Wellness

10 Essentials to the Blueprint of Happiness by Bhanu Arora:Book review I am thankful I did

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on September 7, 2017 25

I like learning from other people’s wisdom.That’s a quicker way to get where I want to go.Life is too short to have a trial and error for everything.This is where Bhanu Arora’s book 10 Essentials to the Blueprint of Happiness is perfect.

Style of writing: It’s a book written in a style like The Go Giver.There are life stories which are engaging while not being preachy.This is followed by observations of the author and then take away points at the end of each chapter.Perfect format.The book’s introduction is in the same style, where the author’s intention behind writing the book is revealed.

He also gives us a quick walk-through of how to use the book to find happiness inside.

Basic theme of the book 10 Essentials to the Blueprint of Happiness

10 Things you can follow in your day to day life both personal and professional(both are heavily interlinked)to live happier.

Knowledge tidbits I loved :

If you want to be happy, you have to first find out about you.Seeking self-knowledge is the first step for being happiness
Try to recollect your childhood.This may help you understand your adult conditioning.Excellent advice.
Surround yourself with supportive positive people.
Positive environment helps in self-improvement
Always be alert for your own well-being.
Always have adequate information from reliable sources.
Gossip is not necessarily negative.It gives us valuable information about nature and lack of workability.It helps to weed out untrustworthy people.This Is an interesting insight.
You need to help others who dream
A healthy marriage helps you live happier.

Overview:

What you do, how you think, who you have around, are all factors which influence your physical, mental and emotional state.This is the framework on which you build your happiness.

Affiliate Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post.If you do click on these, at no extra cost to you, I will receive a small commission which helps support this blog. I only recommend books I have read and liked.

Get the book here.

10 Essential to the Blueprint of happinessBhanu Arora #BOOK REVIEW — 10 Essentials to the Blueprint of Happiness Bhanu Arora #BOOK REVIEW

About the Author

Bhanu Arora is a banker by profession and a passionate writer.This book is his debut book.He has also written a few short stories in the past that can be found on his blog bhanuarora.com.His other passions are traveling music, movies, and food that inspire him to write.

Book Blurb

Some people are born happy, and we often meet them in our daily lives. The same can be true for every human on this earth. Souls are born humble but are stressed by society. One of the primary sources of unhappiness is the existence of adverse individuals in our life. Remove them, and we are free winged creatures. Gossip, socialize, make friends and not a single day would go in sadness. Respect live-in relationship if marriage exhausts you. Travel and explore this beautiful earth for a more joyful you. Forget Billionaires and live your unique life. Deliberate changes in our daily lives can punch you up and make it worth living. “Ten Essentials to the Blueprint of Happiness”delightfully portrays interlinked stories from everyday modern life that can change you forever with everlasting bliss.

Disclosure:I received a copy from Writersmelon in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.’

Philips GoPure Airmax 100 car air purifier – For a healthy drive

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on September 4, 2017 68

Clean air is a basic right. We shouldn’t need to fight for it. Right? Unfortunately, the more polluted air you breathe in, the more your brain and your vital systems slow down. And the problem that I see is that people just are not aware of how bad air pollution currently is.

Some Air pollution facts you should know

A 2013 study on non-smokers found Indians have 30% poorer lung function when compared to Europeans.
Our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Air Quality Index (AQI), for monitoring the quality of air in major urban centers across the country in 2015. In this, eight pollutants are measured: PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia and lead.(2)
The high quantity of pollutants is due to adulterated fuel. Higher the percentage of adulteration more is the emission of poisonous gases which are also known carcinogens.
These carcinogens have a big role in cardiovascular (heart) and Cerebrovascular (brain) health and result in over 800,000 premature deaths every year. This also includes breathing disorders which can result in irreversible lung diseases and poorer quality of life.

Increased population and vehicular congestion have made matters worse.
Traffic jams make vehicles move at a snail’s pace. The lower speed makes the fuel inefficiently utilized that is another important cause of increased pollutants. When speed is 5 -20 kilometers per hour, emissions are 4 to 8 times more than when it was 55 to 70 kilometers per hour.(3)

PHILIPS CAR AIR PURIFIER — Pollution in cities

The pictures are scary and make me very worried. It’s important you know the quality of outdoor air in your locality before you let sensitive children and sick adults go out. Even particular times of day are prone for greater air pollution.

Something you may not realize is that even while you travel and the AC is on, the air inside the car is still not clean. It has the particulate matter from the environment and the Volatile organic carbons (VOCs) emitted by the interiors of the car. A car air purifier will help clean the air of both these harmful elements.

