Tag: lifestyle

Have you been struggling from social media anxiety?

Maybe you may have been a modest social media user prior to the lockdown, but do you find yourself hooked to your phone, browsing Instagram and Facebook constantly for updates and seeking out on Whatsapp for news or a connection because of the COVID-19 issue swept over our lives? You could be struggling from social media stress without realising it.

First and foremost, recognise that this is an unusual reaction to an unprecedented circumstance. The overwhelming bulk of us have rarely been subjected to a pandemic, let alone one which necessitates such restraint. Our brain wants to make any sense of the confusion — it’s a natural human need — and we do it by gathering more and more content; therefore, the constant browsing on social media platforms.

It’s a method of relieving stress. Many make use of social media to relieve the psychological stress that has built up. People are anxious because the future appears to be ambiguous right now. It is not anxiousness with a specific objective in mind. It is a dispersed anxiousness caused by uncertainty. This type of anxiety requires a continual diversion in order to be kept under control.

As a result, we resort to social media because of its addictive qualities of providing something which captures our interest every few moments, every time we browse.

How does it affect us?

What began as a diversion strategy has evolved into a vicious mood loop in which all information, fact and fiction, serves to increase our anxiety, resulting in mood swings and irritation. It has been thoroughly investigated in study, which discovered that excessive media use dramatically increased social media anxiety and tiredness, which subsequently resulted in heightened stress.

What can we do to avoid feeling anxious as a result of social media?

  1. To combat FOMO, do this test: turn off your phone for two hours. Sure, you will have the want to glance at it every few moments, but resist. We don’t actually lose out on much by avoiding social media for a few hours, but it seems like we do since we are constantly overwhelmed with incoming news at all times.Our minds are constructed by nature to filter material so that we may apply selective attention; nevertheless, we are currently eroding that filter, that may have long-term consequences for cognitive performance.
  1. Recognize and accept your addiction. There is no point in denying that you may be hooked to social media since that is how it is built. You’re not the only one. Accepting, on the other hand, is the very first step towards reclaiming control. Remind yourself that this is a ‘fix’ every time you go for the phone. 
  1. Encourage surfing. Our impulses, especially the ones that cause us to pick up our phones, occur in waves, with each wave ranging around 20-30 minutes, regardless of whether we indulge in it or not. When you sense the need to indulge in these kind of activity, you may feel powerless if you don’t, but remember that the impulse will fade away.

When we are deprived of exterior stimuli such as socialising, commuting to work and vacationing, it is normal to resort to social media for enjoyment. But keep an eye on whether you’re just using or allowing it to dominate you.

The art of cooking

A culinary art is the art of cooking. Cooking is the process of preparing food and meals that will be eaten or the food served to other people.

The word “culinary” is defined as something related to, or connected with, cooking or kitchens. People who are working in the culinary arts are known as culinarians. A person working in restaurants is commonly known as a cook. The skillfully preparation of food and meals that are as pleasing to the palate as to the eye is the responsibility of the Culinary artist. Culinary artists require a lot of knowledge about the science of food they prepare and a good understanding of how diets and nutrition affect people in the preparation of their meals. Culinary artists work in restaurants, hospitals and other institutions where kitchen conditions vary depending on the type of business.

The culinary art is comprised of many categories. Some of which are tools, methods, combination of spices and ingredients that adds flavor to the food. It normally needs the right measurements, proper selection and accurate combination of ingredients involved to reach desired result.

The diversity of the culinary arts around the world mirrors many considerations such as Economic, Aesthetic, Nutritional, Religious and Cultural.

The dawn of fire, and the culinary arts, if not always, is associated with fire. The heat generated by fire is required to change the food’s texture, flavor, nutritional contents and even its appearance. Heating is important in the culinary arts because it disinfects the food and makes it softer. The food danger zone is between 4 to 60 degrees Celsius. Within these temperatures, the bacteria found in the found or even those that were transferred to the food can grow at a very alarming rate. Under ideal conditions bacteria can double their population every twenty minutes. Although at a glance, these foods may not appear harmful, when ingested they can be. Many people have the misconception that bacteria will die when we freeze our food or refrigerate them, but this actually does not rid the food of bacteria, merely it slows down their expansion.

