Small Steps…

Well, one’s well-being is one’s own responsibility and efforts towards it must be made on an on-going basis. Don’t wait for anyone to come and make you feel better, we have to pick ourselves up and stick to our calling with gives us peace. Once we identify what gives us that peace or happiness, we must make it a habit to return to that. In fact, when we think of doing a small activity such as journaling everyday- just the effort to get to it and the satisfaction on accomplishing the daily goal would be all worth it and eventually, these steps shall all contribute to our overall well-being. They may seem silly to someone else but you do what gives you happiness and contentment.

There isn’t anything written in stone but here are few simple activities which may just add some joy to your day…

Beating the Winter Blues

Are you also feeling low every now and then? And are you also praying to the weather Gods to be kinder, hoping to make the encounter happen with Sunny days more often? Well, you are not alone! Winters can take a toll on our mental well-being as well. I got talking with Ms. Himadri Sharma, Counselling Psychologist, Good Lives (www.goodlives.in) on this to assure you that you’re not alone.

Question: How and why does the winter weather impact our mental wellbeing?

Answer: Every weather impacts our mental well-being. Some people feel happiest during some, love the winter blues and some just love the summer tan. Winter weather can impact mental well-being with factors like reduced sunlight leading to lower Vitamin D levels and potential disruptions in circadian rhythms. Cold weather and shorter days may also limit outdoor activities, affecting one’s mood. 

Question: What can we do to stay in high spirits in winters?

Answer: To stay in high spirits during winters, consider activities like regular exercise, exposure to natural light, maintaining social connections and practicing mindfulness. Creating a positive routine and taking care of physical health can also help. 

Question: What are the symptoms one needs to watch out for?

Answer: Symptoms to watch for in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) include low energy, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating and feelings of hopelessness. If these persist, consulting a healthcare professional is advised. 

Question: Who all are likely to be affected with this seasonal depression?

Answer: Seasonal depression can affect anyone, but individuals with a history of depression, those living far from the equator with less sunlight, and women are more susceptible. Genetics and age can also play a role. 

Question: What is the most effective remedy in this regard?

Answer: Effective remedies for seasonal depression include light therapy (exposure to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight), psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Seek help to understand what might work for you.

It’s all about Wellness

I am supremely excited for this one. It has been on my mind for a while and finally, I have decided to take the plunge. We all are constantly running around and always busy in the hustle and bustle but I think it’s high time that we invest a bit of time and energy and maybe money in our overall well-being. What say? Not asking for a major turn in life but just wanting to explore the world of wellness talking about the best of products, resorts, practices and so much more. As we go along, I hope to grow along as well.

It’s all about wellness for this year and if we love this beat then even beyond.

xoxo,
Sonali

WOW,Part-2

Well, apologies for the delay in coming up with the second post to this series. So, in today’s edition of Words of Wisdom, I am going to burst the bubble of perfectionism. Shocked or Surprised? Well, read more to get a sense that in this rut of being a perfectionist-you may be eroding several other pleasures from your life.

Perfectionism is great at the outset. Everyone loves a spic and span home, shoes kept in order, files all well stacked up, an office presentation just too good to be real, a party oh-too well planned and so on. But in this rut to have everything shout out perfection- are you becoming harsh on self and others or for that matter annoying for others? My two cents on this is that sometimes it is just good to allow some room for growth and improvement. Not that you don’t need to give your best but that doesn’t mean that you lose it like mad in case something goes slightly off to your plan. Well, hold on. Sometimes you may have to express your anger to ensure you get what you want but if this chase for perfectionism is making you less tolerant and less patient and constantly leading to worry and stress, I think you need to watch out as it may leave you with traits which have long term negative affects on the quality of your life and then it may just not seem worth it.

So, enjoy your life, give your best but always leave some room to breathe and let others do the same too.

WOW, Part-1

Well, believe it or not I am launching a new series titled, “Words of Wisdom”. Actually, I will strive to not lecture but talk about the subtle changes I have incorporated in my life which have made a positive impact on my life and overall, have made me feel good.

