based nutrition has its benefits, it naturally helps you to maintain your weight, it protects you from diseases and boosts immunity, it also contains no sugar and many other benefits.

The world has seen a drastic change in terms of diets and lifestyles! India has adapted to the Vegan culture quite well in advance.

Smart Greens as well is a Plant-Based Nutrition Brand and we are committed to helping every single person who wants to adopt a healthy lifestyle and live a good and healthy life ahead. We care for you and our planet that’s why we use only plant-based ingredients in our products because It focuses on minimally processed foods, specifically plants, and is effective at stimulating weight loss and improving health. Plant-based foods are full of fibre, rich in vitamins and minerals, free of cholesterol, and low in calories and saturated fat. That’s why we adopt Plant-Based Ingredients in our Products so that you can your best without any chemical intakes.

Commenting on the Plant-Based Ingredients the Manager of Smart Greens Jay Oza Commented “Smart Greens is not only about being vegan, But staying closer to nature while you transform yourself into healthy lifestyle. At Smart Greens We Ensure that you are getting passion, dedication and the highest quality ingredients in each and every Product”.

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Food Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Enjoy culinary experience from home kitchen

We are three food enthusiasts who always loved a good home cooked meal. We noticed that while technology has seeped into all aspects of our lives, the kitchen was somehow left behind…writes Puja Gupta.

A smart kitchen assistant app helps users with planning, shopping, and cooking. Saakshi Jain, co-founder of Zelish, suggests a meal plan with recipes can be easily prepared from home. The app understands a user’s food preferences such as their likes, dislikes, allergies.

After successfully completing the Techstars programme backed by Bosch in Munich, the app was launched in April 2020. Currently, the platform has over 1,20,000 active users who are avidly following the app’s recommendations and enjoying their culinary experiences from their home kitchens. Excerpts from her interview:

Tell us about Zelish, what does it do and how does it work?

Based on the meal plan, a grocery cart is automatically generated with all the ingredients required for the week. In addition to this, there is a step-by-step video guide that helps users prepare their meals with ease.

The signup process is pretty easy and it takes less than 30 seconds. One just needs to answer a few questions about their preferences and voila, it works as a tailor-made cooking assistant. The AI integrated algorithm can help in creating a complete personalised menu by just selecting the number of days for a meal plan.

How does it help in food wastage ?

The meal plans are made taking into account the shelf life of the ingredients, therefore reducing the risk of spoilage of perishable items. If there are extra items stocked up in the refrigerator at the end of the meal plan, one needs to just tap on the app and feed it while the AI ensures readjusting the ingredients usage according to their perishability.

Not just that, there are over 150 recipes that help users creatively customise and reuse leftovers or any extra dishes.

Did you face any challenges while launching the app?

Initially, the app was planned to be launched by July 2020. We were in Munich as a part of BSH Techstars 2020 batch, unfortunately due to the border closing announced by the government, we had to fly back to India overnight and spend countless days and nights working to accelerate the launch of the app. The app was finally launched just a week after lockdown was announced. Since everyone was operating from different places and had to don different hats, we faced quite a challenge to fasttrack things but eventually, communication and accountability helped us turn things around in time.

 What is the inspiration behind this app and what was the Eureka moment?

We are three food enthusiasts who always loved a good home cooked meal. We noticed that while technology has seeped into all aspects of our lives, the kitchen was somehow left behind. The only things people were focusing on was either ordering food from outside or dining out because a majority of meals cooked and eaten from Indian home kitchens are generally pretty mundane and staple.

People refrained from experimenting in the kitchen and preferred trying out different restaurants and cuisines, however the lockdown inspired people otherwise. Everyone wanted a change and started taking steps to enhance their culinary skills and make use of the appliances in the kitchen but no one really focused on the software part. We identified that gap after speaking to over 550 people and decided to cater to them.

Who is your target audience?

Our target audience include working women professionals/ working households where both the spouses are working but are also responsible for managing the daily meals for their families. To add to this, Zelish aims to be the go-to App for anyone who manages the kitchen — young adults who have moved away from homes, millennials who live alone, young urban working professionals, home-makers, individuals who follow a zero-wastage regiment, and men who need assistance for everything related to their kitchens.

