Diwali is by far the most anticipated festival especially in North India. The lights , the crackers, the parties and the pollution can take a toll on our health if we are not careful. Routines go for a toss as we try to actively manage our social and work life during these days. Once the D day is over and we get back to normal life realisation dawns! - We might have put on weight, are constantly tired, begin to experience extreme bloating and acidity and lets not forget breathing issues due to the air quality.. Now I wouldn’t tell you to give up your Diwali parties but there are ways to help you recover from it faster.
- The crackers just add to the crop burning that time of the year and pollution levels reach a new level of insanity. Try o stay indoors for a week post Diwali with the air purifier on and drink tea with herbs like .... which are extremely beneficial for your respiratory system.
- Exercise by walking at home during this week or at the gym.
- Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate. You need to get that system back in order and there is nothing like water to help with that
- Minerals are a must. If you can't get your hands on good quality Shilajit then add a pinch of Himalayan salt to your RO water.
- Go back to home cooked food that are lightly cooked - steamed, boiled, baked and try to have a rainbow of veggies with every meal.
- Intermittent fasting is a great reset for the system. Try to do a 16 hour fast with a 8 hour eating window. Try with 12 then build up to 14 and then 16.
- You can do lymphatic exercises during this time like rebounding or even try dry brushing
- Another great way to detox the body is through castor oil packs
- Your skin takes a hit too during this season so try to add in a facial if you get the time but make sure its done at the dermatologist's office not a salon.
- Add probiotic foods to your diet like kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha.
- You have had a hectic few weeks socialising. Now you need self care.
Try to spend some time alone to recharge your batteries. - Catch up on the sleep you missed during the last few weeks trying to juggle work and your social life.
- Post Diwali can get a bit dressing for some people who are extremely extroverted so make sure you listen to uplifting music
- Oxygenate your body with a breathing exercise routine everyday
These are some simple steps that we can do on a daily basis once the excitement of Diwali is over. Its best to start as soon as possible otherwise procrastination can get the better of us. Just remember there is a time to play and a time to recover! If you did one, you must do the other !!