There’s something I’ve learned the hard way, illness doesn’t just arrive at your doorstep. one morning. It builds slowly, quietly-through sleepless nights, skipped meals, buried emotions, and the constant hum of stress we’ve taught ourselves to ignore.
Recently, someone I care about suffered a health scare. Nothing too dramatic, thankfully, but enough for the doctor to start suggesting tests-Pap smears, scans, screenings. That word kept coming up: stress. And I couldn’t help but think-how is it that something so common, so casually thrown into conversation, is also something we’re never really taught to manage?
We tend to look outward-at circumstances, other people, even astrology-for answers. But the truth is, so much of our well-being begins with how we respond to life. The taxi is late.. Your haircut went wrong. The dinner you cooked didn’t turn out right. These are small things, but they pile up. And slowly, they chip away at us. We can’t always control what happens, but we can learn to soften our reactions. To let go a little more. To hold space for calm.
As the festive season approaches, I know this time can feel like a double-edged sword. While many are celebrating, others feel overwhelmed by the pressure to host, perform, or pretend they’re okay. If that’s you-breathe. It’s okay not to do it all. Joy doesn’t have to be loud. Peace doesn’t have to be perfect.
In this issue, we sit down with the luminous Tripti Dimri and the ever-grounded R. Madhavan, who both open. up about navigating success, failure, and the quiet strength that comes from within. You’ll also find handpicked Rakhi gifts, jewellery trends, and festive recipes from food bloggers and clean-eating brands that understand that celebration can be beautiful and nourishing.
This season, I invite you to be gentler-with your body, your mind, and your expectations. Health isn’t just the absence of illness. It’s the presence of balance, joy, and self-compassion. Let’s not wait for tomorrow to start living well.