5 Ways To Drive Away Diwali Woes

Diwali festivities are right here, but have you done all that is needed to make these holidays perfect? No, we are not talking about offbeat home décor or great gift buying or the gourmet dishes cooking in the kitchen. Let’s face it – preparing for the festivities is a tough task with so many things to manage. Family time with friends and relatives can be stressful enough and stretching your budget for some last-minute spending takes its toll as well. Then there are the fireworks, Diwali feasts and a little bit of gambling – must-do things but must be done with some care and caution. If you are already feeling a bit panicky, here are 5 tips to keep you happy and safe this Diwali.

Play it safe: With loads of fireworks around, that’s the best thing to do, especially if you have kids at home. Gather the people beforehand and tell them all about the safety rules. Keep an eye on potential trouble-makers – even grown-ups tend to behave irresponsibly at times. Also, make sure all power points at home are working fine and don’t overload them with decorative lighting. Finally, keep a first-aid box ready and the emergency numbers handy, along with some heavy blankets that could easily put out flames. This way, you can act fast in case of an accident or mishap.

Watch your money: There are offshore casinos and private house parties for diehard gamers, but even the neighbourhood teen patti parties can burn a big hole in your pocket. Delhi card parties are (in)famous for big-bet gambling, but other metros have also caught up with it. Rumour mill says lakhs, even crores, are lost and won in card games across the national capital, and farmhouses, cars and jewellery are staked by owners. It reminds one a little about Mahabharata and Yudhisthira’s disastrous game of dice. So keep a wary eye on your money and possessions, and go slow on shopping and gambling.

Keep a tab on food: Foodgasm is the latest buzz but don’t go overboard with enticing, spicy and oily food. Cook healthy as far as possible and try baking the bhujias or the chaklis (popular Diwali snacks), instead of deep-frying them. It also makes sense to keep the mid-day meal simple if you are having an elaborate dinner every night. Cut down on alcohol, aerated drinks, high-sugar diet and extensive smoking – all these will clog your system. Now that the winter is setting in, drink a lot of water and try a cuppa or two of green tea. It will keep your system toxin free, keep you hydrated and boost your energy.

Walk to wellness: A brisk walk in the morning is a great stress-buster and keeps those extra kilograms away. There’s a nip in the air, so you will enjoy the cool sojourn to a nearby park. Do some deep breathing, enjoy the greens and drive away any negative thought that pops up in your mind. If you can’t go for a walk, try some yoga exercise or practise meditation in the morning/evening. It is the ultimate de-stresser and will boost your mood in no time.

Relax and connect, it’s rejuvenating: Staying happy and relaxed is the holiday season mantra, so try and get into that mental frame. After all, too many outings and parties are bound to wear you down. So plan smart and keep a little ‘me’ time just for yourself – to do anything you like. And last, but not the least – connect, connect and connect. As one hardcore tech professional just told us in his Diwali message: This festive season, forget your mobile, laptop, tab and smart TV. Celebrate with real people who need your time and attention. They have been waiting for it throughout the year.

Image: Wikimedia