Wellness

Relaxed and Ravishing: Juhi Chawla Makes the Best Out of Quiet Days

Veteran actress Juhi Chawla was all set to start an innings on the OTT platforms with a new web series in January this year. However, owing to the pandemic, everything came to a standstill, and Juhi is looking to restart life back as an actress this year. In a chat with Lipika Varma, Juhi opens up about what she learned during 2020, Ayurvedic healing, her connection with God, and shares some ingenious fitness tips…

What has the pandemic taught you?

The year 2020 taught me to take full benefit of the quiet times. I have started doing Ayurveda detox. I’ve learnt that we should make full use of the time that God has given us. Work has suffered for everybody, but at one level, we have also spent quality time with family, taking meals at home with them, and realising that we can forego a lot of things that we’ve been doing. I am enjoying this simpler living.

After the difficult year that we all have had, what do you value the most?

I have known all along that health is wealth, but given what went down last year, I’ve embraced it even more. Health is everything. I think this has been a time of patience. And it’s fine, we need to wait it out and relax.

Shooting for your web series was put on hold during the lockdown. What reflections did you have during that time?

We have to slow down and look at ourselves a little. Films weren’t being shot in 2020, and that gave me the opportunity to do just that, and work on some other things. In our Gurukul(Juhi is on the board of trustees of the AryaKanya Gurukul in Gujarat), we have the time to sit down, discuss, rejuvenate, rethink, re-plan. We are working online on the same level but you can’t replace that human interaction. It’s just helping us complete our work but finally it’s not the same when we go to school. We participate manually in arts, dance, singing, and culture. Whenever Gurukul opens it will be with a new beginning.

On helping the environment heal: “A beautiful thing happened during the lockdown. Our entire environment started healing on its own because we sat in our homes. I feel God has his way of keeping nature intact. One way we can maintain that state is to promote cycling. It is eco-friendly, and I believe yellow lanes should be incorporated in our cities.”

Even today, you look ravishing, simple and beautiful. What is your health mantra?

I will share what I started a few months ago, but to be honest, they don’t taste all that great, in case anyone’s going to try it(laughs) I have started taking what I call Red Juice and Green juice. In the last couple of months I have had a lot of hair fall problems. My hair was just falling. It was alarming. My masseuse/therapist had amazing thick hair. Turns out, her secret was ingesting these juices. The green one is a mashup of amla, bitter gourd, some green veggies such as coriander, spinach, Broccoli, and cucumber. The red one contains pomegranate, beetroot, carrot, amla and aloe-vera. They don’t taste too good, but they keep my hair from falling, and help my skin glow.

Have you tried anything else to help you stay healthy and mentally relaxed?

I got two weeks free in between visits to Delhi and Dubai. I was looking for a good way to detox, and thought Ayurveda would be a good option. Ayush Shakti, the therapist, comes home and treats me under Dr. Hemang Parikh and Sita Narang with whom I have been having conversation on Zoom. They have advised me on a certain programme, which is customised to suit my requirements. I must say, I have been feeling quite relaxed, and my body feels light and healthy.

February 4, 2021

#Actress, #Celebrity, #wellness

Rice as Medicine: Choosing the Right Grain for Your Health Needs

Rice isn’t just a staple food—it’s a healing grain that’s been part of Indian diets for centuries. Different varieties offer different nutrients and health benefits, making it possible to tailor your rice intake to combat specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Hashtag magazine tells you how different Indian rice types support various health conditions: 1. For Diabetes Best Rice: Black Rice, Brown Rice, Red Rice, Sona Masoori (semi-polished) Why? Tip: Avoid highly polished white rice. Pair with pulses or vegetables for a balanced meal. 2. For Heart Health Best Rice: Red Rice, Brown Rice, Matta (Kerala Red Rice) Why? Tip: Use these for regular meals instead of white rice to protect your heart long-term. 3. For Iron Deficiency / Anemia Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Cook with jaggery or dark leafy greens for added iron absorption. 4. For Bone Strength & Joint Health Best Rice: Matta Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Serve as a porridge (kanji) with ghee for enhanced benefits. 5. For Weight Management / Obesity Best Rice: Brown Rice, Sona Masoori, Red Rice Why? Tip: Try portion control with hand-pounded rice + salads and protein for effective weight loss. 6. For Digestive Health Best Rice: Gobindobhog, Indrayani, Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Why? Tip: Use these for curd rice or lightly spiced khichdi. 7. For Antioxidant Boost / Anti-Ageing Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Wild Rice (where available) Why? Tip: Great for beauty diets and detox routines. 8. For Pregnancy & Lactation Support Best Rice: Parboiled Rice, Gobindobhog, Kalajeera Rice Why? Tip: Make porridge with these during third trimester and postnatal period. 9. For Mental Well-Being & Sleep Best Rice: Kalajeera Rice, Indrayani Rice Why? Tip: Light evening meals using these rice types can aid better sleep and relaxation. 10. For Protein Deficiency (Supportive) Best Rice: Bamboo Rice, Brown Rice (paired with dals/legumes) Why? Tip: Always combine rice with dals or fermented foods for

