De- stressing... stress busters from an expert

(Published on 27 June 2006 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Stress can be triggered by just about anything… I recently had the most stressful time relocating from one country to another. My nerves were frayed and I was at my nastiest best, ready to bite off the head of whoever ventured close. Like all Miss Know-All’s I am a perfectionist. And if things don’t workout the way they are planned I get worked up and depressed. But the art is in mastering stress, getting a hold on oneself and snapping out of it.

From stress busters to facial lustre, we the Miss Know-Alls have an answer for everything.

But what is stress all about? Well pets, stress triggers the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine hormones into our blood stream. These with other stress hormones produce a number of effects on the body such as increase in heart rate, muscle tension and above all blood pressure. The digestive system too becomes sluggish resulting in retarded bowel movements. Rise in blood sugar is evident as the body tries to cope with the changes.

It is no secret that stress and aging are closely linked. Intense long-term emotional strain makes people age faster. Knowledge of how stress and aging were linked – made me sit up and take heed. Since I can’t help but get stressed about things that are beyond my control it’s time I looked at how to “De- stress”!

Ayurveda and Reflexology
There is no better way to de-stress than to take a massage. One has to learn to relax. Ayurvedic massages and medicines strengthen the mind and body. It is an old age science and applying pressure on certain pressure points of the body is known to release stress. It is not about pampering yourself – rather it is about giving your body the attention it needs. Like taking your car for regular servicing. A regular massage can do wonders.

Deep breathing
Deep breathing helps release stress and lower blood pressure. The breathing pattern in most people experiencing stress is shallow and rapid. Deep breathing helps calm the nerves and helps you to get a grip on yourself. I find it immensely helpful. Even at work – it is a good idea to step out to take in some deep breaths – rejuvenate – and then return to the problem at hand.

Spa and hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy techniques are a wonderful way to de-stress. Steam bath, circular jet and soaking in water leads to dilation of peripheral blood vessels that stimulates blood circulation and soothes the nerves. Even simply soaking in the tub for a while can do wonders to your mental state. For that matter – a shower is equally de-stressing.

Yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation have a soothing effect on the mind and help to combat stress. Besides, just sitting quietly and reflecting clears ones thoughts and enables one to think rationally. You might choose to do this in your prayer room. I prefer sitting in the garden amongst nature. For some, vigorous exercising helps. They can just sweat their stress out off their systems.

Friends and music
Friends are the biggest source of cheer. A simple sms from a close friend or family member can spread sunshine. They make you happy when times are grey. And if nothing else works listening to your favourite kind of music helps. Lilting music soothes the nerves. But, to each his own. If you find that rock music relaxes you… go ahead - so be it.

Diet control
A diet comprising of fresh fruits and vegetables rejuvenates the body. Of course people do have ‘comfort foods.’ Foods that, they probably associate with home or their childhood. But I must admit that what works best for me is chocolate. A big bite – and I am all set to take on the world once again. The only thing better than a friend – is a friend with chocolate!

De-stress my friends – leave your stress to the winds. No worry has ever been worth spending sleepless nights over. Till we meet again… take deep breathes and solace from a big bar of chocolate.

Miss Know-All
wow@dailymirror.wnl.lk

Fugu Fish - a poisonous delicacy!

(Published on 13 June 2006 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Buffets at a hotel are a ‘foodie’s’ dream come true! But I must admit I’m not much of a ‘foodie’ and the very sight of so much food sends my appetite flying out of the sparkling and well polished five-star hotel window. And then there is the unappetising sight of the over enthusiastic diner who piles up his plate – and mixes cuisines to create his own masterpiece! Baked vegetable lasagne floating in fish curry topped with Hoisin chicken! Wonder why no one tells the fervent patron that he could go instead for ten separate helpings to get his money’s worth.

The buffet table also seems a perfect place for people to show off their knowledge about different cuisines. Invariably, there will be this one wise guy who thinks he’s enlightening the gentry. Don’t mistake him for a Mr Know All, pretties, for in the words of Plato - "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." We call these people – ‘fugu’ originating from the blow fish called fugu since it blows its body up. The similarity? Well the person in question is an air bag for one and secondly his shallow knowledge could be ‘poisonous’ for a stupid few. Read on dahlings – I can see I need to explain this a bit more in detail.

