The past 50 years have seen a great surge in the market for artwork pieces. Sotheby’s recently sold works by Indian painters worth 4.290 million pounds. Amongst them were ‘The Red Road’ by F.N. Souza and ‘Death Scene’ by Rabindranath Tagore.

Gone are the days when purchasing pieces of art was the prerogative of the elite, when it was a statement of your status to hang a ‘Hussein’ in your drawing room. Today many people buy paintings for profit and not necessarily for the love of the art.

As Aditi Khurana, Manager, Palette Art Gallery puts it, “Art as an investment is quite addictive, not unlike stocks and shares. The prices of a young artist do not fluctuate but are always on a rise. On the other hand, one should not just buy art for investment. It is something one has to live with so one should have a connection with the artwork before finally deciding to buy it.”

Appreciating art

However art, like any other investment, requires knowledge and expertise. Do you purchase a house worth millions just by looking at it? No! You inquire about the house, find out about the value of the locality, talk to its previous owners, inspect the original papers and bargain about the price.

The same can be said for an investment in artwork. It is very important to find out all about the painting and the artist. Before putting your hard earned money into buying a painting, it is imperative to collect all the relevant information. There are many courses run by galleries to help the layman appreciate fine art. National Museum in Delhi offers a six month course in art appreciation. You don’t require to have a degree in art; what you do require is an appreciation for art, the willingness to research and the aptitude to learn a few tricks to authenticate the artwork. Armed with these, you can evaluate any type of work.

The risks

Like any investment, art has its risks too. However, this addictive hobby varies from the other investments like shares and stocks in one area—the price of a piece of art by a budding artist does not rise and fall steeply, usually it shows a steady rise.

Before purchasing a work of art for investment, a buyer should carefully examine a few things.

Selection

Choose the painting you wish to buy with care; look around various galleries. There is a lot of information on the internet too, so do your research carefully. However, never buy a painting just for its monetary value. Stocks and bonds can be locked off in the safe, but you might have to live with looking at the painting daily. So buy only something that appeals to your senses.

Details of the artist

The first and foremost thing to consider is the profile of the artist. Find out about the background, the main concept of their works and the general response to their artwork. Gather information like the names of the collectors [public, private or corporate] who own the artist’s work. Also find out about publications mentioning the artist and honours received by the artist help the buyer. Look for the galleries patronising the artist and get data regarding the past and future exhibitions of their works. Awards, influential collectors and honourable mentions in international and national journals add to the importance of the artist.

Obtaining the artwork

It is very easy to be conned by unscrupulous dealers. Buyers should therefore ascertain the provenance of the painting before parting with their money.

“One should always ask for an authenticity certificate from the gallery as well as from the artist to ensure an original piece of art work. The certificate should have the image of the art work, the size, medium and year it was made, along with the signatures of the artist,” cautions Aditi. Specifically, enquire whether the art is original or if it has been reproduced by mechanical means. There are a lot of limited edition ‘works of art’ that are little more than digital or photographic copies of originals, that are produced not by the artists who sign them, but by commercial publishing companies. Many signed serigraphs, lithographs and giclees prints are, in fact, not originals. Keep in mind that the reproductions are not as valuable as originals.

Purchasing process

After you have obtained information about the galleries displaying the works of your chosen artist, observe the paintings intently to make your selection. Find out about the availability of the artwork and the price. The art market isn’t a bazaar, so do not try to haggle over the price. However, some artists do offer their older works at a discount.

When you are investing money, it is important to get a fair price. Of course the gallery owner will argue that an original piece is worth all the money they’ve asked for. As a buyer, it is important that you find out if the pricing is fair. The list of prices of various paintings is published in art price guides, gallery catalogues and sometimes in online databases. Look for the cost of a similar painting to get an idea. This information is available in the art department of major public libraries and with the galleries.

Ask the gallery owner for the sale records of similar paintings by the same artist. Compare prices across galleries to get a good bargain. While researching the price, if the records show a steady increase in the cost of the painting, you have a good buy.

If putting so much effort into buying one painting seems tedious, seasoned collectors will tell you that the journey is as interesting as the end. Collectors enjoy the process of researching the history, importance and origins of a piece of art. With time, experienced collectors are able to dig out all the information very swiftly. But to succeed in this field you must have a deep love and sensibility for art. If it is something that you are passionate about and will work at, it will be just a matter of time before you become a seasoned collector.

This was first published in the June 2014 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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However, there are many reasons why this practice should be revived in earnest.

A shared meal would enable all the members to sit together and share their day with each other. Many issues between different members could be amicably resolved over a plate of dessert. This is the time when, through small anecdotes, the kin connect and a tenacious bond is developed.

When each of us relates our day every day, one gets a hang of the pattern. You are curious about the developments—the first date, the project proposal, the tiff. This is where the involvement starts. One just has to relate the problem to get a stream of suggestions from everyone. The conversation is not static. It jumps from topic to topic—related to school, office, food, the neighbourhood, headlines; the sky is the limit. These interactions go beyond mere exchange of memories. In fact they encourage perspective-taking, critical thinking, theory-building, and relationship roles within the family. When any member is showing a marked aberration from normal, the rest usually put him on track. A well-functioning family learns to accept that each person is different and yet be supportive. This can only be learnt if the differences are thrown regularly at each other, allowing everyone time to acclimatise to them.

Building language skills

Researches show that children belonging to a communicative family display well developed language skills. How can one expect children who do not hear any conversation to pick up the language? The to and fro tossing of conversation provides a live example to the young minds and also gives them something to think about thereby enhancing their linguistic skills.

Diane E. Beals, Ed.D., assistant professor of education University of Tulsa mentions in her Journal of Child Language that children of about 3 – 4 years who hear ‘rare’ words on the dinner table, score extremely well in the spelling bee competitions later in life. They also develop a better vocabulary. Vocabulary enhancement cannot be done through formal learning. The meaning of an unfamiliar word is better grasped during a casual family mealtime conversation. If the word is repeated often enough, you catch on to the meaning, the usage and the syntax better than any book.

