Retropoplifestyle

Positive Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

By Dr. Arati Suryawanshi

We all have been a part of the stress and suffering of the sudden and deeply affecting changes on the life of human mankind due to Covid -19 pandemic. And due to this unprecedented crisis, our brain had to work a lot, tribally bigger, suddenly one had to think about his family, job, the health of all the people in the house and his/her own health as well. We had to think about ourselves constantly to survive the danger suddenly created by the Covid Pandemic. Especially in the second wave of covid, it was very bad many of us were losing our loved ones, from our families/ friends or relatives.

The major symptom of stress which, as a psychologist and emotional intelligence practitioner I always feel is that when we are unable to concentrate on the things which are connected with our loved ones. When the pull of the news of covid becomes more than the pull of passionate things of our lives, we automatically immerse into the zone of a Stress battle. This battle is really longer and bigger since we know that, we are suffering from one disease or the other as Covid cases are reducing and black fungus cases started to be identified + we are at the point of the third wave.

MINDFUL HEART CONSULTANCY with our initiative of coaching frontline workers, bankers and their family have helped almost more than 600 human beings individually and in groups to support them with various different handy tools to survive themselves from these stressful situations and unwanted impact of the pandemic. So what are the steps a person should take to help yourself…

· Become Mindful. Become Aware. And Empathize Self

During my early research I came up with “The Four A” model which I have extensively used achieving positive success with my clients while conferring on such issues in a subtle manner i.e. ACKNOWLEDGE, ACCEPT, AWARE/ APPRECIATE AND ACTION. This model helps us understand what is happening to taking into account our surroundings (Eg. COVID) and understand what goes on when one is stressed.

The first step of “The four A” model is to know what exactly has happened and give your 100% to admit it. Then comes Accepting the things such as sorrow, grief, pain, loss, mental health issues. Keep in mind that stressful conditions all are happening due to the pandemic and not going to remain forever. Then Aware yourself and accept the conditions and not just accept them but since these all are there to actually warn us, help us, making us aware and give us an important message. Last but not the least is Action – That which can make me feel positive! Happy! Bring joy in my life! TRY AND DO THAT. This is how you bring positivity alive into your own life; or just a smile on your face; or a moments’ happiness. Begin by just bringing a smile onto your face by reading a joke or jumping on the spot for sometime. I also term this as “5 MINUTE FOR A” model.

· Please reach out to the people you feel safe with:

Whenever you realise that you are sufferring from stress, then rest yourself, and try to apply above Four A model, but if you are still feeling stressful then reach out to the people you feel safe with and also mental health experts who are trained and give you appropriate therapy. Feeling Stressful is normal in this case and trained counselling and therapy will certainly help.

· Break the pattern of stress response

Stress is a reaction which is mostly on autopilot and therefore our mind is conditioned in responding a certain way; though not the correct way. More so during an emergency situation our mind enters a default zone. We observe this through inappropriate defence mechanisms such as unhealthy eating habits, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, constant denial and blaming etc. During these situations one needs to take a step back to break the pattern to reverse the adverse effects of stress upon us.

A 6 second pause method is highly effective here – Before initiating any response which could hamper and individual, WAIT FOR 6 SECONDS. TAKE A PAUSE. DON’T GIVE ANY REACTION. These valuable seconds allow our brain to understand a situation appropriately thereby enabling our brain to produce healthy hormones. If we really take deliberate effort every time to respond to stress in this way we then are using our SMART HEART and not our DEFAULT ZONE.

To conclude…5 mins for “The four A” model, 1 min for positive thought, and the much less 6 seconds strategy to break a pattern…will bring you Positive Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing. Could we do this? Just SIX MINUTES AND SIX SECONDS: We don’t think it’s a very big time.

Dr. Arati Suryawanshi

CPC: ICF

EQ Practitioner.