One of the most famous departments in the culinary arts is probably baking. Baking is the art of cooking food using an oven in culinary arts. Through applying dry heat evenly through the oven and onto the food which then cooks the food. It is used in producing pastry based desserts such as tarts, pies and cakes. The ovens dry heat causes the starch to gelatinize, and the results to the browning or charring of the outside of the food. Some uneducated in the culinary arts might think that the charred part or the brown part is not as tasty as it sounds, but this part is actually what gives taste and flavor to the baked good, partly sealing the moisture of the food. The browning apparent in the baked good is caused by the sugar caramelizing and the chemical reaction that happens between the reduction of sugar and the amino acid (Mail-lard reaction). Moisture in the baked goody, on the other hand, is not really completely kept in time as the goody is being baked it will become drier and drier.

reference-https://www.paranetinfo.com/learn-the-importance-of-cooking-food/

Love or Hate: Starbucks Version

Is being a Starbucks fanatic such a big deal that people make it out as?

Objectively speaking, the prices that is associated with the drink stands an international bench mark, it is equated to the dollar-value and thus to create a sense of uniformity, the drinks are priced the way they are, because of it.

But even beyond that, if you are a coffee lover and there aren’t any local shops that cater to such an extensive variety in coffee, sure I’d try that, but majority of shops/cafes have very restrictive and cliché orders, which doesn’t serve me any purpose because that not my drink of choice. The lack of tolerance or control or the displeased expression that people sport when you talk about Starbucks to anyone, is uncalled for, but sure everyone is entitled to their opinion. 

Moving on, this isn’t a bitter post towards those who hate Starbucks. But, the when accounting to the fact that I could spend hours there, chatting or just watching a movie, probably working too, and no one would bother interrupting me, nor am I engaging with the hustle bustle of the boisterous town around me, then I don’t see a problem, I can just be an escapist sitting under gloomy, warmly lit walls with sweet heavenly scent of brewing coffee and baked goods, I don’t see why that isn’t a good thing, for me, and that’s important, it is what matters the most. 

Lastly, it’s quite redundant to keep on dragging this futile discussion amongst people because it’s sometimes doesn’t need to be about the money, or anything else, it just has to be with what someone is comfortable with and what suits them the best, everyone needs to respect the other based on their discussion where the want to spend their money and time.

There’s nothing boujie or pretenscious  about taking care of what you want. And don’t feel guilty about it nor feel obligated about answering to anyone. 

6 forgotten things to do in Weekends.

It is very difficult for all of us to pass our time in weekends and especially if weekends fall in between big pandemic lockdowns. For many of us, each day has become like a weekend due to long imposed lockdowns in our respective areas.

We must utilise our time in something productive and productive doesn’t have to necessarily mean learning a new skill or cleaning our house. Being productive is so much more than that! Productive is also when we give times to things that would bring us instant joy.

Let’s get back in time and relive some of the moments that were daily habits for us at some point in time and practise them in these weekends.

1) Take out Old Photo Albums.

Photo Credits: The Guardian

Remember the time when there used to be only one camera at our homes? A photo album carries so much in itself. From our grandparents’ youth to our parents’ wedding to our own childhood, photo albums are always refreshing even after being so old. It’s always good to visit our family’s old family photo albums and live those old memories yet again.!

2) Write Journal or Diary.

Photo Credits : She The People Tv.

Writing has always been fun, isn’t it? Well, now writing means just WhatsApp or Email or for other professional purposes. It’s time for us to give one day to write happenings around us on a piece of paper in a diary or in a journal like we used to do in our childhood. The time when we used to collect those New Year gift diaries all for diary writing!

3) Solo Indoor Picnic.

Photo Credits: Medium.

It’s always good to eat and it’s even better when we can eat all the food alone. Although some people might be thinking that this never used to happen in the past. So yes, you’re correct. Solo Picnics never used to happen in the past. Picnic itself means social gathering with friends or families. However, here I’m urging everyone to have a solo picnic indoor because of the ongoing pandemic. Though if you’re living in a nuclear or joint family, go for a picnic indoor with them. Cook great food, eat and chill.

