🏋️ Do you even list?
a productivity hack, a solution to smelly armpits, best place to stay in Skardu and more
Hello everyone. My motivation behind Smile Gazette is to create a community of like-minded people who share similar interests. I will be posting one newsletter every month. In each newsletter, I will share useful productivity tips and practical life advice. Together, we will explore the strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. At the time of posting this, we are a family of 203 subscribers.
📝 Do you even list?!
Do you make lists for daily chores? Making lists is a very important productivity hack that can help get a lot of work done. The idea behind making lists is that acknowledging what needs to be done gives us the ability to plan ahead and remember the to-dos on time.
I found this picture of an old grocery list/tab etc. This is from 1900s and they used to have such tabs.
Making lists is an essential organizational tool that can significantly impact our daily lives and overall productivity.
Studies have shown that people perform better when they have written down what they need to do.
Lists help us prioritize tasks, set goals, and stay focused on what needs to be accomplished. By jotting down our responsibilities, to-do items, or objectives, we gain a clearer sense of direction and can better manage our time and efforts.
Evidence suggests that writing a list is great for your mental health.
Lists also alleviate the mental burden of trying to remember everything, allowing us to free up mental space for creative thinking and problem-solving. Furthermore, crossing off completed tasks from a list provides a sense of accomplishment and motivates us to tackle more.
I use Microsoft To Do to manage my daily list of chores. And trust me, it has changed my life!
🎨 Creative Corner
I did a Q/A session on my Instagram and shared a rather poetic answer to a query. Lots of people found this either entertaining or funny. What do you think?
Pulp is the living tissue inside every tooth. We have to make sure the pulp is vital and healthy for a tooth to function properly without pain or sensitivity.
🧬 Lifestyle Design
Smelly armpits, medically known as bromhidrosis, is a common condition that affects people of all ages and genders. This issue is particularly pronounced in regions with humid weather, such as Lahore. The high humidity levels exacerbate sweating, leading to an increased risk of odor formation and making it even more essential to understand the causes, remedies, and prevention strategies for smelly armpits.
One of the primary reasons for smelly armpits is the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the underarm area. These glands produce a thicker sweat, which, when combined with bacteria on the skin's surface, creates an unpleasant odor. In humid climate, the elevated moisture in the air hinders sweat evaporation, causing it to accumulate on the skin. As a result, the combination of trapped sweat and bacteria intensifies body odor, making it a significant concern for residents of the city.
Hormonal changes, stress, and anxiety can further trigger excessive sweating, exacerbating the issue of smelly armpits.
How to Get Rid of Smelly Armpits?
To combat smelly armpits in Lahore's humid climate, practicing good personal hygiene becomes even more crucial. Regularly washing the armpits with soap and water helps remove bacteria and sweat, which can minimize the chance of odor formation. In humid weather, individuals should consider taking a shower more frequently to stay fresh and maintain proper cleanliness.
Incorporating antiperspirants into daily routines becomes essential. These products work by blocking sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin's surface. Antiperspirants not only help control sweating but also play a vital role in preventing the buildup of moisture in the armpits, thus reducing the likelihood of body odour.
A product that I recommend is Gillette’s. I love the product delivery system that helps even distribution of the antiperspirant and I have been using this with great results. I got this from Al-Fatah but it is available in many retail stores.
If you can’t find this, any Ammonium based product will actually work. Ammonium based products are more effective in controlling body odour and sweat. For individuals with sensitive skin, opting for natural and aluminum-free deodorants is advisable, as they can be gentler on the skin while still neutralizing odors effectively.
Another great tip is to use Benzoyl Peroxide based products. I recommend the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. Apply this on your armpits for 5 minutes before taking a shower. Use twice weekly.
Wearing breathable and loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics, such as cotton, is crucial in humid climate. These materials allow air to circulate, reducing sweat accumulation and providing relief from discomfort and odour.
In addition to personal hygiene and product use, paying attention to one's diet and hydration is crucial in managing smelly armpits. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding spicy and pungent foods can positively impact body odor. Staying well-hydrated helps regulate body temperature, making it easier to cope with the heat and reduce the likelihood of excessive sweating.
In some cases, persistent body odor may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If home remedies and over-the-counter solutions do not alleviate the issue, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and personalised recommendations.
🖥️ Recommended Resources
Discover the four things I found particularly useful this month.
Dust Stopper for doors (or should I say Lizard Stoppers)
There are a lot of small lizards, and there is a lot of dust, everywhere. And there’s only one foolproof way to keep them out of your rooms. Keep the windows closed, and install dust stoppers in your doors.
I’ve found them to be very useful in keeping the bugs and dust out, and they also work in keeping the AC’s cooling stay for a longer period. You can get these from Daraz.
Ghoomo Phirro
If you love travel, and specifically hiking and camping, this is a great place to buy travel accessories. It is a hidden gem in DD block Phase 4 DHA Lahore. We got most of our travel accessories from this shop and most of the items have served us well for years.
Khoj Resorts, Skardu
Stayed in this wonderful place and I have to include this in my recommendation. Luxury experience in nature, with a lot of scenic views. Detailed review soon coming on my YouTube.
Sally’s Beef Burger
Had a pretty decent beef burger after a long time in Lahore. T block, Phase II, DHA. Absolutely recommend it and it is also good value for money.
🦷 Oral Hygiene Advice
The dental spotlight of the month is Fluoride Varnish
Have you ever heard about fluoride varnish? I’m very doubtful that you have. It is a special kind of preventive dental treatment that can help prevent your teeth from dental decay.
This simple yet effective treatment involves applying a thin, protective coating of fluoride to the teeth, which helps strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Regular application of fluoride varnish can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, especially in children and adults with higher susceptibility to dental issues. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure that can be done quickly at routine dental check-ups. By ensuring that everyone receives fluoride varnish, we can promote overall dental well-being and minimize the need for more extensive and costly treatments in the future. Embracing this preventive measure is a small step with significant long-term benefits for oral health, making it an essential practice for individuals of all ages.
I would recommend everyone in my circle to get fluoride varnish done at least 2 times every year.
🧵 Fashion and Style
This month’s Fashion Feature is Hijab Magnets.
These innovative and stylish magnets are designed to provide a secure and comfortable hold for your hijabs, eliminating the need for traditional pins or clips. These magnets offer a more convenient way to fasten headscarves in place. Unlike regular pins, which can sometimes damage the fabric or be challenging to handle, hijab magnets provide a gentle and effective hold without causing any harm. They come in various designs, styles, and strengths, allowing women to choose the most suitable option for their specific hijabs. With their gentle grip and seamless finish, you can confidently move through your day with grace and elegance.
p.s. many brands like Gul Ahmed and Ethnic are having their end of season sale so this is your sign to grab your favourite outfits at discounted prices. 😉
🗣️ Community Spotlight
I didn’t get a lot of submissions so have to include a family owned business called Manihar Design. By family, I mean my family. This is a new initiative taken by wifey and she’s designing and creating dresses and fashion that are modest. I’ll have my contributions in some designs as well.
You can find it on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manihardesign/