What are your future plans?

We realised that people love to replicate dishes made by celebrity chefs and home chefs which is why we are now making their recipes shoppable. We already have celebrity chefs like Ranveer Brar, Ajay Chopra, Meghana Kamdar and home chefs like Hebbars Kitchen, Kanak’s kitchen etc on our platform.

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Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Effective steps for oily skincare

Skin care (IANS)
While there is nothing wrong to use a moisturizer that is suitable for both genders, one needs to understand & choose a moisturizer based on its own skin type, concern, need, ingredients, and benefits…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Skincare should depend upon the type of our skin. Skin needs hydration, but we tend to connect hydration with dry skin only. When you have oily skin, you may think that using a moisturizer is the last thing you should do. But, as the body’s largest organ and the one that is arguably most influenced by environmental conditions skin often needs a moisturizer to mitigate the loss of hydration even with it is oily or acne-prone. The way to manage oily skin is to make sure you’re hydrating it without adding extra oil from other products. With no moisture at all your skin would become dehydrated and begin to over-compensate by producing more oil.

Plabita Sharma, National Training Manager, The Body Shop India talks of a very basic yet very effective step for oily skincare.

Skin care (ANI)

Oily skin and its causes: If your skin has large pores and you can see a greasy or shiny appearance, you know you have oily skin. There are multiple reasons that trigger oily skin like the overactive sebaceous gland, genetics, environment, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors.

Role of moisturizer: When one has oily skin, they tend to skip this step thinking it is not required. But, a suitable moisturizer helps to soothe and protect the skin thereby improving the elasticity and preventing water loss. Well-hydrated skin is a game-changer for achieving healthy supple skin.

Male/Female Skin Difference: There are some notable differences between men’s and women’s skin. Men’s skin tends to be oilier, rough, thicker, and more prone to environmental and shaving damage. On the other hand, women’s skin is thinner and signs of aging are more prominent than in male skin. Just like women, men’s skin too deserves some attention and care. While there is nothing wrong to use a moisturizer that is suitable for both genders, one needs to understand & choose a moisturizer based on its own skin type, concern, need, ingredients and benefits

Moisturizer on Oily skin: The greasy substance on the upper layer of the skin also known as sebum is produced by the sebaceous gland. This oil acts as a barrier and retains the water loss. Moisturizers not only help the skin to regulate the natural sebum but also helps to treat the skin effectively.

Type of moisturizers: Now a day’s newer generation multi-masking moisturizers are available with added ingredients in the form of plant extracts, vitamins, and anti-oxidant that keeps inflammation at the bay and helps the skin to rejuvenate as well. For oily skin choose a gel-based texture that is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy.

The Body Shop Vit E range caters to all skin types as it believed ‘E For Everyone’. The brand has reformulated its Vitamin E range in order to make everyday hydration simple. Vitamin E with natural raspberry extract creates super refreshing hydration for all skin types. No-fuss, no-frills, no fancy ingredients. Made with hyaluronic acid and raspberry extract, known for being rich in antioxidants, their newly reformulated Vitamin E moisturisers taking hydration to new heights. All these moisturizers hydrate the skin for 48hr and leave the skin feeling refreshed.

The Body Shop’s range includes Vit E Gel Moisture cream for oily and combination skin, intense moisture cream for dry skin, and Vit E moisture cream for normal skin.

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Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

‘Embrace’: Collection for WFH- Workleisure

The collection includes already built ensembles that require little to no styling, lightweight and breathable fabrics, seamless finish combined with comfy-style garments…writes Puja Gupta.

Work from home has become a new lifestyle since we are going through the pandemic era. During the pandemic, people’s relationship with clothes has shifted significantly, as people prioritize comfort and convenience over appearance. Furthermore, the lockdown has left most of us with little or no desire to prepare a new look daily. For working women, it has actually become an even greater burden and source of anxiety.