Father’s Day 2021

Mystic Valley

Beauty essentials from Mystic Valley

Cedarwood Forest & Rosemary Ravine – Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
350ml, INR 1399/-

Provides long-lasting hydration that instantly replenishes, rebalances & softens skin. Fast-absorbing body lotion with nourishing Shea butter & Vitamin E is formulated to give skin long-lasting moisture. Infused with pure rosemary essential oil that keeps skin moisturised and promotes healthy skin collagen generation.

Cedarwood Forest & Mandarin Wilds – Moisturizing Natural Shower Gel
350ml, INR 1,125.00/-

A 100% natural body wash infused with pure grade essential oils. The perfect balance of Certified Organic Rosemary, Mandarin and Cedarwood will clear dead skin cells and rid toxins whilst moisturising and hydrating the skin, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

Moonlit Sea Salt Mist – Exfoliating Salt Body Scrub
180gms, INR 1,050.00/-

The Dead Sea Salt Scrub is a resurfacing body scrub, which exfoliates, helping to reveal fresher looking skin. This mineral rich Dead Sea Salt scrub leaves skin soft and glowing.

MIRRAW

A classic amalgamation of tradition and contemporary with meticulous detailing,an abstract range of sarees

Beginning from INR 1,845/- to 3,795/-, the range indulges your feminine side with boldness yet sophistication.

About Mirraw

Mirraw is India’s largest Indian Wear Online Super Store with over 200,000+ products on the website and more than 5 million customers worldwide.

MUSE

The Indian Television fame, Shraddha Arya flaunts the Mirraw’s ethnic and stylish line of embroidered, printed and woven range of exquisite sarees. This quixotic collection has been curated by Shraddha Arya, herself.

Mirraw Website: https://www.mirraw.com/collections/shraddha-arya

Hair masks for Different hair problems

By Dr. Blossom Kochhar

Hair fall is a huge concern for many women across the world, and if you are one of them, you should know that there are many treatments that can help you deal with this issue.

The only problem is that not everyone has enough time to visit the salon to get one of these treatments. With your busy schedule, taking time out to get your hair treated can be a hassle. However, there are various options. An efficient and smart way to prevent and stop hair loss permanently is to try out some homemade hair masks.

During summers our hair becomes oily & greasy so it is better to avoid hair packs rather go for rinses. Go for a vinegar rinse, use simple or apple cider vinegar, add it to your last mug of water and just pour it on your hair. If you do this 2-3 times a week you will see how beautifully your hair will shine. In case you feel you are having hair fall because of vinegar rinse, reduce the quantity of vinegar that you put in your mug. Another rinse that you can try is, tea water rinse. This will give body to your hair. One more rise that you can try is to take equal amounts of soda and water and add a few ice cubes to it. Have your last rinse with this to make your hair look fresh and frizz free.
Sun damaged hair needs proper care especially if you are out in the sun often or if your hairs are chemically treated. The UV rays weaken your hair shaft and fade the colour of your hair. Make a nourishing pack at home by mixing 1 banana with 1 teaspoon of cream, and a quarter teaspoon of castor oil. Keep it packed for half an hour and rinse it off thoroughly. It might take 1-2 washes for the banana to completely go from hair, but trust me it’s the best nourishing hair pack that you can easily do at home
Oily hair can be very difficult to maintain, you are always busy scheduling your hair wash and thinking if you are over-shampooing your hair. Oiling becomes impossible, hair masks make hair oilier and you just wish you had dry hair. Coconut milk is the healthiest natural ingredient for healthy hair. The remedy you should try, mix freshly extracted coconut milk with a squeezed lemon and 4-5 drops of lavender essential oils. Leave it on for 4-5 hours and then rinse it off.
Change in a season can make the scalp or hair either dry, oily or both. During a season comprising hot and humid weather, our scalp is usually oily because of excessive sebum secretion and sweating. The hair gets dry due to sun exposure and heat. Whereas seasons containing dry and cold weather, make both scalp and hair dry. So, whenever there is a change of the season, keep the scalp and hair clean and moisturised. Use shampoo and conditioner at least thrice a week. Both should be mild and made with natural ingredients.
Those who want to know the best solution for hair growth then there is a very simple solution sitting in your kitchen. The vitamins, minerals and fatty acids in ginger promotes hair stimulation which leads to hair growth. Ginger has gingerol in it which improves blood circulation which also leads to hair growth. Take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, argan oil, onion juice, half teaspoon castor oil, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 drop of rosemary essential oil and 1 teaspoon of ginger juice. Mix these all together and finally add 1 teaspoon of your conditioner. Apply it thoroughly on your scalp and hair strands, keep it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with your shampoo. You can use a light conditioner afterwards if your hair is too dry. This will not only make your hair grow faster but will also add luster to your hair.
It is very common to have dry & brittle hair. Excess use of hair colour, chemicals and exposure to sun can lead to dry & dull hair. But we don’t want that so a simple solution for that is by making a conditioning pack at home. Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of hair conditioner, depending on the length of your hair, with 1 teaspoon glycerine and quarter teaspoon of vinegar to add shine to your hair along with a few drops of sandalwood essential oil. This pack gives instant sheen and lustre to your hair.
One thing I am absolutely sure of, most of us have one common enemy and that is dandruff. No matter how much oiling we do, having dandruff in summers due to sweating is inevitable. So, to combat this enemy the best thing which you can try is, mix half tablespoon of lemon with quarter teaspoon of vinegar. Use a cotton ball to apply it all over your scalp, and then comb your hair after application. It might cause some irritation or itching but don’t worry that means it is working. Do this once a week only as too much sour can lead to hair fall.
There is one thing that we completely forget when we have damaged hair, we will go to salons for treatments, apply the most expensive hair care products but we absolutely ignore the most potent thing that can reverse hair damage. A good hot oil massage. Take a tablespoon of coconut/olive oil. Add a teaspoon of castor oil. Add 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Heat a little and massage it gently in your scalp and hair at night. Shampoo it out in the morning. Follow this routine at least once in two weeks. In my years of experience, I have found this one really helpful.

