For Wrist Tenderness:
for tender wrists to give warmth and comfort and still have ease of the finger movement.
I have recently bought these woollen ones from Zara, but you get many varieties on Amazon and other fashion brands.
SHOP: https://www2.hm.com/en_in/productpage.1184706002.html
Weighted Blanket for Restless Leg Syndrome
A weighted blanket is a therapeutic blanket weighing between 2 kg and 13 kg. The extra weight from the blanket applies deep but gentle pressure on the body's sensory input receivers forcing the body to relax. The technique, called grounding, relaxes a restless body. I use the 7 KG blanket that helps me sleep deeper and reduce spasm movements.
SHOP: https://tuckedin.in/collections/weighted-blankets
Ear Muffs
I have the original UGGs branded fur lined earmuffs from my college days that are comfortable around the ears and headband. This helps with ear sensitivity to loud chaotic sounds as well as provides warmth when I’m experiencing pain
SHOP: https://www2.hm.com/en_in/productpage.1205133001.html , https://amzn.to/3u4YXHk
Magnesium Oil Spray
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our body needs to release, relax and elasticize.
Spray and rub onto chest and pulse points in the morning. The best absorption area to is under the arms so it goes straight into the lymphatic system as the absorption is better transdermal.
In the evening time, it is best to spray onto the tops of your feet and back of the legs before bed time.
SHOP: https://amzn.to/3HBcAkH , https://amzn.to/3SEQdkF
Chai Masala
Our chai masala spice blend is a soothing hand-pounded mix of spices that are known for its’ anti-inflammatory properties and gut soothing benefits. Having a healthy gut is one of the key factors for the functioning of your body and hence can contribute to lowering chronic pain symptoms.
SHOP: https://www.naturetherapy.co.in/collections/sip-eat/products/chai-masala
Bath salts
Epsom salts release magnesium and sulphate ions when dissolved in warm water. When you soak yourself or the feet in this water, your body absorbs some of these ions, which then work their magic.
Magnesium helps with several bodily functions related to nerve receptors, blood flow, pain sensitivity and detoxification — all of which help reduce pain, muscle soreness and sensitivity, conditions that plague people battling chronic pain
SHOP: https://www.naturetherapy.co.in/collections/bundles/products/bath-foot-salt-soak-duo
Warm Oil
I keep this wax warmer on my table filled with a mix of Moringa and Walnut Cold Pressed Oil; Moringa is a great anti-inflammatory and helps ease joint pains whereas Walnut helps reduce fatigue and rejuvenate the skin. Warming the oil and applying to painful areas provides added relief, especially behind the ears, the neck and shoulder and calves.
SHOP: https://amzn.to/3Umtafw
]]>a true goddess
My first phone conversation with Nirja was when she invited me to join a women’s networking mixer group; a friendly, loud and clear voice indicated this is a girl full of youthful clarity and also very down-to-earth. Our conversations revolved around wellness, self-care, mental health issues and I noticed her deep honesty in her responses and innocence in her questions. When you meet her, you are struck by her exotic beauty – tall, lean, gorgeous – and a smile that surely shatters many hearts. And paired with exceptional outer beauty, there is a breathtaking personality that is refreshing in today’s dog-eat-dog world. What I love about her is her directness; she is unafraid to show her vulnerability, voicing out her uncertainties, apologizes when she has to, sans ego, and is unafraid to stand up in the murkiest situations! Nirja runs a very successful business single-handedly, Ineze Official, a jewellery and accessories brand in the affordable range with unique dainty designs, and a forte for personalized pieces – and boy, has she made moves in the industry! Every Indian female celebrity, hit movies and popular shows are wearing at least one piece of her jewellery – a no easy feat!
She inspires me through how she works on herself and self-discipline – she is on a constant mission to make herself stronger, work better, get fitter, and be positive. From going to Vipassana sessions and wearing a special UV hat to protect from sunrays, to following strict night self-care routines and diet goals to feel her very best – her willpower, determination and success rates is a true inspiration! Her hobbies are all-rounded – a voracious reader, fitness lover, eats brilliantly well (I have fed her a few times, and love cooking for her!) and unabashedly talks about her goals. She is relentless in her pursuit for success, her ability to restrain from meandering away from the right path, and striving to be positive, hopeful and confident at every moment.
Today, I get to be intrusive and really understand how she does it all and looks it all:
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time – from teens to now?
Growing up I had acne prone skin and I had tried everything under the sun to cure it! I have always been cautious of the products I used on my face – from scanning the ingredients list, to making sure they were non-comedogenic and eventually, I only used products prescribed by my dermatologist. My skin started clearing up in my 20’s with careful skincare. I still follow a very simple, but strict, skincare routine because when it comes to skin care I believe less is more.
What’s your typical morning and evening skincare routine?
In the morning, I use a gentle non-foaming face wash, vitamin C serum, moisturizer and sunscreen – I am never without my sunscreen. At night, after cleansing, I use tretinoin and follow up with a thick layer of aquaphor.
What is one beauty advice you would like to share with us
This is based on my experience that when it comes to skincare keep it simple; less is more.
What’s your morning routine like?
I try to wake up between 7 and 8 AM and the first thing I do is drink a lot of water. For breakfast, I have a fruit yogurt bowl with some dried fruit along with half an avocado sprinkled with salt and lemon.
What is your favorite self-care indulgence and how often can you make it happen?
My favorite self-care indulgence is a good head or body massage. I try to do it at least once a week.
What inspires you in work and building your brand?
I am mainly inspired by the response I get from my customers and that really pushes me to want to do better. Also seeing so many young entrepreneurs trying to build their own brand is very inspiring.
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
I try to stick to a routine which allows me to do both. It’s not always easy but sometimes I try to prioritize what's more important at that point of time.
How do you deal with setbacks at work?
Initially they used to affect me a lot and I would stress about every small thing. Now I just feel like all you can do is give it your best shot and surrender. And when you are calm and patient things will always work out.
What advice do you have for aspiring jewelry and accessories designers?
Enjoy the journey and don't focus too much on the destination. It's very easy to start a brand but to keep things going is the tough part. There will be constant ups and downs and there will always be things you don't enjoy doing but that’s all part of the process.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?
I hope to get my production process in order.
You can follow Nirja’s brand at:
Instagram: @inezeofficial
Shop at: inezeofficial.com
About Ineze Official:
Ineze is your one-stop-shop for the hottest fashion accessories. We are determined to offer a unique line of trendsetting fashion accessories (from jewelry to bags) at affordable prices, to people all over the world.
Product links:
]]>Where do I start? A story of a young girl who struggles with real problems that we have all faced at some point in our lives. A story that touches upon the relatable uncomfortable themes that surround us, and perhaps may make you either question yourself, or give you a reality check. I read this in less than two days, because each page was gripping and hopeful.
Read: https://amzn.to/46URxnV
An intriguing novel where you as the reader, along with the law interns are trying to solve the murder through a hoard of correspondences between a large number of suspects, all involved in community theatre, with doctors and volunteer nurses thrown in and a plethora of discoveries are revealed with each page!
Read: https://amzn.to/45OZcD2
By Maile Meloy
A delight for all those interested in ancient medicine rituals, spies and espionage set in the time post WW2, with the after effects of communism, liberalism and war tragedies.
Read: https://amzn.to/3QG0z2w
By SJ Bennett
The second in the series, but one you don’t need to read in continuation, but yes, it certainly helps. Solving a murder mystery, with the help of her Majesty of course, I traversed the world of art, security and the Buckingham Palace tunnels!
Read: https://amzn.to/3QEA3Xd
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
By Jesse Sutanto
I have laughed in constant amusement whilst reading about Vera – reminding me of my own mother – motivated, sure, practical, realistic, never mincing a word! Written delightfully with delicious descriptions of traditional Chinese meals and you’ll be wanting to create your own tea bar!
Read: https://amzn.to/45Ux5T1
By Wendy Vella
A young woman with a sixth sense, a bit of supernatural powers, a budding romance with hints of passion, all set in a historical aristocratic society.
This is the first of the series, and I assure you, you will be continuing on!
Read: https://amzn.to/45Ux5T1
This spice blend has cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cardamom and other warm soothing spices which help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, provide pain relief and easy bowel movement.
Add a pinch to your cup of choice, sprinkle onto oatmeal or toast with honey, granola bowls, cookies batter… the list goes on!
This brew has a medley of cacao nibs, rose petals and stone fruits – ingredients that are great at helping alleviate PMS symptoms. Let’s investigate further:
Cacao nibs contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is full of stress relieving magnesium. It can contribute to hormonal balance via its potent magnesium and iron and ability to lower cortisol and boost mood impacting hormones, serotonin and dopamine.
Rose petals provide relief from sporadic cramping, and help to relax tight muscles
Cherries are full of vitamin c and magnesium that help calm the body and regulate hormones
Peaches and plums have anti-inflammatory properties to help lower pain levels
To soothe: Coconut Cold Pressed Oil
Studies have revealed that applying coconut oil over lower abdomen of menstruating women showed improvement in bringing down the level of menstrual pain. Just remember to be gentle! Also spray a few times into your navel at night time before bed to help with skin dryness and lubrication.
For soothing: Chai Masala Hot Cocoa
We’ve already discussed why cacao is so helpful for female hormones and serotonin. When we pair the rich artisanal cacao from Toska Chocolates with our hand pounded chai masala, it is a match made in heaven! Have it with your choice of milk, or brew along with your coffee or tea, add into oatmeal, or sprinkle over fresh cut fruits!
For pain relief: Epsom Salts
Soak your feet to relieve swelling and foot pain – with a few scoops of RELIEF salts in warm water. Epsom salts contain high amounts of magnesium to help with period pains. Rose and rosemary is added to the blend to further aid lower inflammation and pain levels
For pain relief: Honey
Honey contains compounds that lower the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals behind menstrual cramp pain. By taking honey in the two weeks prior to menstruation, you prevent the build up of these pain-causing compounds. As a result, when menstruation begins, having a lower build up of prostaglandins translates into less pain.
We recommend having a spoonful of honey as is every morning, or into a cup of warm water with some lemon slices.
The aromatherapy properties of rose is known to help with symptoms of PMS such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, mood swings and headaches.
Light our uplifting rose candle, spritz on rose after bath + face oil along your pulse points and inhale. Bathe with Rose Bath Soap for extra freshness!
For better sleep: Sleep Pillow
The soothing inhaling of lavender and chamomile flowers in our handcrafted eye pillow is a boon for deeper sleep. Placing over the eyes or under the pillow helps with better sleep
For better sleep: Calming Brew
Have a warm cup of calming brew an hour or so before bed time to calm the mind and soothe the nerves. If you like, you can brew in milk to make a nice warm drink with honey to further reduce anxiety.
]]>She is an inspiration to watch and be guided by, in not just business and her determination to dream big, but also her kindness, honest friendship and positive vibes. She is the perfect example of the ideal nature of a born leader. I am thoroughly grateful to have her in my close friends’ circle.