Amid the pandemic, Qua launched ‘Embrace’, a new collection designed for WFH- Workleisure! The collection has become a huge success given that it adapted perfectly to the growing need for more comfortable yet presentable clothing for Zoom meetings.

Rupanshi, founder of Qua says, “Dressing up can motivate you and increase your productivity as well. The flared and relaxed fits of the shirts, co-ords, and dresses make dressing up easier, without compromising on comfort. On days when you are feeling uninspired, you can wear the co-ord or dress as it is and still look dressed up. These outfits can be elevated further by layering them with shirts and blazers, on days when you want to feel like a true professional.”

The collection includes already built ensembles that require little to no styling, lightweight and breathable fabrics, seamless finish combined with comfy-style garments. The key garments of the collection namely smart co-ords, casual shirts, and chic dresses are made of premium fabrics like moss crepe, viscose, and cotton, which provide optimum breathability and homely comfort. These practical wardrobe must-haves have been a great help to working women in order to maintain a work-life balance, as the garments are comfortable to wear, chic, and a great addition to the 9-5 and beyond wardrobe.

There have been studies that show how dressing up for work can improve performance. The brand also conducted a poll, where 100 women participated, which revealed that 84 percent of women felt unproductive while working from home and 85 percent of women agreed that dressing up for work increased their productivity.

Despite the shift in the workplace due to the pandemic, dressing up for work still holds much value as it gives people a sense of professionalism. By dressing up appropriately even for zoom meetings, you can adequately prepare yourself for the day ahead, otherwise, you might get caught in the ‘working from bed’ vortex.

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Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Shield your skin from UV rays

Regardless of the extended stay at home’ and limited outdoor gatherings, the radiation from the lights, TVs, cell phone screens, and even lights from different indoor lighting(s) might add to skin problems…writes Siddhi Jain.

Even the pandemic spread has indirectly helped people to escape from the scorching sun for some days, UV rays always stayas the strongest reason for skin allergies. Too much balcony time, exposure to the sun and gadgets may increase skin-related problems.

With the temperatures soaring high, sunscreens find their way out of boxes. Follow the advice of a good dermatologist to protect your skin against UV and infrared damage while you stay indoors and continue to apply sunscreen at home.

Skin care (ANI)

When it comes to protecting the skin, the choice of the right sunscreen is extremely important. Besides the sun, infrared rays can also come from less obvious places like the computer screens, mobiles, hair dryers etc. which then travel deep into the skin releasing free radicals that damage the skin.

Here are three reasons listed by Cetaphil India on why the use of sunscreen is imperative at all times. The newly-launched Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Range also offers a range of daily essentials, curated and formulated to offer complete day and night protection.

Prolonged use of gadgets can be damaging

Regardless of the extended stay at home’ and limited outdoor gatherings, the radiation from the lights, TVs, cell phone screens, and even lights from different indoor lighting(s) might add to skin problems. Moreover glass windows, do not filter the harmful rays from reaching you. Daily use of sunscreen will shield your skin from the harm brought by exposure to any kind of harmful UV and infrared rays.

Offering proven protection against harmful UV and infrared rays

Your sunscreen must contain broad spectrum filters to help protect from the sun’s harmful radiation on your skin. A lightweight sunscreen that is easily absorbed, is hydrating and nourishing, water and sweat resistant, and non-greasy – like the Cetaphil Sun SPF50+ / SPF 30+ Light Gel. It is a dermatologically tested, fragrance free sunscreen that can be used even in sensitive skin.

Results in skin aging and skin worries

The harmful UV and infrared rays not only cause skin tanning but also penetrates the skin causing premature skin aging, pigmentation or dark spots and other skin related problems. Hence choosing a sunscreen which offers proven protection against UV and infrared radiation is important.

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Boost your immunity, fight pandemic

It is one of the best examples of ayurveda’s holistic lifestyle approach to health. Considered as a potent adaptogen, Panch tulsi and ginger have a unique combination of pharmacological actions that promote well-being and resilience…writes Siddhi Jain.