Strong believer of sharing stuff for the benefit of others. So, today I am talking about retail therapy or the lack of it. For everyone who knows me- knows I have always loved to shop and obviously, I still do but without a doubt I am a much better shopper than I have been. Here are few handy tips coming with sheer wisdom for you to shop better for we all are running out of space to store at home.

1. Handling the Sale Season- Developing a strong will power comes with time. The power of really measuring your options such as do you really need it, is it really different to what you have, will the style last long enough and so on. Do not just give into the sale price because before you know it- you would have collectively spent a lot more in the excitement of shopping at sales.
   
2. Mix and Match- Believe it or not, you closest is full of creating magical looks, sometimes all you have to do is mix and match your looks. This is where investing in classics comes handy.
   
3. Dig Deep- This is that one habit which has been the most beneficial. I am consciously trying to take clothes out from the back of my closet and not necessarily picking up from the ones I wear often and are kept in front. This truly helps in not getting bored of my looks and ensures wholesome use of my clothes as well as reduces the need to shop more as I am putting together different looks every now and then.

And don’t forget the ultimate rule of Marie Kondo on clothes sparking joy because if they don’t- you know what to do! Hope this helps, until next time- Have a fabulous week ahead.

Life Crisis

Well, you may be thinking why doesn’t the heading signify any age bracket or possibly throw light on the elderly in the neighbourhood because we think crisis occur only mid-age onwards. 

Crisis doesn’t just strike you mid-life or at an advanced age. It could be at any phase in your life in my opinion. But what you need is a zest and determination to get up and bounce back. In many cases the routine seems mundane and boring and the motivation to move forward seems like a daunting task. But that is exactly when we need to pull up our socks. We need to look for that one spark that will ignite our day. It could be something as basic as being hooked to a book.

As human beings, we need to constantly strive for growth. Now this growth shouldn’t be drastic, comparative with those around or stressful. It can be our own unique journey of progression. We need not become obsessed with materialistic goals and neither have absolutely no vision at all. What it means is that we need to just get better than what we were yesterday. 

I realized I am usually the one who is always pulsating with new ideas and have been very enterprising but there came a phase sometime back where I just didn’t feel like the above. I just wanted to start my day with a blank slate, go with the flow- do the routine tasks and be thankful for the simple pleasures like enjoying my newly done cozy room. 

This phase also made me realise that I do enjoy the simple pleasures like tossing a healthy salad, decorating my room, cleaning up my closet, distributing things I no longer use, planning the daily meals and so on. I consciously made a decision to not hop on to flights mindlessly, to cancel on plans that I didn’t feel up for and avoid negative conversations which don’t do any good. I must say all this contributes to us positively in some or the other way. 

This isn’t a note of someone depressed but it comes from someone who wants to strive for a life which is a good mix. A mix of the fancy and not so fancy. I do enjoy my holidays, shopping sessions, night-outs and so on. But I also truly enjoy my morning yoga, evening walks, home-cooked meals, deep conversations and so much more.

Talking about yoga, that truly is my new love and I hope this one is for good as it has become my most looked forward to activity in the day. I love the hustle, I love to work hard but every now and then, I love to slow down because I don’t wish to run through with the pleasures of life. So, why not pause to reflect now instead of at 40: am I able to holistically enjoy my life or not?

Magic of Friendship

It’s been a while. Of course, last two years or so have been hard on pretty much everyone. There has been loss, grief, worry, anxiety, uncertainty and so much more. But there has been some growth within wherein we all can say that life happened and taught us so much that we all in some sense evolved a bit, grew up a bit and maybe expanded our hearts, even if a bit. 

But what I intend to write is not so much about this phase but more about what kept us going, what gave us some relief, what bought some joy and gratitude and what gave us strength. I think in some way it was friendship. Just that pure and simple intention to see your closed ones to re-live the good old times. Fact established that friendship does make your life richer and in many ways you feel your family has expanded when you add your chosen gems to it.