From fanatical gluttons to soggy soup crotons, we, the Miss Know-Alls have an answer for everything.

Where people of most countries, would think of a poisonous fish, as best left alone, the Japanese regard the fugu fish as a delicacy. Even though, Fugu is a fish which contains deadly poison in the organs it is a wildly popular food in Japan that can be lethally poisonous if not prepared properly. Despite the risk, a whopping 10000 tons of blow fish are consumed each year. Fugu fish blow their body up to scare away enemies by gulping down water. The Chinese characters used to write fugu indicate "river pig."

Fugu dishes are usually expensive. One meal can cost $100 to $200 per person at a licensed and well known restaurant. Chefs undergo a rigorous and lengthy apprenticeship before they can prepare this particular dish. There are over 1,500 fugu restaurants in Tokyo, where an average of 100-200 people a year show signs of poisoning. Death rate is 61%. This hasn't stopped fugu connoisseurs from gambling with their lives. Without a doubt the biggest thrill is the risk-taking that involves so much for so little. Who cares what it tastes like as long as you live to tell the tale?

And if you are brave, adventurous (and may I add foolhardy) and would like to try out some Fugu – here are a few Fugu dishes:

ìFugu-sushi - Thinly sliced raw fugu served with ponzu dipping sauce
ìFugu-chiri - Vegetables and fugu simmered in konbu dashi soup.
ìFugu Kara-age - Floured and deep fried.
ìFugu Hire-zake - Grilled fin served in hot sake drink.

So long. Until we meet again - or should I say IF we meet again… God speed.


Miss Know-All
wow@dailymirror.wnl.lk

How do barcodes work?

(Published on 6 June 2006 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Attending the ‘Chillies’ do, was a real high. The atmosphere was electric. A room full of creative geniuses is my kind of place. Creativity excites me. There were no losers – each campaign was a winner. It takes a Ms Know All to identify and recognise talent – and the Chillies was a sure display of Sri Lankan expertise.

Ever wondered whether a good advertisement can push an average product? The answer is no. One thing I must admit is that the customer is no fool – contrary to what I’d like to believe. No eye-wash and fancy advertising will sell a product if it’s not good enough. There is a shift in the market from selling to buying. Gone are the days when manufacturers used to sell. Today it’s the customer who buys. Observe people at a supermarket. They walk straight to the shelf they want… survey and then pick the product that best satisfies them.

From brilliant campaigns, retail chains to customer gains we, the Miss Know-Alls have an answer for everything.

Talking of supermarkets – have you often seen people staring blankly at products - turning them upside down and then figuring which of the price tags on the shelves matches the product they are holding. It’s very simple sweethearts. The barcode given on the product also has numbers below them. It’s usually a long 7-8 digit number. All you need to do is match the last three digits with the price label given on the shelf. You can’t go wrong with that one.

The technology is simple and easy to understand. Might take you a while – but you don’t have to be a genius to follow this one. A barcode is a machine readable representation of information in a visual format. Barcodes store data in the widths and spacing of printed parallel lines and can be read by optical scanners. That is what the lady uses when you finally bring your shopping cart to the counter. To be scanned, there must be accurate printing and adequate contrast between the bars and spaces. Scanners may be in a fixed position, like most supermarket checkout scanners, or hand-held devices, often used for the taking of inventories.

Since their invention in the 20th century, the use of barcodes is widespread and the technology behind barcodes is constantly improving. Practically every item purchased from a store has a barcode on it. This greatly helps in keeping track of the large number of items in a store and also reduces instances of shoplifting. Rental car companies keep track of their cars by means of bar codes on the car bumper. Even airlines track passenger luggage with barcodes, reducing the chance of loss. Even NASA uses them to keep track of maintenance.

Don’t get your knickers in a twist about this one. You can always walk up to an assistant and give your – ‘I am dumb, please help me’ - look. If it gives you some consolation – as per Aristotle - "There is a foolish corner in the brain of the wisest man."


Miss Know-All
wow@dailymirror.wnl.lk