4) Read Old Books and Magazines:

Photo Credits: Etsy

We always have a shelf in our house with full of books and magazines from the past era. We just keep them aside and forget about them after reading them once. There are also our favourite magazines that we used to collect during our childhood, may be because of their content or because they used to have our favourite celebrity on their covers. We can just relive those memories by simply taking out and reading them.

5) Put on the radio!

Photo Credits: The Conversation.

Don’t have a radio? Don’t worry about it at all. There are plenty of mediums in this new era that would give you the feeling of a typical radio. There are also radio stations available on new smartphones, some are even available on normal typing phones! You can always look for radio in these platforms in absolutely no cost. Just listen to the Radio Jockeys narration and listen to news stories and music in that old style.

6) Take out Old CDs

Photo Credits: Britannica

This is somewhat similar to photo albums. Do you also have old compact discs in your home cupboards. Well, then just take them out and watch your old family happenings recorded in them and enjoy!

Yes, lockdown and weekends have always been stressful for each one of us. But we can always find a way to engage ourselves in something that would make us happy and lively! Try these six ways and get nostalgic!

Good Food, Good Mood

What we eat doesn’t simply influence our physical health: it could also influence our mental health and wellbeing.

The relation between food and mood originates from the direct connection between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract, which is sometimes referred to as the “second brain.” Billions of bacteria live in your GI tract, influencing the creation of neurotransmitters, which are chemical compounds that continually transport messages from the stomach to the brain. (Two common examples are dopamine and serotonin.)

Eating nutritious foods encourages the growth of “good” bacteria, which has a favourable effect on neurotransmitter synthesis. A consistent diet of junk food, on the other hand, might promote inflammation, which can stifle output. When your brain’s neurotransmitter production is in excellent health, it gets these positive messages loud and clear, and your emotions reflect it.

A Mediterranean-style diet (rich in vegetables, seafood, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, cereal, and grains) combined with fish oil helps alleviate depressive symptoms. On the other hand, there are two types of foods that are harmful to the brain: those that trick the brain into releasing chemicals that we may be missing, temporarily influencing our mood (for example, caffeine and chocolate), and those that discourage the conversion of other foods into nutrients which the brain requires (for example, saturated fat such as butter, lard and palm oil).

THREE WAYS YOUR DIET AFFECTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

  1. It is essential for brain development – When we eat healthy food, it transforms into protein-building blocks, enzymes, brain tissue, and neurotransmitters, which transport information and impulses across different regions of the brain and body.
  1. It shifts the brain into growth mode – Some nutrients and dietary habits are associated with alterations in a brain protein that aids in the formation of new synapses between brain cells. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc raises levels of this chemical. A diet heavy in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, has a significant detrimental influence on brain proteins.
  1. It fills up the gut with beneficial bacteria – The gut contains trillions of beneficial microorganisms. They keep harmful bacteria at bay and your immune system in check, which means they assist to control inflammation in the body. Some gut bacteria even aid in the production of brain-boosting B vitamins.

FOODS THAT PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH

  1. Whole foods – Preservatives, food colouring, and other chemicals have been linked to hyperactivity and depression in certain studies. So, if you only remember one thing, remember to consume real food, which is food which has been minimally processed and has a few nutritious components. Consider eating fresh fruits and veggies.
  1. Fiber – Plant-based meals are high in fibre, which helps your body digest glucose – or food sugars – more slowly, avoiding sugar highs and lows. Fruits and vegetables, as well as nutrient-dense carbohydrates like whole grains and legumes, are high in fibre.
  1. Antioxidants – These anti-inflammatory compounds are abundant in berries, leafy green vegetables, turmeric, and foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and black chia seeds. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants as well.
  1. Vitamin D – Vitamin D aids in the synthesis of serotonin and is often obtained by exposure to sunshine. However, mushrooms, particularly reishi, cordycep, and maitake, are an excellent source. If you are vitamin D deficient, your doctor may also advise you to take a supplement.
  1. Magnesium – This important mineral aids in everything from nerve and muscle function to maintaining a regular pulse. However, it is also critical to the food-mood relation: A mineral shortage can harm your gut microbes and produce anxiety-like symptoms. Natural sources include dark chocolate, cacao nibs, almonds, and cashews, spinach and other dark leafy greens, bananas, and beans.
  1. Fermented foods – Fermented foods are high in probiotics, which are living microorganisms that are beneficial to the digestive tract. Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and the fermented drink kombucha are a few examples. These items are also rich in sodium, so eat them in limit or avoid them entirely if you have hypertension.