Today, in particular I want to dedicate this post to one such gem. No it is not her birthday or any such day but because I feel I haven’t said it enough to her.

And now when I am beginning to write, I am exactly not sure on when am I going to stop.

Together we are stronger, happier and have done magical things. We came together to start a blog because we wanted to voice our experiences and likings and later she became wiser and took a more conscious approach to living something I aspire for but she always encouraged me to continue to blog. Together we did so many events and at such a young age featured in a leading daily, worked with some leading brands. Together, we turned Amsterdam red as we did a girls trip when many would just plan but we made it happen and she encouraged me to do Istanbul solo something I proudly flaunt today. Together, we ticked off bucket list things- like watching a grand slam live. Together, we went for night-outs like no man’s business and created so so many memories whether it was hitting Diwali fleas or checking out spas or new restaurants in the city. You don’t get such friendships every now and then! So it’s best to value and treasure and build on the ones you have!

Yes, we witnessed our heartbreaks together, but it was each other that reminded of the silver lining in such a closure. If this isn’t life’s true richness then what is?

At each other’s weddings we confidently wore the hosts hats because the responsibility came from the heart and didn’t need a badge.

Yes, physically we did move apart but the bond only stayed strong and intact for who would wish for it to be otherwise. We don’t talk so often because we both hate talking on the phone but when do – it is just the same. But why take this little gesture of picking up the phone for granted because sometimes we just need to do it!

To remind someone of their strengths, the good times, the opportunities ahead and just to say I am there. So, to my special one, I want to say- you’re very wise, you’re very brave, you love unapologetically, you put others first, you’re so smart, you’re ultra fashionable, you’re so pure, you’re truly valued and loved. Also, a little strict sometimes :p And if I haven’t said it enough- I will now that I would want a soulmate like you in lifetime after lifetime. Here’s to making memories after memories and always creating magic!

P.S. if you truly value someone and feel you haven’t expressed it enough, just go for it and do it today.

Decluttering is the Way!

If there is anything lately that I have become obsessed with, it has to be the act of decluttering. I have to be honest, for me- it is an extremely rewarding and therapeutic experience. 

If you have been sitting on the fence and just procrastinating to dig deep to wisely organize all your essentials, here is a quick guide.

1. Approach it Right- Don’t think of it as a task whereas consider it to be an activity which will make both your mind and room or house pleasant and beautiful. It may seem like a lot of work, but if organized well- your days ahead will be much easier and peaceful as finding things you need wouldn’t be so hard.

2. Step by Step- Don’t set unrealistic goals wherein you empty out all your cupboards one fine day and crowd your bed, sofa and every possible spot. You will exhaust yourself in no time and feel overwhelmed and irritated. To truly enjoy this exercise, take a step by step approach wherein you can start with one shelf or one drawer or one cupboard.

3. Think, Segregate and Organize- At the moment a stapler may be coming out of your hair accessories or those safety pins would finally be found tucked under heaps of sheets, so it is essential to think, segregate and organize category wise. Break it down to basics. For instance:

a) Clothing- Make some sort of demarcation for-everyday casual clothes, formal shirts and dresses, Indian wear, night suits and so on.

b) Essentials- Underclothes, socks, hair clips and so on

c) Accessories- Bags, Shoes, Belts, Jewellery etc

d) Beauty- Makeup, Extensions, Styling tools and so on

While you organize your shelves, think about what you need often and make sure that those things are placed somewhere easily accessible.

4. Playing around with the Extras- This is an extremely important step. Now, there would be items which you haven’t used in years but keep hoping you will wear it someday. The chances are slim that would actually wear it now because if you had to, you would have. You have several options in hand depending on the condition of the item. You can either sell it on one of the many such portals, donate for a cause, pass it on to a cousin or friend or in the case it is brand new then do not hesitate but keep it for gifting purposes.