Since the spread of the corona virus around the world, people seriously started to think about immunity power.At the personal level, the fight against the Covid-19 virus begins with strong immunity. As the second wave turns out to be more alarming and devastating than the previous one, many are turning to strengthen their immune system using homegrown plants, ‘kadhas’, and a nutrient-rich and diverse diet.

The world is waking up again to the importance of a balanced diet, and according to Aseem Sood, Managing Director, Proveda India, it is necessary to follow a diet that includes foods rich in iron, protein and vitamins C, B12 and A.

While patients must strictly follow their doctor’s advice, Sood believes that, “to combat this deadly disease is also to opt for the age-old ayurvedic immunity drinks and kitchen ingredients in Indian households that have the necessary nutrients to cure a lot of ailments like cold, flu and fever. Make sure that your immunity is in its prime and working at its full capacity to fight against allergens and pathogens attacking your body.”

Here’s what he suggests to help you boost your immunity and complete your diet, so your body builds up the strength to put up a fight against foreign pathogens.

Giloy and tulsi: Studies have proved that Giloy possesses immune-o-simulator properties. It helps to flush out the toxins from the body. Giloy also contains Antipyretic (fever controlling) properties. Tulsi is known as ”the queen of herbs”. Tulsi is said to prevent disease, promote general health, well-being and longevity and assist in dealing with the stresses of daily life. A combination of these two superb herbs gives you a healthy and long life. Giloy Tulsi Plus is a traditionally-known herb that boosts immunity level and balances all three ‘doshas.

Panch tulsi with ginger drops: It is one of the best examples of Ayurveda’s holistic lifestyle approach to health. Considered as a potent adaptogen, Panch tulsi and ginger have a unique combination of pharmacological actions that promote well-being and resilience. This combination increases anti-oxidant molecules such as glutathione and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, which protect cellular organelles and membranes by mopping up damaging free radicals in the body.

Immune drops: Immune drops is a mixture of Rama tulsi, Kala tulsi, Vishnu Priya tulsi, sweet lemon tulsi, bisva tulsi, curcumin. It is an instant immunity booster, gives you good health, protects you from diseases, and helps you to live a good healthy life.

Sood also suggests taking in dissolvable Vitamin C tablets in water as it is an antioxidant that strengthens the body’s immune response.

Finally, if one is advised, they can also take in multivitamin capsules. “Modern-day food habits don’t provide proper nutrition and that’s why we need multivitamin supplements to re-vitalize the body and to keep you protected from the damage caused by harmful free radicals.”

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Choose right products for skin

Move your fingers in smaller, tighter circles for not more than a minute. Rinse and gently pat dry. Do a patch test before using the product…writes Puja Gupta.

Skincare is very important in the present-day world as we are living in a polluted or contaminated environment. A good skin care regimen is a must for healthy skin. Along with identifying the right products, it is essential to understand the order in which they are to be applied since each product is formulated differently to address different concerns from cleansing to moisturising.

Based on your daily needs, you need to follow a regimen that offers maximum care and desired results from skincare products.

Does it really matter if you apply your face oil before your moisturizer? Or if you put on your Vitamin C after your retinol? Or maybe use your sunscreen before your moisturizer? The answer is yes. To help you follow a routine with ease, Asian Lite spoke to experts at Cetaphil, who suggest step-by-step applications to make the most of your skincare products.

Daytime Regime

During the day, your skin is more susceptible to harmful sun rays and pollution even if you are indoors or wearing a mask. Hence, investing in cleansers, exfoliators, sunscreens, and moisturisers is the best bet for a morning/daytime skincare regime.

Start with cleansing

Start your day with a gentle cleanser that works best for your skin type. Ideally use lukewarm or cold water to wash your face. Apply the cleanser on your face gently, use your fingers to rub the cleanser in a circular motion on your cheeks, and rinse well.

Exfoliate your dead cells

Exfoliation is a process of eliminating dead cells, reducing the chances of black and whiteheads on your face. For certain skin types like sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin this process can be harmful if the right product is not used. Ideally, opt for a gentle exfoliator that can be added to your daily skincare routine and won’t damage your skin. Opting for exfoliators that are rich in Vitamins E and B5 is highly recommended as they keep the skin soft, healthy, and hydrated at all times.