Begin to pay attention to how different meals make you feel – not only in the moment, but also the day after. For two to three weeks, try eating a “healthy” diet, which includes avoiding all refined carbohydrates and sweets. Take note of how you feel. Then, one by one, gradually reintroduce items into your diet to observe how you feel. When some individuals “go clean,” they can’t believe how much healthier they feel, both mentally and physically, and how much worse they feel when they reintroduce items known to increase inflammation.

Minimalism

What is Minimalism?

Minimalism is defined as a design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect. Minimalism had its origins in the arts—with the artwork featuring simple lines, only a few colors, and careful placement of those lines and colors. More recently, it has become representative of a lifestyle that aims to remove clutter from all facets of life. 

Minimalism is all about owning only what adds value and meaning to your life (as well as the lives of the people you care about) and removing the rest. It’s about removing the clutter and using your time and energy for the things that remain. We only have a certain amount of energy, time, and space in our lives. In order to make the most of it, we must be intentional about how we’re living each day.

There are many different approaches to minimalism, but it’s really just a tool to help you prioritize what’s important in your life.

Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist offers this definition: “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things that bring you joy and the removal of those that do not.” It might be called simple living, tiny living, intentional living, and a myriad of other things—but there is at least one common thread: the idea of curating the things we own to best reflect our priorities and vision for our lives.

If the idea of minimalism sounds intimidating to you or if you’ve seen some images and thought, “that’s a nice idea, but I’d never want to live like that,” don’t worry. You can benefit from applying minimalism in your life whether you live in a tiny home, suburban house, or a mansion. You can use minimalism as a guiding philosophy and customize based on what works best for you.

Common Misconceptions of Minimalism

Contrary to what some people think, there aren’t any actual rules to minimalism. There’s no official board of minimalism to determine whether or not you’re doing minimalism right. Minimalism truly looks different for everyone.

You don’t have to own below a certain number of items. You can still have nice things, and no, you don’t need to get rid of your favorite collection—whether it’s books, shoes, or music. Minimalism doesn’t have to look like white-walled, modern and sparse homes you’ve probably seen in magazines and videos, a common minimalism mistake. Minimalism is also not a one and done project. It is a a continual practice to ensure everything in our lives is working for us in our vision, not against us. Its used over the years to make substantial changes in our careers, home, lifestyle, buying behaviors, etc.

Everyone can benefit from applying the principles of minimalism to their lives. It’s a process of removing distractions and things that no longer add value to our lives.

Why Minimalism Is An Effective Tool For Living An Intentional Life?

In the end, minimalism is less about owning fewer items and more about actively making choices on what kind of things truly matter to you.

We exist in a society that creates false value on owning more stuff and having no time to use them much. The constant pursuit of bigger and better is an endless cycle. There will always be a nicer car to buy, a bigger boat, a larger home, and or a faster private jet. Did you know that there’s a website for billionaires to shop? Yeah. It never ends.

It may seem like an overwhelming challenge at first, but as you untangle the life you built around owning more things, you’ll find the stress disappearing and the world starting to slow down. Those choices you make will begin to build a muscle that will fundamentally change the way you live your life.

Why do Indians eat with hands?

Eating with bare hand is a traditional Indian culture, which people still follow. Eating is a mindful process since the sensory organs like touch and taste are involved. Fingertips are used to feel the temperature and texture of our food. Nerves at our fingertips send a signal to our brain, and the brain activates the human body’s digestive system and further improves the digestion process. In practice, Indians sit down on the floor in comfortable clothes and eat in a big banana leaf or Saili leaf. This process activates your senses and makes you enjoy your meal.

Eating with hand is a mindful eating…

But, is it good or bad to use hands?

Stay till the end…

Imagine eating roti with a spoon and dosa with a fork. Sounds weird right? Oh well, it is!

Traditional Indian foods are made to eat with hand. We use hands to eat foods like rice, chappati, vada, dosa, chicken, fish, papad, Pongal, and many more. While eating, curry is mixed with rice or stuffed in a roti that gives a flavor of multiple spices added while preparing the dish.