Learning and polishing your table manners

Nothing is more obnoxious than a person with bad table manners. Many opportunities in life are lost due to sloppiness. It is said that the best way to teach something is to set a good example. Having a meal together is a good way to teach civilisation to children. If parents follow the rules of etiquette on the dining table, the children will automatically pick them up and develop good table manners. Garima Midha, a chartered accountant from Mumbai and a mother of a well-behaved 6-year-old expresses, “I dislike children with shoddy table manners. And they get away with it because parents give excuses that they are just kids. I for one make it a point to lay the table properly and teach my son proper table etiquette. With the TV switched off, of course!”

It’s not just kids, but at times as adults we too need to polish our eating etiquette. Being at the table with the family ensures that everyone present there sticks to the right table etiquette. That would not necessarily happen if we were to eat alone in our study or while watching the television.

Not just being together, but sharing life

The family can have dinner to be together or be together to have dinner. It is the perspective that matters.

It is no use to just be together at dinner for the sake of being there or, even worse, staring zombie-like at the TV all the time. Conversation is the key. An effort does have to be made initially to start the ball rolling. There after tossing and catching the ball of a spirited conversation becomes an eagerly awaited ritual.

For me, dinner was the most memorable time of my childhood. It was unanimously vibrant for everyone because we shared our experiences and pitched in. Most vividly I remember my brother; all of two then, would join in, shouting some gibberish and banging the spoons in excitement.

Everybody learns from the anecdotes related. The older generation gets to know the modern techno crazy world. The kids get a peek into what’s happening in the parents’ lives.

Encouraging each other to try new cuisines

The family as a unit serves as a role model for healthy eating. If eating healthy food is considered okay by most of the members, the others follow suit. It is not always parents who guide the children towards newer foods. Often it is the kids who introduce newer cuisine to the parents. So irrespective of the age and generation, openness towards accepting newer cuisines does develop slowly.

A dinner table is a good place to encourage new experiences. There are a lot of people who would reject a new dish outright. However, on a family table, a hesitant novice can be coaxed to try out a new cuisine. Sometimes it is tried just to avoid hurting the feelings of the person offering. This gentle push, breaking the barrier of the unknown, can translate into life lessons applicable to vistas more varied than mere food.

Also read » Cook food, serve love

Cooking and serving food together

Having a family dinner can be a collective affair. All family members pitch in the activity. Some lay the table, others clear it. If one is doing the primary cooking, others can help in the preparations or shopping for ingredients. This interdependence always increases the bonding between the family members. It also allows the development of life skills—the kind not taught in any school. People become master chefs by learning at mom’s kitchen—perhaps starting with tossing a salad and slowly moving up towards casseroles and desserts. Similarly, the intricate art of good table laying can be learnt only by practical application.

Girija Khanna, grandmother many times over shares, “We always wait for every family member to arrive at the table, before we begin eating. The fact that there is someone waiting for you at the dinner table speeds up even errant members. It is sad to see some households where each person eats separately and at different times.”

If each member eats dinner separately, the food needs to be reheated many times causing loss of nutrients. Also when the whole clan is eating together, there would be less food wasted as the members can share food according to their requirements.

A family that eats together stays together. So here’s to more cherished family meals.

This was first published in the February 2013 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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We’ll tell you what you can do to undo the damage…

Heat treatments

Styling hair often requires using tools such as hair dryers, hot rollers, curling irons and flat irons. They all involve heating the hair follicle, which results in loss of moisture, making it brittle and rough.

“There are bonds in the hair shaft that get damaged due to excessive heat. The hair roots become weak and break. This thermal damage to the hair shaft may result in severe hair fall and rough hair,” explains trichologist Pankaj Chaturvedi.

Irons

Women frequently use flat irons for temporary straightening. After a point, the hair is not able to take any more heat and just burns. Curling and flat irons use high temperatures and therefore should be purchased judiciously and used carefully.

Buy good quality irons even if they are expensive. Substandard goods can permanently damage our hair.

“Ceramic irons are better as they cause lesser damage. Always use heat tamer sprays before any treatment as they minimise damage by acting as a shield,” suggests hair expert Gauri Kapoor. Moreover, very fine hair should not be subject to higher temperatures. Also, it’s best to leave heat treatments to professionals.

Hair dryers

Use the dryer sparingly and on the minimum setting. The best thing to do is to allow the hair to air dry. Kapoor suggests that heat treatment should be alternated with intensive hair care to reverse the damage. “After a heat treatment, pamper your hair with heavy masks, intensive spa treatments and serums. Actually, it is a vicious circle—you straighten your hair quiet frequently. After a while the hair looks awful if not treated, so you go for another procedure. So a gap between heat treatments and nourishment for hair are critical”.

Chemical treatments

Services such as bleaching, hair dyeing, perming, relaxing and straightening use strong chemicals. The chemical treatments lead the hair cuticle to swell up, making it weak and prone to damage. The harsh chemicals leech away the layers of fat and moisture that impart glow to the hair. These chemicals also harm the protein bonds that keep our hair strong and shinning.

Most of the chemicals are available off the shelf and people try them on their own. If not used properly, they may cause much damage.

Relaxers are chemicals used to apply controlled damage to straighten excessively curly hair. There ought to be at least a gap of 8 – 10 weeks between treatments. This gives the hair time to grow about an inch. The relaxers can then be applied to the new growth. If you apply them to already straightened hair, it damages the follicles.

Also, applying hair colour to chemically-straightened hair causes chemical over processing, leading hair to become dry and prone to breakage.

To avoid having frizzy, brittle hair that breaks easily, is rough and has split ends, the best alternative is to shun chemical treatments completely. However, that’s not an option if you are one to experiment with different hair styles and looks. If you must have a chemical hair treatment, take precautions. “Always use branded chemicals. Do not apply it for too long and never for over 30 minutes. Keratin therapy and oral supplements like biotin also help restore damaged hair,” recommends trichologist Pankaj Chaturvedi.

Use mild shampoos and conditioners that suit your hair type to keep your hair healthy. Hair serums also smoothen the cuticle. Opt for products with dimethicone, which make the hair shinier and reduces static.

Bad weather conditions

Sometimes weather and environmental factors too are responsible for hair damage. Continuous exposure to strong UV rays breaks down the principle protection barrier in the hair—protein. This constant onslaught of weather makes hair brittle and causes them to split. Now, if such hair is treated chemically, the damage is two-fold.

