Seldom do you come across a self-help book that doesn’t merely preach but subtly guides you into finding what you are seeking. Fitness expert and wellness coach Deanne Panday’s latest book Balance falls into that rare category. In Balance, Deanne discusses 13 aspects of life or ‘vital foods’ as she calls them, that lend it meaning, purpose, and peace. She discusses relationships, home environment, finance, career, health, physical activity, joy, spirituality, home cooking, creativity, education, social life, and the effect of climate change on our health, shares personal anecdotes, and guides the reader with simple, easy-to-follow advice, tips and activities to help bring a balance to your life. “At the end of the day, we have to be our own heroes. It’s not always easy to have balance in our lives, but with a few simple changes, you can achieve a sense of wellness,” she says. TMM caught up with Deanne for a chat…
What’s your favourite writing spot?
I work from the second floor as it’s all glass and I can see the Peepul tree in front of my house. I like to work there in the mornings because there are all sorts of birds that come to the tree. I love being amidst greenery and nature.
The one veggie you would not mind disappearing from your life?
I love all vegetables but yes, if karelas disappear from my life, I won’t miss them! (smiles)
One mantra that has always motivated you?
I have realized that it’s difficult to keep yourself motivated every day of your life. So, when there is no motivation that is when discipline kicks in. On certain days, when I’m so tired that I can’t get myself to go to the gym, that’s when the discipline side of me takes over and I make sure I finish my workout.
We know you love beach holidays. Any memorable ones?
My daughter is my travel companion and we both love to visit beaches. We have been on a number of memorable beach holidays, including Bali, Thailand, the Phi Phi islands and Maldives. We both are adventurous and fearless, so we indulge in a lot of water sports and other fun activities.
A self-discovery or skill you picked up during the lockdown?
I’m a commercial artist by profession, so I do a lot of pen and ink and drawings. I picked that up again after many years.
When you are stressed, what is your immediate thought or action?
The first thing that comes to my mind when I am stressed is yoga or exercise because I have been doing that for years and it works for me. It calms me down. Even ten minutes of breathing exercises or listening to good music de-stresses you.
What’s your first thought in the morning?
I have mastered the art of being in a calm state of mind when I wake up. My mornings are very calm and peaceful.
So far, you have written non-fiction. Would you like to try your hand at fiction sometime?
Sure, why not? Never say never!
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