Car Air purifiers will help make the air breathable in cities while traveling. While researching car air purifiers, I found the Philips Go pure Compact Airmax 100. It provides clean and healthy air in your car when you travel as wherever you go, you breathe pure. It not only removes fine particulate matter but also Volatile organic carbons (VOCs) emitted by the interiors of the car. The product removes allergens, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and unpleasant odors from the car in just 13 minutes!

Why I recommend the Philips Go Pure Compact Airmax 100 as a Doctor and as a mother.

• It can effectively remove fine particles and toxic gases like VOCs.
• It has a Clean Air Delivery Rate of 11.5m3/hour
• It has a filter replacement indicator.
• Certified by Airmid for Unique Philips Select Filter technology and cleans the air by adsorption and oxidation.
• It’s light and easy to install. Just place it on the dashboard, headrest, under seats or rear deck.

I personally found the product helpful as I am allergic to smoke and fumes. I also try to avoid my daughter’s exposure to polluted air.

It’s a great way to keep the car air clean, especially for people like me with allergies or who have breathing difficulty due to asthma. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the infirm will all be helped with products as amazing and unique Philips Go Pure Compact Airmax 100 in the car. For more details, visit here.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but the opinions and experience are mine and are meant to empower you to make an informed choice. Kindly make all purchase decisions after evaluating your individual requirements.Read my full disclaimer.

Reference:

1) “Indians have 30% weaker lungs than Europeans”. Times of India. Sep 2, 2013.

2)http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/pollution/choking-india-gets-air-quality-index/articleshow/46830411.cms

3)Science & Engg. 55 (2): 127–142.
Matthew Barth; Kanok Boriboonsomsin (November 2009). “Real-World CO2 Impacts of Traffic Congestion”. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. 2058: 163–171. doi:10.3141/2058-20. Archived from the original on 2016-05-30

4)Car Air purifier India: Why I want it

Linking up with #Bloggers Pit Stop

Thankful for my Window Seat View when it Rains

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on September 3, 2017 25

The window seat in my bedroom is my favorite place to hang out when it rains.

My cup of tea, a mystery book, and a cushion.What else do you need?

When I look out of the window I can see the top of the medical college where I work.It’s light blue in color and eight stories high.One of the tallest building in this small town.The sky above it and all around look like a giant tent tethered on top of it.The houses next to it are just small pegs holding the tent down.

With the circus that’s happening with healthcare, the lies and half-truths the Government in India and the state are feeding the unsuspecting public, this feeling of being part of a circus is becoming stronger day-to-day.On days when I am in an introspective mood I wonder at my analogy.But on days like today when it’s drizzling throughout, the only thing that comes to my mind is the song from Sound of music.

[bctt tweet=”Raindrops on roses ,whiskers on kittens my favorite things.. when I look out of the window #MyFriendAlexa #WOW #=drAmrita” username=”misra_amrita”]

Watching the rain from my window seat reminds me of why I need to remember my favorite things.Why this is the best time of my life.Why I need to thank God for all my powers to cope.

Why God gives me my joys and troubles.I am given the cards which I can play.God is kind that way.He wants me to win.Learn and win.That’s why he gives these challenges Those that I don’t win are even more interesting.They teach in surprising ways.

Photo by Handcrafted Homes, Inc in Houzz .My dream bedroom window seat

The friends who walked a different path but fondly remembered.The ones who are there even miles away. The people who helped me and those who I couldn’t help.

Sitting by the window I think of all these things.But I also do one more thing.I try to let go.I put my negative thoughts and my worries free into the sky.Like Dumbledore used to empty his mind in the Pensieve, I try that.Not always successful.But it gets better with practice.

“I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one’s mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at one’s leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form.”
Albus Dumbledore explaining what a Pensieve is

via GIPHY

My profession shows the depressing side of life too often.To help myself cope my window seat is a blessing.It’s my turn to let go ….from the window.

‘This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.’

I am taking part in the #MyFriendAlexa challenge with Blogchatter.

Linking up with #mg

Beauty is More than Skin Deep with Ayurveda at VLCC

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on September 2, 2017 15

Beauty is more than skin deep. That’s why Indian Ayurvedic beauty treatments have world-wide a claim. But with mushrooming options for Ayurvedic beauty treatments, whom can you trust?

I believe in going back to nature to maintain health and beauty, even when I trust our modern medicine for serious health issues. Ayurveda is ancient. But its roots are deep and holds true even today.

What does Ayurveda use?

Herbs, oils, massages, yoga and spiritual, emotional well-being all come together to give your mind body spirit a center.The word Ayurveda means The Knowledge of life.

What is it based on?

