Wellness

Why I write:Sanity and beyond

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on July 31, 2018 20

Morning habits are very important.It’s the best way to start the day off right.

The last month was very busy.One important thing which helps me is writing my morning pages.

Some times the pages are not used as posts.Sometimes they rarely make sense.But what it does is lets me keep writing.

The writing muscle like other muscles works best when you use it regularly.I have seen writing helps me calm down. Just like music which I listen in loops.On days when nothing seems to go right, when I am not feeling creative, when I can’t share stories, I write. Whatever comes to mind or I research and take down notes.That makes me feel happy again.

Neil Patel in one of his posts had mentioned, if you want to write more, learn to type faster!

That’s such simple advice but one which many ignore.Since going for typing classes is not a possibility, the next best way is to practice as best as I can.I am still pretty slow.But I am getting there.

Being a work in progress has its advantages.

When I write it’s difficult.Not the actual writing itself.The difficult part is making it into a cohesive post which will help someone somewhere.It’s definitely far from a masterpiece.

I am in a perpetual hurry. I mess up grammar, spelling punctuation sometimes all at once. That’s really bad.But inspite of the fear of ridicule. I write.

It still needs a lot of work.I write some more.

Every day I do three things:

Write a lot.That’s one thing I can do.Never give up trying.Whats the worst that will happen?

Will people laugh?People won’t read?Well, I believe there are people just like me, who will read what I write.They will understand my why.That’s why wherever you are if you ever feel you should stop writing because you are not good enough.Stop thinking that!Just write.Learn .Write some more.Just don’t stop.

Don’t worry.If God made you start writing he has plans.Your work is to do what makes you happy.If writing makes you happy, write.But never forget your why.Its the most important reason.

Read a lot about writing:

My all time favorite book On Writing . I read a few pages every day.It’s inspiring, it’s insightful and helpful for people like me.

Read a lot.

When work is fun, it doesn’t feel like work.That’s why book reviews are so much fun!I adore reading Fiction(mysteries and magic.courtroom drama),nonfiction (on writing ,blogging,self-help.small business.home decor ,gardening).The list is exhausting what I can read!But reading has two purposes.Entertainment and learning .until you read a lot can you become a good writer?

What do you think?

Comment below to let me know.

Constipation Taboos:Lets Talk about it

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on July 16, 2018 47

In medical college, during community medicine classes, we once had a discussion about the ideal location for a toilet.This discussion often made us grimace.After one such class, one of, my friends said

“Amrita you haven’t used a toilet in rural India, how would you know why this is such an important topic!.”

The Gods were listening.I married my best friend from medical college who by God’s grace came from a small village in West Bengal.All things being equal, God helps us get the lessons we need.My in laws place was much better than many in the village.But no running water!Plus the toilet was outside the actual home, even though in the courtyard!

Imagine me newly wed, born and city-bred throughout, looking with shocked silence at this facility.The problem was exactly what Vidya Balan talks about in the famous ad.How in heaven’s name, is the new bride supposed to do her morning loo visit, in front of all the guests?

Luckily for me, my hubby understood my silent torment and stood guard in front of the loo.

But the result from that and later visits was always constipation.

The anxiety, stress is so bad that you don’t want to drink water or any other thing which will make you visit the loo.

But I was lucky.I know women who suffer so badly, they end up getting hemorrhoids, fissures and worse.These are step sisters of constipation.The harder your poop is the worse it will be.One in seven Indians have constipation and suffer silently.

Statistics show women more than men suffer from constipation.The situation becomes a bigger problem with advancing age. Constipation in India, has less to do with biology and more to do with sociology.

Women just can’t talk about it, till it becomes bad.They suffer from chronic irritation, anger, frustration and all the spectrum of diseases that constipation brings.

I know women who spend more than 2 hours in the loo and freak out if they have to travel!Travel being part of many jobs makes matters worse.

Since we are talking about breaking the stigma, I want to give a big shout out to the Government’s initiative of building toilets in rural India.Believe me, we need it.

Also all along the national highways for women travelers, we need hygienic safe toilets with proper security.Who can poop in peace when you afraid of you life right?.