Some people have an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight. They experience itching and irritation in the scalp, which leads to breakage. “The harsh sunlight bleaches the hair and makes them frizzy. Try and keep the hair covered when moving out in intense sunlight for longer periods,” Gauri Kapoor says. This applies to those without allergies as well.

Even the winters are not merciful. The cold winds sap the atmosphere of the moisture leaving behind tangled hair with roughened cuticles. Also due to the cold, the hair is shampooed less frequently giving rise to dandruff.

While regular oiling is good for hair, excessive oiling isn’t. “It has been noticed that excess application of oil increases dandruff,” says Chaturvedi. Dandruff leads to other hair problems as it calls for using treatment products containing chemicals that could rob the moisture, again leading to breakage and brittle hair.

Bad handling

If you aren’t gentle with your hair, there will be essential damage. Rough combing, using too tight fasteners, not protecting the hair while sleeping—all contribute to breakage. The old adage of hundred brush strokes to your hair may actually cause more harm than good if the brush is too rough. Often, after a workout or an outdoor spree the hair gets sweaty. The salt deposit weakens hair.

Also, while swimming, protect the hair with a cap as the chlorinated water is bad for hair. To repair damage, use oils and moisturisers that provide protein to the hair. Extensively impaired hair requires expert treatments. In case of excessively burnt hair, the damage is can be irreversible. You can only wait for new growth to replace the destroyed hair. Your hair may not be restored to its original glory, but some relief can be expected.

This was first published in the May 2012 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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Make-up is a tool to enhance your God-gifted attributes [or underplaying faults], to give you a fabulous looking face. But a wrong move when applying make-up can do more harm than good. Here are a few such blunders that you should avoid while applying make-up.

Baseless cover

Foundation, as the name suggests, is the first step towards a well-made up face. But the rule of applying foundation is ‘less is more’. If you overdo it, it may add years [instead of beauty] to your face. A thick layer of heavy foundation enhances wrinkles and creases instead of concealing them, besides giving the face a mask-like appearance.

Excess foundation when spread unevenly on the skin emphasises the open pores and settles in the skin folds, especially on the neck, making them appear more prominent. Apply as little as possible. Use your fingers instead of a brush to apply as this prevents excess use and helps blend the foundation well into the skin. After applying, lightly dab the skin with a wet sponge. This draws out the extra foundation that has settled in the wrinkles.

“Use a liquid or water-based foundation especially if you have dry skin. Too much dry make-up on the skin makes it look caked and the fine lines get pronounced,” suggests Shalini Vasisht, a Delhi-based makeover specialist. Opt for a moisturiser-based foundation.

Often, women use a foundation that is a shade lighter than their skin tone in an elusive bid to look fairer. This boomerangs as it draws attention to the fine lines. Therefore, use a foundation shade a touch darker. You may also use a base with shimmer particles to add that glow. Gouri Kapur, Bengaluru-based make-up artist, has a solution for easy foundation shopping, “Foundation is the most critical aspect of make-up as it makes or breaks your look. Apply foundation testers and leave them on your face. If they look great even after an hour, go ahead and buy them! Foundations tend to change colour after a while so be certain about the shade before you buy. If it’s making you look grey or ashy, you are using a wrong foundation—this is generally a problem for those with wheatish, pigmented and dark skin. Find a foundation with a yellow undertone and half your battle is won.” Use a silicone-based primer to tone up your skin. It fills in the fine lines and makes your face appear smoother.

A concealer hides the blemishes on the skin. When buying one, match its shade exactly with the foundation to avoid a patchy face.

Topping the foundation with tons of powder is another no-no, especially around the eyes. Not only does it dry the skin, but it also brings out the wrinkles. If you have to use powder, do so sparingly and only around the nose.

Remember, a well-nourished beautiful skin looks much better than a thickly-covered one.

Eye spy

Nothing sets the party tone like shimmer eye shadow. But the same fashion highpoint can turn into a disaster when applied to ageing eyelids. The metallic tones encrust in the folds, magnifying sagging skin. “You can get away with metallic shades in the evening but they look garish in the day. Women with darker skin tones should avoid the cooler metallic colours like silver and go for warm earthy tones like bronze,” suggests Shalini. If you have ageing skin, toss away the blue and silver shades. It’s better to go for softer, more natural shades of eye shadow like peach, lavender and grey. Choose matte over shimmery tones.

“Eye liners drooping at the outer corners can make your eyes look more aged—they make them look droopier. Use soft/pastel eye shadows and eyeliner shapes that lift one’s eyes at the edges,” explains Aakriti Kochar, a Delhi-based make-up artist and hairstylist.

Applying thick coats of mascara or generous doses of eyeliner on the lower eyelids tends to draw attention to the sagging eye bags, crow’s feet and dark circles. It also makes the eyes look smaller. The contrast gives a harsh look, making you look older and shrew-like. Also, using extra-thick mascara causes the lashes to clump.

“If you have big, round, prominent eyes, a dark double liner would make the look jarring and scary. Using liner on the lower lid also makes the face look older. Use a smoky smudged kohl stick instead,” suggests Renuka Pillai, a bridal make-up specialist.

For a younger look, enhance the upper eyelid, curl up the eyelashes and apply coats of mascara on them to bring them in focus. Doing so makes the whites of your eyes appear brighter and fuller. Outline the upper lids with a thin stroke of eyeliner. You can thicken it up at the outer corners.

Over-plucked eyebrows make the face look harsh. Try and keep the eyebrows medium-thick. If you have thin and patchy eyebrows due to hair fall, fill in the gaps with a soft eye pencil.

Cheeky issues

Applying blusher on the apples of the cheek makes the face look sunken. Focus on the top of your cheekbones for maximum effect. Use natural tones, not stark colours. Often, women make the mistake of disregarding the shape of their faces while doing this. “Contouring, a technique where a dark blush is used under the cheeks, gives the face a more chiselled look. But if the face is thin, you get a gaunt and sunken-cheek look, which is unappealing,” explains Shalini.

Each skin has its own undertone that should be kept in mind while choosing the blusher or else the colours do not blend well. Those having yellow undertones should choose orange; pink undertones go well with peach and olive with brick.