Today, Ananya has done me a huge favour by agreeing to be part of our #NTPeople Series,so I get to ask her all the questions I always wondered...
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time – from teens to mid 20s?
I have always had troubled skin since I was a teenager till today, therefore skin care should have been important for me; but my skincare regime was sporadic and would become intense only when I had an upcoming thing. However, things today have changed, I have lowered my sugar intake, wake up with a glass of hot lemon and hydrate myself at regular intervals. This has made a drastic change in how my skin feels. I now end up choosing products that are inclusive of skin benefiting properties such as non-comedogenic and hydrating.
What’s your typical morning and evening skincare routine?
I have grown to truly value sunscreen since I turned 25 and how effective it is for my skin. My job demands me to be on the move and that’s something I do not venture out without. My morning routine includes of just applying sunscreen after my bath. For evening, I use an aloe gel under my eyes followed by a dermatologist recommended pill of Isotretinoin.
A really important change that I have seen for my skin is using silk pillow sheets that are changed on alternate days. I tend to avoid using a lot of product before sleeping as I have an oily skin and then leads to a lot of oil build up in the morning.
What is one beauty advice you would like to share with us?
A family beauty tradition for us has been using natural ingredients for our skin. However, my grandfather as opposed to the women in my family is very concerned about his skin and beauty and that’s such a refreshing thing to see. He gets the roses that my grandmother uses for Pooja in the morning sun dried and made into a powder and uses it for his skin mixed with milk or cream. This is something that I have picked up on. Other ingredients that he uses for his skin are dried orange powder, sandalwood powder and Nutmeg powder.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I am an early riser and sleeper. I wake up at 6 AM every morning. The first thing I consume is hot lemon water. I then take my dog out for a walk followed by an hour long cycling session before getting to work.
What’s your daily morning beverage and breakfast?
I thrive on fruits for breakfast. I am the happiest after my daily consumption of my morning fruits. Off late it’s been mangoes, watermelons, papayas and pomegranates.
What is your favourite self-care indulgence and how often can it happen?
Hair oiling is my favourite self-care indulgence. I usually get my hair oiled by my grandmother or my father and that’s a wonderful time to also catch up on their days doings and goings. The champis by my father are simply de-stressing. I make it a point to schedule a head and back massage twice a month at a salon and that is an indulgence that I simply cannot do without.
What inspires you in work and building your brand?
The ability to make a difference everyday not just for men who are my TG but women as well who aspire to do something that’s not expected of them.
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
I work with my family for my business and thus there is no line between a personal or work life for me. But it’s the rapport that I share with them that truly makes me enjoy and feel confident in what I am doing on a daily basis. There are times when we are constantly talking about work but a beautiful rule that we follow at home is not to discuss work at all on the dining table; we as a family make sure to have at least one meal of the day altogether.
How do you deal with setbacks at work?
I am someone who likes to look at the glass half full at all times. Luckily for me I work with people who constantly make me feel safe to make mistakes and after laughing at me for a bit, they also come pick me up! I also have a very good rapport that I share with my therapist who has truly helped me be a better person over that last one year. I am constantly overwhelmed at work based on the scale that we have built the company to and aspire to where we want it to be; this leads to a lot of anxiety where I tend to have sleepless nights on the pressure of living up to certain expectations people have of me and the company.
It is then that my dog, Kiwi, comes in to play a rather beautiful role and soothes me and my nerves. I am the happiest when I am with her.
What advice do you have for those who want to start their own retail brand?
Starting up is really difficult and it’s important that you are very sure of yourself and the idea of the brand. There will be a lot of nay sayers but if you truly believe that this is something that will create a difference then go all in. Also having an idea is the easiest part of a startup; making your first sale is the most difficult and scaling from there. You should be mentally, physically and, most importantly, financially ready for this.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?
To have grown three times as a person, as a business and in friends and supporters.
You can follow Ananya and her travails with work and life here:
Instagram: @ananya.maloo , @nuutjob
Twitter: @ananyamaloo
Shop at nuutjob.
]]>I never set an alarm because I allow my body to get as much rest as possible. I like to rise between 5.30 AM and 6.30 AM and spend a few moments in bed and assessing what my body feels. I never keep an alarm unless I have a travel schedule, and allow my body to rise when it is ready. My mornings need to be calm and quiet and that is also the time I can monitor my body, see how I’m feeling that particular moment, and predict how the rest of the day will be in terms of movement and pain tolerance. On some days, I do go back to rest for a while if my body hurts, but most of the days I spend quality time with myself – with music on, either reading a book, doing research work, writing – whatever comes to mind. And it’s in those moments when inspiration strikes and creative juices start to flow the best.
Upon rising I first drink a glass of water which has basil seeds (raw sabja seeds) soaked overnight – this has helped with bloating and boosting my metabolism. I’ve been doing this for over a year and seen a great difference overall.
I follow up with a cappuccino with a teaspoon of either Chai Masala or Chai Masala Hot Cocoa – this helps with soothing my digestive system. I drink almost a litre of water within the first hour or so from a copper bottle, again which helps the gut.
I “work in bed” for a few hours with music on, with the playlist depending on my mood of the morning. During this time, a face massage with hands or Kansa Wand takes place, hair oil massage or face masking; at least one thing happens. If my body skin feels too dry – one of the biggest trouble I face with fibromyalgia – I apply an oil all over again – especially my arms and legs and let it sink in. For this I am partial to either Rose After Bath + Face Oil for its mild, soothing and uplifting scent (roses are my weakness if you haven’t noticed!). If I’m in pain, then Moringa Cold Pressed Oil is my choice, especially for the hips and wrists.
I work in bed until it’s time to move out – either research work, replying emails, planning social media posts or mostly any work that requires a bit of inspiration and creativity as the mornings work best for me. Occasionally I will read a book if I didn’t get time the night before.
I do weight training three times a week with my trainer in the mornings – this has helped me maintain my weight and also strengthen my muscles. She has been with me for many years and understands what my body needs and when it needs rest. Weight training has really helped me and you can read more about the benefits in this article here.
My get ready time is very important, because I use layers of oils before and after. Each shower ends with a drenching of one of the after bath oils – depending on my mood. The creation of the after bath oils began when I needed something quick, functional, and therapeutic for nourishing my skin with minimal efforts. Getting that step done within the shower was ideal for me! The scent does wonders to motivate my mood. If hair needs shampooing (three times a week), I use a spritz of Jojoba Cold Pressed Oil as a serum for the lengths. I always air dry, using a wide tooth comb to remove knots. Once they are dry, I use a round brush to manage the tresses (I rarely used a hair dryer).
Breakfast always consists of a fruit, coconut water and occasionally a hot dish. If the day started at 5.30 AM then most definitely a large second coffee is required. Past 10.30 AM it is only tea.
I am blessed to have varying work routines depending on consulting projects and trials. I either work from home if I need to do trials in the kitchen or from my office where my team sits. Lunch tiffin always comes from home which includes a dal, vegetable, rice and yoghurt (I avoid roti as much as possible). Sticking to a routine is tough for the rest of the day. But a few constants are tea at afternoon and an early meal by 7 PM.
Afternoons need a cup of black tea with a drop of milk – my favourite being Plum + Roses Brew or a classic English Breakfast Tea. I try to avoid snacking in between, but if I do, there are no rules – it could from a large sandwich, to cookies to a slice of fruit!
Evenings are usually spent in the garden walking with my mum or playing with my niece. Dinner can be anything, but I have felt better when it is more protein heavy meal and most importantly, I am in bed by 9 PM and most likely asleep before 10 PM. I feel when I don’t do this routine for a couple of nights, it greatly affects my fatigue levels and brain fog.
A few times of the week I drink a cup of Calming Brew in bed. I use a weighted blanket because I do tend to move a lot in my sleep and yes, I have a security blanket since my childhood days that goes with me everywhere! I rarely watch television especially at night because I find it overstimulates me, and the same happens if I’m reading a very juicy book. I try my best to not see Instagram, but so far have been very unsuccessful!
A few goals for the year ahead to achieve are:
Here is a helpful downloadable Morning Ritual Checklist that you can use: here.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That's why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here's an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions and suggestions shared are from our Founder’s detailed research and experiences in managing symptoms in her own battle with fibromyalgia
PRODUCT LINKS BELOW:
]]>Sleep issues are a common complaint in fibromyalgia, with the two sharing a 'close' bond. Simply put, like pain prevents people from slipping into a deep sleep and getting adequate rest, lack of sleep can increase widespread pain and tenderness caused by fibromyalgia. This, in turn, lowers the pain threshold, thus creating a vicious circle.
Another thing that keeps fibromyalgia people awake is the Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) - a sudden and uncontrollable urge to move legs due to pain or uncomfortable sensations, mainly in the evening or at night. For people with fibromyalgia, any movement related to RLS is followed by debilitating pain that further disrupts sleep.
Popping a pill or two isn't an option in fibromyalgia because
Individuals who've been handling the chronic disorder for a long time, and health experts, say the best way to manage the condition is to adopt the healthy diet + exercise + sleep well mantra. And their solution to sleeping well is a 'weighted blanket'!
So what's a weighted blanket…
A weighted blanket is a therapeutic blanket weighing between 2 kg and 13 kg. The extra weight from the blanket applies deep but gentle pressure on the body's sensory input receivers forcing the body to relax. The technique, called grounding, relaxes a restless body.
And how does sleeping with a weighted blanket help?
OUR FOUNDER’S TIPS TOWARDS A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP I like to start winding down after 7 PM, which includes no strenuous work outs (only walk outdoors) as that increases my endorphins that interferes with my calming down phase! I also avoid watching television and using the phone at night for work – basically cut out the blue screen. I always take a warm shower or bath before dinner time and slather on Jasmine After Bath + Hair Oil all over my body, especially the neck and décolletage. The scent of jasmine flowers is known to help calm the mind and reduce anxiety levels. A few times of the week, I make a cup of Calming Brew an hour before bed and light either CONFIDENCE or ARDOUR soy candle. I use the eye mask especially when I’m traveling. The most essential though is using a weighted blanket, as it helps keep my body calm and avoid sudden movements that wake me up. The heaviness has done wonders in ensuring a deeper sleep through the night. I have a strict rule of no laptops on the bed at night time. I get into bed around 8.30 PM and read fiction books on my kindle with the lights out until I eventually fall asleep by 9.30 PM. This routine has really worked for me well the past few years ensuring a full night’s sleep. |
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That's why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here's an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions and suggestions shared are from our Founder’s detailed research and experiences in managing symptoms in her own battle with fibromyalgia
PRODUCT LINKS BELOW:
Weighted blanket that our founder uses : Weighted blanket
]]>Although there is no scientific study that proves Epsom salts are beneficial for pain relief, they have been recommended to treat aches and pains for several hundred years owing to the key ingredient — magnesium, a compound that occurs naturally in the body.
Now here’s the truth of the matter.
