​I just thought of this funny incident that had happened to me some time ago. Back when I used to visit client sites in person, one of the Mondays, I decided to wear this beautiful grey crocheted shawl that I had created over the weekend. Now as we know, most Management Consultants are expected to be ‘totally business savvy’ and that too when you are in the technology area, people tend to view folks like myself as if we are AI incarnate (AI stands for Artificial Intelligence- read that as innovative, intelligent machines)!! 

So, one of the client personnel commented on the shawl and complimented me on how beautiful it looked, and I thanked him and said that I am even more happy to hear his compliment, considering I had made it myself!! He was quite taken aback!! He almost blurted out- “you mean made, like actually make it”- making a knitting gesture. I smiled and said yes, except it is crocheted and not knitted. 

Now with this being within the IT (Information Technology) division of the organization; his reaction was not surprising.

As I reflected about it later in the day, I realized that- not many people realize the importance of hobbies and crafts. In today’s day and age where machine produced items are sold at such cheap price, it is almost impossible to think of specially crafted items. Back in India, when I was growing up, we got our clothes tailor-made. That was the norm  and now, tailor-made seems like a luxury which only the uber-rich can afford (particularly here is North America)!

​Hobbies such as knitting, sewing, embroidery, quilt-making and so on, not only help us to create beautiful, unique items- they also allow us to live a sustainable green life. Because the more we make at home (and it does take some time to make one), we get out of the rut of consumerism- “buy at first glance and dump at first fade” viewpoint.

​The few items we make, we take good care of them. If they fade a little or get a little tear- we fix it. We truly utilize the garment for its entire lifecycle and not garbage it as soon as a new sale starts, or it shows the first signs of wear or tear.
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Taking the time and effort to make something of good quality allows us to be our own designer- it feels great to wear our creation with joy and pride. It also helps to improve our mood and self-image; as we are wearing a truly unique (one of its kind) item. AND to top it, most of these crafts are great at relieving stress.

​Crafts like knitting are high on the list of natural stressbusters. I for one, can surely vouch for their great emotional benefits.
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The repetitive action of creating the knits (or crochet stiches) makes it a great meditation tool. Many people who are not able to do traditional meditation of sitting still in one place for a certain length of time, find great benefit in taking up one of these crafts- particularly knitting- as it rhythmically engages both the hands.

​There is something calming, almost serene, maybe even romantic about knitting, particularly on a cold winter evening by the fireplace. Beautiful music in the background just adds to this ambience. And the end product is something that you can enjoy, not only for its beauty, but also for its utility! Each time, you use it, it helps you to relive your calm and joyful experience of artistic creativity.

And don’t think that this is only for women. Many men knit and sew- particularly for its meditative and health benefits and/or for its contribution towards living an earth-friendly green lifestyle.

So, maybe this holiday season, make it a decision to learn a new needle craft and give your dear ones, something that you have created, with lot of thought, caring and love- especially created- just for them.

​If you are wondering on how to get started, then there are many instructional videos that are freely available online. This is how I learnt this skill. Even though I have artistic inclinations; knitting and crochet used to 'scare' me… but once I got the hang of it, I now find that there is nothing which can take its place to help me to relax and feel at ease- particularly after a ludicrous meeting with the clients or after a nerve-jittering day in the financial markets. 

Try it for yourself and see how easy it is to meditate, create something beautiful (and useful) and also relax- all in the same go…

​#craftsforfun #stressmanagement #naturalstressbusters #reducestressnaturally #craftsforreducingstress #knittingmeditation #alternativestomeditation #calmingthemind #restandrelaxation #RandR 

Cardamom is a spice which is typically used to make sweet confections, that is rich in minerals and essential electrolytes. Cardamom is packed with minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium.

​Cardamom seeds not only add flavor and aroma to our food, but they also provide many health benefits… 

Cardamom seeds are known to help with regularizing our heart-beat. In addition, it functions as a diuretic and since it is also rich in fiber, it helps to lower blood pressure. Many people utilize cardamom seeds as a way to naturally vitalize their heart and at the same time stabilize the heart-function. 

Cardamoms are also known to contain anti-oxidant and cancer-fighting properties. Cardamoms, being fragrant help to counter bad-breath and enhance oral health. In addition, cardamoms have many other beneficial properties that help to maintain liver and pancreatic function. 

These beneficial properties of cardamoms help to maintain good health and vitality. For this purpose, it is best consumed as an added spice in food and beverages. 