Dated hairdo

Nothing ages a woman more than awful hair. The swish haircut that was the rage a decade ago should be treated as such—a thing of the past. It’s time to move on. Styles change and a smart woman learns to keep up with the changing times. Grey hair may show your wisdom but they also spell age in bold letters. Take up a rinse in a natural shade. Too brassy or dark colours will clash and make you look haggard. Light highlights can also soften up the look. Change your hairstyle to a more conventional cut.

“Cheap hair extensions, ready-made curly switches and artificial hair extensions look tacky. It is better to get the hair curled or extended instead of using these accessories,” feels Renuka.

According to Gouri, “Dry and unkempt hair say a lot about a woman’s personality. Regular conditioning, hair spas and oil massages are a must. Don’t give excuses for bad hair days—fix them. Accessorise, tie, dry, shampoo…do whatever you have to, but add style to it.

Avoid getting a treatment at unprofessional places to save money. Think judiciously before you choose to do permanent hair straightening and colour treatments. Bad hair jobs can look disastrous and worsen ageing.”

Tips on lips

Luscious lips in bold hues of red symbolise the enchantress since eternity. However, as the lips start losing their fullness, such bold dark colours make them appear thinner than they are. With the appearance of pucker lines along the lips there are more chances of a deep red colour bleeding out.

Also, the contrast may bring attention to the not-so-sparkling teeth. Go for sheer overtones of lip colour with a slick of gloss. Use a defining lip liner to avoid lipstick bleeds. However, this has to be done skilfully.

“Dark outlines can make the lips look thinner and the face more mature than it actually is. Wear a lip gloss to make lips look plumper, especially if you have thin lips,” suggests Aakriti. And remember, red might still be okay but wear maroon and you’ll age by 10 years, according to Renuka.

This was first published in the March 2012 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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In the recent years, the following types of natural fabric are back in demand.

Organic cotton

The feel of crisp cotton on a hot summer day is indeed bliss. Cotton doesn’t irritate the skin; it breathes, allowing good air circulation. It absorbs body moisture, which, in turn, keeps the skin dry and cool. According to Cotton Council International, it is hypoallergenic and resists dust-mites, making it a good choice for those prone to allergies, asthma and those with sensitive skin. Besides, cotton is easy to maintain.

However, some of these skin-friendly properties of cotton may be lost because cotton growers use a large amount of insecticides while growing it. These pesticides stick to the fabric and may be absorbed by the skin on contact. So when you buy clothes made of cotton, make sure the cotton used is of organic variety.

“Organic cotton is excellent for people with sensitive or allergic skin,” explains Mini Shibu, creative director of an eco-fashion store in Bangalore. “Cotton is comfortable in all seasons. However, it has a high shrinkage value so pre-shrink the fabric before stitching.”

If you aren’t sure if the cotton you buy is organic, simply wash it before you wear to get rid of chemical traces.

Jute

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Jute is a strong fibre that does not degrade on exposure to sunlight. It is a good insulator of heat, provides UV protection, has low thermal conduction and is anti-static. These qualities also make it a popular choice for furnishing.

The manufacturing process does not involve using harsh chemicals and hence the fabric doesn’t cause skin irritations. Although inherently cool, jute is blended with wool to form a warm fabric. Fine jute fibres are also used to create silk-like golden fabric, which has caught the imagination of designers in recent times.

Linen

Linen is a fine fibre extracted from the stem of the flax plant. It is soft and shiny, and stronger than cotton. This cloth is highly absorbent. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. It does not cause rashes or allergies and is anti-static too. This thermal regulating fabric allows the skin to breathe, keeping the body cool in summer and warm in winter. The smooth fibre produces lint-free fabric, which is a boon for those prone to allergies. “Linen is a fabric that has a unique lustre. It does not trap sweat and hence allows the body to breathe. However, it requires a bit of care as it is not a wash-and-wear fabric. Blended with silk, it becomes much stronger and gives a beautiful texture,” explains Shibu.

However, it lacks elasticity. This is the reason why it wrinkles easily.

Silk

Silk is a natural anti-allergen. It is lint-free and inhospitable to mites. It is soft and hence doesn’t irritate the skin. The texture and composition of the material discourages bacterial growth. Because of its light and airy texture, it is often used in nightwear. The material adapts easily to the shape of your body, increasing your comfort and improving sleep quality.

Although it is a natural fibre, environmentalists have been up in the arms regarding the method of producing silk fibre. Traditionally, silk is obtained from the cocoon by killing the pupa to get an unbroken strand. Organic or Ahimsa silk is made without killing the pupa. The fully-formed cocoons are left unharmed with the live pupa inside. When it matures into an adult moth, it bores a hole in the cocoon and flies off. The silk thread is then woven from the discarded cocoon. This method produces a fabric that is equivalent to regular silk. The resultant organic silk is slightly less lustrous, but much softer than normal silk. The Ahimsa silk is also wrinkle-free and has a better fall. Since this organic silk is woven like cotton, it produces a warmer fabric.

In China, researchers are trying to produce silk from milk and soy. This silk is 100 per cent organic. However, this fibre is still not in the mainstream. Soy silk is made from tofu manufacturing waste. Soy protein, a by-product of tofu, is used to make soy silk.

Bamboo fibre

Bamboo fibre is produced from the pulp of the bamboo plant. The plant grows naturally and abundantly without fertilisers and pesticides. The bamboo fabric is soft, smooth and comfortable. It is softer than cotton with a silk-like texture. The bamboo fabric absorbs and evaporates sweat in seconds. This natural breathability keeps you dry for longer.

It stays two degrees cooler than the ambient temperature in summer and significantly warmer in winter. Bamboo fabric inhibits the growth of bacteria, making it hygienic. The Japanese Textile Inspection Association found that bamboo fabric retains these properties even after 50 washes. In addition, it does not cause skin abrasions or reactions. Pure bamboo clothes can dry twice as fast as cotton clothes.

Banana fibre

The banana fibre is obtained from the white trunk of the banana tree. The outermost layer of the stalk produces coarser fibre used for carpets and ropes. The inner layer yields soft fabric for clothing. Banana fibre is strong, lightweight and glossy. This biodegradable fibre absorbs moisture well. Hitherto it was used for ropes and mats only. However, with the discovery of its more amazing properties, the fashion industry has also sat up to take notice.