Even in villages, the toilet needs to be safely inside the home with running water, otherwise, the purpose doesn’t get served.

How to break the vicious cycle?

Talk about any problem you are having early.

People have different pooping habits.Once a day is a norm, but even twice is not uncommon.According to the definition, some people go 3 times a day, and some 3 times a week.Anything less than 3 times is bad and cause for worry.

[bctt tweet=”Up to 3 times a day, and some 3 times a week.Anything less than 3 times a day is bad and cause for worry. #HWB guess what I am talking about ” username=”misra_amrita”]

What’s bad is when it’s not a daily habit and you ignore nature’s call and carry on with your other important work.

Believe me when I say this

‘ A happy pooper is a happy person.”

Your Gastrointestinal tract has a nervous system.It interacts with your brain.When you miss pooping, this sends stress signals to your brain and makes you irritable.How weird is that?

Not really.Only if you knew about the pooping habits of the cranky old man in the corner shop!Remember Piku?Get the drift.When it comes to #Constipation conversations you can’t ignore habits, diet, and lifestyle.

Habits

Encourage children to have daily pooping habits.When they need to go , they should go’.Otherwise, they don’t understand at the right time and wrong time.

Diet

Drink water: Fluids , fruits, and probiotics are the 3 pillars of your diet.

The best fluid to get those toxins flushed out of your body.At Least 4 liters and up to 6 liters if it’s very hot!The single biggest change comes with this free drink that God has given.Fuids include water, juice and soups, but not tea, coffee or cold drinks.the latter three can make it worse.

Include plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet to get a good amount of fibers.

Health tip for a happy you:

Remember 3 things for good loo habits: Fluid, Fruit, and probiotics.

3 Fruits which make your bowels happy are Green Kiwi, banana, and prunes.

Apples with peel, berries, guava, all have good fiber content.Nuts(walnut and almond are best), seeds like flaxseed should all be included in a balanced diet.

Veggies good for you in this department: Most green leafy vegetables, beans, sweet potato, have a good amount of fiber.

Lifestyle

Don’t stress it.Chronic stress can make constipation worse and constipation makes you stress.vicious cycle!
Never ignore the urge!If you are afraid of hygiene issues at the workplace, carry tissues and wet wipes to make it easier.

Just don’t torture the rest of you because you didn’t poop!

Exercise every day .not once in a blue moon and not 3 times a week .everyday.Walk for 20 to 40 minutes every day, lift weights, do yoga, skipping ropes pilates. rock climbing, whatever, just get moving.

Conclusion:

If you have never had constipation, this might look like too much worry.But did you know a blocked bowel can give rise to serious medical conditions?

It is a big cause of depression, anxiety, poor sexual satisfaction, unhappy marital life, social awkwardness and reduced self-confidence.

But don’t worry, there’s help.The power is in your hand.If you take care of the 3Fs (Fluid, fiber fear), probiotics and exercise, things will get better.

Do you have any tips for a healthy bowel?

#Disclaimer ‘I attended a panel discussion on constipation awareness facilitated by Abbott India Limited. Any opinion expressed on this blog is my personal opinion and not the opinion of Abbott India Limited. Abbott India Limited does not assume any liability for the content of the blog. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment for people having constipation problems. Any reader of this blog suffering from constipation problems should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment’

#Thankful Thursdays(26) :3 Ways to say Thank you

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on July 9, 2018 20

Ways to say thank you thankfulness is an interesting habit.Yes, it is a habit.One which is in its 26 weeks for me.If you read 21 days to forming a good habit, you will realize, I have taken this to 26 weeks.That’s almost 6 months of thankfulness. yes to the girl game of thorn full-service day girl gang of thankful

Loads of gratefulness to the GirlGang off Thankful Thursdays and all those who write with us.Without you nothing would be fun or meaningful.It would be impossible at worst and boring at best.

There is a rule the universe follows:

When you want something say Thank you

Thank you, God,

For Giving me my health

A roof over my head

Loving family,

Supportive friends

Fulfilling profession

And this miracle call writing!

Two and a half years back I didn’t know I wanted to write. Had never heard of blogs.Yes really.I had my head stuck inside medical books and story books.Then I found The inspired room blog.The rest, as they say, is history.

