Navratri is back and there couldn’t be any better proof of it than the colour coordinated brigade that descends upon the streets, offices, college classrooms and where not? You often get a glimpse of the ‘colour for the day’ in some or the other way on many while some others make an effort to stand out of the crowd by avoiding that very colour. While discussions about the colour code and colour-coordinated selfies become the order of the day, we often tend to NOT look beyond the clothes we choose to wear.
For many, this is a period of fasting and walking barefoot. Just the other day, on my journey back home from work, a woman told me that she avoided wearing any footwear on these auspicious days and also followed a liquid diet. A liquid diet for just 2 days after a dental surgery had rendered me crazy. I could not imagine myself doing that for so many days. That said, I salute that lady’s commitment and deep sense of following the rituals, as per the tradition of her family. She is not the only one and that’s exactly why I find this article even more important to be presented and read.
Most of us are part of concrete jungles and finding a patch of grass to walk upon forms a part of our dreams. Walking barefoot becomes more challenging in such a scenario. With toxicity laid out even on the very ground we walk upon, one needs to be very careful while treading the path. Be extra cautious about any cuts or wounds. Tend to them as soon as possible. Never put a band-aid straightaway on a wound before cleaning it as it may lead to bacteria build up, causing more trouble ahead in the form of infection and oozing pus. Yes, it is better to be cautious now rather than being led to a worrying situation later.
At night, soak your feet in salt water with half a lemon’s juice squeezed into it. Relax and find joy in the little pleasures of life. Be careful while scrubbing as the skin might already have been subjected to stones and cement thus making it extra sensitive. Instead, gently clean any possible cuts, bruises or wounds with a soft cotton cloth and apply an ointment and moisturize the feet with coconut oil. Cover your feet with cotton socks in order to let them breathe.
While the preparation for the festivities take a toll on our daily routines, it is very important to take care of our health, in spite of our schedules going berserk. The reason? How else would you be at your glowing, energetic best during ‘Dandiya Nights’? And how else would you be able to enjoy the very festivities that you are so earnestly preparing for?
While fasting is looked upon as a great way to rid the body off its toxins, it should be kept in mind that fasting is also a period where the body misses the usual dose of food that it received in order to carry out the regular functions of the body. Hence, while you switch from heavy meals to lighter ones, make sure that you opt for frequent small meals (even if they mean a fruit or some juice). Moreover, do not overeat after a day of intense fasting.
Most Indian women, while fasting, consume tea or coffee as they say it is fine as long as it does not contain ‘milk’. This is not a very healthy option as these beverages tend to strip off the body’s moisture, thus dehydrating it. Also, when consumed on an empty stomach, they might cause acidity and further complications.
Hydration is the key to good health. Do not forget to drink water. Keep sipping on it; even more so if you are constantly on the go. The weather has not been too kind and the intense heat will only rob your skin off its moisture, rendering it dry and itchy. So, in order to be able to easily flow in and out of your visits to and fro temples and relatives’ places to attend poojas, and at the same time being upfront on the side of your career, make sure that you drink water.
Picture credits: etop.mn |
They are a boon to fasting ladies! Instant source of energy and fibre, they will give you that bit of support to let you go about with your chores without making you feel weak or about to faint.
So fruits are all that you can have and you think that leaves you with very less options? Think again. Reach out, beyond bananas and apples. If fruits are all that you may have, then take advantage of this period and let the glow on your face and the lustre in your hair do the rest of the talking!
Head out confidently, let your healthy side conquer the show!
Happy Navratri
Note: The view expressed in this article solely belongs to the author and is not in any way supposed to be taken as the company’s.
Disclaimer: While this can be referred to as a basic healthcare guide to be followed during Navratri, please do not neglect any serious wounds or self treat them. The physician’s advice might be the best solution in such cases. Also, what suits one may not suit another. Those who are allergic to any nut should avoid them.
