Posts in category: Life Style

Before the end of 2024, I decided I needed to tackle moments of sadness or feelings of stagnation as they occurred, instead of wallowing in them. But I needed the tools. I had been following several somatic healing guides and signed up for American coach, Jonathan Mead’s somatic healing bundle.

Somatics, referring to the body, isn’t a mainstream concept. “We live in an externally focused world, which can generate perpetual thoughts of keeping up, comparing, judging, worrying, etc. The results can get us ‘stuck in our heads’ and disconnected from our bodies, our true selves,” says Kristin Jackson, a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator and Founder of thinksomatics.com, based in North Carolina.

Somatic movement focuses on releasing emotions clinging to the body, anchored to our nervous systems. Sophia Ali, a Delhi-based psychotherapist, registered somatic movement therapist and educator, explains the origins, “Somatic therapy has evolved from multiple disciplines, including body psychotherapy and movement therapy.” Thomas Hanna coined the term “somatics” and developed Hanna Somatics, “a movement-based approach focused on sensory-motor awareness and neuromuscular re-education.”

This movement focuses on developing body awareness by exploring sensations, rhythms and patterns from within. “Gentle, intentional movements release stored tension and reconnect the body and mind, fostering a sense of balance and grounding. It helps calm the nervous system and brings awareness to the present moment,” says Ali.

A deeper self-awareness

A common misconception is that somatic movement is only for people with physical pain or trauma. “In reality, it’s beneficial for anyone who would like to explore a deeper connection with their body, whether they’re dealing with stress, emotional challenges or simply looking for greater self-awareness,” says Ali.

Pandiculations or involuntary movements practised in somatic movement can help one bring the body and mind to a more balanced state of being. “To do so, gently contract your body into certain tension patterns, then slowly release, sensing the muscles relax. Take a breath or two to allow the brain to integrate the changes.”

Beginners can ground through movement by engaging in gentle shaking of their body. “Start with your hands and arms, then your legs, and gradually involve your whole body. Let the movement be loose and natural, allowing any tension to release,” says Ali.

Letting go

Nidhi Jain, founder of wellness brand Nida’s Pure, has been practising somatic movement with Ali for the past year. “It has been an organic, grounding process, helping me reconnect with myself.”

Jackson encourages her clients to practice with their eyes closed. “If you are in a class, there is no comparing oneself to the teacher or other students, which can reduce self-consciousness or the feeling of being overwhelmed.” The practice is safe for just about everybody and the results are almost immediate, she says. You can practice sitting, lying down or standing.

For Jain, somatic movement has made a notable difference. “It has helped me release the past, live in the present and receive the future. I’m not stuck in a whirlpool of blame anymore,” she shares.

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When Beyoncé said “If you like it, then you should have put a ring on it” in her track Single Ladies (2008), she might have been talking to your boyfriend or girlfriend to lock the deal down—but it doesn’t have to be that limiting.

All too often, this straight-jacketed notion of receiving a solitaire ring from the ‘special someone’ in your life leaves most women devoid of indulging in jewels that may look like an engagement ring. As someone in her late twenties with no romantic prospects, my Pinterest boards brim with iterations of rings, from emeralds to diamonds, princess cuts with sharp curves to pavé set bands. But why must I wait for a partner to buy it for me?

Time and again, I’ve caught myself desiring material things often at the expense of being labelled ‘high-maintenance’. Moulding desires, ambitions, and even self-sustained materiality to fit into others’ narratives is perhaps synonymous with the female experience. But, a woman can have requirements and desires beyond a bridal future, too. In the traditional sense, yes, a solitaire ring signifies an external relationship, but beyond this cookie-cutter ideology, you can buy yourself that perfect cushion-cut rock set on a gold band to mark a new phase of life, too.

Among the few brands that focus on jewellery as more than just a symbol of romantic relationships, Zoya stands out with inviting and refined pieces. The brand’s most recent collection, ‘Reborn’ focuses on “women embracing their true selves” with the beauty of the solitaire at its heart. One particular ring in their ‘Eterna Cut’ with a star-shaped facet sitting on a gold band, can make for the perfect gift “from me to me”.

