selfcare | Mango Bunch

Sensory self-healing tips to rejuvenate with ease and counter stress, anxiety

Sneha Sengupta — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 18:43:57 +0000

Self-soothing methods can help us feel at ease during stressful, anxious, or emotionally charged moments. “It involves using various techniques and strategies to regulate your emotions and bring a sense of calmness and stability. ⁠Self-soothing is an essential skill in coping with stress and managing overwhelming feelings,” stated Therapist Anna Papaioannou.

Tactile stimulation can improve our ability to feel and comprehend surface roughness. A stress ball can be squeezed to assist release tension.

Having images of stunning landscapes and the natural world all around us might make us feel content and stimulated visually.

Making a playlist of soothing tunes and our favorite songs can aid in auditory stimulation. It can aid in mental relaxation.

We can experience drastic temperature fluctuations with the aid of temperature stimulation. Stimulating the nerve system with hot or cold packs might help areas of the body that hurt.

Making a hot cup of tea or coffee with relaxing herbs like passionflower, lemon balm, or chamomile helps stimulate the stomach.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only.

Expert decodes 5 persistent myths related to self-care during pregnancy

Sneha Sengupta — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 18:02:12 +0000

The pregnant mother’s body experiences a multitude of physical and psychological changes during pregnancy. As soon-to-be mothers navigate the unknown waters of hormonal swings and physical changes, among these changes, skincare issues frequently surface. Doctor Aanchal Panth, a dermatologist, steps in to save the day by dispelling some widespread misconceptions about skincare during pregnancy on Instagram.

Myth #1: Avoid shaving

Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, consultant dermatologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, mentioned in conversation with Indian Express, “If they’re taking care of their hygiene and not using harsh products that can harm their skin or cause burns, expecting mothers can wax or thread their body and facial hair”.

Myth #2: Avoid colouring hair

“During this critical period, when the baby’s organs are developing (organogenesis), it is advisable to steer clear of hair colouring due to potential chemical reactions,” Dr Lall said.

“If colouring is unavoidable, it should be done minimally. It’s important not to apply the dye too close to the scalp and ensure that the scalp is in a healthy condition –free from rashes, dermatitis, or any other issues that could increase the risk of allergic reactions,” she continued.

Furthermore, according to Dr. Lall, procedures like keratin and rebonding should be avoided while pregnant since they frequently contain formaldehyde, which can be detrimental to the developing foetus.

Myth #3: Avoid threading/ plucking eyebrows

“As long as it is done in a clean and hygienic way, pregnant women can thread their eyebrows,” Dr Lall added.

Myth #4: Avoid doing skincare

According to Dr. Lall, retinoid or vitamin A-based products should be strictly avoided during pregnancy. “These are usually found in anti-aging and anti-acne creams,” she recommended.

Dr. Lall also advised against using hydroquinone, arbutin, and even heavy mineral cosmetics because they might contain metals.

Myth #5: Avoid using sunscreen

“These sunscreens usually contain micronising oxide or iron oxide,” she clarified, saying expectant mothers should not use chemical sunscreens.

When you are expecting, it is best to speak with a dermatologist who can help you create a skincare regimen that is safe for all the substances you use and fits your skin type and concerns.

British tennis star Emma Raducanu shares self-care and lifestyle rejuvenation tips

Sneha Sengupta — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 17:37:51 +0000

In conversation with Harper Bazaar’s (news platform) beauty director, Bridget March, ace British tennis player, Emma Raducanu shared her self care tips to bounce back stronger and stay active in the game. The 21-year-old talks about how she maximizes her recuperation, fuels her training, and plans her perfect days off after competing on the court.

Raducanu lists some of her favorite things, her daily routines, and the things that are essential to her wellbeing below.

Morning schedule

“I’m an early riser at the moment, typically around 6:00 a.m. I like reading first thing; I’ve got a couple of great books on the go right now. I’ll then set myself up the day ahead, which usually involves a coffee and a bottle of water before I head to training so I know I’ve started my day hydrated. I also take my supplements—when I can remember to do so!”

Quintessential working days

“Typically, I start my day with physio doing muscle activation work to warm the body up. Then I warm up for half an hour, play tennis for 90 minutes, have an hour gym session, then break for lunch for around 90 mins.”

“After lunch, I go on court for another two hours and finish with an hour of treatment. It’s quite a lot but not much beats the satisfaction you get from it at the end of the day.”

Rejuvenation and lone time

“A big thing for me is spending time alone to wind down. I am a bit of a lone wolf and after an intense day, where I either push myself to the limits training or have many social interactions, I like to spend time alone reflecting and recharging. Being comfortable in my own company and in the silence that comes with it is something that helps me stay fresh.”

Exclusive evenings

“At the moment I’m putting in long training days—double sessions—so by the time I’m back after the gym and my treatment, it’s between 6 and 7pm. So, I’ll have dinner, read again if I have any energy left, and pack my bags for the following day before getting an early night.”

“For my skin I use Dior La Mousse for cleansing. I sweat a lot during training, so it’s perfect for me to remove all the dirt from my pores. I also use the Dior Le Baume to moisturise my hands and lips. I love the look of the round tube with the Dior Oblique motif. It’s both couture-like and ergonomic; I like to use it as a travel size accessory too, so it’s always nearby.”

Eating habits and lifestyle

“I snack a lot—before and during training especially. I need high-sugar and quickly digested snacks to keep me going. I love fruits, nuts, yoghurt, chocolate rice cakes, crunchy nut butters, granola, popcorn, and healthy bars—that kind of thing.

“Planning my mealtimes is also vital for two reasons; firstly I am a huge foodie and the type of person that looks forward to my next meal while I’m having the current one! Secondly, because during long, intense sessions I need to maintain focus and energy.

“Obviously staying hydrated helps—and is also key for recovery. I aim to drink at least two litres of fluids a day. Healthy hydration is also really important to my overall wellbeing, which is why I’m so happy to continue my partnership with Evian to ensure I’m getting my natural mineral water fix when I’m both on and off the court.”

Mindfulness and fulfilling commitments

“My ideal day off would be waking up at 8:00 a.m., reading in bed, scrolling through Reels or TikToks, then showering and catching up with a friend over some window-shopping or a walk—a day off is the only time I have to do these things.

“Ideally, I would have a big, late lunch and be home by 5:00 p.m. to get ready for the week ahead, and have something light for dinner.”

“I’d tell my younger self that it’s OK to say ‘no’ and prioritise what feels best for myself, especially in the hours ‘off’. Regardless of others’ perceptions, deep down we know when we are doing something truly for ourselves or rather because we feel we ought to.”

Some of her ideal investments in terms of good health and fitness

“As athletes, our professional teams are very expensive, so that would be my biggest investment. From physio, fitness and tennis to food and discipline, all are investments—whether in terms of money or time—and all are in a bid to make our general ‘health’, plus our physical and mental levels, improve.”