Move your fingers in smaller, tighter circles for not more than a minute. Rinse and gently pat dry. Do a patch test before using the product.

Moisturising goes next

Moisturising is an important step of every skincare regimen, whether you are indoors or outdoors or your skin type. Moisturiser needs to be applied while the skin is slightly damp to help the product absorb better. During summer, opt for a light moisturizer unless your skin is excessively dry.

And finally the sunscreen

Sunscreen should be the last step in your daytime skincare routine as it is the most important skincare product of all. It needs to be applied after applying moisturiser as it provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. Our skin is susceptible to damage from UVA, UVB and more damaging radiations from Infrared rays that may lead to premature aging. Ideally, a gel-based sunscreen is good for all skin types and must be used daily and reapplied every 4-5 hours or after washing your face.

Night-time regime

While you sleep, the skin recovers and repairs itself from the day’s damage, making it the best time to pamper and nourish your skin.

Start with double cleansing

To eliminate the day’s grime, dirt, oil, and makeup, Cetaphil’s experts recommend double cleansing during the night. Use an instant foaming facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup and contains vitamin complex which will nourish skin overnight.

Don’t miss the hydrating lotion or moisturiser

Hydrating lotions and moisturisers are a must to end your day. They formulate to create a protective coating on the skin to prevent water evaporation while you sleep. Using hydrating lotions infused with natural ingredients that enrich the skin through the night leaving it soft and supple can be extremely beneficial in maintaining the overall health of your skin.

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Health Lite Blogs

Leave the rest and live from within

Panchakarma as a protocol is given only after due consideration, followed religiously and in its entirety, with the prescribed minimum of twenty one days…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Lifestyle and routines have changed in an entirely different manner after the Covid hit. The pandemic has taught everyone many lessons. Caring for people around us, personal hygiene a necessity, a work-home balance while WFH (working from home) but most of all it has taught us self-love, self-awareness, and a healthy lifestyle.

Physical and mental exhaustion are common today and cannot be addressed without taking the time out to making tangible life changes. Similarly, living with and accumulating stress is a habit, this needs to be dealt with awareness and stillness. Wisdom and practice need to follow to keep it in check. Vana, a Wellness Retreat nestled inside the Sal forest in Dehradun, Uttarakhand provokes you to rest and leave the outside world and live from within.

A diverse mix of people come to Vana, from different cultures, perspectives, ways of life, genders, and age groups. Some wish to focus on natural healing, choosing treatments and sessions to work on specific issues, tangible or intangible. The traditional medicine systems and complementary therapies at Vana are effective to deal with chronic concerns and health issues, for which solutions are sometimes elusive. Also, undesirable habits and stress manifest in all sorts of ways, making detox a focus for many. The retreat does not follow fad-based detoxes or prescribe detox for weight loss, as this causes more damage than the superficial or short-term results. Instead, various detox approaches are based on Ayurveda, contemporary nutrition, Sowa Rigpa, Naturopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, uniquely.

AYURVEDA

Ayurveda or the sacred knowledge of life is a complete lifestyle philosophy in existence. Developed, and perfected over millennia and founded on Indian wisdom, Ayurveda is more relevant today than it has ever been.

It expounds that each individual is unique, in constitution and context. This makes the root cause of imbalances and suggested remedies equally unique. Restoring balance is given equal importance as curing disease. Long life is considered not as an end but a means to fulfill one’s spiritual journey, where Yoga plays a vital role.

The aspects of wellbeing, first articulated by Ayurveda, are emphasized in its approach physical, mental, social, environmental, and spiritual. The body’s doshas and mental gunas are balanced through diet, routine, discipline, ayurvedic medicines, yoga, and ritual prayers.

Highly qualified Ayurvedic doctors and formally trained therapists at Vana offer the full spectrum of Ayurvedic treatments. Panchakarma is a protocol that is given only after due consideration, followed religiously and in its entirety, with the prescribed minimum of twenty-one days.