  • Rice
  • Roti
  • Fish curry
  • Dosa
  • Chicken biryani
  • Vada chutney

Here raises a question…

Is eating with your hand “unhygienic”?

Washing hands before eating is a habit of everybody. Indian tradition follows hygiene and cleanliness during dining. The hand once used by a person to consume their food is not used to serve or to share because that is treated as ‘jootha’ meaning contamination and treated as an unhygienic way of eating. People are supposed to wash their own dishes after eating which reduces the intermixing of saliva of two individuals as a concern of one’s health.

Significance of eating with hands:

According to the ancient theory, all five fingers of our hand has its own spiritual significance and it symbolizes the 5 elements of nature. 

  1. Thumb finger- Fire
  2. Index finger- Air
  3. Middle finger- Space
  4. Ring finger- Earth
  5. Little finger- Water

Apart from those theories, it was proved that using hand while eating improves the healthy digestion of food. Our palms and fingers are protected by a bacteria called Normal Flora. Normal Flora protects our skin from harmful microbes. Hence your hand is safe to use.

Is India the only country where people eat with their hands? 

Obviously Not!! 

India is not the only country where people follow the tradition of eating with hands. People from large swaths like the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, South America follow the norm of using their hands to eat. Tribes in Nigeria, Amazighs (Berbers) in North Africa, Black Africa, the Arabs of the Middle East also follow this tradition.

‘Kamayan‘ meaning “with hands.” Kamayan is an ancient tradition traditional Filipino practice of eating with the hands. They believe that eating with hands has its own significance than eating with fork and knife. It is also referred to specific type of Filipino feast known as the “boodle fight”.

Kamayan culture: A traditional Filipino style
Ethopian eating culture

Conclusion

Remember, it’s your culture and there is nothing to be ashamed of using your hand. Every culture in this world deserves respect. This article is all about bringing out the importance of Indian culture and not to dishonor western dining etiquette. Nowadays, restaurants and cafes are all westernized. As the customs and lifestyle changes it is our responsibility to hold and accept our own culture first. 

Creating an awareness among the people about the science behind our culture is the main motive of this article!!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_and_etiquette_in_Indian_dining

https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/eat-hands-indians-357398-2016-12-14

http://www.timotis.com/news-1/eat-with-your-hands

credits to the right owner of the images used.

What Is Zen Buddhism?

Zen Buddhism is a Japanese school of philosophy that is said to have evolved from Mahayana Buddhism. It is more centred on meditation and intuition, and it is seen as a lifestyle rather than a fixed form of prayer or religion. 

The term “Zen” is the Japanese rendering of the Chinese word “Ch’an,” which means “meditation.” Around the eighth century, Ch’an arrived in Japan and became known as “Zen.” Though Zen Buddhism made its way to Japan via China, but it’s true home is India. Today, the term “Zen” is more often used in the West.

For many individuals from East Asian cultures, Zen is particularly essential in helping families show their continuing love and respect for their ancestors—departed family members who are in the afterlife awaiting rebirth.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ZEN BUDDHISM

Zen Buddhism is a simple, determined, uncompromising, to-the-point, meditation-based Buddhism that is uninterested in theological subtleties. Zen, which does not rely on scripture, dogma, or ritual, is validated by personal experience and is passed down ineffably from teacher to pupil, hand in hand, via rigorous, intimate practice.

Though Zen accepts – at least in part – the legitimacy of traditional Buddhist scriptures, it has developed its own writings over time. Much of ancient Zen literature is based on legendary stories of the great masters, and is liberally flavoured with Taoism, Confucianism, and Chinese poetry, as well as written in casual language studded with Chinese folk sayings and street slang. 

One of the most key characteristics of Zen Buddhism is Zazen or Zen meditation. Zen meditation’s objective is to control one’s attention. It is also referred to as a technique of “thinking about not thinking.” In zazen, practitioners sit on a cushion in a structured pose with a straight back, eyes half open, and legs crossed onto the opposite thigh in what is known as the full-lotus position.