Other materials

There are many other organic fibres, although not so popular in India.

Hemp, a versatile jute-like fibre, comes from the cannabis family. It effectively blocks UV rays and has no residual chemical effect. The plant for this extremely strong fibre can be grown almost anywhere without pesticides and very little water. It is biodegradable too.

Ramie, extracted from China grass, is a native of eastern Asia. Eight times stronger than cotton, this fibre has been around for centuries. This lustrous fabric is comfortable, stain resistant, easily washable, and absorbent and does not shrink.

Nettle fibre, derived from a wild weed called stinging nettles, is a natural moth repellent. Ages ago, before cotton was discovered, nettle fabric was extensively used. Its natural insulation makes it great for winters.

So the next time you want to add something different to your wardrobe, try the eco-friendly options. Don’t give non-availability as an excuse, they are easily available online.

This was first published in the November 2011 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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Gloria Starr, image and etiquette advisor, ranked in the top five consultants world-wide explains, “Etiquette is the art of making others feel comfortable. It is the skill of an ambassador and I believe that everyone should be an ambassador for themselves, their company and their country.”

Corporates are seeking experts of business etiquette to groom their employees.Priya Warrick president-cum-executive director, Priya Warrick Finishing School, says “Several organisations are arranging corporate grooming sessions for their employees as it helps them deal with clients effectively. Politeness puts you on a pedestal and is the most effective way of getting things done. The behaviour and deportment of the person reflects on the organisation.”

A command over the proper business etiquette enables a person to concentrate fully on the business in hand and not on her behaviour. Here’s some expert advice on some of the major etiquette issues that people usually take for granted.

Making introductions

In a business environment you constantly meet new people. The lack of social etiquette while introducing people makes for a lousy first—and sometimes even last—impression. Not many people are aware that there is a hierarchy to follow when making introductions.

“Introduce the higher ranking person first by saying his name first in the introduction. Also keep in mind the “HOW” rule, which stands for higher, older, women.

Rank is considered first, but show respect for an older or elderly person. A woman would be introduced first if she is senior in age or when the woman is of equal status or rank,” advises USA-based business etiquette expert, Colleen A Rickenbacher, author of Be On Your Best Business Behaviour.

Here’s an example of a good introduction: “Mr Arvind Khurana, CEO, Sir this is Pankaj Awasthi Senior Manager, Finance.”

That is just not it. After the basic introduction, back it up by enumerating some information about the introduced person. “Mr. Khurana sings ghazals beautifully.” “Pankaj is a budding writer.”

Look at the person you are speaking about. If you are in a large group, ignore this rule—just go around in a round robin manner and introduce people in order. A person who is clearly miles ahead in stature gets mentioned before all. For instance, “Shahrukh Khan, meet my colleagues Jaya, Aisha, Anil and Rajesh.”

In the corporate world, the person who holds the highest post always comes first and you move down. If you have clients or customers in the group, they occupy the privileged position here.

Usually, the host does the introductions, but if the host is busy, go ahead, introduce your self.

Saying thank you

There are two little magic words; That would open any door with ease; One little word is thanks; And the other little world is please.

These lines from a nursery verse contain invaluable advice. A polite person never fails to impress. Always respond to a gift, card, congratulatory note, a party invitation, a recommendation and successful completion of a project with a thank you note.

Email is an acceptable medium nowadays but nothing could beat the graciousness of a nicely written note on quality paper.

“I have an easy way to remember how to handle thank you and that is ‘3-3-3’—it only takes three minutes to write a thank you note; a note needs to be only three sentences long; and it should be sent within three days. If you miss the three-day limit, don’t think you are excused. Still send the note but try not to wait for three weeks or three months to do it,” says Rickenbacher.

Barbara Pachter, an expert on business etiquette, and author of eight books on the subject, including the latest New Rules @ Work says, “Is it appropriate to say thank you with an email? I’ve lessened my stance on it, as long as it’s not for a gift,” she announces.

“When you send a thank-you note for a gift, it could take 3 – 4 days to get there. People start thinking, isn’t this person going to acknowledge it?”

Similarly, do not hesitate to drop in a sorry note when you are wrong or in case of a mishap involving someone you know. People appreciate these small gestures; they give you an edge over the competition.

Engaging in small talk

Conversations are the key to success. Often, big deals are struck during discussions. While conversing keep your voice low, maintain eye contact and liberally intersperse your sentences with words like “surely” and “certainly” and see the magic bloom.

The British always open a conversation with discussing the weather. Small talk is vital for building a rapport with people. Current affairs, sports, weather, books, theatre and movies are all good conversation starters.

“Do not discuss religion, politics, money or any topics that are sexual or racist in nature. Personal questions should not be about an individual’s marital status, age, education, parentage, income and cost of possessions,” advises corporate grooming expert Suneeta Kanga.

“When you find yourself in a group of strangers, join in and listen to the flow of conversation for a while. Add your own opinion and then introduce yourself. Never stand next to a wall, as it shows a lack of confidence,” suggests Warrick.

Also, listen to what the other person is saying attentively. People get bored of loudmouthed braggarts.

Saying no

Being polite and courteous doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you. Many a times it is important to say no, but a proper refusal should be unambiguous and impersonal. Yet, the person should get the message loud and clear.

If a person gets obnoxiously rude to you when you refuse, be firm but stand your ground. Do not shout back. Smile and move away diplomatically. “If a person is being downright insulting, excuse yourself and leave,” advises Starr.

Speaking on phone

Cell phones are so ubiquitous today that you have to learn the right decorum to be maintained while using the mobile. You will agree that loud buzzing of some lyrical tune in front of a business associate causes embarrassment.

Also when you are talking on the phone, keep your voice low. People shouting away into their mobiles, specially the Bluetooth-enabled ones, in public places seem very crass.

Tone down your ring tone—both in volume as well as content. While in a meeting or conference keep the cell on mute.

Do not keep other colleagues waiting while you speak on the phone. Always insist on calling back later unless urgent.

“If your phone rings while talking to someone, apologise and ask permission to attend it. You should move away and swiftly attend the call in low tones,” suggests Warrick.