You can collect these baubles over years of milestones ranging from attaining a master’s degree to finally settling into a new city or mending a lost friendship. This is how you can add tangibility to moments—that might have otherwise been emotional wins—commemorated through objects of holding. “A solitaire is far more than a symbol, it is a personal treasure, a reflection of a woman’s journey”, agrees Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan’s jewellery division.

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A statement choker, embellished bangles, studded earrings and rings from Maya Sanghavi Jewels were the accessories of choice for Tamannaah Bhatia. For her makeup, she opted for dewy skin, soft pink lips and a sleek middle-parted bun with gajra. Fresh flowers are ideal for hair ornamentation when attending a wedding, and they also activate your olfactory senses.

From Vogue‘s fashion desk:

“To recreate Tamannaah Bhatia’s look, consider opting for a half sari—a traditional South Indian silhouette. The outfit typically consists of three pieces: a skirt, a draped dupatta and a blouse. You can experiment with handloom fabrics by choosing a heavier weave, like Kancheevaram silk or Benaras brocade, for the skirt, and a lighter fabric, like Chanderi or chiffon with gota work, for the dupatta. Contrasting the colours of the skirt and dupatta is an easy way to elevate the overall look,” guides Vogue India’s Associate Fashion Editor, Divya Balakrishnan.

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Tamannaah Bhatia makes green+ gold work in a sultry bustier blouse and sari from House of Masaba

The White Lotus returns with a third season and whisks you away to an exclusive Thai resort. This time, creator Mike White serves up a darkly comedic exploration of death, spirituality and the clash between Eastern and Western cultures, all wrapped in the show’s signature satirical bite. The story follows a fresh ensemble of guests and employees, including a trio of long-time friends on a girls’ trip, a wealthy family grappling with financial ruin and a couple whose relationship is as rocky as the Thai cliffs. Natasha Rothwell reprises her role as Belinda, the spa manager from season 1, adding a thread of continuity to the anthology. As the guests indulge in wellness programs and tropical escapades, tensions rise, secrets unravel and the resort’s idyllic facade begins to crack.

Streaming on JioHotstar

Court of Gold (February 18)

Katrina Kaif has an affinity with pastels and saris and her latest look features both. For the premiere of her husband and actor Vicky Kaushal’s latest release, Chavva, Katrina Kaif garbed herself in a whimsical Anita Dongre sari in powder blue mixed with bits of light green sequin work. The fragile sari, named ‘blooming meadows’ replicates a diaphanous, wind-like quality adorned with bouquets of painted florals and leaves disguised with green beading. The offering is plucked from Dongre’s soon-to-be-released collection ‘Vaana’, providing a peek into foliage-themed garments which will be on display.

The scalloped pallu on the six-yard drape, adds a touch of a forest nymph appeal to the feminine ensemble. Kaif’s sari is contrasted with a tone-on-tone blouse boasting a soft sweetheart neckline, dots of sequins, and tassel detailing for a sliver of necessary drama.

For accessories, she picked forest-green emerald danglers and a chunky single-polki ring. The beauty entrepreneur stuck to her signature soft glam and brow eyes created from a Kay By Katrina palette. Previously as well, Kaif has worn Anita Dongre too—a soft mulmul lehenga printed with booti motifs.

These adjustments might be gradual and subtle, which is why Dr. Lira de la Rosa suggests asking yourself: Does my partner apologiwe when they’ve done something wrong? Or do they default to defensiveness? When they feel hurt, do they share what’s troubling them? Or do they hide these feelings from me?

No matter what kind of lie your partner told, taking accountability for mistakes and openly sharing feelings are both essential for rebuilding trust, she says. Plus, paying attention to their efforts to mend the damage (or lack thereof) can help you determine if they’re truly committed to changing, or if it’s time to reevaluate the relationship.