But since then I have come a long way. The only way to be blessed is to say thank you.

I have found 3 ways to say thank you

I do everything in my power to express my thankfulness. Through words and deeds, directly and/or indirectly.
Keeping that feeling of thankfulness in my heart and that special person in my prayers ,always.I never underestimate the power of prayers.When you really pray hard, you send positive energy from the ether towards that person’s life.Concentration is needed for this and mindfulness helps. It is the strength of your mind, which can create miracles.
By taking forward the action which made me say thank you in the first place.Because what goes around needs to come around.

How do you say thank you? Comment below to let me know.

Writing this for today’s prompt on #Thankful Thursdays

Prompt this week

3 Ways to say Thank You

Thankful Thursdays :3 Ways to say thank you — Thankful Thursdays:3 Ways to say thank you

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How To Keep It Together When Things Fall Apart: 10 Hacks That Could Save You

By Mayuri Nidigallu on July 8, 2018 19

Life is full of surprises. There are times when situations overwhelm you and you feel you can’t take anymore and then suddenly you’re pleasantly surprised in the form of relief.

That is the break that sometimes keeps us from breaking apart.

At other times things just keep falling apart all around you while all you can do is helplessly look on, wondering what to do and what not to do.
What do you do at times like these? How do you keep it together when things all around you are falling apart?

Books, friends, family and personal experiences have taught us enough ways and means to cope up, but sometimes you need a neutral person to share their experiences to either give you new insight or just to give you an assurance that you’re handling yourself well when a crisis is threatening to topple you over.

These are my 10 Hacks that work

Some from the arsenal of my personal cope up mechanisms, while others that have been shared by people I have seen using and benefitting from them.

Take a shower, wear comfortable clothes:

You are wondering if you read right? Am I joking, is the question on your mind at this first hack? Let me assure you that I am not. Bathing is a soothing activity and associated with feeling fresh and starting anew, which is why most of us bathe each morning before we start our day. Bathing works on a subconscious level where it washes away all that was accumulated and helps us start afresh. Have a hot shower, shave if you’re a man, and wear your ‘comfort clothes’ and you will notice you begin to feel better.

Keep yourself Nourished and Hydrated:

Anxiety robs you off your appetite and food is usually the last thing on your mind. And if you do eat in stressful times you tend to reach out for junk food and sugary treats. This choice is what gives you instant gratification, and as that wears off it increases your anxiety. Try and eat at fixed meal times and choose healthy food. Keep sipping on plain water through the day. When you keep yourself nourished and hydrated you feel better and when you feel better you can think clearer

Maintain a routine:

One of the first thing that tends to go haywire in times of stress is your routine. Sleepless nights mean drowsy days. Lack of proper sleep means fuzzy brains, which leads to attention and tolerance levels that dip dangerously low. All this adds up to make you feel worse than you already do. Maintain a routine. Lie down in bed at bedtime. If you can’t sleep, read a book. Set an alarm that would ring to wake you up at your usual time. A routine gives you a sense of control and maintains a sense of balance, and control and balance are good companions to have in a time of crisis.

Keep your circle small:

The more people you discuss your problem with the more you magnify it. Talking to different people means listening to varied advice from different sources, which just serves to makes you even more confused and vulnerable than you already feel in a difficult time. Speak to the least number of people, and people whom you can trust. People who know you well, who understand you, and who will tell you what you need to know and not what you want to hear.

Write it all down:

Writing down things puts them in better perspective. Make a list of all your blessings in life and you will slowly begin to realize that at any given time you have a lot more than you realize you do. The other thing to do is, write down how the current impossible situation in your life is making you feel, be brutally honest when you pen down your feelings. When done, rip the paper to shreds. This exercise serves to make you realize that you are bigger than your problems and you should control them instead of letting them control you.

Give yourself a stress corner and stress hour:

Thinking about the problem every waking moment does not help. Chalk out a stress time each day, for instance by giving yourself an hour to think about what steps to take towards solving it. Similarly, mark out a place at work or home, which should be the only place you are allowed to think about it. This may not seem easy to do, but it is not an impossible task either. As once you manage to do so all other hours of your day and areas of your living and work environment become stress-free zones.