So if you want to climb the corporate ladder, polish your Ps and Qs. As Suneeta Kanga, explains, “Polished professionals are the most valuable asset for any organisation. They are among the most cost-effective methods for a business to generate positive public relations.”

Dress code

According to Barbara Pachter, an expert on business etiquette, “The first question people need to ask themselves: Is my clothing appropriate—for my job, my profession, my company, my part of the country?

What’s appropriate for a corporation in New York may not be for a small office in some other part of the world. You send a message through your clothing, and you have to know what that is.”

Although businesses scenarios have become increasingly informal in dress and attitude over the past two decades, a large proportion of the corporate world hasn’t completely lost its desire for a bit of decorum and savoir faire.

Many organisations insist on a formal dress code. Even if the dress code at a do is mentioned as informal, it is not the occasion to take out your little black dress with the plunging neckline or the torn jeans.

The post Manners matter appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

After you cross 40, your body changes—your muscles lose some of their elasticity and your sense of balance and reflexes gets affected. As a result, fatigue sets in early and your reaction time increases, making you more prone to injuries.

“When you are young, your cells keep multiplying and you get less tired. Whereas, at an older age, your body takes longer to recuperate and rebound from muscle fatigue,” says Mumbai-based trainer and fitness consultant Reema Sarin. That’s why it’s important for you to go about fitness after 40 in the right way.

Consult before you begin

Before taking up sport or any rigorous activity, consult your doctor. This is important because strenuous exercise can aggravate heart diseases, joint inflammation or respiratory diseases. Get a complete look-over done by your doctor. Inform her about your exercise plans and heed to her advice to avoid trouble later.

Mumbai-based practitioner, Sujatha Chari advises getting yourself checked for osteopenia [lower than normal bone mineral density] and early osteoarthritis, which sets in around this age. It is also important to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure in check.

Also discuss with your doctor the activities that you should avoid. For instance, cycling and stepping exercises may not be recommended for those with knee problems.

Start slow

“Overuse injuries are the most common and occur in the feet, ankles, shins, knees, hips or back. You should be careful not to do too much too soon. Build up the time, intensity and impact slowly and wear well-fitting footwear to avoid injuries,” says Kelli Calabrese, American fitness, nutrition and lifestyle expert.

So start gradually and slowly step up momentum. For instance, if you plan to jog, first start by walking. And don’t increase the pace more than ten percent at a time per week. Practice the swings and movements for games like badminton, tennis or golf before starting a round. Rushing things may give you a nagging injury.

Warm up

When at rest, our muscles are cold and stiff—more so, if they haven’t seen any strenuous exercise for long. The first thing to do is warm them up—take a brisk walk or do some spot jogging.

Sarin advises a warm-up of at least 5 – 7 minutes, followed by a 5-minute low-impact cardio, wherein you do fast walking and other aerobic exercises. This helps the muscles lose their stiffness and gets them ready for more arduous work.

Stretch

It’s mandatory to stretch at the end of your routine, when your muscles are supple and stretch easily. Stretching gives muscles time to relax and cool down sufficiently. Never stretch before a game, but always after.

Know your limits

A middle-aged person should remember that she is no more a spring chicken of 20. The passage of time has shown its effects and they must be respected. It is important to know your limits and adhere to them. Observe the impact a particular exercise has on your body. Proceed if only it is favourable; do not try to impress anyone including you.

If you feel that you have hurt yourself, stop immediately. Do not try to brave the injury. Distinguish between ordinary muscle soreness and a muscle injury; soreness reduces with time, an injury doesn’t.

Swollen joints, persisting pain [more than a day or two], difficulty using a limb, or sharp shooting pain, are symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Refer to a doctor immediately. Rest the injured area and suspend activity till it has healed completely.

An ideal plan

According to Kelli Calabrese, American fitness, nutrition and lifestyle expert, your regime should include:

• Cardiovascular conditioning—most days of the week for a minimum of 20 minutes – 60 minutes at moderate to vigorous intensities.
• Strength training—3 days per week on alternating days challenging each major muscle group.
• Stretching—daily. It is best performed at the end of a workout or after a hot shower. Hold each stretch for 10 – 30 seconds and repeat four times.

The post Sporty @ forty appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Hence, detox diets—and even weight loss diets—require us to forgo some food groups. While some diets restrict carbohydrates, others say no to sugar or salt, still others forbid caffeine intake.

But evidence suggests that whenever our body observes the lack of supply of a particular ingredient, it reacts in a certain way, sometimes even violently. Let us have a look at the withdrawal symptoms of various food categories.

Withdrawal symptoms of a detox diet

Caffeine detox

Tea/coffee are the most targeted food group in a diet. A lot of people are addicted to tea and coffee and sometimes have several cups a day. On completely discontinuing tea or coffee, some changes take place in the nervous and vascular system, as the body tries to get rid of the poisons and realign its systems according to the new regime.

“Caffeine in coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks is habit-forming. It therefore creates dependability and withdrawal signs show up when it is stopped,” says Sheela Krishnaswamy, an independent diet, nutrition and wellness consultant.

Withdrawal symptoms of caffeine

The first symptom to manifest is a headache that stays for 2 – 3 days. You may also experience pain in the stomach and joints, which subsides after 3 – 4 days [the time taken by the receptors in the brain to be free of caffeine consumption]. Clogged sinuses and a running nose are other symptoms. For many people, tea and coffee work as a laxative, so constipation too is a common occurrence. Besides that, you may feel irritable and drowsy.

Cure: Take a couple of analgesics and ample rest. Having a very small amount of tea or coffee may also alleviate the symptoms. Switch to herbal teas or decaffeinated brews.

Cola detox

Soft drinks can be the primary source of calories and sugar for you. According to dietician Joanne Larsen of dietitian.com, there are nine teaspoons of sugar in each 12 ounce [355 ml] can of soda.

Caffeinated soda and energy drinks may contain other stimulants too, which may make you feel nervous. Reducing or eliminating caffeinated soda and energy drinks with stimulants should reduce feelings of nervousness.

Withdrawal symptoms of cola

Strong cravings and headaches are common symptoms. Dehydration may occur if soda is your main source of water for the body.