Resist the temptation to ‘helicopter’ over them

If your partner is really, truly sorry, they should be willing to follow their words with tangible actions. You’d probably expect them to hand over their phone and show you all their messages, say, or share their location with you 24/7. After all, they violated your trust, so it’s only fair, right?

Sharing passwords or peeking over their shoulder when they’re on social media can seem like the perfect solution to “get even,” but it’s likely to do more harm than good in the long run. One study published in 2020 found that cell phone snooping actually did the opposite of building trust: The constant surveillance was more likely to end in a breakup by increasing feelings of anxiety, distrust and frustration. (Spending the next few days, weeks or even months questioning and monitoring your partner’s doings and whereabouts may seem justified, but it isn’t a great start to rebuilding trust.)

So instead of watching them like a hawk, Sadhu suggests focusing on establishing some new expectations of what you need from them in order to trust them again—and make sure they’re comfortable with your requests too. Think of it as a compromise: If your partner hid the extent of their suspicious “friendship” with a coworker, it might be unfair and unrealistic to expect them to ignore this person altogether. But are they willing to limit contact outside of the office?

If your long-term goal is mutual trust, keeping a watchful eye on them or constantly questioning their loyalty won’t get you there, according to Dr. Lira de la Rosa. The urge to closely monitor their behaviour makes sense, but “it can become a problem if you keep pushing them away or doubting them when they’re trying to be trustworthy,” he says.

Try not to dwell on the past and focus on the future, instead

There may be times when things are going well, and out of nowhere, you remember the lie and another argument begins. “It’s normal to ruminate on the betrayal,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says, noting that it’s a common way humans cope with things we can’t really make sense of. “But after some time, dwelling on the past will only deepen the wounds and prevent you from being able to trust each other again,” he adds.

Last December, I watched Shree 420 (1955) in a somewhat empty cinema hall in Gurugram, where it was being screened it in honour of Raj Kapoor’s centenary year. The movie follows a down-on-his-luck Ranbir Raj (Kapoor) navigating the dishonest upper echelons of Mumbai. Though Raj initially deeply cares for his brethren who share his poor luck and exploitation by the corrupt rich, he eventually succumbs to the latter group. On the two sides of the moral and economic spectrum are Vidya, played by Nargis, and Maya, played by Nadira. There is a stark contrast in their wardrobes as they tussle for Raj’s romantic attention; one pulling at his simpleheartedness, the other at his greed. Your fidelity will push you towards the sari-clad Vidya as she is sidelined by Raj halfway through the film. But you would be forgiven for being tempted by the hedonistic Maya, who, in her black Western wardrobe and diamonds, is having a lot more fun.

Nadira as Maya in Shree 420 (1955)

I miss the Bollywood vamp. With unbridled promiscuity, campy dialogues, husband/boyfriend-stealing impulses and plunging necklines, she was what our chaste heroines could never be: deliciously, unpalatably wicked. An image clicks into place—do you also think of big, stylish hair, loud, garish makeup and a cigarette when you think of her? The Bollywood vamp could be a gangster’s sidekick, the husband’s mistress, a run-of-the-mill criminal, a cruel mother-in-law, a matricidal maniac, a sexy cabaret dancer or just a very mean, rich girl who doesn’t like the female protagonist. Within the film’s universe, she is never ‘nice’ and always a bit of a pill.

Backpacks for women go beyond a mere trend. Often associated with childhood memories and school days, a backpack still holds its nostalgic use as a timeless carrier of stationery, gadgets and the contents of its wearer’s inner world. For some, the backpack is something more, adorned with signatures of friends, embroidered patches holding memories and stories intact. In some ways, a backpack symbolises passing years of one’s life as it bears witness to travels or even as as a consistent companion for busy work days – becoming a practical yet meaningful substitute for the handbag.