Going by popular culture (and good old internet knowledge), ‘Epsom’ gets its name from Epsom, a town in Surrey, England, where this particular compound is first said to have been discovered. Commonly known as bath salts, these aren’t like table salt, Himalayan pink salt, or Kosher salt. Epsom salts are a chemical compound made of magnesium, sulphate, and oxygen. It is the magnesium provides this product with its healing properties. Because of their chemical properties, these salts are used for medical, agricultural, chemical, construction and other purposes.
But we’ll stick to the medical aspect, specifically fibromyalgia, because that’s what we’re here for.
How does magnesium sulphate benefit fibromyalgia?
Epsom salts release magnesium and sulphate ions when dissolved in warm water. When you soak yourself or the feet in this water, your body absorbs some of these ions, which then work their magic.
Magnesium helps with several bodily functions related to nerve receptors, blood flow, pain sensitivity and detoxification — all of which help reduce pain, muscle soreness and sensitivity, conditions that plague people battling fibromyalgia. Which means, an Epsom salt/magnesium sulphate soak will…
And can we add that a few minutes - or should we say 20-30 minutes, until the warm water turns cold - of ‘me time’ to unwind and de-stress can take the sting out of the day’s hard work and excruciating pain.
How to do an Epsom salt bath/soak
Fill your bath or a deep tub with warm water. Drop about 4 tablespoons of Epsom salt (or you could use the RELIEF OR SLEEP BATH + FOOT SALT SOAK and dissolve. Plop yourself on a comfortable seat, place a mug of CALMING BREW OR CHAI MASALA HOT COCOA, switch on your favourite music from our Spotify Music Channel or Reading List and let the salts pull the tired out of the throbbing feet and calf muscles.
Fill your bathtub with slightly hot water. Add ¼ cup of Epsom salt or the RELIEF OR SLEEP BATH + FOOT SALT SOAK to the running water and let it dissolve as you wait for the bathtub to fill for a full submerge. Light your favourite aromatic candle - we recommend the ROSE SOY CANDLE or CONFIDENCE SOY CANDLE, sip on a mug of PLUM + ROSES BREW, play the “SOUNDS OF NATURE” playlist from our Spotify Channel, choose a light read and immerse yourself in the water for at least 20 minutes.
You can also check out some more tips on ways to bathe and soak in Epsom salt water at here.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That’s why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here’s an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions and suggestions shared are from our Founder’s detailed research and experiences in managing symptoms in her own battle with fibromyalgia
PRODUCT LINKS BELOW:
]]>Decoding aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses scents from pure oils extracted from nature, i.e. flowers, plants, seeds, bark etc. to heal. According to experts, there are about 150 essential oils, nearly all of which have medicinal benefits if used correctly. The idea of using essential oils to treat ailments is not new - it has been used in Ayurveda, is an integral part of Chinese traditional medicines and has found mention in ancient Egyptian scriptures. It did, however, gain prominence in the Western world only in the 1930s, courtesy of French chemist René-Maurice Gattefosse who is credited with minting the term ‘aromatherapy.’
Aromatherapy for fibromyalgia
Studies state that aromatherapy works by stimulating a patient's olfactory senses. Our brain can detect over 10,000 scents, and it also reacts to each scent differently. When a particular scent reaches our brain, it affects the limbic system, which releases hormones that can affect our moods and emotions. It's the way a whiff of coffee wakes you up in the morning, or the smell of baking bread makes you feel hugged.
In the case of fibromyalgia, specific scents can have a positive impact on blood pressure, pulse and brain activity which in turn could help with physical, emotional and mental symptoms like
Although that list looks small, if you've read the previous articles here,here and here, you'll know how important all of the above is for individuals with fibromyalgia.
For individuals who've made aromatherapy an essential part of their daily routine in the fight against fibromyalgia, some oils work wonders for specific issues.
Things to remember
For fibromyalgia warriors who may be using aromatherapy for the first-time, you must understand a few basic things before exploring what works for you and what doesn't.
CAUTIONARY NOTE:
There are a few who may suffer from sensitivity to fragrances and scents and may aggravate a few symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is also possible that at first you may notice any effects, but after continued long use you may develop an intolerance. It is best to use aromatherapy in small quantities and be watchful of reactions. Those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity should be more cautious.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That's why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here's an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions and suggestions shared are from our Founder’s detailed research and experiences in managing symptoms in her own battle with fibromyalgia
PRODUCT LINKS BELOW:
ROSE AFTER BATH + FACE OIL / ROSE SOY CANDLE / ROSE BATH SOAP
Rose is known to help boost confidence and feel positive, which is why we call this blend the beautifying oil
JASMINE AFTER BATH + HAIR OIL / ARDOUR SOY CANDLE
Jasmine helps to release tension, calms the nerves and also considered an aphrodisiac scent. Jasmine Sambac is used in the oil blend and Jasmine Grandi Flora in ARDOUR SOY CANDLE
RELIEF / SLEEP BATH + FOOT SALT SOAK
Both have essential oils that help achieve the name of the product! Read the benefits of each of them here and here.
]]>But as heartless as that may sound, weight training is one of the few exercises recommended for people - especially women - with fibromyalgia, and the reasons are aplenty.
Why strength training for fibromyalgia
Muscle weakness due to a combination of high-intensity pain, and resultant inactivity is a common complaint for individuals with fibromyalgia. Moreover, the constant state of pain and fatigue has a psychological impact - you feel your body is owned by fibromyalgia rather than you.
Strength training helps build muscle strength at the neurological and muscular levels, wherein the brain pushes muscles into activity and strengthens the fibres. In simple language, strength training forces your brain to send 'get strong' signals to your muscles to make them stronger. While the 'muscle' is not visible immediately (that's for Popeye alone!), one starts to feel stronger and more confident.
There's no denying strength training adds to the existing pain. But it also works as a reminder of the body's ability to repair-recover and is a reminder of one's physical and mental resilience.
The pros of strength training for fibromyalgia
Strength training, if done right and under the guidance of a well-trained teacher, can work like a painkiller and dopamine for fibromyalgia warriors.
Cautionary notes for fibromyalgia warriors
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That's why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here's an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions and suggestions shared are from our Founder’s detailed research and experiences in managing symptoms in her own battle with fibromyalgia
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]]>Food habits play an essential role in managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Each body is different and reacts differently, and understanding your own trigger points through food can greatly assist in achieving a better lifestyle. Since it can be challenging to diagnose it is also challenging to treat. Some people may benefit from making lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes, to control their symptoms, and like in most other struggles of fibromyalgia, which foods trigger or assist, is a self-diagnoses requirement.
There are a few things that could be done in order to help control the symptoms:
AIM FOR A WELL-ROUNDED DIET
Everyone should have a balanced diet, regardless of whether they have fibromyalgia. However, patients with fibromyalgia should pay special attention to receiving the correct combination of nutrients.
Reduced symptoms may result from diets high in antioxidants and provide sufficient levels of minerals, such as vitamin B12.
A balanced diet should include:
Try to avoid foods that are low in nutritional value, which are more likely to negatively affect your health, including excessive amounts of saturated fats and anything processed or fried. Also limit the amount of salt and sugar in your diet.
EAT FOR ENERGY
Fibromyalgia can make you feel tired and worn out. Eating certain foods can give you more energy to get through your day. To slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, combine them with protein or fats. Choose fresh, whole foods high in fiber and low in added sugars, such as:
Avoid sweets, which only give you a quick sugar boost. Your body will burn right through them, and then you’ll crash, or immediately lose that high-energy feeling.
GO VEGETARIAN
A few older studies have looked at how eating certain diets affects fibromyalgia. A small study concluded that eating a raw and vegan diet might offer some relief from symptoms such as stiff joints and poor sleep.
A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (now BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies) in 2001, found that people who ate mostly raw and vegetarian foods had less pain. Their diets included items such as salads, carrot juice, nuts, and fruits. More recent research has also touted the benefits of a raw and vegetarian diet. According to a 2019 literature review, people who adopted this type of diet for a few months reported improvements in parameters such as:
While meat-free diets are typically healthy and high in plant antioxidants, raw food diets are very restrictive and aren’t for everyone. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional or a nutrition expert before adopting a mostly or completely raw diet.
TRIGGER FOODS
While there’s no single “fibromyalgia diet,” research does indicate that certain ingredients or types of food may cause problems for some people with fibromyalgia.
These include:
Some people feel better when they eat or avoid certain types of foods. You may need to keep a food diary to find out which foods seem to trigger or improve your symptoms. FODMAPs are certain carbohydrates that are fermented by gut bacteria in the digestive tract. They may promote symptoms in some people.
Foods high in FODMAPs include:
A study done in 2017 found that those with fibromyalgia had improved symptoms and quality of life when following a low-FODMAP diet. They also lost weight.
ROLE OF GLUTEN
One study done in 2014 reported that non-celiac gluten sensitivity may be an underlying cause of fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia who tested negative for celiac disease still saw significant improvements in pain or quality-of-life indicators when following a gluten-free diet.
ROLE OF EXCITOTOXINS
Excitotoxins are substances that stimulate the tongue’s taste receptors. Examples include monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, and altered proteins like those found in protein isolates and hydrolyzed protein. In a 2012 study, people with both fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reported significantly improved pain symptoms after eliminating excitotoxins for 1 month. When the study participants added MSG back into their diets, their symptoms returned or worsened. On the other hand, a 2013 study concluded that eliminating MSG and aspartame from the diet for a few months had no effect on fibromyalgia symptoms. Larger studies are still needed.
Avoiding excitotoxins might not benefit everyone. However, you can try eliminating these compounds from your diet and seeing whether that helps relieve your individual symptoms.
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Another benefit of eating a healthy diet is that it can help you manage your weight. One 2012 study published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology found that people with fibromyalgia who also have obesity enjoyed a better quality of life once they lost weight. They experienced less pain and depression, had fewer tender points, and slept better after taking off a few pounds. This study suggests that weight loss can be an important part of fibromyalgia treatment. A 2019 literature review also suggests that weight loss and eating a low calorie diet can contribute to less pain and inflammation and an improved quality of life.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Some people try to improve their fibromyalgia symptoms with herbal remedies and dietary supplements. There isn’t much research to show that these supplements work. The few studies that have been done didn’t find much improvement in symptoms. Nevertheless, researchers are still looking at a possible connection between certain nutritional deficiencies and fibromyalgia symptoms. A 2017 literature review concluded that vitamin and mineral deficiencies have no effect on fibromyalgia. Other research including a 2018 literature review, has linked fibromyalgia pain to low dietary intake of and low levels of nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D. More studies are needed, but eating magnesium-rich foods (like nuts) has been shown to help improve your magnesium levels. Enjoying a warm Epsom salt bath a few times a week can help relieve symptoms such as pain. Many foods that are naturally high in calcium or vitamin D are animal products, such as salmon and yogurt. People following vegan or vegetarian diets will have to plan carefully to get these nutrients into their diets. If you’re meat-free, reach for almonds, mushrooms, tofu, and fortified foods to help ensure you’re not missing out on either of these nutrients.