The effect of the five great elements.These elements are

air, fire, water, earth, and ether.These elements make up the universe and the human body is influenced by them.

These five elements influence the three Doshas of your body.They are Vata Pitta and Kapha.In Ayurveda, it is believed that complete health is possible when there is a balance between all three doshas.If any of these

One of the three doshas dominates your body type.Imbalance of one type of dosha may cause health issues.Ayurvedic health and yoga all are personalized according to the dosha type of the person.Treatments at VLCC are perfect because your dosha type dictates what you need for complete well-being.

Ayurvedic treatments offered at VLCC

UDVARTANAM

The whole body is massaged with a medicated powder made from a fragrant mixture of beautiful herbs. This massage moisturizes and tones up the skin, reduces the appearance of cellulite, helps improve digestion, and alleviates sluggishness. It works in improving the p lymphatic system and helps to drain the lymph.

How will this help you?

Kapha dosh is balanced.It melts down the Medo Dhatu i.e. the fat.Helps reduce cellulite.

Improved skin Health.The skin massage improves blood supply and enhanced nutrition to the local skin.This enhances the youthful glow and better skin appearance.

SHIRODHARA

This is rejuvenating and curative therapy eliminating disease and improves vitality.

What does it involve?

First, it’s a wonderful massage and stimulation of the Marma points of the head, neck, shoulders, and feet.This is followed by a gentle, continuous, warm stream of Ayurvedic oil that is poured on and across the forehead, while you relax.

How does it help?

Shirodhara quietens and calms the mind, releases stress and produces a sense of deep wellbeing. It reduces anxiety, anger, chronic headaches, migraine, hypertension, insomnia and hair problems.

ABHYANGAM

This is another unique program.Here the prescribed oil is liberally applied using soft and gentle strokes.This is followed by a steam bath (swedanam). This involves a complete body massage enhancing the ability of nutrients to reach starved cells and in the removal of stagnant waste. Warm Herbal oils are made into a nourishing potion to revitalize the tissues and to allow the removal of toxins from the body.

Abhyanga, characterized by long strokes, flowing movements and Marma point therapy, heightens awareness.

How does it help?

This treatment heals deeply balancing body, mind, and spirit to harmonize with each other.It heals internally.

Abhyangam improves appetite, helps improve sleep, reduces stress levels and builds the immunity.It also improves blood circulation, delays aging and reduces Vata.

MUKHLEPAM

Mukhlepam (Ayurvedic facial)makes your face glow.It has anti aging benefits and makes the facial skin youthful. The procedure also removes tan.

BASTIS for localized aches and pains.

Kati Basti- Lower Back pain, this treatment has a relaxing effect on the lower back and helps relieve back pain and spinal disorders.
Griva Basti- Pain in cervical area
Janu Basti- Pain in the knee. The treatment reduces the stiffness and inflammation on and around the knees and thus reducing pain. It also strengthens the knee joints by improving blood circulation.
Manibandh Basti- Pain in the wrist
Netra Basti: General ocular health. This treatment is ideal for those suffering from computer vision syndrome and diabetes related eye problems.

KAIVALYAM

This therapy involves natural, gentle exfoliation using kitchen herbs like ginger, sesame, cardamom, clove and other powders mixed with red rice.This is followed by applying a herbal pack with licorice over the entire body. Licorice is traditionally used as an anti-tan herb which also helps in the removal of pigmentation.

NAVRAKIZHI

This is a unique therapy using small cloth boluses or potlis .The potlis contain an exotic a mixture of red rice and milk cooked together with fresh herbs.The potlis are rubbed gently over the skin to infuse the goodness of the mixture.It’s like food for your skin.

How does it help?

This is an invigorating therapy and improves generalized weakness and enhances energy. The treatment is also a favorite as an herbal body polish, especially for brides-to-be and reduces water retention.

ELAKIZHI

In this herbal poultices (bundles) are made with fresh leaves and herbs.These poultices are then gently warmed in medicated oils.The herbal poultices are then used to massage the entire body, neck, shoulders, hands, and back, shifting the person side to side. The treatment helps significantly reduce chronic pain especially for joint pains, back ache, cervical pains.It also helps in weight loss and detoxification.

How does it help you?

The treatment reduces chronic pain especially for joint pains, back ache, cervical pains.It can improve your quality of life significantly. It also helps in weight loss and detoxification.

SAYUJYAM

This is the signature VLCC Ayurvedic therapy involves

Scrubbing the body with tamarind, red rice, and herbs.,
This is followed by a tamarind and yogurt pack.
The entire body is then covered with banana and/or other herbal leaves to make a body wrap.