HOW TO PRACTICE ZEN MEDITATION 

  1. Keeping an eye on one’s breath – During zazen (sitting meditation), meditators should adopt a comfortable position such as the Burmese, half-lotus, or Seiza pose. Sitting on a cushioned mat or cushion is preferable, although sitting in a chair is also fine. The focus of awareness focuses on a specific object of meditation, most commonly the breath and how it travels in and out of the abdominal area. 
  1. Stillness of mind – This type of meditation does not rely on a single point of focus, such as the breath. Meditation students are taught to let thoughts pass through their brains without judgement or rejection. This is known as shikantaza, or “simply sitting” in Japanese. This Zen Buddhist meditation technique is performed without the need of an object of concentration, attachments, or contents.
  1. Intensive group meditation – Committed meditators conduct intensive group meditation on a regular basis in meditation centres or temples. This is known as sesshin in Japanese. During this stage of intense meditation, practitioners dedicate the majority of their time seated. Each class lasts approximately 30 to 50 minutes and is interspersed with walking meditation, brief breaks, and meals. 

Finally, Zen Buddhism provides practitioners with means to mend their minds and hearts while also connecting with the world. Many practitioners nowadays turn to Zen in search of mental clarity and peacefulness through meditation. Zen, like other schools of Buddhism, begins with the recognition that humans suffer, and it offers a remedy to this suffering by realising the interconnection of all creatures and learning to live in accordance with this reality.  

LEISURE HIDES THE SECRET OF PRODUCTIVITY

“Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHY NECESSARY?

Leisure means respite from work. It is essential for men tired with work. A little leisure refreshes the tired limbs and makes him fit for another period of work.

VARIOUS WAYS OF SPENDING SPARE TIME

  • Set of woman doing leisure activities relaxing at home, vacuuming the house, having coffee, exercising at a gym and gardening,

Modern life is full of cares and worries. We have to work very hard with little or no success. Some work in factories from morning till night, some work in offices for seven, eight or nine hours a day every person has to work hard to earn his or her living. But human body is not a machine. It cannot work continually for hours together it requires some rest. Even a machine is given rest. Otherwise, it breaks down. That is why leisure is so essential. Like machines, our health will break down completely if we have no regular leisure. It always helps us regain our lost energy and refreshes so that we may continue to do our work next day with more vigour both mental and physical.

ITS USE AND MISUSE

So, leisure we all must have. But it does not mean complete cessation of work. Our limbs may stop working; but our mind is never idle. Once the tension of physical labour is gone mind has time to relax and engage itself in finding enjoyment in some entertainment or recreations. Leisure does not mean idleness. It can be utilised by engaging oneself in recreations. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So, work must be followed by recreations that brace up the mind and spirit.

CONCLUSION

Leisure varies from one person to another. Some utilise it in light reading, while other in their particular hobbies, like playing at cards, or at instruments there are some who go to the stress or cinemas for entertainments, while there are others who take evening walks. There are some who simply sit tight and enjoy the pleasure of doing nothing Whatever may be the mode of enjoying leisure, we must have it. Otherwise our life would become dull. We will lose interest in life. Life has to be lived and lived fully and joyfully.

7 Best Juices For Weight Loss!

(By Bhoomika Saini)

Drinking fresh juice is a great way to load up on your nutrients which aid in revving up metabolism. This way you’ll be able to burn more calories thus, promoting your weight loss goals. Here are some tasty juices that will boost up your immune system.

Amla juice

To manage weight, it is often suggested to drink Amla juice on an empty stomach. Add a drop of honey to keep you active throughout the day.

Bottle gourd juice

A summer superfood, it is well a known vegetable to cut down flab. It contains less calories with no fat and also keeps your body cool.

Pomegranate juice

It is good for your skin as well as promotes weight loss. It contains compounds that helps to burn fat and boosts metabolism.

Orange Juice

It is considered as a negative calorie fruit. It contains fewer calories than what your body requires to burn it. Simply, you burn more than you drink.

Cabbage juice

It helps in relieving a lot of stomach problems like indigestion and bloating and clears up your digestive tract. This juice also aids your weight loss process.

Watermelon Juice

This juicy fruit provides 30 calories per 100 grams and keeps you hydrated. It is rich in amino acid arginine which helps in weight loss.

Bitter gourd Juice

Drinking it daily stimulates the liver to secrete bile acids which are required for metabolizing fat. Moreover, this juice is very low in calories.