The bottom line is there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, and there’s limited research on the impact that diet has on the disease. However, making changes to your diet may help relieve some of your symptoms. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and be mindful of which foods seem to aggravate your symptoms.
Prachi is an Ahmedabad based Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietician with a mission to instill confidence and education in patients so that they can manage their health successfully and sustainably. With a Bachelors in Pharmacy and a Masters in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the US, Prachi has a keen understanding of human physiology and the interaction between medicine and diet.
Follow her at @craftwellness.in and read more at www.craftwellness.in.
Address: B-313 Stellar, Sindhu Bhawan Road, Sindhu Bhawan, Ahmedabad
Phone: 7874738999
Check out a few recipes that ease chronic inflammation from Kitchen Therapy
and here are some products from our #sip+eat range that help with inflammation
CHAI MASALA a delightful hand-pounded spice blend based on Ayurveda to help with soothing the digestive system with warmth and nourishment
EUCALYPTUS HONEY to eat a spoonful raw to work as a natural laxative, boosts metabolism, improves immunity and helps avoid seasonal pollen allergies and flu
CALMING BREW a herbal, caffeine-free brew blend to help with better sleep and helps with reducing inflammation in the body
PLUM + ROSES BREW refreshing antioxidant black tea with stone fruits to help boost the metabolism and natural sweetness of cacao nibs and anti-bacterial rose petals
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That's why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here's an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions and suggestions shared are from our Founder’s detailed research and experiences in managing symptoms in her own battle with fibromyalgia
]]>If you are battling fibromyalgia or know someone who is, or you've been following this series in the NatureTherapy Journal, you're probably aware of how painful this chronic condition is. But did you also know that there are types of fibromyalgia pain?
Commonly referred to as 'fibro', fibromyalgia is typically characterised by the onset of pain, tenderness, fatigue, and other symptoms experienced on a regular basis, for unexplainable reasons. Some symptoms that you might need to watch out for are
Individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia are known to describe their pain in different ways - some common and others, rare. In most cases, these various pains overlap, creating a situation that is... indescribable. Little wonder then, that fibromyalgia patients are called warriors!
Allodynia
is a rare and perhaps among the most painful is allodynia, which is basically extreme sensitive skin to the extent, where, at times, even wearing clothes is excruciatingly painful because your skin reacts in pain to a touch, be it human, from wearing a garment or even whilst brushing hair. The pain has often been compared to 'sunburn' by those with fibromyalgia.
Headaches
and severe ones, like migraines or stress headaches are a common complaint among patients with fibromyalgia. They also often complaint of tension headaches, the kind where there is a dull, throbbing pain at the base of the skull or neck. These are often caused by stress, the constant pain, lack of sleep and fatigue.
Hyperalgesia
an increased (hyper) sensitivity to and reaction towards pain; research states that in the case of fibro patients, the brain decodes pain signals in an amplified state which translates into patients experiencing pain in a more pronounced manner.
Joint pain
is among the reasons why fibromyalgia can be confused with rheumatic arthritis pain. The pain can be felt in any and every joint, from the jaws to the knuckles, knees,and elbows. The distinguishing factor here is the inflammation - arthritis has swollen and painful joints while in fibromyalgia, there is no swelling.
Neuropathic Pain
tingling or burning sensations in the arms and legs, or as if a bug is crawling up and around and causing severe itching, that's what neuropathic pain is all about.
Overall muscular pain
in this case means feeling like you've got the flu body-ache even when you don't have flu. Fibromyalgia pain is characterised by this widespread, persistent throbbing pain in the soft tissues and muscles, especially in the lower back, neck, and shoulders, between shoulder blades, and legs too.
Stomach & pelvic pain
an irritable bowel symptom and resulting issues like cramps, acidity, indigestion, diarrhoea, or acid reflux is a part and parcel of fibromyalgia. Some women also suffer from pain in the pelvic joints or closer to the groin which causes them to pee frequently or feel the need to pee.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That's why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here's an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
DISCLAIMER: All opinions and suggestions shared are from our Founder’s detailed research and experiences in managing symptoms in her own battle with fibromyalgia
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]]>Once upon a year ago, two women putting their shaky footsteps on the path of friendship inadvertently solidified their fledging bond over the most unlikely of topics – their aches and pains (and of course, mutton curry). The two women, both in their 30s, were amused (and secretly delighted) to find someone ‘young’ who understood their own battle with chronic health issues, especially ones that translated into aching limbs, throbbing joints and more. Only, in this case, one of the young women happened to mention a condition that the other – a journalist on sabbatical – had never heard about. And what ensued was an attempt to understand this unknown condition better.
The condition is fibromyalgia that Kamini Patel – founder of Nature Therapy and restaurant consultant — struggles with on a daily basis and the one doing the grilling was Rapti Bhaumick, journalist & independent content writer. Here are excerpts from the attempted replication of a very detailed conversation that gave birth to the Fibromyalgia Series in #NTJournal.
How did you realise you have an illness that needs to be understood?
I realised almost 10 years ago, that something is not right with my body. The exhaustion I would feel, the inability to get up and get moving. Initially everyone called me lethargic – but soon I figured that it was not mere lethargy or laziness, because there was a lot of pain.
Deep down there was an instinct, and serious concern, that there was more than what meets the eye. I knew it is not normal to wake up feeling exhausted or to constantly be struggling with severe leg and shoulder pain. The leg pains were so severe in my late-teens that I was never able to stand for very long. I always needed a chair and for this I would be mocked often.
I went to innumerable doctors – orthopaedics, general, neuro, and got countless X-rays, MRIs etc, done, but all told me that everything was normal and I am fine. These doctors were well known, but I believe it’s the lack of deeper questioning and spending time with a patient that was lacking.
Pain started developing behind my ears and TM joint which led me to ENTs and dentists. All came out negative.
Having no choice, I started to search on the internet for reasoning behind the pain. That’s when I came across the terms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. I started digging deeper and related to all the symptoms and recognised the pattern. The more I read about it the more I was convinced.
It was a tough, hard and long journey to get the correct diagnosis.
A few years ago, I had gone to PEMA wellness retreat where I shared my assumptions with the doctor; he agreed and put it down on paper. It gives me mental peace now that I know what I have, and am able to not get hyper about not understanding the reason behind some of the pains. I’d say it has become easier after almost 10 years of struggle.
So, how would you define Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the bones and muscles. The medical community finds the condition difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other chronic pain illnesses like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The difference between these conditions and fibromyalgia is in the areas of pain – in the former, you are racked with pain in specific areas, but in fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread. That's why diagnosis is made by the process of elimination. Here's an interesting fact: records show over 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women.
What is it like living with fibromyalgia on a daily basis? Is it something that is constantly with you?
Every day is a new day. As I get older, more new pain points are developing. But I am wiser to the disease so I am better at handling the situation and managing the pain. I am also learning to manage the stress in a better way. Lifestyle management is key to battling the symptoms – most importantly, stress levels, sleep and gut health.
How does it affect your daily life – what are the precautions you need to take?
From the moment I wake up, I have to brace myself for how my body will behave for the rest of the day. Precautionary measures that I take are ensuring good sleep, pacing myself in terms of work and play and learning to accept that some days may not be great and to process it calmly.
In general, I feel slow physically. Mentally there are days that I get brain fog. Most of the times, my mind is racing, but my body is unable to keep up and support even menial things like picking up the phone, or getting up to get the remote.
What is the most annoying thing about fibromyalgia that you still struggle with daily?
Not being able to easily move about and have a lot of energy for professional and social activities. Living with fibromyalgia is accepting that there are more times when I have to choose between all of it on a regular basis. I have had to let go of professional commitments, amazing projects and say no to several social events just because I had no energy in me to get up and get going. It’s an effort to even smile at times and perhaps that is why I avoid many social gatherings or public speaking events.
I operate two ventures that are distinctly different – one is consultancy under Kitchen Therapy and also the website, and a retail line under Nature Therapy – I often have wondered if I should reduce the workload, but I am not ready to do that yet. I am fiercely ambitious and enjoy working very hard, despite all the drawbacks.
Another way to cope is that if I know I have worked a lot today, I may need to take it easy tomorrow. It could an all-day shoot or kitchen training schedule that ends with me being in bed for three days sometimes. In recent times, traveling has affected me the most; I take a lot more time to recover even from holidays that I’ve had too much fun on! That’s the thing about fibromyalgia - even excess happiness can trigger pains.
What triggers the maximum pain and how do you deal with it?
There are far too many triggers for me – but perhaps the hardest one to hit is stress. It silently creeps up, and subconscious stress is difficult to pin point or to recognise at that moment directly.
Sleep is crucial for me. One bad night of sleep can affect me up to a week in terms of body stiffness and pain, brain fog and wrist tenderness
Does a daily routine help you deal with fibromyalgia better?
Definitely. How an individual deals with fibromyalgia is completely dependent on their lifestyle, their professional commitments, likes and dislikes and of course, their temperament. But I've found that having a regular routine has helped me with stress management - for the body and the mind which is equally important when one is struggling with a chronic illness. In fact, my day is planned from 5.30am to 9pm, which is when I prefer to slip into bed on most days.
I share more details about my morning and evening routines in the next articles of the series.
Currently, what are your symptoms of fibromyalgia?
What are factors that you keep in mind to be self-sufficient?
Have you ever thought about what may have caused fibromyalgia?
The root cause - trauma, emotional distress, or genetic is unclear. But because I’ve had this for so long, I find it hard to pin point an exact cause. I think there were a few points in my 20s that I think could have triggered this into a full-blown attack.
Interviewed by Rapti Bhaumick
Dear readers,
The Nature Therapy Fibromylagia Series is my way of spreading awareness about this chronic condition with the hope that it will help others figure out their suffering – from getting a diagnosis, finding helpful tips and suggestions and aim to improve lifestyle towards living pain free. A big part of battling fibromyalgia is feeling alone and not being able to describe what we are going through.
With warm love,
Kamini Patel
Founder of Nature Therapy
]]>Parthavi owns the design studio Studio Patternmaker for architecture, interior architecture and sustainable adaptive reuse + renovations, with the goal to “design for people” with soulful minimalism. Their forte is creating custom pieces of furniture, lights and wallpapers to create to create one of a kind and unique vision.
Working constantly in construction zones, Parthavi still manages glowing skin amid the dust and cement, and always turns up with her signature winged eyeliner and infectious smile that makes everything all right! Her attitude to work and life balance is inspiring – perhaps that’s the most beautiful thing about her – she has no idea how inspirational and motivating her personality rubs off on everyone around her.
In my first conversation with her, I felt the warmth within seconds, the straight forward honesty, saying things the way they are, her great sense of humour and she allows her delicate vulnerability to shine through. She also gives the most genuine and tightest hugs that touch you to the core and are instant cures to the blues. She is proof of inner and outer beauty coexisting in perfect synchrony.