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 01: A guest wears pink backpack outside Chanel during Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Recently, the backpack has acquired a new fashion value, becoming a viable alternative to the tote bag. Just as comfortable and capacious, it can contain everything you need to face busybody days. The fashionistas, however, are also sporting designer models such as the iconic Prada’s Re-Nylon to Chanel’s quilted leather backpack, worn as an accessory to add character to the whole look.

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

To not be confused by the plethora of models found online, we’ve put together a map to help you choose the best solution for you (and your needs): from the city one which replaces the handbag, to the technical one that takes advantage of for out-of-town trips, and even the practical ones for the office – which can hold everything you need.

Leather backpacks for evening outings

First, we delve into the stylish backpacks, which (along with the designer backpacks we will get to in a moment). These are a real practical and trendy substitute for the classic handbag – both for daytime, offered chic shades such as butter yellow or powder pink. As for the evening, opt for a classic leather iteration in black.

Designer backpacks to make a statement

The prohibitive dream for many – a branded backpack is always on the wishlist. There is, however, a tendency to set funds aside towards a handbag, perhaps with the thought of using it more. The following backpacks, however, are artistic yet highly practical miniatures to keep in your wardrobe, right next to other bags from the fashion brands you love most.

The Row

Mytheresa

₹ 1,54,000.00

Saint Laurent

Net-a-porter

₹ 2,20,000.00

Laptop backpacks for the office

For practical personalities, you can’t miss the work backpack, especially those with a special pocket to hold your computer (keeping it safe) and everything you need to survive overwhelming work days. Opt for models in black leather (or imitation leather), perfect even for those with a minimal style, to the coloured ones.

The casual and practical backpacks

Practical, roomy, beautiful: this is the backpack that’s right for you if you don’t feel like carrying your handbag during the day, or if you’ve grown tired of the fabric tote bag. It’s convenient if you commute a lot, whizzing around the city comfortably with your backpack on your shoulder. It’s also ideal if you like to go for long walks or if you’re fond of picnics in the park and refuse to get yourself acquainted with a duffel bag.

Ganni

Luisaviaroma

₹ 2,45,000.00

The backpacks that double as travel companions

The sportiest solution for traveling, because it replaces the suitcase: perfect for weekend getaways, but also for those who like to go hiking or road trips. They’re practical, roomy, shock-resistant, and full of pockets and compartments to divide your travel stuff, including a special place for your valuable water bottle.

MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon

Luisaviaroma

₹ 12,500.00

This story first appeared on vogue.it

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We have heard that aloe vera is a botanical anti-inflammatory that helps, mainly, to lessen the You’re probably familiar with the skin-soothing properties of aloe vera—especially when it comes to lessening the discomfort of a sunburn. But did you know that aloe vera can also be used for all sorts of skin issues, from psoriasis to dry scalp? In fact, some doctors recommend aloe vera for the treatment of acne and to prevent acne scarring, too.

Read on to find out how aloe vera—which is anti-inflammatory and gentle enough to use on all skin types—can make a soothing, skin-clearing addition to any beauty routine.

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a spiny succulent plant that looks similar to agave. While it’s originally native to the Arabian peninsula, these days it is grown in tropical, subtropical, and arid climates all over the world. It is also a commonly grown indoors as a potted house plant.

Aloe vera’s history as a medicinal plant stretches across cultures and goes back millennia to Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan, and China. “Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes,” reports one recent scientific review. “Alexander the Great and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’ wounds.”

Aloe vera and the skin

Inside aloe vera’s spiny stalks, you’ll find a clear, gel-like substance filled with Vitamin B12, protein, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. In fact, “aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids,” the aforementioned scientific review reports, noting that the gel’s fatty acids offer exceptional anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Plus, “it provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids and seven of the eight essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” the review states.

“Aloe appears to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-protective qualities, which is why it is often recommended for sunburn,” explains Dr. Paul Benedetto, a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist, who notes that it also has compounds that promote the growth of new skin cells. “Aloe’s physical properties can also be soothing to the skin.”