Given its strong action on several vital organs, it is important to take it as a supplement ONLY after proper medical and naturopathic consultations.

​#cardamom #healthbenefitsofcardamom #naturalhealth #holistichealth #alternativeremedies #herbalhealing   #healingspices

​The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly EGCG, epigallocatechin.  EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant and besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it also kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. 
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Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The reason green tea is healthier is due to the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. Whereas, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not as effective in health benefits.

​5 Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

1. Green Tea helps in Cancer Prevention:
Green Tea is known to prevent many types of cancer. The catechin polyphenols, particularly EGCG which is a powerful anti-oxidant is known to prevent cancer cell growth as well as kill various cancerous cells without affecting surrounding healthy tissues.

2. Green Tea helps in maintaining Heart Health:
Research has confirmed that green tea polyphenols can protect a heart from oxidative stress, as well as maintain good left ventricular function after ischemic arrest (restriction in the heart’s blood supply) and reperfusion (tissue damage caused when the blood supply returns).
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Green tea also protects the heart by adversely affecting LDL (bad cholesterol) and preventing hypertension, 
i.e. high blood pressure

​3. Green Tea helps in Type 2 Diabetes:
Green Tea is known to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.  Even in non-diabetics, green tea consumption helps our bodies to better utilize glucose.

4. Green Tea helps in better Cognition:
Green Tea is not only a very refreshing drink but studies have shown that regularly drinking green tea is known to help maintain cognitive focus and improve alertness. Senior citizens that drink green tea have demonstrated increased mental abilities. 

Also, its believed that green tea may be protecting the brain from forming plaque deposits such as found in Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea may also help in reducing memory loss.

5. Green Tea helps in Weight Loss:
Green Tea which has many flavonoids called catechins and polyphenols, which helps boost body’s metabolism and thus help in burning fat and loosing weight.

​How much tea to drink for these benefits?
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Tea being a very refreshing drink, unless one over-consumes any amount should be immensely helpful. On an average, drinking one to three cups each day should suffice.

​#greentea #EGCG #oolong #chinesetea #blacktea #healthysnacks #weightloss #nutrition #healthydrink #healthfood

​Magnetic Therapy uses magnets for treating pain and other body ailments by applying a magnet to the skin or close to the skin. Magnetic therapy is a drug free and an effective way of treating ailments that surpasses the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers, hot or cold wraps or other methods.

Magnets of various sizes and strengths are used for the treatment.  It is based on the basic principle of magnetism- of the interaction of magnetic forces of magnets with the human body’s magnetic field. Ancient civilizations also used magnets for treatment of illnesses. Hippocrates, a fourth century Greek physician, recorded that magnets were used by him to cure his patients as well as by Ancient Egyptian priests. 

​Our body consists of over 70% water and these molecules are magnetically conductive. Thus, magnetic forces penetrate into the body and help regulate its physiological functions. Magnetic fields created by the magnets affect relaxation and constriction of capillary blood vessels which affects blood flow. 

Magnetic fields produced from the south pole of the magnet have healing powers and stimulate metabolism, enhance the amount of oxygen available in blood and maintains correct acidic environment within the body. Whereas, the north pole of a magnet has a calming and relaxing effect on the body. Magnets can help you heal your pain in many ways. 

Some are available as ornaments and accessories. Such magnets may be in the form of bracelets, rings, necklace as well as magnetic straps which can be tied on wrists, back, knees, elbow, foot and ankles. These magnetic accessories are placed on the body according to the reflexology and acupressure points. 

​Benefits of Magnetic therapy can be seen on digestive, circulatory, nervous, respiratory and all the other systems of human body. This theory helps in reducing swelling and pain of the body as well as headache and sinus problems. It is most widely used for the treatment of psychiatric ailments such as stress, depression and insomnia. 

Sports injuries such as typical muscular pain/cramps/spasms, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, Achilles tendon, tendonitis, sprains, and torn ligaments can also be effectively treated. Magnetic therapy enhances memory, intelligence and concentration. 

Remember Magnets are a natural force and have the power to heal and like all other healing therapies- natural ‘or’ otherwise, they should be incorporated with proper knowledge and understanding. 

Read more about how Magnetic Healing can help you to heal pain and achieve health and well-being in ...

#comfortableliving #magnet #magnetichealing #healingwithmagnets #naturalhealth #holistichealth ​#consciousliving #naturalhealth #alternativehealing #painrelief #naturalpainreduction #magnetichealing