At some point during the lockdown, I had not gone outside for four days and I could feel my body’s rebellion. My partner pushed me out of the door and I walked and walked, and it felt euphoric: the cool breeze; my muscles moving, alive with purpose; my thoughts keeping pace with my steps. It was a seized opportunity to nurture that primordial mind-body connection from which everyday life before lockdown often distracted me.
In the face of a global pandemic, we have been united by our fallible, fragile biology, and the idea of well-being has taken on a deeper meaning. What has been put into sharp relief is not how we look, but how we feel within.
The tyranny of performative and elitist wellness trends has shifted to a gentler, more holistic sense of well-being. Exercise has become as much about emotional and spiritual health as physical. I find I am kinder to myself and more forgiving, exercising when I intuitively need it, not simply because my phone guilts me with a reminder.
With fewer distractions, I have had the space to gain a deeper understanding of my body. I can discern biological rhythms that previously went unnoticed, from palpable hormonal changes to an acute awareness of whether I am stressed or jittery, irritable or hungry, tired or wired. Without long commutes and office distractions dictating the day, the ticking of the body's internal clock can make itself heard.
During this past year of such quiet existence, social media has lost little of its influence. However, we are editing ourselves far less. #FilterDrop campaigns are challenging the pressure to appear ‘perfect’ online, and women are sharing openly about periods, body shape, scars and stretch marks, menopause, body hair, and the realities of the changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Denne historien er fra August 2021-utgaven av Harper's Bazaar India.
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Denne historien er fra August 2021-utgaven av Harper's Bazaar India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Unyielding And Unmatched
In an industry where every move is scrutinised, Kareena Kapoor Khan lives passionately, loves her job, and understands that there’s more to her than just box-office numbers.
SEEN AND HEARD
Female authors explore how crucial it is that women write about their personal experiences.
INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO
What makes the feminist trailblazer an icon?
'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'
AR Rahman believes AI can be used without compromising on the artistic essence.
THROUGH HER EYES
Indian supermodels remember legendary photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta ahead of his 68th birth anniversary.
THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS
From adorning your body to your mantle piece, jewellery designers are turning to homeware.
WEARABLE ART
Three limited-edition timepieces, inspired by Gaston-Louis Vuitton's love for artistry, is an ode to the Maison's legacy of craftsmanship.
AS LONG AS TIME
Bazaar India delves into the ethos of watch brands.
MILANO MAKEOVER
Sabato De Sarno's reimagination of this classic Gucci bag is is an ode to his Milanese becoming.
A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR
Designer Surily Goel reveals the making of her latest collection.