BLOSSOM KOCHHAR AROMA MAGIC

Skincare is not only restricted to the face, in fact it comprises the care of your whole body. Full body care regime is the way to go. There are so many routines out there but it does not have to be so difficult. Not only will your body glow from within but also relax with aromatherapy.

Here is a full body care regime by Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic to make it super easy:

● Grapefruit Face wash

This product brightens and lightens the skin. It deep cleanses the pores and revitalizes the skin. It Lightens and tightens the pores, Brightens the skin, Mattifies and revitalizes the skin. With ingredients like Essential oils of grapefruit, palmarosa,neroli, extracts of grapefruit, lemon, and aloe vera.

● Peppermint Exfoliating Gel

An exfoliating gel enriched with active enzymes to deep cleanse the skin. It treats blackheads, refreshes and lightens the skin, hydrates skin, removes impurities blocking the pores of the skin and provides a protected shield and helps awaken the senses. With Ingredients like essential oils of lavender, peppermint and extracts of cornflower, aloe vera, and mint.

● Juniper Berry Oil Moisturiser

Enriched with SPF 15, this lotion protects, moisturises and brightens your skin. It helps regulate the oil level in the skin. The non-greasy gel formula helps heal acne and lightens blemishes leaving the skin nourished, fresher and brighter. It protects and brightens the skin, lightens the blemishes and helps heal acne. With Ingredients like extracts of juniper berry, cucumber, essential oils of patchouli and lemongrass, Aloe vera juice and Jojoba oil.

● Activated Bamboo Charcoal Shampoo

It is 100% free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, artificial colors, and fragrances. It transforms your hair in 6 miraculous ways. It deep cleanses your hair & scalp as ABC in my formulation can absorb toxins and impurities and removes dead skin cells that accumulate on the scalp. It allows the scalp to breathe and absorb sweat and other odorants from your scalp and keep your hair smelling nice all day. It promotes scalp health by increasing blood circulation, speeding up metabolism, and encouraging cell growth. It removes dandruff and prevents hair fall with ABC’s antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties. It moisturizes your scalp and strand and nourishes them with potassium and magnesium. It prevents hair from frizzing by regulating humidity and prevents hair static by emitting opposing ions to fight against ions occurring in hair.

