Wellness

Morning Rituals Win the Morning Win The Day

Modern lifestyles are often dominated by work, causing us to overlook essential routines that form the foundation of a healthy life. In the constant hustle whether driven by work pleasure or pressure we tend to neglect the growing importance of our well-being. As MANOGNA REDDY reminds us, taking control of our mornings is the first step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Enough of the hustle it’s time to prioritise yourself.

Mornings offer the perfect opportunity to engage in rituals that energise and ground you for the day ahead. Begin your day with intention, and you’ll start to see meaningful and lasting changes.

Do Not Snooze

Waking up early grants you precious time to focus on personal health, wellness, and hygiene often the first things we sideline on a busy day. Hitting the snooze button may offer a few extra minutes of rest, but it often steals away time, leaving behind guilt and a rushed start. Embracing an early start not only adds structure to your day but also brings a sense of clarity and control that sets the tone for everything that follows.

Hydrate

Begin your day with a hot glass of water. This as a practice flushes out toxins from our body and helps aid digestion. You may also add lemon, ginger, or tulsi leaves depending on what suits your body best. Hydrating first thing in the morning awakens your internal system and gives a fresh kickstart to your metabolism.

Exercise

Give your body the movement it deserves. You don’t need a full gym session just 10 to 20 minutes of stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk can work wonders. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles but also refreshes your mind and uplifts your mood. It also helps you stay disciplined and keeps laziness at bay throughout the day.

Eat Dry Fruits

The best snack to start your meal with. Dry fruits consist of multiple health benefits and are recommended to all age groups. There are around 20 varieties of dry fruits. Each of them replicates their own significance. The best way to consume dry fruits is by soaking them overnight. Soaked dry fruits improve digestion and help the body absorb more nutrients. Almonds, dates, raisins, and figs are rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants. They boost immunity, support heart health, and are a natural source of energy. Just a handful every morning can keep you full and reduce unhealthy cravings throughout the day.

Eat Breakfast

Intake rich high-fiber foods in your daily breakfast, which includes boiled eggs (with yolk), fruits like banana and papaya, hot oatmeal, almonds. If you run out of time on any day, at least munch a protein bar on the way to your workplace. Skipping breakfast might save time, but it costs your energy and focus.
Breakfast is called the most important meal of the day for a reason. It kickstarts your metabolism and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Eating a balanced breakfast can improve memory, mood, and focus throughout the day. Studies show people who eat breakfast tend to be healthier and perform better at school or work.

Consume Sunlight

Step out and soak in some early sunlight. It’s a natural source of vitamin D and plays a big role in lifting your mood. Even five to ten minutes of standing on the balcony or terrace while doing deep breathing can help align your body to energise your senses. Let the first light of the day recharge your system.
Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which is important for strong bones, better immunity, and emotional stability. Just 10–15 minutes of morning sunlight can also help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, making you feel calm and focused. It’s a natural way to fight stress and fatigue.

Water Plants

Watering plants early in the morning gives a sense of nurturing and peace. Watching them grow slowly each day mirrors your own personal growth. This simple activity builds patience, grounding, and calmness. It’s a small act that connects you to life beyond screens and schedules. Interacting with plants also improves mood and reduces anxiety. According to studies, spending time with greenery can lower stress levels and even improve concentration. Morning watering is best, as plants absorb moisture better before the sun becomes too strong. It’s also a reminder to stay rooted, consistent, and gentle with your own journey.

Every day is a fresh start we might come across lot of triggering things throughout our day. Establishing a consistent morning routine can significantly enhance your overall well-being and productivity. By incorporating simple practices such as waking up early, hydrating, engaging in light exercise, consuming a nutritious breakfast, and spending time in natural sunlight, you set a positive tone for the day ahead. These rituals not only boost physical health but also improve mental clarity and emotional stability. Consistently following a morning routine can lead to reduced stress levels, increased focus, and a greater sense of control over your daily activities.

June 3, 2025

Ayurveda Silence and Stars: A Journey Back to Self at Santani

They say just five minutes in nature can start healing your body. At SANTANI WELLNESS Resort, Kandy, it takes even less. Tucked away in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, four hours from Colombo, this isn’t just a resort it’s a sanctuary where modern stress is gently undone by ancient wisdom. When I was invited to review Santani, I was simply expecting a luxurious break. What I received was a transformation of body, mind, and rhythm. Join SINDURI VUPPALA on her journey into one of the world’s most conscious wellness destinations. When the invitation arrived in my inbox to review Santani Wellness Resort, I paused. The name itself intrigued me. Santani a Sanskrit word meaning “in harmony with” immediately hinted at something deeper than just another luxury spa retreat. As a journalist constantly on the move, my mind cluttered with deadlines and devices, the promise of “balance” sounded too good to be true. I needed it more than I realised. Getting to Santani isn’t a spontaneous affair. It’s a four-hour drive from Colombo airport, winding through misty hills and sleepy villages. But every mile feels like a slow unravelling of the stress that city life knots into your body. As we drove up the final stretch, literally skimming the edge of a mountain range, I rolled down the window and inhaled deeply my first real breath in weeks. The view: endless, green, alive. I didn’t know it yet, but I was already beginning to heal. We were welcomed not with cold towels or champagne flutes, but with something far rarer genuine silence. No music. No chatter. Just the soft murmur of wind through the trees and the gentle bow of a staff member who led us directly to lunch. The chef greeted us personally. “Tell me what your body feels

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