/ Thoughts from the Editor-In-Chief, Summer 2014

by Hina P. Ansari

Thoughts from the Editor-In-Chief, Summer 2014

Jul 05, 2014

Take Time Out for You.

It’s easier said than done. In a world filled with ETAs, TBCs, ASAPs, RSVPs and STATs, as we’re bombarded with “it’s important,” “it’s imperative” and “it was due yesterday,” it’s pretty easy to realize that sometimes 24 hours in a day just isn’t enough.

I grew up in a career environment where earning your stripes meant being chained to your desk, always saying “yes” to new tasks and pretty much being 111 per cent committed to your job. The idea of a 9-to-5 job didn’t exist. It was pretty much a 9-until-my-work-is-done type of work culture. So years ago, when I read an article about how the traditional corporate community had no idea what to make of the demands Gen Y graduates made as they entered the working world, I shook my head. They focused on ensuring their quality of life remained their top priority. They wanted days off and flexible hours and they had no problem saying “no.” Their priority was yoga classes, not all-nighters. Admittedly, as I read this, I shook my head. “Who do they think they are? They should be grateful to have a job,” I uttered under my breath. “I didn’t have that luxury. I earned my stripes.”

In short, as I read the article back then, I reacted with a combination of self-entitlement and immaturity. Little did I know then, that Gen Y job hunters were actually onto something — something that years later, I would appreciate.

It’s probably wisdom honed with the help of time (and the help of technological advances) that made me realize the importance of quality over quantity. Don’t get me wrong, it’s tough to call someone like me a workaholic when they enjoy what they do so much. I’m a happy workaholic, I guess. However, this year I’ve decided to make sure that I also make time for myself. As a new Pilates addict (I just passed the eight-month mark) I’ve upped my commitment to twice a week. A solo traveller for years (I’ve stopped waiting for my friends’ schedules to sync with mine) I just booked a 10-day vacation in Italy for July. Yes, I’m excited.

It’s really important to make sure you carve out some time for you. And you don’t have to jet halfway across the world to do it. It can be something as simple as booking a hotel for an overnight spa staycation, catching a movie or grabbing a book and enjoying an afternoon at a café.

With our annual Health & Wellness Issue we emphasize the importance of one’s well-being with our expanded Health & Wellness section (page 89) including our sex, relationship and fitness columns as well as The Dish by our renowned experts. We tackle the newsmaking issue of childhood vaccinations (page 102) as well as take a look at the popularity of medical spas (page 96).

Looking to travel? Check out our special feature on Spain (page 118). We celebrate Bollywood’s year with special coverage of the IIFA Awards recently held in Tampa Bay, Florida (2014 IIFA’s Golden Moments, page 20; 2014 IIFA Fashion Wrap, page 22). We gave our Percolator Talk a charity angle (page 123) with three inspiring profiles on philanthropic work in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Looking to entertain? We have some sumptuous mango recipes (page 110). And finally, let’s not forget our amazing summer fashion, beauty and style reports direct from the runways of the world. So, while you’re enjoying this issue, be sure to keep one thing in mind: regardless of how crazy a day you’re having, make sure you carve out some time for yourself. Because at the end of the day, no one else will do it for you.

Best,

Hina P. Ansari
Editor-In-Chief

_{PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY LEE; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY BREE POWELL}

PUBLISHED IN THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE/SUMMER 2014

Hina P. Ansari

Author

Hina P. Ansari is a graduate from The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario). Since then she has carved a successful career in Canada's national fashion-publishing world as the Entertainment/Photo Editor at FLARE Magazine, Canada's national fashion magazine. She was the first South Asian in...