says rashmi singh a bureaucrat any kind of extravagance may it be in the form of big weddings or bashes is unjustified in a society riddled with so much inequity reasons socialite tanisha mohan because of the economic slowdown people are turning to spirituality or going in for activities like piano classes to keep themselves occupied we can maintain our own rhythm by maintaining a good workfamily balance and yes finding time for that morning walk or simply gazing at the rising sun as people curtail expenses may it be by cancelling trips abroad or cutting down on shopping they are having to deal with time on their hands the lady who has a pretty garden and hosts many a sumptuous spread there says she has scaled down on the gifts she gives away and then there are people who despite the economic rigours maintain a buddhalike equanimity it has also given us an opportunity to slowdown and chill a bit even as she keeps herself happily engaged she says she has friends who are unhappy at having to head for desi destinations instead of fancy locales abroad so scrumptious meals are being rustled up at home to replace weekly dinners at swish eateries the multiplex experience is being traded for the joy of watching classics at home and the weekend outings to the cafe are being swapped for intimate gettogethers with friends over leisurely cups of tea model donna messih says the summer months left her with enough time to watch backtoback comedy serials on tv or read books that she had stacked up at home work has reduced and so have parties even though the economy is showing small signs of upswing things are far from normal says designer rohit bal the new economic reality is obviously not good for business but it has thrown up the perfect opportunity for mental and spiritual growth as people look within model amit ranjan rues that as it is male models get paid less compared to female ones but these days he is even having to take a cut in his remuneration for doing shows this selfconfessed shopaholic says that she and her friends still hit the malls and admire things but now they spend time catching up with each other over coffee than just buying stuff as the economic downturn makes its impact felt on daytoday life people are looking for alternatives to liven up their lives they are moving to more mentally invigorating activities like meditation than just the pursuit of wealth says balto deal with a new reality many are taking their social interactions from the starched sophistication of hotels to the more convivial home environs neelam rudy a homemaker who likes entertaining guests at home says it adds a personal touch allows guests to revel in the informal surroundings while bringing down the expenses manifold as compared to dinning out to each his own what say this young mum who is now also getting to spend