Women, take time out for yourself too

All you pretty ladies out there, when was the last time you took a short break from your work and paid some attention to yourself? When was the last time you met your girl gang and gossiped away over a cup of coffee? When did you last step into a beauty parlour to beautify yourself? When was your last shopping spree? When did you last catch up on your favorite actor’s movie?
 
We agree that life is hectic and you’ve no time to spare for yourself! You’ve been racing against time to achieve the impossible task of managing your balancing act as well as you can. Taking care of the household chores, the needs of your husband and children, the health of your in-laws, and your own challenges at work – amidst all this, how can I set aside some time for myself, you may ask! But that’s where we step in with a few easy-to-manage options for you.


Small things matter: Start with the smallest of things – like taking an extra 2 minutes to comb your hair rather than running your comb haphazardly, or sitting down for 3 minutes to sip your morning coffee at leisure rather than chopping veggies while gulping down the coffee in a hurry. For a change, make your favorite thing for breakfast and enjoy the aromas while you cook.


Beauty bath: This is not something we recommend you do on a regular basis but you need to give yourself this treat at least once in a month. This is what women from across the generations have been doing – instead of soap, try this and notice the difference: Mix sesame oil or milk cream with a tsp of turmeric and 3 tbsps of besan, a few drops of water to make it into a not-so-thick paste, and rub it thoroughly onto your body. Leave it on for 5 minutes or till it becomes semi-dry. Now, rub off the paste residue from your body (you can use dry besan for the purpose if the paste is still wet in some places). Once done, have a bath using some besan instead of soap to remove excess oil. You’ll notice that your body feels fresh, gets back some of its glow (as you got rid of the dead cells while rubbing the paste off) while still retaining moisture. Your skin definitely feels softer and shinier. Try it and enjoy your new look.


Pamper yourself: We know you don’t have time to spend a few hours in a beauty parlour. But this weekend, take at least a couple of hours off to pamper yourself in a minor way. Go to a parlour and check out what all you can get done in 2 hours. If they have any offers, better still! Otherwise choose individual things like eyebrows shaping, facial, haircut, manicure, pedicure, waxing… all these things can be done in a span of 2 hours. So, go ahead and beautify yourself and shine in that glory!
Yoga & meditation: Or aerobics for that matter. Take up an exercise regimen and stick to the routine. Yoga and meditation are very good tools to relaxation – both physically and mentally. And we strongly believe that yoga and meditation bring out a natural glow on a person’s face.


Shopping: Going on a shopping spree is the best form of entertainment. While at it, go as wild as you can get. Choose something that appeals to your eye, but this is something that you normally don’t wear – suppose you regularly wear saris, go ahead and buy that Anarkali salwar for a change, if you prefer salwars, then maybe it’s good to choose that chiffon sari you can’t take your eyes off! Or you can experiment a bit more and even pick up a jeans and a top, and see the surprise on your husband’s face!
Entertainment evening: Dedicate an evening a month to catch up with your girl friends, or meet your colleagues outside office for a coffee. Talk about anything under the sun other than work! Nothing rejuvenates and relaxes you like an evening of gossip shared with close friends. Or if you’re the kind who likes to unwind inside a multiplex, go ahead watch your favorite actor’s latest release. We are sure there’s at least one movie in the theatres that might appeal to your taste.
 
Whatever you do to unwind, do it to please yourself – because you deserve some time out and some pampering too!