● Cream Conditioner

It is 100% free of parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, toxic ingredients, artificial coloring, and fragrances. Enriched with essential oils of Rosemary, Lemon, and Argan. It helps repair split ends and enhances hair glow. The natural goodness of Green tea, Carrot seed, and Sage leaf extracts in my formulation hydrates the scalp, strengthens the roots, and adds shine while aloe vera gel nourishes and soothes the hair, making it smooth and lustrous.

● 3 in1 Jasmine Body Wash

It is an all-purpose natural hair, face and body cleanser that leaves your skin bright, alive and satiny smooth. It soothes sensitive and irritable skin and is an effective remedy for skin rashes. It cleans, rejuvenates and energises skin, treats skin rashes, enhances the skin suppleness, reduces the effect of pollution and uplifts the confidence. With ingredients like Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Essential oils of jasmine, geranium and sandalwood and French marigold extracts.

● Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil keeps the skin, hair, and nails healthy. The microbe-fighting properties make tea tree oil a natural remedy that helps in treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, prevents infections and promotes healing. Tea tree essential oil is used to treat minor cuts and scrapes and athlete’s foot, relieve psoriasis, boost wound healing and helps to control dandruff. The consumption of tea tree oil can be toxic.

Availability: aromamagic.com

Father’s Day Special

Vistaprint India

5 unique customizable gifting ideas for Father’s Day you can get from the house of Vistaprint. Let’s look at what you can pick this Father’s Day from the list below:

1) Customized Mugs: Who doesn’t like starting a fresh day on a brighter note with a funky and personalised mug? Drinking coffee or tea in a self-designed mug with your Dad’s favourite photo will always make sure his day begins with a smile. There are different mugs from a normal coffee mug to magic colour changing ones that are available on the platform. Bonus, makes it extra special to share it with your Father.

2) Photo albums: Best way to collect and preserve all happy and special moments is by capturing them in a specially customized album. One can customise the album as per their choice with a range of sizes available. You can make a customised photo album for your Father and help him reminisce all the sweet memories again on Fathers Day’s occasion.

3) Engraved Metal Visiting Card Holders: Gifting your father something which will come in handy professionally could be the best choice. A metal visiting card holder with your fathers’ initials engraving will definitely make a good impression. It will help your father to stay organized but in style. You can choose from over 150 design options and get it engraved with your initials or a name. The card holder from Vistaprint can hold up to 12 cards and could be the best thoughtful gift.

4) Customized Stationary: Fathers are one of the people who work so hard for their children. If you would like to uplift your father a little bit in his work, then you can give a gift pack including a customised diary or writing pad, photo notebooks, pens, keychains or mouse pads. Stationery items like pens, notebooks, diaries, bookmarks, stamps are a necessity for any workspace. Thus, a personalised stationery kit is a great gifting idea as you can get a personalised message like “Love you Dad” or “Happy Father’s Day” which will work like a charm.

5) Customized Mask – You can customize masks with your father’s name, or even choose a sports car logo. The messaging on the mask can also be thoughtful or even a phrase your father uses all the time. The mask is made by double layered light breathable material with moisture control polyester with a cotton finish inner layer. They are comfort fit for easy breathing and Washable and are Reusable.

WEBSITE

https://www.vistaprint.in/

Keeping it true with blue

As calm as the ocean and soothing to the eye, the colour blue evokes a sense of tranquility to one’s mind. As a fashion choice, the colour remains a universal favourite and what better reason than the monsoons to add a dash of Blue to your wardrobe.

Celebrating blue this season are fashion labels Gulabo Jaipur, Kunal Anil Tanna, Ridhi Mehra, Vedika M, Sukriti & Aakriti, Pink City, Flirtatious and fine jewellery brand Amaris.So, if blue is on your mind, then this monsoon season opt for some interesting silhouettes in different shades of blue.-

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Gulabo Jaipur

Twirl in the rain in this gorgeous Azure blue georgette anarkali. Keeping the colour blue in mind, the leheriya detailing on the anarkali gives an illusion of flowy water and the fabric is also soft on the skin. Add a dash of bling with the taari lace dupatta.