As I read her answers, I see there is even more depth in her, she’s a woman who is in control of her life, understands her life path, is genuine and honest, and the quiet source of inspiration is her passion to learn and achieve.
Today we find out more on how she does it ALL!
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time?
I have been regular with skincare since past five to six years. This comprises of the basics – moisturizing, sunscreen and getting help from a skin care professional if need be, as my work involves me being on construction sites with maximum exposure to sun, dust, cement and harsh summer conditions. At one point, I did get a little lost trying to integrate the 100-step routines from online videos, but eventually circled back to my original routine.
What’s your typical morning and evening skincare routine?
After morning showers, clean my face (mostly t-zone) with a gentle cleanser as I have a highly sensitive skin, apply a light vitamin C moisturizer and top it with sunscreen. The evening routine involves washing my face with a slightly stronger cleanser, applying a mild moisturizer with salicylic acid. It is not a very elaborate routine, but any form of such with consistency bears results.
What is one beauty advice you would like to share with us?
Less, but meaningful, is definitely more, in beauty rituals or life.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
My day starts at 6 AM. I sit amongst the greens and stare out into the trees with a warm bottle of water and my dog for company. Oil pulling is not a regular activity, but I try to integrate as much as possible, which is done before drinking warm water. A cup of chai is essential every morning, and after that I cut back on caffeine intake. I would love to be regular with breakfast which I am not. When I am I like to have oats with raisins, cranberries and walnuts.
How did you choose architecture as a career option?
If I look back in retrospect, I was always creative with interest in arts and its various forms. Architecture was a more lucrative in terms of feasibility of an art form converted to physicality of it. Initially I was more interested in set designing, and then gradually came towards architecture.
What inspires you to do better in work?
I guess it’s the desire to “create”. Create and design for people. As what I create is something of a direct environment that the user is going to live in, thrive in, grow in and live their moments of life in. It is a huge responsibility, and I get to be the one to play such an important role in this. It feels rewarding.
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
I don’t! haha. I try to. But I would say I’m still learning, I get better with time about it, but I still have to find a balance. This is because as a person I’m terribly passionate about anything I do – work or life. And I feel as of now I need to be more passionate about my work.
How often can you carve out your ‘me time’ and what does it entail?
I try to keep an hour in the morning for me where I squeeze in a form of work out after my morning ritual mentioned above. Sometimes I keep that hour in the evening after work to unwind, get my game of tennis in. But that hour is a must. I also try and do some sort of a self-care activity twice a month, such as a body massage or foot reflexology. It is good to release anxieties and body fatigue.
How do you deal with setbacks in/at work?
I act the way I am feeling at that point; basically, allow myself to process my feelings – sad, anxious, cranky, etc. But then once I let go, I let go. Then I get back to work to take up the next challenge.
I feel fortunate that I have grown to this point in life.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
There are no short cuts. Be honest with your intent. Be true to yourself. Persistence and discipline every day, every second is a must. Work hard, no one cares. Don’t take yourself seriously, take what you are creating and why you are creating seriously.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?
I hope to achieve a growth as a person and in work both. I wish to do more of what makes my soul happy and I wish to work harder in terms of innovation in design and educate myself more about it.
Follow Parthavi and Studio Patternmaker travails at:
Instagram: @studio.patternmaker
Facebook: @Parthavi Patel
Linked In: @Parthavi Patel
A few strict don’ts two hours before bed time:
Do’s in the two hours before bedtime:
Environment
Where you sleep, is it an environment you feel safe and secure in? is it a designated place only for rest and rejuvenation? Much has been said on the environment around the bed to be of great importance. Ensure work-related items are not kept nearby, removing clutter, and ensuring the space is neat and clean. It should be an inviting comforting space for you to release the day’s stresses.
If the blinds are too thin, then opt to wear an eye mask to avoid the early sun rays disturbing your sleep. If the walls are thin and you can hear your neighbours, invest in ear plugs!
The temperature of the room is of vital for your body to be able to relax – this means figure what you and your body is comfortable with in terms of cooling or heating and also extra duvet comforters
Bed linens must be clean, smell fresh and free of food, crumbs and spills!
Weighted Blanket
The quality of sleep greatly improved after using a weighted blanket as it really holds you in, and you resist the urge of moving restlessly even in your sleep. I suffer from occasional restless leg syndrome attacks and this blanket has helped me get through them.
Make a ritual
Make a night-time ritual that can include lighting a scented candle, a cup of tea and novel, or a face massage whilst listening to music. The point of a ritual is to slowly create an ingrained positive habit that signals the brain that it is now time to switch off and go to bed and allow sleepiness to take over.
Exercise + adrenaline
Of course, one must fit in a workout whenever possible, but for those who have severe sleeping troubles, it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity 6 hours before bedtime. The understanding is that exercise stimulates the body, increasing alertness and hormones like epinephrine and adrenaline - and awakening the body for hours after which may impact your turn down time.
If you have been working out in the evening times, try switching to a morning or afternoon time for a week and see if it makes a difference.
]]>This year for me has been rather hectic, balancing between rest days and heavy workload. Stressful has been the key word of the past many months, despite trying my best to ease it, and so I wander to the one thing that I know always helps me – reading. I read through novels and novels to escape, but also to find inspiration. Reading helps me travel the world, get new ideas and also learn new perspectives. But this reading list I share with you are more centered around crime solving – in the lightest and humorous way possible. From the Queen solving risqué murder cases, to a group of senior citizens opening up cold cases to solve whilst juggling a variety of obstacles such as hearing aids, Alzheimer’s and old soviet spies! Also thrown into the mix are a few stories with a bit of history, apothecary love and of course, as always, strong women leads, who fight through it all!
I love to soak in a tub with salts, sipping on calming brew at night or plum + roses brew if I chose to read early morning!
A story that shows us a realistic truth of the not just the digital world, but also the world of business, money and human characteristics. A stark and honest look, which may end you feeling deflated, but also gives you a real insight to what it is you want to do with life.
Introduced to me by my cousin, we spent evenings discussing the brilliantly thought out characters, reminding us much of our own aunts! Delightfully lovely, intriguing, hilarious and soul-warming. There are three books out so far, and I’m impatiently awaiting the fourth!
The Thursday Murder Club
By Richard Osman
Kindle
Paperback
Book 2- The Man Who Died Twice
Kindle
Paperback
Book 3 – The Bullet That Missed
Kindle
Paperback
What can I say? This is a novel that had me hooked to the pages, and I also spent engrossing moments googling many of the incidents. Her Majesty whilst feeling like a friend, also leaves you in awe of her uncanny intelligence and of course gut feelings! There are two more books that follow up, that I can’t wait to get my hands on!
Spanning between two eras, the cross connections are riveting, captivating with unforgettable characters and suspense.
A book that must be bought in paperback to really relish, understand, write notes in, highlight and bookmark – teaching you the basic nuances of ingredients, this book teaches you all that you never knew you needed to know. A bible in my opinion, one every home should have on the bookcase!
My interactions with Tanya Khambhojia over the past few years has been few, but each time she made a mark. There is this Zen - like calmness in her appearance and gait – and it took me a long time to pin point the exact word – contentment. What an aspiring achievement that is in my world! One could owe a lot of that down to the fact that she spends most of her time in nature – a mighty power in itself.
Tanya’s journey is incredibly interesting – starting her career in the film industry as an Assistant Director with one of the oldest advertising production houses in Mumbai, then moving up the ladder to DA, she found curiosity in in art and production design and ended up being the head of the department. At the peak of her career, Tanya began asking her self questions about the rat race and what was it that she truly enjoyed. “I would rather design my own life than my work designing my life” was how she began her life in urban farming and started her own company - Urbankhetti. She moved to Ahmedabad to execute it and learnt about farming by staying at different model farms (green house, commercial farm, organic farm) in and around Ahmedabad. She still takes out time to interact with different farmers and spends time reading about bridging the gap between rural and urban areas through farming (growing traditionally, growing real food). Urbankhetti has introduced the concept of 'Feed your workers' for factory and industries to grow food for their workers in their future expansion lands and distribute vegetables every week for their personal consumption. This not only gives the workers a chance to consume clean food but also ensures that they start consuming vegetables and fruits that they can't afford consuming regularly from the market.
Tanya is nothing short of inspiration. Today, I have the opportunity to learn more about her daily life routines towards living a better, healthier lifestyle – this includes simplistic skin routines and regular malish with nourishing oils and her love to start her day with a proper breakfast ! Her attitude and approach to the work-life balance is fairly perfect, and perhaps the most envious is how much time she gets to spend in nature!
READ HER Q+A HERE:
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time?
My relationship with skin is very simple. I treat it without any extra effort. Since my work is usually outdoor, I use a sunblock (SPF 50), aloe vera and saffron gel when at home and try sticking to quick, hassle free home remedies for de-tanning, acne etc. But I don’t fuss a lot about product application. I usually see a great difference in my skin when I follow my routine - balanced home cooked meals, good sleep and lots of water.
Are there any skincare or wellness tips or rituals that were passed down to you that you methodically follow?
I regularly get massage done (“malish” in Gujarati) at home with a mix of coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil and almond oil. The combination changes as per the season. This was one ritual that I have been following since childhood. I thoroughly enjoy it because not only does it relax one from top to bottom but also nourishes the skin and hair and helps in bone strength.
In the summer I have them about twice a week and in winters I indulge on alternate days.
Do you have a special morning ritual?
Yes, I love my mornings. The first thing I usually do after I wake up is have a cup of lukewarm ginger water with dates. I usually sit in the garden with my pet, it’s such a peaceful time. After this, I go to play tennis. After tennis, it’s my most, most favorite meal – breakfast! I love eating my breakfast which can be considered mundane to some, but for me is the most satisfying – beginning with a big mug of chai with fresh lemongrass, mint and ginger (three essentials for my cuppa). Fresh fruits and coconut water are also a constant. Breakfast during the week includes bhakri or bajra rotla with ghee and jaggery, poha or toast with egg or nut butter and jam. On weekends, I like to go a bit decadent with pancakes or waffles! Only after all of this, I start my work day.
What has been difficult moment for you in this journey? And how would you normally deal with setbacks at work?
I feel there is one difficulty each and every day when it comes to running a small start up with a very different vision. I don’t get affected as much with the difficult moments but I defiantly feel exhausted and irritable at times with human behavior. That’s the most difficult thing to deal with according to me. Thankfully, most of my interaction is with nature.🙂
Setbacks are more often like big learnings. Initially, it feels like a big deal but with time, I guess, one adapts to the situation and figures a way out to move forward. Setbacks also make you more aware, alert and prepares one for all kinds of situation.
Tell us more about your journey from corporate life to farm life
A 360 shift! Not only in work front but mentally, emotionally and physically.
Though, I will give full credit to corporate life for few life and work skills that perhaps I would have taken too long to figure out had I not got the experience before.
