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In Bed With… Gayatri Rangachari Shah

In Bed With… Gayatri Rangachari Shah

In Bed With… Gayatri Rangachari Shah

 Having grown up amidst ‘Type A’ notions that glorified sleep deprivation, Gayatri Rangachari Shah is now clear about addressing stress and balance head on. We enjoyed her self-assured views and useful recommendations.

Shah is a contributing writer and columnist to publications such as The Hindu, Vogue India, Architectural Digest and India Head at Tina Brown Live Media, which produces the globally renowned journalism summit, Women in the World. She recently co-authored the book Changemakers: Twenty Women Transforming Bollywood Behind the Scenes.

What keeps you awake at night?

Don’t laugh, but random research.

What can we find on your bedside table?

Vitamins, a book, hand and foot cream and a glass of water.

Photo credit: Rema Chaudhary

Morning beauty routine

Brush my teeth, wash my face and moisturize it. I use Dr Karyn Grossman’s face products (she’s a dermatologist from LA), Nuxe Nuxellence or Ras Luxury face oil.

Nighttime routine

Brush my teeth, wash my face, apply a night cream or face oil like Kama’s ‘Miraculous Beauty Fluid’ night serum.

The do’s and don’ts of making your bed

I can’t stand a messy bed. Even on vacation, I make sure the beds are made. I always buy bedsheets with elastic for the bottom so that they can be tucked into the mattress easily, and the top folded neatly over it.

Favourite bedroom feature?

My desk and books.

Photo credit: Rema Chaudhary

“I grew up at a time when ‘Type A’ overachieving personalities boasted about how little they slept. Today, people have come to their senses. Everyone knows how vital sleep is to one’s well-being.”

Addressing stress

Stress manifests itself in all sorts of ways in our modern way of living. I exercise a lot – it sets the tone for my day and works as the best stress-buster!

The nicest bed you’ve ever slept in

The Peninsula Hotel in Paris and my bed at home. Both are massively comfortable. I loved the bed linen at the Peninsula. At home, our mattress is great – it contours to our bodies.

Best tip for a good night’s sleep

Put your phone away, have a cup of fennel tea and read a good book or feature in bed instead of the news.