Shade: Azure blue

Keeping it true with blue: “Blue is the colour of the season, and any hue of blue is a breath of fresh air. So, keeping that in mind, the Rang anarkali set is perfect for the monsoons,” says Saloni Panwar, founder of Gulabo Jaipur

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Kunal Anil Tanna

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Kunal Anil Tanna’s ensemble is a perfect blend of ink blue, royal blue, and electric blue. Strut in style in this mesh print tunic with matching trousers. Complete the look with an over layered open long shirt and sail smoothly through the rainy day gloom.

Shade: Ink Blue, Royal Blue and Electric Blue

Keeping it true with blue: “Blue being the brand’s defining colour is seen to be a part of every collection’s colour palette. Blue is not only soothing and calm but can also be impactful to create a lasting impression,” says fashion designer Kunal Tanna, Founder of label Kunal Anil Tanna.

Ridhi Mehra

Enhanced with the classic shade of blue, this delightful floral printed kurta in Chanderi embodies the essence of freshness. The outfit is breathable, lightweight and easy-to-slip-into, thus making it truly ideal for the season. The large floral print against a backdrop of this beautiful blue portrays an air of mystery along with an intense appeal.

Shade: Navy Blue

Keeping it true with blue: “Blue is a versatile colour and design wise it’s an easy colour to work . It complements floral and geometric prints and pairs easily with other colours too,”

says fashion designer Ridhi Mehra, founder of label Ridhi Mehra.

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Vedika M

A steady mix of cobalt blue and deep blue, label Vedika M’s design features a drop shoulder long dress with a high low fall. The colour combination enhances the silhouette, and the tonality of a lighter and deeper shades adds balance to the entire look.

Shade: Cobalt Blue & Deep Blue

Keeping it true with blue: “It is an inspiring colour that looks great as a solid tone. Blue adds positivity to the garment and instantly makes it stand out,” says Vedika M Sonthalia, founder of label Vedika M.

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Pink City

Tradition meets luxury in this Midnight blue sharara set designed by label Pink City. The colour plays a perfect background for the intricate embroidery embellished with zardozi and pearl textures.

Shade: Midnight Blue

Keeping it true with blue: “When we talk about royalty and richness, the classic midnight blue comes to mind. The hue transports you to the majestic palaces of Rajasthan. Thus, making it a timeless shade of blue, says fashion designer Sarika Kakrania, founder of Pink City.

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Flirtatious

Play it cool and sassy in this Egyptian blue monokini designed by label Flirtatious. As a solid colour, the shade of blue stands out in this swimwear making it a fine option for the next pool party.

Shade: Egyptian Blue

Keeping it true with blue: “Blue represents the healing nature of water and is a great option for colour therapy. It transports you to the moment by the water where you feel the wind in your face and how magnificent the world is,” says Aakriti Grover, founder of Flirtatious.

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Amaris by Prerna Rajpal

Channel your inner diva and glam up your festive evening with Amaris’ Once Upon a Dream bracelet. The masterpiece is an eclectic twist and twirl of Sapphire blue mystery set stones combined with a roman structure set in sparkling diamonds. This bracelet is bound to make all heads turn.

Shade: Sapphire Blue

Keeping it true with blue: “Blue is a calming tone which symbolizes serenity, stability and reliability. And it aesthetically matches with the AMARIS promise of creating products with highest standards of workmanship and purity,” says Prerna Rajpal, founder of Amaris by Prerna Rajpal.

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Sukriti & Aakriti

Enjoy the magic of turquoise in this cotton silk sharara set with embroidered mirror work. A perfect festive wear, the silhouette compliments the colour turquoise and the mirror work adds a dash of drama.