Working with a team, working on goals, systematically planning projects and strategically dealing with clients etc. was something I had done enough at my earlier workplace. I can very well implement it in my structure and tweak it according to the way I want, whenever the need be.
The nature of work is completely different but I guess, the discipline, back hand office work, systems, planning, and other small set of skills to run an organization remain very similar.
I am certain that I see myself growing old with the farm life. I consciously choose to do so and believe I will continue enjoying every bit of it.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
What inspired me – I guess, when I was living alone in Mumbai, I use to manage my own grocery, that’s when I discovered that everything that was under the “organic” section was expensive but it also had plastic cover. It wasn’t locally grown and sourced. It was “exotic”.
My curiosity to understand about “organic food” = “exotic food” inclined me to start reading about the idea, philosophy and - Why was it expensive, how different was it from the normal food, everything labeled organic was given preference, what really was the grass root theory.
So, all of this helped me to start my reading and research about growing food and farming.
While, going through this process I discovered that the gap between growing food and urban people was huge. That’s when I thought of the ‘UrbanKhetti’ model- An urban farming service.
Along with this, my parents were super supportive of this plan. They immediately agreed when they read my email. Soon after, I made a move to Ahmedabad from Mumbai to practice this.
So thankful to god, I have never thought of going back to my Mumbai work or life after I started this journey.
What new goals have you set for yourself to achieve by the end of 2022?
For this year my goal is to run a full-fledged, hands on urban farming learning Centre at the farm where people come for a 3-month course. We have 1 session per week and they get to learn, experience and indulge in farm activities.
This program Is not only related to farming. It is a wholesome course which includes- climate, soil, environment, local trees, animals, ecosystem, biodiversity and focuses more on agro - forestry in urban spaces.
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
One of the main reasons I choose to get involved with farming was because I never saw a work and personal life balance in Bombay.
I wanted my work to be so seamless that I can enjoy simple luxuries of life and at the same time work without the burden of it.
I plan my day. I really like a planned day. I need to know a night before about my next day’s routine.
I make it a point that, I have 1 hour of physical exercise everyday – tennis or yoga or a walk.
I preferer working in the first half of the day. I like to start my day early. I really enjoy my afternoon nap after work. Evening is usually for friends, family and myself.
What one advice would you give young women who aspire to start their own career in a different field
Advice…. Not sure if I will be able to give but I am very confident about few practices that I follow. Maybe that might help in any type and kind of work.
Self-Discipline - to show up every single day on time irrespective of what and how much work you have. Just getting out of the bed and being at your workspace for few hours also makes a lot of difference. Eventually, if you are going to build a team, your employees will learn the same. They will practice this without you telling them. That’s the only self-motivation that works if you run your own business.
Another thing that I feel is very important – DIY everything or at least know the gist of every aspect that your work is related to and ask questions. That really helps if you are dealing with different agencies or specialists. You cannot be blank when you are meeting someone. No one should fool you or take you for granted.
For example, I usually don’t do the actual labor work on site or use the farming tools everyday but when I started off, I did it myself. I learned about each and every tool, its price, its uses etc. even if I am not going to use it. How does it help me, well, when tools break at the farm instead of buying a new one, I usually tell my team to repair it first if not then use an alternate? This way not only will they respect and be careful about a specific thing but they also know that things don’t come easy and value it as much as you do.
Follow Tanya at: @tanyakhambholja - https://www.instagram.com/tanyakhambholja/?hl=en
and @urbankhetti https://www.instagram.com/urbankhetti/?hl=en&__coig_restricted=1
]]>Her life has taken her to many parts of the world, including a few years in Paris, which seems to have influenced her ‘je ne sais quoi’ approach to both skincare, self-care and life. Whilst reading her answers I depict the fine balance she keeps between well-grooming skills and traditional recipes. She is in touch with the new, but also maintains the natural route wherever she can. She takes her me-time religiously and perhaps this is one of the keys to her successful career and I am truly inspired by her approach to living a full life with a brilliant balance between work and play.
Read her inspiring and insightful interview here:
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time?
At one time concealer was my best friend, blush was an instant way to perk up my skin and that dot of highlighter in the inner corners of my eyes to open them up made all the difference for the 9 AM meetings. All of that has now taken a backseat with skincare and beauty routines taking over, less-is-more makeup and being mindfulness of comfort.
I have learnt to be kinder and gentler to my skin. I am a big fan of “skin influencers” and try to shop for natural products. I was introduced to Nature Therapy last year and is one of my favourites as it feels like family’s at-home skin care concoction just made for me.
Earlier what mattered to me was how much to use or what to use, now all my decisions are centred around me and that’s all that really matters as the focus is back to myself with a conscious decision.
Are there any skincare or wellness tips or rituals that were passed down to you that you methodically follow and now pass on to your daughter?
One of the most important beauty tips I learned from my mom that I have made sure to pass down to Kyra, my daughter, is the importance of having a great clean up no matter what. Never go to bed without cleansing and removing makeup!
I am also reminding Kyra that taking time for herself is NOT selfish. I am trying to instil within her the importance of self-care and to integrate whilst she is busy multi-tasking and doing so much that she must remember to care for herself along with eating right, practicing mindfulness and working out thrice a week.
And of course, some of the beauty secrets I am passing down to her are about helping her find her inner beauty and so I'm on a mission to do activities with her that will both empower, enlighten and recharge her spirit and sense of self.
Do you have a special morning ritual?
Making time for a mindful morning and trying dutifully some of these simple rituals, which facilitates me to create a clear head and an open mind, ensuring my day is full of positive energy and much needed enthusiasm.
Lemon water - Hot lemon water each morning provides a plethora of vitamins and nutrients and my body is so thankful of the same. It has kept up its secret promises and touch wood, Covid has not come even an inch closer to me.
Oil it up - Essential oils and cold pressed oils, especially my favourite Rose Oil by Nature Therapy I use daily post bath for my face as I have discovered it works magically for my skin pigmentation – that mesmerising rose smell which lingers through the day.
Run – A daily run keep me moving and those endorphins pumping! A simple activity alters my entire day’s outlook.
Have your goals changed over time from before motherhood to after?
Being a MOM is like being reborn. After becoming a mom, I have started multi-tasking in ways that I never knew existed. With a family, a full-time job as a hotelier (with a nine to wine timing!) and a passion of being a home baker I need to manage my time very well to be able to do multiple things.
Another thing that has changed is, I have started looking at food in terms of its healthiness quotient.
I have reconnected with myself after becoming a mom. I have started doing things that I loved, starting taking pleasure in little moments in life and have been reintroduced to wonder and magic in my life. For example, I had forgotten my love for plants and flowers and did not have time for baking either. Now having my own space of green and flowers in my balcony, have a shelf full of bakery products surrounded by things I love and enjoy.
I have made multiple new friends (parent friends) who actually widen my horizons as they are from different parts of the world with varying interests.
I have become a better version of myself - much calmer, more peaceful, accepting and much happier than I ever was. I have discovered a ‘new me’ who has loads of patience.
What has been difficult moment for you in this journey? And how would you normally deal with setbacks at work?
There have been times when I was solo Executive Committee lady member in international luxury brands. Gender bias still prevails but I believe what truly matters in the end is what you are delivering.
Setbacks are a normal part of the path to success and my motto is: Acknowledge it. Own it. Feel it.
Change my mindset.
I also spend time to connect with others as I don’t dwell in solitude.
Tell us more about your journey in hospitality sales and marketing
“Every day would feel like a vacation” was my first thought when I first considered a career in the hospitality sector, especially in a beautiful sea facing hotel in Mumbai. I remember walking into the gorgeous lobby of the world-class hotel, The Oberoi Hotel, and wondering what it would be like to actually work there — great atmosphere, great perks!
Back in the days people had misconception that if you do work in a hotel then you’re either a receptionist, doorman or a housekeeping attendant which are all absolutely false assumptions and merely stereotypes.
Being in the Sales & Marketing field, I was eager to start off my career promoting and selling a hotel. The deciding factor mostly had to do with my interest in the trade itself and to avoid a mundane job that I would dread waking up to every day. After some persistence and finishing my studies from a renowned Hotel Management School I landed a position in the Sales & Marketing department and since then there has been no looking back.
For over thirty years, as a Luxury Hotelier and an International Tour Operator (based in Paris, France) I have worked passionately with luxury clients around the world to drive their business and increase their market share through a bespoke combination of international sales, PR and multi-channel communication strategies.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
My parents inspired me all my life. My mother and my elder sister have always supported and motivated me to achieve my goals. A very supportive husband (my backbone) through thick and thin, has walked with me shoulder to shoulder, taught me to see my dreams and inspired me to achieve through endeavour.
They have taught me nothing comes without hard work; believe in hard work and never ever lose hope in your life.
What new goals have you set for yourself to achieve by the end of 2022?
I have set a few realistic goals so I can achieve them. It will take time and loads of patience.
Becoming a change agent - to bring change is to accept change. To achieve this goal, I have taken a deep dive looking into my habits and modifying them regularly to attain what I want because actions speak louder than words.
I want to spend more time taking care of myself – to plan some activities to keep me engaged, energetic, and motivated not only physically, but mentally as well.
I also am looking at activities that are for my soul such as charitable contributions and volunteer work with home care centers, work as a volunteer to get an approach to needy people.
Learning a new skill is a part of list of goals to achieve in 2022 which includes dance classes and quarterly hikes.
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
Often, work takes precedence over everything else in my life as my desire to succeed professionally can push me to set aside my own well-being. Creating a harmonious work-life balance or work-life integration is critical and there are few things which have worked very well for me -
Accept that there is no 'perfect' work-life balance.
Finding a job that I truly love.
I am not afraid to unplug.
Take a quarterly short breaks / vacation.
Set boundaries and work hours.
What one advice would you give young women who aspire to start their own career in hospitality marketing?
Being a seasoned hospitality professional I truly believe it is a lot of hard work but if you possess positive attitude with a passion to drive there is nothing stopping you. There is a lot of sweat, blood and tears but the joy you get at the end of the day seeing you achieve your goals (both professional or personal) there is no going back. You need to be committed to your work and have a passion that keeps growing and improving to stay self-motivated.
To be successful in the hospitality industry, you must be fully committed to your work.
Adaptable women leaders are not afraid to get their hands dirty and can adjust to change, possess great people skills and poise under pressure. Flexible women leaders are ready to tackle any task at hand, including responding to guest demands to complete your team checklist to achieving goals.
Mahema is a sales and marketing consultant in the luxury hospitality sector with over 30 years of experience, including stints at Four Seasons, Leela and currently at Aramness Gir National Park.
Follow Mahema at:
Instagram: @mahema.bhutia
Linked in: Mahema Bhutia
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At Nature Therapy, we focus on therapeutic wellness that includes food, drink, cold pressed oils and #everydayluxury self-care. Nature Therapy and Kitchen Therapy work in sync with each other – wherein the underlying guideline is a good life, feeling good, living and eating well. Kitchen Therapy shares good food-recipes that are easily adapted into your daily routine, simple methods, conscious about costs and making use of pantry ingredients. In Nature Therapy, each and every product is designed to be an #everydayluxury integrated into chaotic routines – to feel good even in the small moments of life.
