The Writer’s Flight

Extended use of mobile phones, laptops and television have impacted our eyes as we work, study and entertain at home; here are some tips to start moving to 20/20 vision again Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi   Phones, laptops and TVs all emit harmful blue light. Anti-glare coatings like blue protect cut exposure to blue light, improve sleep and reduce eye strain. Picture Courtesy: Titan EyePlus One sense organ that really went into overdrive and was the most used during the pandemic was the eyes. We were moving from screen to screen for professional, personal and social engagements, using laptops for office jobs or school classes, relaxing the mind watching television and socialising over Whatsapp and Facebook on our mobile phones. Let's just say that we were caught in some sort of technology trap, swapping one gadget for another. Pandemic 2020 had a major impact on the health of our vision. Says Aarti Nangia, HOD-Ophthalmology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj: “Sedentary life, staying

Don't ignore mental health. Here are some techniques to junk bad thoughts for good ones, eat and sleep right, and alter your activity charts to keep the mind sharp, yet calm and peaceful Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of problems but also the presence of positive traits - ability to manage stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks. Picture Courtesy: Pooja Bedi, founder, Happy Soul We all spend hours and money sculpting our bodies and getting that chiselled look. But what about our minds? Aren't we allowing any and every thought to home in and wreck our mental well-being? Experts say the mind should embody positive thoughts, emotions and feelings, much like a jewellery box in which we retain only the very best. How do you keep your mind calm, relaxed, and healthy? Leading psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh says, “More than anything else, you need to recognise and accept the mind as an important compone

While carnations and confectionery still make the cut, practical gifting options such as gadgets and gizmos, home decor, and feel-good beauty hampers are gaining popularity Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi Mia’s affordable jewellery collection of diamond rings, earrings, pendant and bracelet in 14 KT gold is finding takers during Valentine’s Day Valentine's Day is a great excuse to slow down and remember the things you love so much about the people in your life--and let them know about it. Post pandemic, the V-day gifting trend is headlined by things that have functional use. The mood is veering towards utilitarian ideas and many want to go beyond the cliched flowers, predictable teddies and boring mugs. Date at home You can create the right atmosphere within the confines of your home with ambient lights, fragrant candles and diffusers. E-commerce portals are offering everything from electronics, home decor, fashion and beauty essentials, and accessories. Flipkart  has seen an impress

WFH and travel paranoia during Covid-19 have lowered occupancy in these hotels, forcing them to offer alluring rates as low as Rs 5,000 a night with meals to leisure customers Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi The Connaught from brand SeleQtions of The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) is in the middle of the Central Business District at Connaught Place and reflects Delhi's cultural and linguistic melting pot Time was when it was par for the course for a top-notch five-star hotel in the heart of the city to charge anything like 10,000-20,000 a night. Would you believe you can stay in some of the best brands in the city's prime central business districts for Rs 3,500-5,000 a night, with a few meals thrown in? The travel and tourism, and hospitality industries were the first, the worst and the longest-affected due to the pandemic, says Piyush Tiwari, Director Commercial & Marketing,  ITDC  (India Tourism Development Corporation), a group which runs Ashoka and Samrat, among others.