Shade: Turquoise

Keeping it true with blue: “Effortlessly combining the uplifting nature of blue and the glorious natural splendor of green, the colour turquoise (“blue-green”) reflects the balance the world creates and is usually linked to growth and new life. For me, turquoise creates an atmosphere of calmness, growth, creativity, purity, and love,” says fashion design duo Sukriti Grover and Aakriti Grover, founder of label Sukriti & Aakriti.

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Tatva, the Principles of Nature

Masterpieces Collection Series 2021-The first in this series is a collection of Paithani sarees and lehengas.

Inspiration

Asha Gautam Presents Masterpieces Collection Series 2021 'TATVA', the principles of Nature

From nature and its elements trying to spread the message of love and positivity towards the otherwise disrupted nature. Each piece of this collection is handcrafted for months signifying the hardship and care.

Color Story

The vibrant colors like pink, green yellow magenta and beige interlaced with gold and silver zari are creating a magical nature feel. The motifs are taken from nature not so around us. But what we dream of- the blue skies, the greener grass. The animals and pretty butterflies and birds adorning the sky.

Highlights

The collection resonates with the seasons of nature with fabrics ranging from silk to organza and tissue. The designs are not restricted to only heritage and royal look. But are also an amalgamation and juxtaposition of playfulness and happiness with aristocracy.

“Paithani as a craft is very close to our hearts, as every piece is like a canvas to our minds and takes a lot of effort and care. We want the ardent lover of craft and textile to get something different every year. At the same time we don’t want to take away the natural essence of Paithani weave. We also want Paithani to be relevant to all generations and become a timeless piece in all seasons. We have merged techniques and fabrics like Paithani applique on organza skirts and paired with light playful organza blouses which is adding to its appeal.” says designer Gautam Gupta.

Website: www.ashagautam.com

Make it a Flavourful Father’s Day with a Satiating Meal from Chickeera

A healthy fusion of Middle Eastern and American influences.On offer are succulent Chicken dishes, Pitawiches, Burritos, Satiating sides, and an array of sides to choose from. Make it a feast with our top picks befitting for Father’s Day :

Ashets: a big bowl of rice served with aromatic rice, lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of favorite toppings. Choose from the succulent Chicken Ashet or the delicious and crispy Falafel Ashet. The flavourful Green Kebob Ashet, the umami Shroom Ashet or the juicy Lamb Gyro Ashet. Mix together with our sensational sauces and devour with dad!

Add a side of our rich, tender deep-fried chicken wings to elevate your order. Choose between our spicy Peri-Peri Wings, zingy Lemon Wings, or a classic favorite Buffalo Wings.

Elevate each dish by dousing them in Chickeera’s special in-house sauces: Gunpowder Sauce: notes- chili, rich, spicy; White Sauce: notes- ranchy, herby with a tinge of sweetness.

End on an authentic Medeterannian sweet note with the Baklava; an oven-fresh, crisp honey-dripping filo layer-cake paired with crunchy cinnamon-scented nuts. Need we say more?

Located in Greater Kailash-2 Delhi, with ancillary kitchens in South Extension and Anand Niketan, the brand is currently open for delivery/takeaway via Zomato, Swiggy, Hotline, the Website, and App. Curbing hunger pangs around the clock, the delectable eatery delivers all night long till 5 am in the morning- becoming the ideal go-to for satiating around-the-clock cravings.

ONLY -Fun Capsule Collection

Celebrating Disney’s most iconic character Mickey Mouse, ONLY India announces the launch of ONLY x Mickey Mouse collection.

About the Collection

The new range features a mix of contemporary and fuss-free street-wear-inspired styles, all with the iconic Mickey Mouse print.

Highlights

The playful pieces utilize bold logos and scribbled art against elevated activewear. The imagery showcases Mickey Mouse smiles across the garments spanning shorts, shirts, shirtdresses and t-shirts. The collection is inspired by the 2-mile fashion trend, making it fun and functional and comfortable to nail your look.

The collaboration truly marries and highlights ONLY India and Mickey’s style,utilityand contemporary trends. It commemorates the classic character in a way one couldn’t have imagined.

ONLY X Mickey Mouse collection is available at stores and www.only.in and starting from INR 1,699.