How To Keep It Together When Things Fall Apart

Change of scene, divert your mind:

Watch a movie or a play. Go for a night out with friends or do something new and fun. Try a new activity that you’ve always wanted to. Enroll in a hobby course, something that would keep your hands busy and mind concentrating on it, like Quilling or Wood work to give an example. Creating something is a confidence booster and apart from boosting your confidence, you’re learning a new skill.

Breathe:

When you concentrate and take deep breaths they supply oxygen to your brain, and oxygenation of the brain reduces anxiety levels. Deep breathing also calms you down and relieves tension. Regular deep breathing also helps you sleep. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, breathe.

GARDENING With heart and soul.It's mindfulness meditation for me — GARDENING With heart and soul.It’s mindfulness meditation for me

Remind yourself you are a survivor:

We’ve all been through situations we thought we would never face. We’ve all survived what we thought would take us down. It may have been a very difficult time or times, but we survived them, didn’t we? What makes you think you won’t surpass this one too? You can and you will chin up!

Walk away, if you can’t salvage it:

If after doing your best and trying everything you can there still seems to be no end in sight or no way to salvage the situation then it is wise to walk away. Remember, walking away is not always a sign of weakness but when done wisely it is a sign of strength.

About the author:

Mayuri Nidigallu is a Tarot Card Reader by profession and a Writer by design. Since she is already aware of what the future holds, she enjoys unwrapping the present.You can find her at sirimiri.in

Linking this post with #MondayMusings

Disclaimer : The opinions in this post belong to the author and is meant as a general wellness advice and not a professional consultation.Healthwealthbridge does not take any responsibility for the opinions expressed and cannot be held responsible for any effects due to following them.Kindly consult a professional if you are unable to cope and having a breakdown.

10 Home Appliances I choose carefully for Better Health of Family

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on July 4, 2018 46

We have shifted six homes in 9 years. So we have a few rules for our home to make it healthy and comfortable.I love making my home beautiful. But first priority is always making it a healthy home. I ensure water and air quality. Home appliances help me make a healthy home. They definitely make life easier.You can also read my lessons from Make Room For What You Love, Love the Home You Have, and about the Magic of Clearing Up.

Affiliate Disclosure: A few links in this blog post may be affiliate links that, which means I will earn a small commission in case you buy through the link at no additional cost to you. This is a way to help support the website. Thank you for all your help.

Woman with mothers Day Gift Ideas written on it — *Mothers Day Gift Guide for a House Proud Mom*

My 10 favorite home appliances for a healthy home:

Number one

(Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in the next part of the post.That means if you do click on a link and buy something I will get a small commission.This in no way affects the product price for you.I recommend only products I personally use and love.Your help and support is a big part of how I maintain this website.All help is deeply appreciated.You can tweet what you bought tagging me.I will always respond.)

One room with Air -conditioner gets fitted first.This has been the most important rule since the time we got married.When our old AC had suddenly died , we went to an AC shop at 9 pm.Wrote a cheque and gave a little cash upfront and bought an Air-conditioner in 15 minutes flat.I knew my mind really well.That’s because I googled and read reviews to find the best AC in India.At 10 pm that night the LG servicemen visited. Installed the AC and left within 45 minutes!. That’s service. Can you hear fangirl speak here? That’s because since then the only AC I have bought for my other rooms and my childhood home has been LG too.No troubles, great service and looks awesome.

Number two

Clean water: Water-borne diseases form the bulk of infectious disease in India.From gastroenteritis to hepatitis A and E, worms, typhoid, and cholera. Everything is traced back to water.I never compromise on water quality for drinking or cooking. I researched extensively to find the best water purifier. Heavy metals in water dangerous.So water purifier is a must for a healthy home.When we shifted to our new home in Malda, first .my hubby got the water purifier and first. Everything else took second place. Air and water, basic necessities which needs great care.