This soothing effect makes aloe vera a quick-absorbing, non-greasy moisturizer for all types of skin, including oily skin. It also makes it a great cooling remedy for reducing the irritation of bug bites, stings, and cold sores. Additionally, aloe vera is often used for muscle pain, bruises, cuts, abrasions, and inflammation to the skin from burns and frostbite; many studies support its use to improve wound healing and reduce skin inflammation, itching, and irritation. According to the Mayo Clinic, the application of aloe vera gel on the skin “seems to shorten the healing time of first and second degree burns.”

Throughout my twenties, living in New York and dating with little to no success, I couldn’t help but feel like something was wrong with me. I would go on dates, get fixated on having a fairytale-like future with someone I hardly knew, and then get upset when it inevitably didn’t work out. I was unable to date casually, and the stress I felt over my love life was a huge reason why I got into astrology in the first place. I would check my weekly horoscope and pull up my birth chart—a snapshot of where the planets were positioned at the exact time of birth—attempting to understand how it all correlated to my life. Over time, I was able to identify certain traits I had always struggled with and, sometimes, use them to my advantage.

Eventually, I made a career out of astrology, giving regular readings to clients. I began to notice how similar planetary patterns occurred for many people when they reached major relationship milestones, like moving in together or getting engaged and married. For instance, movements of Jupiter and Saturn, which symbolise growth and commitment, can indicate how a relationship might begin, transform or reach a make-it-or-break-it point.

I applied this same understanding to my own chart, deleting all of the dating apps and leaving my love life up to the universe. If I was meant to be in a relationship, it would happen, and I didn’t need to try to force it. After a relatively dry five and a half years relationship-wise, I was set up on a date with my now husband in February 2021—a moment when the planets happened to be aligned in both of our charts. Throughout our four years together, I have continued to use astrology to understand the various phases of our relationship, and it has been a helpful tool in recognising when difficult periods come and go for each of us. Sometimes, this can lead to a bit too much predicting, such as when I was trying to anticipate when he would propose. (Thankfully, he somehow managed to surprise me.)

Once we got engaged and had decided on the year and general season of when we wanted to get married, we then had to find a date that both worked with people’s schedules and also had optimum astrology. I don’t believe the wedding date plays a decisive role in the fate of the relationship; I see this more as a way to ensure an easy, enjoyable wedding—for the couple and their guests. Nonetheless, below are some key astrological considerations that I found helpful and which you may want to keep in mind when planning your own celebration.

How to plan your wedding according to astrology

Consider the moon phase

The moon phase—that is, whether it is a full or crescent moon, waxing or waning, and so on—on which your wedding date falls sets the tone for the event. The few days right before a new moon are typically the lowest energy time out of the month. If you have your wedding on or right around a new moon, expect it to have more of a low-key vibe. However, the new moon is also great for symbolising a fresh start in the relationship and building upon the next life chapter with your partner. In contrast, the full moon is a time of heightened activity and emotion, so if you’re getting married around that period, expect your wedding weekend to feel more fast-paced, with a lot of strong feelings surfacing. However, the full moon is an ideal time for bringing people together and being extra-social.

Think about the qualities of the zodiac season

Understanding the qualities of the zodiac season in which you want to get married is important too. Fire sign seasons—Aries, Leo and Sagittarius—tend to be more outgoing times of the year, when there is greater action taking place. These months can be good for getting guests to establish new connections at the wedding and venture outside of their comfort zones. In a similar way, the air sign seasons of Gemini Libra, and Aquarius are the most social times of the year, when you’re naturally wanting to mix and mingle with people, especially in bigger group settings. To contrast, water sign seasons (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) are typically more emotional and introverted periods. These months would be good for having an intimate ceremony, where you’re inviting a smaller group of people that you feel comfortable around. Finally, earth sign seasons of Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus are good for keeping track of the logistics related to wedding planning. So if you want to ensure that no detail is overlooked on the day of, these months would be your best bet. However, they may not have the same spontaneous, outgoing element that a fire or air sign season embodies.