Navigating Life Common Hurdles in India
Life in India is vibrant, energetic, and full of color. However, it also comes with its own unique set of daily challenges. Whether it is the unrelenting summer sun that leaves a stubborn tan, the seasonal invasion of ants in the kitchen, or the mental clutter that comes from a fast-paced urban lifestyle, we are often left searching for solutions. The phrase how to get rid of is perhaps one of the most typed queries into search engines by people looking for practical, immediate relief from these irritations. This guide is designed to provide you with actionable, localized, and effective strategies to tackle the most common issues faced in Indian households today.
How to Get Rid of Stubborn Sun Tan
In a country where the sun shines bright for most of the year, tanning is an inevitable part of life. While a healthy glow is nice, an uneven tan can often feel frustrating. To get rid of a sun tan effectively using ingredients found in every Indian kitchen, you can turn to the wisdom of traditional ubtans. One of the most effective methods involves a mixture of besan (gram flour), turmeric, and curd. The lactic acid in curd acts as a natural bleach, while besan gently exfoliates the skin.
The Classic Besan and Curd Pack
To prepare this, mix two tablespoons of besan with a pinch of turmeric and enough curd to form a thick paste. Apply it to the affected areas and let it dry for twenty minutes. As you wash it off with lukewarm water, use circular motions to help scrub away dead skin cells. Consistency is key here; doing this twice a week can significantly reduce tanning over time. Additionally, tomato juice is a powerful astringent. Rubbing a slice of tomato on your face for ten minutes before bathing can help lighten the skin naturally due to its high vitamin C content.
How to Get Rid of Household Pests Naturally
Indian households often struggle with uninvited guests like ants, cockroaches, and lizards, especially during the monsoon season. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical sprays immediately, you can try several household remedies that are safer for families with children and pets. Ants, for instance, have a strong aversion to certain smells. To get rid of ants, identify their entry points and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon powder or black pepper. You can also wipe your kitchen counters with a solution of white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. This destroys the pheromone trails that ants use to navigate.
Managing Cockroaches and Lizards
Cockroaches are often found in dark, damp places like under the sink or behind the refrigerator. A mixture of boric acid and sugar can act as an effective bait, but it must be used with caution. For a more natural deterrent, peppermint oil works wonders. Lizards, on the other hand, are commonly seen near light sources. A peculiar yet effective Indian hack to get rid of lizards is placing empty eggshells in corners or near windows. The smell of the eggshells tricks lizards into thinking a larger predator is nearby, causing them to flee the area. If eggshells are not an option, a spray made of crushed garlic and water can serve as a potent repellent.
How to Get Rid of Kitchen Odors and Grease
Indian cooking is world-renowned for its spices and flavors, but the lingering smell of tadka and the sticky grease on kitchen chimneys can be difficult to manage. To get rid of strong odors like those of onions, garlic, or fish after cooking, try boiling a pot of water with a few lemon slices and a stick of cinnamon. The steam will neutralize the air and leave a fresh scent throughout the house. For your hands, rubbing them with a piece of stainless steel under running water or using a lemon wedge can remove the persistent smell of garlic.
Cleaning Sticky Kitchen Surfaces
Grease buildup on tiles and cabinets is another common grievance. To get rid of this, create a paste using baking soda and a little bit of water. Apply it to the greasy spots and let it sit for fifteen minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. For heavy-duty cleaning of chimney filters, soaking them in hot water with caustic soda is highly effective, though you must wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation during this process. Regular maintenance prevents the grease from hardening, making it much easier to keep your kitchen sparkling.
How to Get Rid of Clutter and the Raddi Culture
Many Indian homes suffer from the accumulation of things we no longer use, often kept under the guise of being useful someday. This includes old newspapers, glass bottles, and clothes that no longer fit. To get rid of physical clutter, follow the one-year rule: if you have not used an item in the last year, it is time for it to go. Organize a day to call your local raddi-wala (scrap dealer) to clear out old papers and plastics. This not only clears space but often provides a small amount of cash that can be used for household essentials.
Organizing the Wardrobe
For clothes, consider the concept of a capsule wardrobe. In India, we often have heavy ethnic wear that takes up significant space. Store these in vacuum-sealed bags to save room and protect them from moisture and silverfish. For daily wear, use the vertical folding method to see every item you own at a glance. By reducing the number of items you own, you significantly reduce the time spent cleaning and organizing, leading to a more peaceful living environment.
How to Get Rid of Stress and Digital Fatigue
In the age of constant notifications and work-from-home culture, mental fatigue is a growing concern for many Indians. To get rid of stress, it is vital to establish a digital detox routine. Start by turning off non-essential notifications on your phone. In the evenings, replace screen time with a short walk in a local park or a few minutes of pranayama (breathing exercises). Connecting with nature, even if it is just tending to balcony plants, has been shown to lower cortisol levels significantly.
The Power of Routine
A structured morning routine can also help get rid of the feeling of being overwhelmed. Instead of checking your phone the moment you wake up, spend the first thirty minutes of your day drinking water, stretching, or planning your tasks for the day. Taking control of your morning prevents the day from controlling you. Additionally, ensuring you get at least seven hours of sleep is the most fundamental way to get rid of chronic tiredness and irritability.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the small and large frustrations in life requires a mix of traditional wisdom and modern practicalities. Whether you are scrubbing away a tan with a homemade pack, deterring pests with kitchen staples, or clearing out the physical and mental clutter of daily life, the secret lies in consistency and taking that first small step. By addressing these common issues with simple, effective solutions, you can create a more comfortable, organized, and stress-free home environment. Remember, the goal is not to achieve perfection but to find sustainable ways to improve your quality of life every single day.
How to get rid of ants in the kitchen permanently?
To get rid of ants, you must eliminate what attracts them. Keep surfaces dry and free of food crumbs. Use a mix of vinegar and water to clean counters, as this breaks their scent trails. For a permanent solution, seal cracks in walls and windows with silicone sealant or white cement.
How to get rid of a sun tan quickly at home?
While you cannot remove a tan instantly, you can speed up the process by using a pack of tomato juice and honey. Apply the mixture for 15 minutes daily. The natural acids in the tomato work to lighten the skin, while honey keeps it hydrated and prevents irritation.
How to get rid of the smell of damp clothes during monsoon?
During the humid Indian monsoon, clothes often smell musty. To get rid of this, add a half-cup of white vinegar or two tablespoons of baking soda to your laundry cycle. Ensure clothes are completely dry before folding, and place dried neem leaves or silica gel packets in your cupboards to absorb excess moisture.
How to get rid of kitchen chimney grease?
The best way to get rid of heavy grease is by using hot water and a strong degreasing agent like dish soap or caustic soda. Soak the filters in a tub of hot water with the cleaning agent for at least 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a brush. Regular monthly cleaning prevents stubborn buildup.
How to get rid of dark circles naturally?
To get rid of dark circles, apply chilled cucumber slices or used green tea bags over your eyes for 10 minutes every day. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep and staying hydrated, as dehydration often makes dark circles appear more prominent.