Number three

The Airfryer: I have written about air fryer previously.It’s very important if you love your fries and still want to cut down on the oil.Also, Indian cooking involves frying which can be done very well with a fraction of the oil in an air fryer. I have been using, this air fryer byPhilips for the last 4 years and I love it.I wish I could carry it when I travel and make the hotels use this for my food.You cannot believe how great it is , till you try.

Number 4

Microwave and OTG: It’s really easy to reheat and my baking attacks.I have been using my microwave for the last 10 years and its the only brand I recommend.LG stole my heart 10years back and I am still a loyal customer.

Number 5

Food processor: This is a live saver.Especially when I want to cook non-veg.The onion garlic paste is ready in a jiffy.It can juice a carrot, chop stuff, make mince, anything !I bought this in 2009.It shifted six homes with me and still with me.How great is that?I sincerely believing in buying for keeps.Why would I want to buy new appliance, every few years,if what I have is superlative?

Number 6

Washing Machine: I absolutely hate washing clothes by hand.The washing machine is my life saver.Clean clothes are a part of a healthy home.You can’t ignore this very important appliance.

Number 7

Refrigerator

Mentioned lower down in the list.But you just can’t live without this right?Imagine cooking 4 times a day, every day,365 days forever!Life would be difficult!A good refrigerator retains the goodness of your fresh produce and the taste of cooked ones.I have a 7-year-old Samsung refrigerator.It is very well behaved. and has never given me any reason to complain.

Number 8

Geyser: I need this for my daughter.She likes the water to be just right.Not hot or cold but perfect.Otherwise, she catches a cold.Why am i mentioning my daughter?I love water at the perfect temperature too .Enter our trusty Bajaj Geyser.

Number 9

Pop up toaster: Breakfast is a breeze when you use a pop-up toaster.My daughter loves toast too!

Number 10

Hand blender: This was a gift from my sister on my birthday for my cake baking adventures.Now I can’t live without it.I have only shared about products and appliances I have at home and use.Nothing which I don’t.The average life span of my products is 8 years.I have been married 10 years now.So that makes sense right?When you get married and start a family, you may not be able to afford everything at once. It’s better to save a little and buy, rather than take out loans for it. Be responsible with money and life will be hassle-free.

Also remember its always better to spend for quality products which last for long rather than buy new things every year.

What are your favorite home appliances for a healthy home? What would you like to gift your mom, this Mother’s day to make life easier?

Comment below to let me know.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.I have shared my experience with making my home healthy and comfortable.All buying decisions shouldbe done at own risk. This website is in no way responsible for any purchase decision made.

Gratitude Circle April :Being Alive

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on June 30, 2018 26

I didn’t think I could write a Gratitude circle April post.I almost didn’t.Then Mayuri reminded me and I rushed to write.So much to say, so little time, but overall a sense of calm.The calm you feel when you win a personal battle.The biggest adventure is truly that of self-discovery, trying to make yourself better every day.I wrote hardly 4 articles in March 2016 and 35 articles in April 2017.That’s an interesting journey, right?

April was unbelievable.I have written more than I thought possible.Mad struggle with professional duty, strange situation of terror all over the world and still I wrote.My life has turned 360 degrees and I had to let go of another relationship.Still, I wrote.

My home has been delayed somewhat .but in the middle of all this, I am grateful.

Grateful for my health and that of my family.
Grateful for the army soldiers, BSF jawans who protect our borders and let me sleep at night.What are doors and houses when people can blow off armored trucks?Today the news is full of the horrors of decapitation of soldiers by Pakistan forces in a cross-border terrorism.Totally ignoring the Geneva convention, this horror makes me wonder, why?My heart goes out to the families these soldiers leave behind.They guard us with their lives.The least I can do is have them in my prayers.
Grateful for my garden, which is the easiest way I can get into my zen mode without random thoughts in my head.
Grateful I found wonderful friends blogging who helped make Nutrition: Fruits #AtoZ doable .

Gratitude for being alive:Power motivation for a world divided over God knows what ! — Gratitude for being alive: Power motivation for the world divided over God knows what!

Grateful for my hubby, who loves me with all my faults and never stops encouraging me.

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.
-Buddha

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Why I write:Sanity and beyond

Constipation Taboos:Lets Talk about it

How to break the vicious cycle?