Life lately- January 2025

Doctor appointments, new books, slowing down and everything else that happened in January 2025.

December swept by in a whirlwind, making January feel unnervingly calm. After traveling to Pune, Goa, Tadoba, and Kolkata over five weeks, it felt comforting to get back to the quiet steadiness of routine in Bangalore- returning home to my familiar space is always so grounding for me. I’m reminded of this entry in my newsletter where I spoke about home, and why I feel so uncomfortable answering “ Where are you from?” Anyway, for those who wish to know me better, Bangalore is home base for me now.

We woke up to this on our first day back home, I’m guessing it’s a sign of good things to come?

Sanket takes care of the plants, I have made no contribution to this.

I got back to my morning routine of device-free reading, and I’ve discovered a new found love for non-fiction! Maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling curious about the world around me, and I’ve been exposed to so many interesting non-fiction books through my job at Champaca Bookstore that I couldn’t help picking up some books. I’ve been reading The Body Keeps Score which talks about how the mind reacts to trauma, and how we store it in our bodies over time. It’s an interesting read if you wish to get a deeper understanding of trauma and how it affects overall wellness. I also finished reading Airplane Mode which talks about travel through a feminist lens, and I’m having a great time reading about the history of passport, the duality of historic cities and the nuances that shape the privilege of travel. The author Shahnaz Habib also visited Champaca on Thursday, and it was a lovely evening getting to understand her experiences better. Speaking of author events, I had the good fortune of meeting Amitav Ghosh too! He dropped in for a book reading and signing at the store, and I also got the chance to tell him about my recent trip to the Sunderbans. The place we stayed at was built as a tribute to his stories about the Sunderbans, a fact that Mr. Ghosh shared with me as he signed copies of his latest book Wild Fictions. I got a signed copy, of course.

I announced my first group trip to the jungles! I was so nervous about this at first, so I sent out some emails to those who had shown interest. I was pleasantly surprised by the response that I received, which is why I opened it up to everyone. It also aligns with my attempt at embracing imperfection, because I am constantly worried about these things not working out well for me. I’ve spoken about it here.

I’ve been trying to clean up my lazy act. I’ve been making certain changes in silence, mostly because I’m confident of my ability to keep promises (I take promises very seriously, another thing that makes it very difficult for me to form deep connections with most people.) Maybe it’s the self-discipline my parents instilled in me, maybe it’s my need for control, or maybe it’s my own unrealistic standards of perfection. Whatever the reason, what matters most to me is that I rely on my own validation, and I don’t want to let myself down. So yes, I’m cleaning up my act again, and it feels good to be in charge of myself. I booked a nutrition consultation with Coach Chitrika. For those who are new here- I started CrossFit at home right in the middle of the pandemic in April 2020, under the guidance of Neha and Vidur, back when they were running their box in Mumbai. I continued the group classes with them, with Chitrika leading most of the classes. In 2023, I switched over to personal training with her where she would program workouts for me. In 2025, I took this relationship a step further and enrolled in a nutrition consultation too.

Nutrition is so much more than “what to cook"?” or “how many calories am I eating?” or “how do I make everything about protein?” As women we need to get coaches who lead with empathy, because they understand that it is impossible to stick to one diet plan and workout routine throughout the month. Our hormone levels change, and this affects our mood, strength, ability to deal with pressure, and so much more. On some days we’re eating well but on some days we only want to eat cake, and a good nutrition coach should be able to help you navigate this in a way where you will be able to eat everything that you enjoy without feeling scared of food. And of course they will guide you on how to plan your diets so that you’re eating all the food groups (prioritise protein is great advice, but stop looking at things in isolation- too much of anything is bad!)

Chitrika made slight changes to my diet, and I’ve seen a phenomenal change in my energy levels. I eat almonds in the morning and drink 3 glasses of water before I get to my coffee, and I’ve seen that my energy levels stay consistent throughout the day. I used to crash by noon, mostly because my caffeine and sugar high would finally end. I now eat a heavy breakfast, a snack at 3, another at 5, and an early dinner by 9. On some days this works really well, on some days I don’t prioritise what I need to focus on and opt for that cake instead, but she’s made me understand how to balance out the meals in a day, and eventually a week, and for that I am supremely grateful.

I’ve also decided to stop drinking! I don’t want to call this “sober January” or “sober forever” because I will feel restricted. Instead, I am trusting myself to make the right choice, and I am proud of how well I’m doing. I will of course drink at weddings and during special travels, but I know I’m not going to go overboard there either.

Maybe it’s my body responding to the great nutrition and lack of alcohol because I’m sleeping really well too! Because of great sleep, my body also has the energy for more, and I’ve been working out regularly!

Sunday morning easy runs are gorgeous in my neighbourhood! It’s just me and the doggos.

I’ve finally decided to fix my lower back and have also been going for my physiotherapy appointments very religiously. Gotta thank my sister for this one.🤭I booked an initial consultation with Dr. Padamanaban and I’ve been prescribed 6-10 weeks of intense strengthening and rehab work for my glutes. 😮‍💨

I’ve been doing some trauma release somatic movements by Liz Tenuto and all that I can say is that there’s something in here. On most days you’ll feel impatient because it gets too slow and gentle , but one fine day you may find that there’s something different. Somatic therapies are worth exploring if you, like me, are curious to know more about wellness. I cried on Day 11, and have felt lighter, happier since then. I also laughed a lot on Day 18. I hope you get to experience a good change too.

Lastly, I had my first in-person appointment with a psychiatrist. Yeah, as you can tell, I’m really all about feeling better. ❤️

*Wholesome content break*

I love that old movies are being re-released in theatres, it’s such a joy to experience some of my top pop culture moments on the big screen all over again. I watched Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in the movie hall and here’s what it looked like. The colours, the energy, the gyrating moves and people dancing along to the songs- yeah, this is the cinema I’m here for.

A list of other things I’ve enjoyed lately

Ted Lasso

A Modern family re-watch.

Slowing down in general.

Writing this newsletter and the deep conversations that follow.

The soft, fluffy dosas at Malgudi Mylari Mane.

Meeting girlfriends. For women and queer folks in Bangalore, my friend Meghna has opened up her house for NO AGENDA SPACES where you drop in to do nothing. You can get details here.

Meals at Navu.

The Malnad Arabica and Chikmagalur Mocha flavours of Cosmix protein powder. You can buy your stash by using this link, which already has my referral code applied.

Barre workouts at Physique57. You can use this link to book a free class for yourself!

Reminder

The start of a new year doesn't have to be a race. It can be a quiet season for looking after yourself, and setting intentions that will help you lead the most wholesome version of your life.

Here's to a year of balance, connection, and wonder!

*Hugs*

Protima