The basis of feeling good and self-care includes physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and all three do rely on the good functioning of the gut and stomach. Our Chai Masala targets the inner body workings, providing nourishment and soothing to the stomach, healing powers for organ functioning and boosts immunity.
When Ishan, founder of Toska Chocolates, tasted our Chai Masala – the hand pounded spice blend based on principles of Ayurveda, his head started spinning with ideas. He loved the idea of merging the masala with his decadent chocolate to have a spiced cocoa mix and so he launched Chai Masala Hot Cocoa – a quick hot chocolate blend that has become a hit with our customers from across the country, including a few celebrities!
The Chai Masala Hot Cocoa has also become a ritualistic ingredient in my mother’s and my morning cappuccino – adding half a teaspoon into the cup to get all those warm healing and nourishing spices into our body to improve digestion as well as boost immunity.
Then of course, why stop at hot cocoa? Ishan went one step further and sourced single origin dark cacao from Malabar Forests, that become a chocolate bar, spiced with our blend called - Chai Masala – Single Origin Malabar Forest Dark Chocolate. This delicious, mouth melting chocolate bar is the perfect sweet bite to carry along with you on your travels, for a sweet bite post meal, or extra loving in the middle of the day!
Our Chai Masala is a blend of hand pounded cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, black pepper, cloves and piper longum.
Our products are brilliant to cook with as well. Here are a few recipes using our creations:
In her answers, there is an honesty and eagerness to move towards getting things right, but at her own decided pace. She adapts traditional rituals in to today’s lifestyle and is constantly working towards work-life balance – an ordeal each one of us struggles with.
But what I love about her, is her realistic approach for each day to be an opportunity to work towards improvement, healthier lifestyle and work successes– there is a calmness in her responses which is clearly going to take her far ahead.
Read her self-care views:
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time?
I have always had pretty resilient skin, so for me it was always about acing the basics.
But with time (and of course, age) I started to understand the importance of more than just moisturizing, and how to make my skin look and feel its best. Seeing the results definitely helped me follow my routine consistently and has now become a therapeutic ritual in my day!
Are there any skincare or wellness tips or rituals that were passed down to you that you methodically follow?
One tip that I methodically follow is hair oiling, I believe this one tip has been passed down to majority of Indians over generations, and for good reason!
Whether it’s a simple age-old favourite like almond oil or a blend with herbs and essential oils, the right one for your hair concern or type is sure to balance and improve your hair health. Even at the busiest times, I make sure to oil my hair at least once every two weeks and keep it on for an hour before I wash my hair.
Do you have a special morning ritual?
With the ongoing pandemic, a lot of us have understood how we need to stop rushing through the day and put our physical and mental health first. I make sure I have my to-do list set for the next day the night before so I don’t wake up with a deadline hanging over me, and take time out to do something calming for myself, like practicing my skincare routine.
But the most important thing I have changed is not keeping an alarm on my phone! This took a great amount of time, but I let my body clock now decide when it’s time to wake up. A great tip to train your body to do this is leaving your curtains slightly open before going to bed.
Have your goals changed over time?
Multiple times!
Before Paavo India, I was just a regular 9-to-5er who, no matter how much I loved my work, couldn’t wait for the work day to end or the weekend to begin. And when I decided to start working towards my goal to launch the website, almost all my waking hours were spent on just doing that.
Eventually, I realized the importance of a healthy work-life balance, which we often forget as entrepreneurs, and how taking the necessary time-off actually made my working hours more productive.
What has been a difficult moment for you in this journey? And how would you normally deal with setbacks at work?
I think the most difficult time for me was launching and running the brand as a one-woman army; from building the website to maintaining inventory to shipping out orders. I first wanted to prove my idea had merit to myself and create the necessary platform for small Indian businesses to be discovered and to grow.
The only way I got through it all and still deal with any setbacks at work is because my family and friends have always been my strongest support system, I couldn’t be more grateful for them.
Tell us more about Paavo India and what inspired you to start this initiative?
When the pandemic first hit us, we all wanted to support small Indian businesses, myself included, but I couldn’t find a platform that exclusively let me discover and order items from multiple local brands together, and that’s when the idea for Paavo India was born.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
I am so lucky to have the chance to work with some of the most inspiring and thoughtful entrepreneurs, more than 85% women, from all the brands on our platform. They not only motivate me to be a better businesswoman and person, but are always there to support & help me and each other so we can all strive to grow together!
What new goals have you set for yourself to achieve by the end of 2022?
As a budding solopreneur one of my main aims is personal development, I’m always looking to add to my skill set and acquire the right knowledge so I can help upscale the brand in different ways.
Another goal for 2022 that I would like to actively work towards achieving is exponentially growing our wonderful family of 45+ amazing and innovative Indian brands.
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
Reaching this balance has been a tedious task to say the least, as many fellow entrepreneurs can vouch for, but my friends and family have made me realize the importance of cutting-off from work at a decent hour and learning to take time off on the weekends to wind down.
Of course, if it’s an urgent task that needs your attention be 100% present, if not, the task or person can wait for you to be available. Moderation is key!
What one advice would you give young women who aspire to start their own business?
Just start! Don’t let fear prevent you from building your dream. You don’t need to have everything figured out in advance to a T; believe in your abilities to achieve what you have set out for yourself, and seek help where you think you need it.
Today, you can learn multiple skills online, network to find like-minded people to help each other grow, reach out to other women entrepreneurs you find inspiring, seek government initiatives for women in business and a 101+ other ways you can overcome any task you set for yourself.
Shop Atithee’s carefully curated products from homegrown brands at https://www.paavoindia.com/
Instagram: @paavoindia
Facebook: @paavoindia
About Fleck India:
Fleck is a 2-year-old brand that believes in elevating everyday lives by adding functional and minimal objects in one's life. They started with the pursuit of creating a ceramic mug perfect for their chai and coffee, which turned into an admiration for Indian ceramicists and makers. From then they have been exploring good materials with great craftsmanship and clean aesthetics while keeping Indian roots in place. They are both on a mission to get modern Indian goods out into the world.
Today, we get to learn Shruti’s self-care routines:
Tell us your relationship with skincare and how it has evolved over time?
I used to be this person who never cared until a few years back. During the first Covid wave, I had some time at hand and I started taking care of my skin. I very much like to keep it simple and prefer natural products. I am not sure how useful they are but I also love homemade masks for skin and hair from ingredients found in the kitchen.
Are there any skincare or wellness tips or rituals that were passed down that you methodically follow?
I think it's my mom's emphasis on drinking warm water first thing in the morning, and washing your face and hydrating before you sleep has been with me forever. I have been lighting a candle for almost 4 years during bath time and before sleeping in my everyday routine - it gives a sense of calm to me.
Do you have a special morning ritual?
I stretch my neck, shoulders and back upon rising in the morning, it relaxes all the muscles and wakes me up. I usually follow up by washing my face and applying Moringa cold pressed oil.
What is the most challenging part of working with your husband?
The segregation of work and personal life; we often end up talking about work before going to bed which we both of having been trying to avoid since the beginning but it's so hard when you get little time together and you have to discuss all things life and work.
Have your goals changed over time?
Yes, I ran Fleck and Bramdah alongside my day job for over a year; my day job was being a user-experience designer - a skill set that helped me further develop both my brands. I loved being so busy at the beginning but I exhausted myself pretty quickly. Now I try to focus on both my personal life and professional life and try to find a balance between both.
What has been a difficult moment for you in this journey? And how would you normally deal with setbacks at work?
I usually take a day off and I try to do nothing apart from reflecting or doing something else that doesn’t involve work. I always help, of course, this won’t be possible if I did not have Nishant and my family to take care of everything.
Tell us more about Bramdah and what inspired you to start this initiative?
We as a country have great strength in design but very often we are looked down upon as manufacturers and not as creators. I want to change that and bring forward the best of us to the world.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
My mother is awesome. She is 58 and is relentless about having fun in her life while working hard as ever. She has the zeal to take on new skills or a hobby and I admire her willingness to do so very much.
What new goals have you set for yourself to achieve by the end of 2022?
It's not much, but I want to give an hour every day to do things that are just for myself and no one else.
This would include painting and working with clay, lately. I also read every day, even if it’s just a page!
#WomenOnTheGo: How do you balance your work and personal life?
I don’t think I have achieved it yet. I struggle with it every day :)
Both Nishant and I have put a stop at 8 pm to any work-related conversation, we do end up talking sometimes but now it’s a conscious awareness. We also have a little routine that involves us cooking together once a week, short walks every other day and whipping up cocktails every Friday!
What one advice would you give young women who aspire to start their own business?
I would say plan everything before you dive in; audience, market and your finances. Once you have it figured out, dive in! Don’t shy away from asking for help from whoever you can.
Shop beautiful homeware, lifestyle and unique products at https://fleck.co.in/
Instagram: @FleckIndia
Facebook: @FleckIndia
Epsom salts can help top up your magnesium levels and calm the discomfort.
Our Bath Salts are made with a blend of Epsom salt and organic Himalayan pink salt, therapeutic essential oils, herbs and flowers to help release swelling, reduce body inflammation and relieve some of the chronic pain and tenderness many of us suffer from in the feet, knees, hips and wrists.
How to effectively take the relieving soak:
For this decadent cup, we add a few bits of chopped dark chocolate, along with vanilla bean, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream and desired garnishes.
Ingredients
Topping:
Method
This delicate Calming Brew is truly multipurpose. We have had so far, a warm tea, a cold iced tea, a honey and olive oil cake, a calming milk latte… so now we bring out the good stuff. A cordial! Made with honey (so a healthier option), and delicate flavours of lavender and chamomile this cordial is one that will blow your and your drinker’s mind!
This is essentially a syrup, that you can have on ice as is, or added to sparkling water or soda, or even better, a few swirls into a classic G+T or Old Fashioned.
This syrup stays well for a long period of time, refrigerated.
Yields: 200ml
Ingredients
Method
How to use:
Recipe developed by Kitchen Therapy
]]>Here are a few tips on morning rituals to help set a positive tone for the rest of the day
Rose is known for helping uplift the mood, bust anxiety and boost feeling of confidence
Remember to take small steps at a time which will gradually integrate into an automatic routine and regime, making the rest of the day a breeze!
]]>I've known the breathtakingly gorgeous Dr Geeta Patel for a few years now, and yet each time we meet, I am taken away with her jaw-dropping beauty! Her vivacious, friendly and genuine personality attracts positive vibes everywhere she goes – like a charming butterfly. She is a renowned dermatologist and an aesthetic physician trained in laser, anti-ageing treatments like Botox and fillers, and owns a one-of-a kind skin clinic – Za’hra Skin Clinic. I asked her to share some information on acne related to hormonal disruptions, particularly PCOS and what are a few basic steps we can do firstly, to recognise that it is indeed hormone-related, and what the next steps ideally should be.