Also, make sure to reduce your paper load, duplicate or expired items. Do trash items which are screaming to find their place nowhere else but in the bin.

5. Reward yourself- Yes, after much hard work and distribution you may realize you need more of something- so do explore your options but make sure to first organize all what you have before you purchase more.

6. Lastly and most importantly, while you feel lighter and see some space around you after the above activity- respect it and try to not overcrowd your closets or make a mess of them as you are well aware of all the sweat that goes in getting the stuff organized. 

Ultimate Spa Experience at Urban Oasis Spa

My trip to Thailand will always be incomplete without a pampering session at The Oasis Spa. Hence, this time around too I had to make sure that I indulged in my favourite treatment and got my husband to experience a worthwhile spa journey at The Oasis Spa too.

 Urban Oasis Spa in Thonglor

The cherry on the cake had to be the fact that we got to try an all new branch of theirs which is extremely plush and modern. Without making any bones about it, I have to say that when you talk about luxury spa in Thailand, The Oasis Spa definitely is a strong brand to trust and reckon with!

Soon after you walk-in for your appointment, you will be asked to fill in all your details specifying the pressure points and other important information which the therapist must know before starting your treatment. They offer you a welcome drink as you complete the formalities and are then guided to your spa room. The room is well equipped with a shower and other essentials. I had opted for the King of Oasis Massage while my husband went in for Lanna Secrets.

Lanna Secrets is all about the ancient time-honored techniques of Northern Thailand where they re-open blocked energy pathways which cause fatigue and weariness. Relief begins when acupressure is applied during a Traditional Thai Massage followed by Thai Herbal Hot Compresses which dissolve soreness and further releases energy. Finally, an Aromatherapy Hot Oil Massage adds further relief. My husband felt thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated post the treatment which lasted for two hours.

King of Oasis is one of their signature two hour treatments where one feels majestic by the end it. This stress-buster treatment combines Thai massage techniques with Aromatherapy massage. It begins with a Thai Herbal Hot Compress placed along the strong muscle lines. Then a Hot Oil Massage stretches the muscles to reopen the body’s energy pathways, enhance circulation, increase energy levels and promote overall health and well-being.

I have to say, it was the best decision we made to start our Bangkok holiday with The Oasis Spa and we were so glad to have gone back after all these years. Also, they follow all Covid-19 related safety protocols so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest. On completion, we took a quick shower and sipped some tea and yes, clicked lots of pictures for it is a gorgeous property.

Until next time, thank you The Oasis Spa! Cannot wait to be back again already!

More on Maldives

While my Instagram account was bombarded with posts of my Maldivian holiday thought why not blog about it too!

Hence, I finally decided to pen down my experience which was everything fabulous and memorable.

1. So, first things first-Maldives is not at all boring if you plan your trip well. I feel you should plan to stay for four days and maybe increase the duration only if you are opting for hotel hopping.
   
2. Choosing a good hotel is a must since your entire holiday is all about enjoying your hotel and making the most of the services and activities it has to offer. We chose to stay at Joali and we absolutely loved it.
   
3. Make prior bookings- This is an advise you shall definitely thank me later for. Whether its the spa, their specialty restaurant or water sports- all these mostly keep busy with the in-house guests so to be able to enjoy these services at your convenience- it is best to make prior reservations.
   
4. Definitely opt for personalized experiences such as a private screening or private meal by the sea.
   
5. Meal plan- Basis how cost effective you want to make your trip, you should look into this aspect. Many hotels give an excellent all inclusive deal which works out more economical. But if you want a more personalized experience- then take each day and each meal as it comes.
   
6. Clothing & Essentials- Before leave you will definitely check on the temperature but of course you’ll need a lot of beach wear and lounge wear. But make sure to plan your clothing well as the fabrics must be soft and soothing! Also, you would want to click lots of pictures against the beautiful natural backdrop so don’t hesitate in dressing up! And whatever you may forget but don’t forget to apply a good sunscreen. It is also very important to keep yourself well hydrated.