Tamarind contains natural AHAs and antioxidants. This helps in the removal of tan. Similarly, yogurt helps in clearing up the skin. The synergistic effect helps in brightening up your skin.

Don’t forget to visit VLCC to make an appointment for your next wellness Ayurvedic spa.

Disclaimer: I am not an Ayurveda consultant This is a sponsored post written in association with VLCC about the lifestyle service they provide.Read my full disclaimer

One Advice You Would Give to Your Younger Self is

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on August 26, 2017 20

One advice you would give to your younger self is an unpopular topic.

Do you ever listen to advice however well meaning? Have you read Lord Krishna’s version of it?(I couldn’t find the exact quote,just what I remember )

[bctt tweet=”You can only help those who want to be helped and are ready for it !” username=”misra_amrita”]

Time travel this week on Blogadda.This topic makes me very thoughtful.I would like to say so many things to my younger self.But if it’s one thing, I want to say continue studying hard.

”Continue studying hard, even history geography, civics, and languages which appear, not in line with your dreams.They will help you one day.They will make you a more compassionate person.They will help you wrIte your stories.”

When I see people worrying about study load and how hard schools are I wonder what to say.My mom never forced me.She just told me,

”If you want your dreams to come true.You have to work for it.”

No one gives you something for nothing.If you are useful, people will cherish your services, if you are innovative industries will employ you.If you are a storyteller people will want to hear your stories.But your earning capacity is directly proportional to how many people you help and serve.Not easy right?

Read all you can, as much as you can exactly how you are doing now.Maybe not exactly.Stop hiding those Agatha Christie’s in your history book.It’s not helping you.Just quickly get those studies over and then you can read all you want.

via GIPHY

Go on reading those self-help books and articles and solving those papers.Everything will help one day.As the world changes, so do traditional ways of earning and making a difference.You don’t know when your extra curricular lets you earn more than your profession.

[bctt tweet=”Have faith in God and believe.Studying hard will help you so don’t stop.” username=”misra_amrita”]

This is not a popular advice nor is an easy one.But there’s [bctt tweet=”no shortcut for doing well in life.” username=”misra_amrita”]The route is through algebra trigonometry, geometry, civics, and history depending on your nemesis.

Also, everything Taare Zameen pe said is not necessarily Gold!

One advice you would give to your younger self is

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Linking to #mg

If We Were Having Coffee

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on August 11, 2017 18

If we were having coffee I would tell you my maid is back, after a two months break. The poor dear broke her wrist and was unable to work.

I interviewed one replacement. Her vibe was the type where I was afraid of being given gyaan every other day.
I and hubby are good at managing things even when all hell breaks loose. We may be average, but work gets done here. The focus is on healthy, no fuss tasty food,(air fryer is a big help), with as a little headache as possible.
The replacement maid was not going to be a little headache.

My balcony garden is blooming. Alamunda, bleeding heart, yellow and orange Ixora, pink Musanda, the chilies, all look happy.Birds or some other living being ate my baby watermelon!That made me sad .but then hubby said

[bctt tweet=”Someone ate what you grew from a seed !” username=”misra_amrita”]

That made me happy.
If we were having coffee I would tell you about one of my senior colleagues.A true gentleman and a helpful soul.He went from on-call at the hospital to the ICU battling for his life.Now diagnosed with a serious malignancy.I love my profession, it’s difficult to be a doctor otherwise.But the problem health care is facing is deep rooted.
In the mess of expectations and political lies, the truth of abysmal lack of human resources, drugs, expertise all becomes a khichdi.
Passing the baton of responsibility to the end service provider(in this case the doctor), shows the lack of goodwill and transparency, of the people in power.Oh yes, if we were having coffee, I would bore you with all this info too!

On a lighter note…

via GIPHY

This is the season of Ilish, so if we were having coffee, I would tell you about the fresh fish delicacy I had for my lunch.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you about the Silk my hubby has hidden from me.
If we were having coffee I would tell you about my daughter’s dance function and how cute she looked. If we were having coffee I would tell you about Tooth Fairy visiting us with gifts!
If we were having coffee I would tell you about the tug at my heart string every time I see a loved one choosing their headaches.

If we were having coffee you would know, about my love for tea and my coffee need when I write.If we were having coffee I would tell you I finished the writing bravely challenge by Write tribe. Seven days daily blogging on prompts.It was the best experience of daily blogging I had!

If we were having coffee I would tell you…

[bctt tweet=”Only two ways to live… One is as though nothing is a miracle.. other everything is a miracle – Einstein” username=”misra_amrita”]

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10 Essentials to the Blueprint of Happiness by Bhanu Arora:Book review I am thankful I did