Trained to be a clinical psychologist, Lena has clear-cut concepts for holistic health maintenance.Lena looks stunning in the white gown. She shows no sign of fatigue despite working before the camera for half a day. The ‘Aadhi’ actress is equally energetic behind the camera, preparing her costumes and donning the makeup for the next session in the afternoon.
Trained to be a clinical psychologist, Lena has clear-cut concepts for holistic health maintenance. Onmanorama talks to the charming actress noted for her work in ‘Traffic’, ‘Left Right Left’, ‘Ennu Ninte Moideen’ and several other notable movies.
Judo champion
You just have to look after your health and leave everything else to god. All your actions reflect on your health. The food you eat, the habits you follow, everything. So you have to be careful in everything you do. I loved judo and cycling from my childhood. I was a university-level judo champion. Even now I want to learn some kind of martial arts. That emboldens you as much as it strengthens you.
Weight loss
I am not very keen on exercising. You need a log of days to see the effect of a workout on your body. You need a lot of equipment. Or you have to hit a gym. Predictably, I was tense when I was required to reduce weight ahead of a photo shoot. That is when I met my childhood friend Luisa, a fitness expert.
Her method is to burn calories by stimulating muscles with physiotherapy equipment. You do not have to work out. I reduced seven kilos in just 15 days. Your skin will not sag because special care is taken on that front. I liked it so much that I joined Luisa, Vrinda and Netto Thomas to launch a fitness enterprise.
Cake and dieting
The moment someone mentions December, I am reminded of cakes. My mother Teena bakes wonderful cakes, in different shapes and themes. Baking starts from early December. Plum cake is her masterpiece. She soaks dry fruits in rum for a year to make them. I never followed any diet but I avoided junk food from my childhood days. I focus on limiting portions. I have cut down on carbohydrates too.
If I wanted to eat sweet, I would go for it. You feel like eating sweet because your body wants it. If you do not heed the call, it develops into a craving.
Beauty parlor at home
I have to use cosmetics on a daily basis but my skin stays fresh because I use quality stuff. I drink at least four liters of water every day. I limit fruit juices because of their sugar content. When I eat fruits, I massage a piece on my face. After I have made a glass of juice with orange and lime, I store the fibers left behind in the blender. I freeze them. When you come back home after a tiring day, just rub the frozen fibers on your face and you can feel yourself freshening up. You can also make a body scrub at home. All you need is the coffee granules you get after brewing coffee. This would be coarse. You just add some lemon juice and honey into it and you have a body scrub with you.
Fitness and meditation
Fitness has to start in your mind. Being calm is important. I have been doing meditation for more than 20 years. Once you have reached a particular state, you do not need a special time for it. You can switch to that state when you travel or even when you are amid a crowd. Imagine how much energy we spend on idle thought. Meditation helps you multitask. Even if you seem to be aloof, you will be aware of your surroundings.
Being a psychologist
I was in my final year of a psychology degree course when I acted in ‘Randam Bhavam’. I had no plans of continuing with the movies when I went to Mumbai for a postgraduation in clinical psychology. After studies, I joined a private hospital in Mumbai as an intern. My job was diagnosis. There I realized that our treatment methods were not at all holistic. We only factor in the disease and not the individual.
I was faced with people’s problems and worries every day. You know, artists are very sensitive. Other people’s problems affect you. At the same time you could little to help them. All these took a toll on me. It was pointless. I realized that acting was a better career. I returned home.
Solitude
I always liked being alone. Still I have a lot of friends. You have to really feel for someone to live with him. There is no point living with someone in the hope that he would take care of you in future. Family life is good for people who like children and family bonding. For people like me who prefer personal space and liberty, this kind of a life is better.
I am into travels and reading. I go for trekking with professional hikers.
Body language
I am intuitive. You could even call it sixth sense. This has helped me in many stages of life. I take note of body language.
When someone lies to me, unless he is a die-in-the-wool liar, I can call his bluff. His body language changes. His breathing pattern changes. If you see his eyes rolling up towards the left, you can confirm that he is about to yarn a story.
If the person yawns continuously or scratches his head, he is bored. If the face does not give away any hints, look elsewhere. If he is shaking his legs or tapping his fingers, he is not just there.
Read: Women Lifestyle News | Quick fixes to look your best this weekend