Wellness

Increased Hair Fall in Summer and How to Control It

The sun is out and vacations are planned, but there’s one summer guest we never invite—excessive hair fall. If you’ve noticed more strands on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your hairbrush during the hotter months, you’re not alone. Summer brings with it a slew of hair woes thanks to rising temperatures, increased sweating, and exposure to heat and humidity. The good news? It’s preventable and treatable with the right care, Hashtag magazine gives you a lowdown… Why Does Hair Fall Increase in Summer? 1. Sweaty Scalp and Oil Buildup:Excessive sweating clogs pores on the scalp, weakening hair roots and leading to hair fall. 2. UV Ray Exposure:The sun’s UV rays can damage the scalp, weaken the hair shaft, and cause dryness and brittleness. 3. Dehydration:Your hair needs moisture to stay healthy. If you’re not drinking enough water, your strands can turn weak and break easily. 4. Pool Chlorine and Salt Water:Frequent dips in the pool or sea? Chlorine and salt strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and vulnerable to breakage. 5. Change in Diet and Routine:Holiday binging, skipping meals, irregular sleep patterns, or high stress levels can also cause hair to shed more. How to Control Hair Fall in Summer 1. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Sweat-Free 2. Hydrate Inside Out 3. Cover Up When Out in the Sun 4. Avoid Over-Styling and Heat Tools 5. Oil Massage Once a Week 6. Use a Hair Mask 7. Eat Hair-Loving Foods 8. Avoid Tight Hairstyles 9. Use Satin Pillowcases When to Seek Help If your hair fall is sudden, or excessive, or you notice bald spots or thinning, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. Summer hair fall is common, but sometimes it could be masking underlying issues like hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, or

Wellness

Spiritual Retreats in the Himalayas

The Himalayas, one of the world’s most majestic and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, have long been a source of spiritual inspiration and guidance for millions of people. For centuries, the Himalayas have been revered as a sacred and mystical land, where the air is crisp, the water is pure, and the energy is palpable. In this article, we will delve into the importance of the Himalayas for spirituality, yoga, and meditation and explore some of the best retreats in the region. The Spiritual Significance of the Himalayas The Himalayas have been a sacred and spiritual destination for thousands of years, attracting sages, saints, and seekers of truth from all over the world. The region is home to some of the most revered and sacred sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, including the Ganges River, the Yamuna River, and the holy city of Rishikesh. The Himalayas are considered a sacred and mystical land because of their unique geography and geology. The region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga, which are considered sacred and awe-inspiring. The Himalayas are also home to numerous glaciers, rivers, and lakes, which are considered sacred and life-giving. The Importance of the Himalayas for Hindus The Himalayas hold a special significance for Hindus, who consider the region to be the abode of the gods. The region is home to numerous sacred sites, including the Char Dham temples, which are considered to be the four most sacred temples in Hinduism. The Char Dham temples are located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and are dedicated to the four gods: Badrinath (Vishnu), Kedarnath (Shiva), Gangotri (Ganga), and Yamunotri (Yamuna). The Himalayas are also considered to be the home of the sages and rishis, who are revered in Hinduism as

Wellness

How to Stay Fit, Healthy, and Happy with these Wellness and Fitness Trends

The pandemic has changed how we think about our health and well-being. More than ever, we are looking for ways to stay fit, healthy, and happy in a challenging world. Whether it’s finding new ways to exercise, exploring alternative therapies, or embracing a more holistic approach to wellness, plenty of trends are shaping the future of health and fitness. Dhanush Kumar explores some of the most popular and promising ones you should try. Virtual and Augmented Reality Workouts If you are bored of the same old treadmill or bike, why spice up your workout with virtual or augmented reality? VR and AR workouts can transport you to different worlds, where you can enjoy immersive and interactive experiences that challenge your body and mind. You can also play VR games like Thrill of the Fight, a VR boxing game that tests your stamina and skills in the ring. VR and AR workouts are not only fun and engaging, but they are also making exercise more accessible for people with disabilities or mobility issues. IoT-enabled fitness devices Wearable technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers have been around for a while, but the next generation of wearables is set to rule in the coming years. These devices can collect biometric data on body movement, distance traveled, muscle stretch, heart rhythm, and more to help you enhance and personalize your home workouts. Soon AI and machine learning will be integrated into these fitness wearables. Wellness Travel Traveling for wellness is not a new concept, but it is gaining more popularity as people seek out destinations that offer more than just sightseeing or relaxation. Wellness travel is about finding places to help you improve your physical, mental, or spiritual well-being through various activities, therapies, and experiences. For example, you can visit a wellness resort that