Cure: Switch to natural juices and decaffeinated drinks. Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration.

Simple Carbs detox

Food items made of refined flour such as bread, cake, candy, pasta, noodles, and white rice are associated with a higher incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even breast cancer. And eating refined carbs, over time, results in almost certain weight gain.

Withdrawal symptoms of refined carbs

The first week is miserable, with a feeling of fatigue and acute craving for carbohydrate-rich food. You may feel constantly hungry and irritable or even experience nausea.

S K Thakur, a senior gastroenterologist, explains, “When your source of income dries up, you utilise assets like gold and silver. Similarly, when the intake of carbohydrates gets restricted, the body starts using the stored fats.” This process is called ketosis. As a result, the insulin levels in the blood drops, stabilising the blood sugar and the body loses weight. After the first week, the person starts to feel better and the craving pangs reduce.

Cure: Drink plenty of water to enable fat metabolism. Eat protein-rich foods like eggs and dal. You can take a teaspoon of good quality MCT oil or even pure coconut oil — it helps ease your cravings for carbs. If you feel nauseous, take adequate rest. “Substitute refined flour with complex carbs such as jowar, bajra or nachni to help you feel fuller without the negative effects,” suggests Mukerjee.

Salt detox

Salt is a chemical compound consisting of sodium, which is detrimental to health. While reducing salt intake is good, when a person drastically restricts his intake of salt for an extended period of time, the old accumulations in the body are excreted through the skin and kidneys.

Withdrawal symptoms of salt

In the initial days, there may be a salty taste in the mouth. “Cramps are initially experienced as salt is removed from the diet or rapidly excreted from the body,” adds nutritionist Honey Khanna. Other withdrawal symptoms include high blood pressure, lethargy and drowsiness, and excessive urination [as salt is water retentive]. In extreme cases, you may experience hypernatremia [electrolyte disturbance in the body] and fits.

Cure: Reduce salt intake slowly. Replace regular salt with rock salt or low-sodium salt.

Meat detox

Meat eaters have a high acid content in their body. When they stop eating meat, the body attempts to revert to the healthier, alkaline condition.

Withdrawal symptoms of meat

As the acids leave the body through the pores, they leave behind a disagreeable smell, foul breath and a bitter taste in the mouth. You may also experience some hair loss and muscular weakness. Once all the acid has been neutralised, these symptoms disappear.

Cure: Consume lots of fruits, vegetables and fluids.

Dairy detox

Milk is considered by many as a complete meal in itself. However, some people become lactose-intolerant and have to cut down on milk. Milk contains tryptophan [essential amino acid], which is sleep-inducing.

Withdrawal symptoms of dairy

Lack of sleep, lethargy, grogginess, mood swing, and headaches are common. You may also experience ailments like multiple bowel syndrome and chronic constipation.

Cure: Replace regular milk [cow or buffalo milk] by soy milk. “By completely eliminating dairy products from our diet, we deprive ourselves of calcium, a mineral that’s imperative for strong bones and teeth. This is an open invitation for diseases like osteoporosis at a later stage in life,” explains Deepika Malik, executive director, LifeCentury, and a qualified Ayurveda practitioner. You can also meet your calcium requirements with the help of supplements.

Sugar detox

Many dieticians treat sugar as slow poison. Not only does it promote weight gain, but it is also deadly for a person with diabetic tendencies. In many ways, what seems harmless is actually a cause of diabetes, obesity, and a variety of other problems.

“We take sugar withdrawal as seriously as addictions to substances like alcohol or drugs,” says Malik.

Withdrawal symptoms of sugar

Due to low blood sugar levels, the first symptom is acute craving for sugar and sugar products. Next is fatigue, in the absence of the energy boost sugar gives.

Depression, anxiety and mood swings may be experienced as sugar enhances these emotions too. It is also common to experience headaches, similar to the ones experienced in caffeine withdrawal. Other withdrawal symptoms include drowsiness, skin rashes and throat discomfort. In extreme cases, fever with tremors, unconsciousness and seizures are observed.

Cure: Cut off sugar slowly instead on stopping all at once. Switch to fresh fruits, salads and nuts.

Fat detox

A major chunk of our population suffers from obesity. The prime suspects are our fat-intensive diet and sedentary lifestyle. However, fats also provide many of the necessary vitamins. Embarking on a fat less or low-fat diet, reduces the level of vitamins like A, D, E and K in the body.

Withdrawal symptoms of fat

All problems related to the deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E and K manifest. You may also suffer from dryness of skin and hair, itching, weakness of bones, and night blindness.

Cure: Eat good fats like almonds and walnuts and fresh fruits.

A word of caution about detox diets

While going on any type of diet, reduce in stages instead of imposing a total stop on the consumption of any food item. “If you are cutting down on the consumption of above foods, you can avoid some of the symptoms by doing it slowly. If the craving persists, substitutes can be used,” suggests Khanna. Some withdrawal symptoms like that associated with wheat/caffeine withdrawal might require medical management.

■ This article was last updated on 18^th February 2021

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The immune system is a combined functioning of many organs, structures and substances within the body that detect and kill invading foreign elements. Well, visualise your body as a fort. It is armed with soldiers to protect it from germs and microbes. These vigilant soldiers are your body’s immune system. If they become weak, the body becomes susceptible to a variety of infections like cold and upset stomach to major illnesses like HIV and Cancer.

A strong immune system means a healthier body free from infections. Imagine going through winter without the perpetual sniffles and cold.

It is also important to notice the symptoms of a weak immune system. Do you catch cold at the first blast of chilly air? Are such colds and coughs frequent? Do you require more than the normal dose of antibiotics to cure it? Do you take longer than normal to recover from everyday infections? Are there recurring instances of yeast infections, bronchitis, pneumonia or stomach problems? If the answers are yes, your immune system needs boosting.

So what do you do to boost your immune system? You will be surprised how small changes in your lifestyle can make a huge difference.

Be positive

The fighter cells in the body take the cue from your moods and feelings. A research by Mayo Clinic has proved that optimistic people tend to live about a decade longer than pessimists. People who have a negative attitude and are easily stressed have a weaker immune response. So keep your mood upbeat. You can employ whatever it takes to achieve that. Surround yourself with your favourite music — it is said to boost immunity too.