Acne develops due to inflammation of pilosebaceous units (hair follicle, hair shaft and sebaceous gland) in skin. These units secrete sebum, which is an oily substance which seals in the moisture. Acne is caused by blockage of these units. Many factors can contribute to acne and this includes genetics, oily skin, using products that may not suit your skin, medication, food and lifestyle, stress levels, sun exposure, and hormonal changes and hormonal related conditions such as PCOS.
Generally speaking acne related to hormonal changes or disruptions is when the acne erupts in lower face, predominantly by the jawline and chin. The other indications are based around the time the acne appears – before or during menses, during or after pregnancy, when starting or stopping OC pills or during perimenopause
PCOS is now affecting almost 2 in every 5 adolescent girls and 1 in every 5 adult women in India. Moreover, Indian women seem to develop PCOS at an earlier age than other countries. PCOS is a heterogeneous, reproductive-metabolic pathological disorder affecting women of reproductive age group - the primary cause of which is ovarian androgen overproduction. The major symptoms are menstrual irregularities, infertility, hirsutism, persistent and severe acne and metabolic syndrome (obesity and insulin resistance).
PCOS is now affecting almost 2 in every 5 adolescent girls and 1 in every 5 adult women in India. Moreover, Indian women seem to develop PCOS at an earlier age than other countries.
A number of factors contribute towards PCOS, which include lifestyle-related factors that include unhealthy diet which has higher carbohydrates, refined and processed foods, alcohol and low dietary fibers. Lack of physical activity of a very sedentary lifestyle plays a role, along with chronic stress. Chronic stress activates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and sympatho-adrenal which precipitates insulin resistance in the long-term. Genetic predisposition, body fat patterning, early-life adversities such as malnutrition, insulin resistance.
It is essential that you first meet with a qualified dermatologist, who will prescribe a series of tests to do.
Usually, the diagnosis of PCOS is made using the Rotterdam criteria, meeting two of the following three conditions: Androgen excess, Ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries. The Rotterdam criteria define PCOS by the presence of two of the following after exclusion of other androgen excess or related disorders:
Laboratory tests that you can get done are:
It is vital to get early detection of PCOS as there are multiple long-term health risks that include depression, cardio-vascular risks, type 2 diabetes, pregnancy and fertility complications, obstructive sleep apnea.
For Basic self-care, it is recommended:
Salicylic acid, reduces inflammation and unclogs pores
Topical Retinoids, which unclog pores and reduce oiliness
Topical Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, which kills bacteria that cause acne.
A person can buy skin care products that contain these ingredients over the counter. Alternatively, a dermatologist can make recommendations or prescribe medical strength versions. Many acne treatments increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it is important to also use a sunscreen to protect the skin from UV damage during the day.
Keeping a diary and trying things one at a time may help people determine whether or not dietary changes and other strategies are helping their acne.
Medication:
PCOS management is a multidisciplinary approach requiring combined efforts of a dermatologist, endocrinologist and or a gynaecologist.
Yes it does! A healthy and active lifestyle is key and essential to manage and alleviate symptoms. While there is no one particular diet that is key to follow, there are plenty of recommendations, and as each body is different, you will have to pick one that suits you.
Yoga works on the sympathetic nervous system and calms anxiety and practising yoga regularly reduces the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), luteinizing hormone, testosterone in the body.
Practising yoga on a daily basis helps in decreasing the testosterone levels, and also helps in controlling depression and anxiety associated with PCOS. Any woman with PCOS should practice yoga for about 30 mins for 5 days in a week and that would help in reducing the testosterone levels to about 30%.
Overall, here are a few generalised diet recommendations to include into your regime:
Low GI Foods
Non starchy vegetables, Whole grains and cereals, Beans and legumes, Nuts and seeds, Fruits such as apples, berries and plums. Incorporating foods such as olive oil, eggs, chicken and fish into diet can help keep blood sugar levels stable and provide important nutrients for skin health.
Fatty Acids
it is recommended to pick foods that are high in fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 as they have good anti-inflammatory properties – this includes oily fish, such as wild salmon , sardines and mackerel, fish oil supplements, nuts and seeds such as flax seeds and walnuts, soybeans and soy products such as tofu, spinach.
Antioxidants
Some research indicates that people with acne are more likely to be low in certain antioxidants such as selenium. It is unclear if this directly causes acne. However, because antioxidants have other important health benefits, it is a good idea to eat foods that contain them. These foods include: Brazil nuts, fish, seafood, beef, turkey and organ meats which contain selenium. Red grapes, mulberries and peanuts which contain resveratrol. Blueberries, leafy greens, red cabbage and green tea are other examples of food containing antioxidants
Fitness
Work on being active through the day, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, brisk walking or pilates – whatever activity that can fit into your schedule and be achieved easily. Fitness is fundamental in getting results – observational studies show that moderate weight loss (5-10%) in women with PCOS can improve insulin resistance as well as androgenic and reproductive outcomes.
Mental Health
Having a clear skin also comes from a clear mind. Find peace and joy in your daily life, figure out how to manage stress levels, make mini rituals that you look forward to, and download apps that help maintain your mental balance such as through meditation, yoga asanas or chanting.
Hyper androgenic symptoms are often underreported and have a negative impact on quality of life and psychological wellbeing. Depression and anxiety are common amongst women with acne. Women with Acne and hirsutism also experience high levels of psychological distress! Clinically important depression and anxiety have been reported in 18% and 44% of acne patients, respectively. Psychosocial impact may not always correlate with disease severity but it may influence treatment decisions, for example, the need to refer to a dermatologist.
Patients who implement healthy habits with regard to diet and exercise, enhance their hormonal function considerably and help their bodies in the long run. “In PCOS, sattvic food plays an important role. Fresh home cooked meals, supplanted by plenty of drinking water, and reducing salt intake three days before the menstrual cycle, will make a difference. Obesity due to the illness should be treated naturally by changing one’s lifestyle. Green leafy vegetables should be consumed regularly, especially for breakfast and lunch.
Stress has a negative impact on PCOS symptoms too. It is of utmost importance to relax the mind so as to keep the cortisol levels under control. Cortisol levels (testosterone) are responsible for weight gain. Hence, conscious relaxation techniques should be incorporated in daily life to calm the entire body and mind and alleviate stress.
Dr Geeta Patel is a leading consulting skin specialist, cosmetic dermatologist and laser physician
She is the founder of Zah’ra Skin & Laser Clinic
Follow her at: @zahraskinlaser
]]>The #NTChallenge:
A few months ago, we sent out our Plum + Roses Brew to a group of home bakers and cooks, passionate foodies and professional chefs and raised them to the #NTChallenge – create a recipe using the brew – no restrictions!
Khyati is a brilliant recipe developer and I know she has a good hand on sweet baked goods, so she was a natural fit for the #NTChallenge. She has not disappointed! Soaking raisins in the brew and orange zest and then swirling them into a delicious vanilla scented cake batter to be baked into a beautiful loaf, perfect for afternoon tea time!
Here is Khyati’s note and recipe for Tea Soaked Raisins Loaf:
Monsoons are upon us, and I love nothing better than sitting with a book, a cup of tea and some lovely tea cake for accompaniment as the rain patters around. Personally, a lover of fruit and floral brews, Nature Therapy’s Plum + Roses brew was a delight to experiment with. The subtle tang of the dried plums and fragrant bouquet of rose petals fill this tea cake recipe with aromas that are too tantalizing to resist. If there was ever a better match made, it has to be this tea cake and the brew. Hope your monsoons are made even lusher with this pair for company.
Ingredients
Method
Khyati is a brilliant recipe developer, food stylist, photographer, and writer. She writes and creates breathtaking content for various publications – she has a talented eye behind the lens, and in front, she lights up the camera with her beautiful piercing eyes! You’ll also catch her gorgeous cats occasionally making an appearance in her images!
Follow her on Instagram here:@khyatipandey6
]]>The #NTChallenge:
A few months ago, we sent out our Plum + Roses Brew to a group of home bakers and cooks, passionate foodies and professional chefs and raised them to the #NTChallenge – create a recipe using the brew – no restrictions!
Roohanshi is a food blogger and home baker, makes a mean cheesecake and knows her way around desserts.
Here is Roohanshi’s note and recipe for the cake:
This beautiful cake is infused with Plum and Roses Brew. The flavour is so unique that you'll keep going in for one more spoon. You can have it without the topping as a sponge cake too because it's just too tempting either way!
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
How to infuse buttermilk:
Take 220 g buttermilk and add two spoons of plum and roses brew from @naturetherapyindia . Let it rest in the fridge overnight and strain the buttermilk before using.
Roohanshi was a finance graduate who stumbled upon baking & fell in love with it! She started by sharing healthy recipes of salads & meals @la.petite.boulangerie and later began Kefi to send over my desserts to people with sweet tooth!
She makes a brilliant chili garlic oil that you can place an order for, along with cinnamon buns, biscottis and cakes!
Follow Roohanshi on Instagram @_la.petite.boulangerie_
]]>The #NTChallenge:
A few months ago, we sent out our Plum + Roses Brew to a group of home bakers and cooks, passionate foodies and professional chefs and raised them to the #NTChallenge – create a recipe using the brew – no restrictions!
Bhumika is well known for her innovative salads and healthy creations and I knew she would do something innovative and creative with the brew. And boy, did she deliver!
Here is Bhumika’s recipe for Tea Infused Sticky Chicken:
SERVES: 2
TIME: 20 mins
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Bhumika is a beautiful spiritual soul who introduced me to Buddhism and chanting – an enhancing addition to my #self-care routine. Her full-time work involves content writing for varied clients in different industries, and for passion, she writes and creates healthy recipes at lime and lettuce. Her profile is a beautiful and inspirational one, with delicious salads, soups, and other creations!
Follow her on Instagram here:@limeandlettuce
]]>The #NTChallenge:
A few months ago, we sent out our Plum + Roses Brew to a group of home bakers and cooks, passionate foodies and professional chefs and raised them to the #NTChallenge – create a recipe using the brew!
Rapti went back to her Bengali roots to create this classic sweet dish with a twist! The Payesh is made with the brewed tea, milk and barnyard millet, making this a guilt-free dessert.
You can read her detailed article with the recipe she developed on her website here
Rapti’s Recipe for Plum + Roses Tea Payesh
Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 2-3
Ingredients
Method
Note:
If you can, use brown sugar.
The kheer will thicken as it cools. To change consistency, add warm milk (as required) and mix well
Rapti is an eloquent writer and shares her personal writings and entries at https://fromthecornertable.in/ and we highly recommend subscribing to her newsletter for stories that come straight from her heart, intelligent musings and snippets on a variety of topics that include food, recipes, books, travels and life in general. She’s def one to look out for!
Follow her on
Instagram here:@from.the.corner.table
Facebook: @fromthecornertable