YOGA

While the world has embraced Yoga and allowed it to flourish, like with many things of profound nature, it has also been diluted, fragmented, and exploited. The Eastern traditions of health and wisdom should not be manipulated or followed in half measure. Approaching them with a narrow view or a sense of vanity is to miss the point entirely.

Yoga is awe-inspiring not because it mastered the understanding of the human body. But due to it seeing this knowledge as a means to develop one’s spiritual practice, working towards Yoga is the union of body and mind. This wholeness or union is a recurring concept in every major genre of Indian wisdom.

Under the skillful guidance of yoga practitioners, Yoga at Vana is comprehensive, practicing aasan, pranayam, and dhyan in group and individual sessions. Therapeutic benefit, structural alignment, coordination, mental strength, and healing are incorporated as objectives. Yoga is perhaps, one of the best practices to take back home from Vana.

SOWA RIGPA

Vana is one of the few places in the world where Sowa Rigpa is formally offered in its complete avatar. Tibet’s traditional system of medicine finds its roots in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Buddhism. It is this amalgamation that makes it truly unique. Sowa Rigpa is governed by the Men-Tsee-Khang, the Institute of Tibetan Medicine and Astrology of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. Doctors and therapists are alumni of the Men-Tsee-Khang, from where all preparations are also procured.

Sowa Rigpa’s emphasis on the mind and emotions, integrated seamlessly into its approach, makes it one of the few to have embraced wellbeing in its entirety.

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Fashion Lite Blogs

Respectful occasion dressing

Think of past after World War One, the time of the fabulous flapper girls in the 1920s. A time when women’s unapologetically glamorous fashion spoke of their newfound confidence…writes Sujata Assomull.

Dress sense is important for fashion lovers and for other people. The recently held Golden Globes awards showed that occasion dressing needs to be respectful, not revengeful.

Amanda Seyfried in an Oscar de la Renta silk sorbet gown, Cynthia Erivo in neon green Valentino and Nicole Kidman in a custom-made black and gold halter neck gown by Louis Vuitton–these were some of the dressed up at home looks that celebrities wore for the event. All of them commented on how good it felt to have an occasion to dress up for. While they choose beautiful and bold clothes—there was a sense of elegance to their selection. None of them pushed the boundaries too much, as that would not have been appropriate.

Last April, when we thought the pandemic would be over by summer, many fashion pundits predicted that “Revenge buying” would bring in a new wave of people shopping just to make up for lost time during the lockdown. Of course, a year later, the coronavirus is still a part of our daily reality. I have never liked using the term revenge as it has such negative connotations.

The one exception to this rule is Princess Diana’s revenge dressing moment when the then estranged wife of Prince Charles wore a fitted black off-the-shoulder dress with a rather short asymmetrical hemline to a high-profile summer party. It was the same night that the infamous Prince Charles interview was airing. He was about to confess to his extramarital relationship with Camila Parker Bowles. The story goes that Princess Diana wanted to look like “a million bucks” that night so she decided to wear a dress out of her comfort zone. It became the night Princess Diana’s status as a style icon was solidified. This was a moment when over-dressing suited the occasion, it had a purpose.

Think of the past after World War One, the time of the fabulous flapper girls in the 1920s. A time when women’s unapologetically glamorous fashion spoke of their newfound confidence. Decadence seemed in tune with the moment. With World War One a thing of the past, businesses were booming again, so the moto was why not celebrate. As they say there is a time and place for everything, and while many predict we will see a redux version of the Roaring 20s once this pandemic phase is over, let us not forget we are still in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis. Many countries are seeing their second and third waves, and we still do not know how successful the vaccination drive will be, there is no question that the economy is hurting.

Fashion is all about reflecting cultural shifts — and it does seem many of us are tired of the whole sweatpants moment. This means we now want to look forward and understand the need to embrace the new normal in our lives. While one might have missed dressing for occasions, it does seem a bit tone dead to be bringing it on right now. Yes, occasions are thankfully being held now, but just as they have to be respectful of Covid-19 norms, so should our dressing. I am all for having fun with fashion and using it as an escape but let’s not behave like modern-day Marie Antoinette’s, because revenge is never the answer.

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