[Lifestyle] Get back to the roots and embrace a healthier lifestyle

[rlex]

 

With shadows of 2020 still hovering strong this year, there seems to be an unending struggle with the global pandemic. However, there is a silver lining.

 

 

The rise of earthenware Since ages, Indian kitchens used natural earthen pots, pans and kadhais. And now, urban families are back to using stylish and chic clay utensils. Experts too recommend using earthen pots because of the multiple benefits they offer. It has been found that food cooked in earthen utensils have a comparatively higher amount of iron, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. And these are good for our body.
“While travelling in remote areas, we had picked up a few clay handis. During the lockdown, we tried cooking in them and now there’s just no going back. The food turns out to be more aromatic and flavourful. We even end up using less oil, as clay pots tend to trap the moisture really well. Also, these utensils help food retain its nutritive value a lot more than other cookware,” says homemaker Kavita Wadhwani, who has begun using earthenware since the last few months.

 

 

The pandemic and work-from-home phase also led to many people adopting plants and creating home gardens. A scientific journal reported that the positive association with gardening was very beneficial for overall health. Psychologists say that gardening reduces anxiety symptoms, stress, mood disturbances and it helps to improve cognitive functions, too. People who are into gardening have a better quality of life. Nivedita Singh, a media professional who lives in a small apartment in the suburbs, says, “I took to gardening during the pandemic and it has changed my life. It is such a stress-buster. I can just pick dhania and methi from my herb garden at home. That’s such a feel-good factor.”
Growing plants using homemade compost
Neela Renavikar Panchpor is a fine example of clean living. She has been into soilless gardening. For the last decade, she has been growing fruits and vegetables without any soil on the roof of her house in Pune. Much has been written about this marathon runner and cost accountant who learnt gardening from the internet and has used only 450 square feet area to grow dudhis, cucumbers, chillies, tomatoes, potatoes and fruits. Neela uses only homemade compost from kitchen waste. You could try organic farming, too, and embrace a healthier and cleaner lifestyle.