A List Of Necessary Reminders

Everyday now, I just wait for that usual time I have started exercising, because that seems to be the only time I ever get up from that same chair, same position for way too many days now. Being home because of the lock-down can feel normal for some, and overwhelming for some others. But, we can all agree that our step count is just downright abysmal if not for some voluntary workout. 

This lock-down has made me realize what an active life I had back in college, even without portioning time out for exercise. Ten thousand steps a day used to be something that's a consequence of just living on campus, running thrice a day from hostel to classes to mess and back to hostel, and those post-dinner walks where you just keep walking losing track of time was a blessing! Now, with the lack of all that movement, we end up looking forward to that exercise that we would have rather chosen to skip back in college. Note of disclaimer: I am not talking about those self-motivated humans who don't skip their run-days.

Please, get up and do something, if you aren't already. Two days into it, you'd probably look forward to it because it really does help taking away the feeling of "just sitting" through the whole day. On that note, here are some important reminders:

1. Drink enough water. Less movement may make us less thirsty. But, your body still needs to stay hydrated, especially with the oncoming summer. 

2. Wear proper outfits for your workouts. If your workout needs a shoe, then wear it. If your workout needs a mat, then use it. Do not do any make-shift jugaad when it comes to workouts. Getting injured is not worth it. And also, this might just be one of the worst times to get injured.

3. Eat well. Don't skip meals. Again, staying put, without any workout can make you feel that you aren't really hungry, at least for some of you. Eat healthy, eat smart, but eat. 

4. Get all the beauty sleep that you need. This is the time where you can't blame work instead of the lousy sleep habits. Yes, once it is a habit, it is difficult to change. But, you have the time to try and fall into a better habit!

5. Do things you always wanted to. It may not be productive, but this is probably a guilt-free time to try it out. So don't hold back!

6. Finally, go stand outside on your terrace for a while maybe. Your body needs the sun!

Let us all act sensibly and responsibly. Let us try to be empathetic. Nobody can force us to do something that the world feels is good, but we definitely owe it to the world not to do what we know is wrong. 

Wash your hands, stay in, stay safe and, most importantly, take care of yourself!

Beat The Heat: Elaneer/Narial Pani/Coconut Water

Image from dreamstime.com

February is near its end, and so are the winters. In fact, I feel the winter has long gone. So, what does that signify? Lots, indeed! Why, summer is the ultimate season of mangoes, watermelons, ice creams, milkshakes, lemonades, sodas, juices, sarbaths, jigirthandas and all the other delicious, lip-smacking drinks and eateries that isn't allowed on a cold, wintry day. And along with so much freedom comes the terrible, unforgiving wrath of the sun down on the city! 

Ice creams and juices don’t help beyond a certain point. They give instant relief from the heat, but nothing more. For a long-lasting, healthy, natural, replenishing freshness, nothing beats tender coconuts! Yes, tender coconuts- the hard nut that comes in shades of yellow and green storing the soothingly cool, and sweet coconut water despite the ever-growing temperatures- are the panacea for the hot weather! Technically, for those who are interested, coconut water is the liquid endosperm, of the tender coconut. 

Take time out to go to the stocks of tender coconuts that would be available around every corner, and enjoy sipping the cool coconut water straight from inside the tough nut through a straw inserted in a single hole, deftly made by the sellers. For those who aren't satisfied with just "cool" coconut water, they can bring the whole tender coconut without making the hole, and store it in their refrigerator to have a cold drink. Even the laziest goose can have a sip at the doorstep, as some of the sellers bring the tender coconuts in pushcarts! A sip of the sweet water, and the weary faces turn cheerful again. Well! When you drink it you almost actually feel a cool breeze blowing, and slowly enveloping your body. 

Tender coconuts not only make you feel cool but are also very nutritious. In fact, they are the most nourishing beverage that nature has given to the people! They contain many essential proteins, minerals and vitamins that keep our body healthy, especially during summer. Tender coconuts help stop dehydration of the body. They clear the body of toxic wastes. They also bring down the rashes and heat boils that attack us so often during the summer months. So, naturally, tender coconuts are the best solution to beat the heat during the summer for young and old. 

One of the things that make me smoothly sail through the Gujarat heat and it's unforgiving Loo winds that blow through the day is the Narial Pani sold by the fruits bhaiyya who comes to our college through the week.

So, you want to stay cool this summer, with maximum benefits? Tender coconuts to the rescue!