Socialise

As Munnabhai’s mom puts it, a “jadoo ki jhappi” is a cure for many ailments. Research has shown that people who go out and mingle, have a stronger immune system. Friends are a natural safety valve for the daily stress and help in alleviating the mood when you are “down in the dumps”. An easy camaraderie, hugs, nurturing, friendly touches and social contacts go a long way in fighting invading germs. When you are pleased with yourself and your life, you are less likely to fall ill.

Avoid stress

A body under severe stress releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. They work towards lowering the immunity of the body. It is often seen that people go down with a cold or upset stomach just before important events. Stress also causes anxiety that inhibits the disease fighting cells of your body. So keep stress at bay. Employ whatever technique you deem fit to fight stress – yoga, aerobics, chants, meditation, breathing exercises or prayer – they all help to relax a stressed mind and increase immunity. It is important that you practice them regularly, especially before situations that may increase stress — exams, presentations or competitions.

Move your butt

Doing moderate exercises regularly boosts your body’s defence system. It improves your mood and helps relieve stress. Regular exercise also elevates the activity of the disease-fighting cells in the body. An exercise routine releases endorphins that go a long way in improving your health and happiness.

Eat right

Get the required nutrition from all food groups. It has been noticed that losing weight speedily with crash dieting, lowers immunity. Crash diets impair the immune system as calorie restriction suppresses the activity of natural killer cells — a type of white blood cells that guard against viral infections and abnormal growths. Ensure that you eat five servings of fruit and vegetables. Flush your body with fluids as dehydration lowers immunity. Blueberries, broccoli and whole grains naturally boost immunity. Reduce the level of white sugar and increase the proteins in your diet. Avoid excessive caffeine and chocolates.

There are some foods that naturally help in boosting the body’s immunity. Vitamin C is the most easily available and effective immunity booster. It increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and prevents the entry of viruses by increasing the pH. It is found in citrus fruits, guava, papaya, kiwi and strawberries. Vitamin E is another anti-oxidant that encourages production of fighter cells. It is found in vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals. Zinc increases the production of white blood cells and increases their activity. Oysters and beans are rich in zinc. Opt for the darker coloured vegetables [berries, kale, and broccoli] as they are high in flavonoids, polyphenols and other anti-oxidants.

Abstain

The devil is there luring the poor folks with a million things. It is time you start standing up to the horned horror. Too much alcohol or nicotine pulls down the immune system, making it easy meat for the invading germs. So keep them in moderation. It also goes for other vices like late nights, spicy food and sprawling in front of the TV. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Any machinery needs tuning up for proper functioning and your body is no different.

A little care goes a long way in maintaining a healthy body. So it is time you took a little trouble and nurtured yourself. After all you expect it to last you, a lifetime!

The post Healthy lifestyle, healthier you appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

We can trace the origin of the juicy fruit to China. The first reference of its mass cultivation is found in the history of the Indus Valley Civilisation, about 6000 years ago. It travelled with the Greek and Roman traders to the Mediterranean, Italy, Spain and Africa. Christopher Columbus introduced the fruit to America. The European seafarers discovered the health benefits of this fruit. It helped prevent scurvy, a disease quiet common in the undernourished sea travellers. They started carrying them along in their voyages. The tales of its benefits spread so much that it was made compulsory for every sailor to carry at least a hundred seeds of oranges with him on every trip to the Americas!

Orange is one of the largest berries on earth. It likes full sunlight and hates excess water. This is why it thrives in arid lands too.

Highly nutritious

It is the ideal fruit for people on diet. A medium-sized orange provides about 60-70 calories, but the rich fibre content is filling. They also clean our systems of toxins and helps build collagen, which is essential for body-building or convalescing.

Oranges are fat-and-cholesterol-free and low in sodium. They are abundant in calcium, potassium, vitamin C and phosphorus. People suffering from respiratory tract diseases should include a lot of oranges in their diet as the vitamin C acts like natural anti-histamine. The vitamin C not only builds immunity but also acts as a catalyst for iron absorption.

A phytonutrient present in oranges is said to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

One can say in simple terms that vitamin C lessens hypertension and keeps blood pressure in check.

It builds resistance against common infections such as cough and cold.

A cup of orange juice will give 110 calories, 82 mg of Vitamin C and 473 mg of potassium, which is priceless for the body. With this nutritive value and low fat content, oranges are necessary for expectant mothers. They also contain a small amount of manganese, copper or zinc.

Oranges better than juice

A dose of vitamin C supplements cannot match the goodness of oranges. This has been proven by research of Italian researchers in the Division of Human Nutrition at the University Of Milan, Italy [Guarnieri S, Riso P, et al., British Journal of Nutrition]. It seems that Vitamin C is not the only beneficial element of an orange. It is a complex mixture of many phytonutrients that provide immunity to the body. Research scientists in Northern California led by chemist Gary D Manners, have demonstrated that citrus liminoids called limonene present in the oranges, help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. This finding can be useful in arresting the spread of cancer as the liminoids do not show any noticeable side effects.

Research also shows that regular consumption of orange juice reduces the crystallisation of calcium oxalate and uric acid — the two main compounds that cause stones in the kidney. The high acidic content of oranges may result in rashes if given to kids less than 12 months old. However, they can be given to older kids safely.

The pasteurised and packed orange juice does not provide the same nutrients as the freshly-squeezed one. Oranges can be peeled and eaten raw. Alternatively, orange juice packs a punch. However, ensure that the juice is not devoid of the entire fibre. Peeled and de-skinned orange sections can be mixed with other fruits to make a delicious salad or fruit cream. Then, there is marmalade and orange jelly to use the fruit in the preserved form.

While buying oranges, choose the pieces having smooth texture and thin skin. The heavier fruit promise more juice. They need not be solid orange in colour to be good. The ones having green or russet colouring may be just as good. Avoid buying oranges that have a soft spot or mouldy patches. Do not store oranges in plastic bags as they may develop mould.

The orange peel is an excellent application for the skin.

• Dry the leftover peels in shade.
• Grind them to make a coarse powder.
• Mix it with milk or creme and apply all over the face.
• Keep for thirty minutes or till dry.
• Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry to watch your skin glow.

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