You don't have to eat less, you just have to eat right!

Healthy Foods To Avoid Stress!

[ By Bhoomika Saini ]

Feeling Stressed?

Maybe Healthy Eating Is The Key.

It's not about eating. It's about using the food to deal with anxiety and stress.

Staying at home during the time of this pandemic invited a lot of stress and anxiety for every individual. Since, many of us had become lazy during this time. We have stopped eating healthy as it is easy to order unhealthy food from online stores rather than cooking healthy and learning at home. This habit made us unhealthy, also it is harming our health day by day. Stress along with unhealthy eating is like inviting problems in your own home.

A healthy diet builds a solid, more enduring foundation for your body by reducing oxidation and inflammation and by helping to reduce weight gain.

There are many ways that can reduce your stress and make you feel better. Here, we’ll be discussing about one of them. And it’ll begin from eating healthy during the time of stress. Healthy food can bring wonders to oneself, so stop eating unhealthy food and start eating healthy today. One step to drive away your stress shall begin from here.

Also, there’s a huge difference between eating healthy during stress and stressful eating. One can be beneficial and other one could bring huge disadvantages to you. Moreover, adding some exercise in the routine wouldn’t hurt much.

So, here are some foods that can help you to avoid unhealthy eating and to drive your stress away.

Stay healthy , stay fit
Stay healthy ,stay fit

  1. Sweet Potato– To calm down the stress, sweet potato might work well as it contains potassium, beta-carotene and other vitamins that also reduces the urge to eat carbohydrates and sweets, thus helping you to avoid the urge to eat more.
  2. Eggs- They are packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that play an important role in relieving stress.
  3. Chickpeas- They are packed with stress-fighting vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, manganese, and copper that can help in stress reduction.
  4. Dark Chocolate- Many experts say that it helps in reducing stress as it contains flavonoids and magnesium that may reduce the depression symptoms too.
  5. Turmeric- Curcumin in tumeric may help lower anxiety by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that often increase in people experiencing mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
  6. Yogurt- It contains healthful bacteria, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. There is emerging that these bacteria and fermented products have positive effects on brain health.
  7. Green Tea- Theanine in green tea has anti-anxiety and calming effects and may increase the production of serotonin and dopamine.
  8. Warm milk- It has loads of B vitamins that reduce anxiety and improve mood. For instance, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) raises serotonin levels to perk you up.
  9. Nuts- Nuts are full of nutrients, including B vitamins, along with healthy fatty acids. B vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and can help reduce stress.
  10. Citrus foods- Flavonoids found in citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory capabilities that are thought to help protect against the chain of events that causes the nervous system to deteriorate.
  11. Oatmeal- Oatmeal is warm and comforting-and it also helps your brain generate the destressing neurotransmitter serotonin.
  12. Green Leafy Vegetables- Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain folate, which produces dopamine, a pleasure-inducing brain chemical, helping you to keep calm.

Start eating right today to nourish your body. So, first step to drive your stress away starts today.

5 best proven lifestyle modifications which are found to be effective for the ailment of Type-2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is kind of a metabolic disorder which causes the sugar to accumulate in blood rather than getting used as a body fuel

Yes, you read me right. It is absolutely possible to cure all the health problem associated with your body with the aid of correct lifestyle modifications.

Before understanding what needs to be done we shall preface our readers about what exactly is Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is kind of a metabolic disorder which causes the sugar to accumulate in blood rather than getting used as a body fuel. When we consume any sort of carbohydrate rich foods it enters the digestive tract and gets broken down to glucose. A hormone named as Insulin is released from pancreas and facilitates the entry of glucose into the cell. In case of Type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin and ignore it’s message to absorb glucose which is also called as Insulin-resistant. Additionally pancreas fails to secrete enough insulin required to trigger these insulin sensitive cells. The major cause of this disease is unhealthy eating habits, no physical movements, hypertension etc. In these circumstances, it is highly beneficial for a person to take charge of their health.

Following are the 5 best proven lifestyle modifications which are found to be effective –

  1. Eating healthy foods – There are few things which needs to be taken care of – firstly, cutting down your carb is important. What we generally consume is simple carbohydrate . Instead we can replace simple carbohydrate foods with complex carbohydrate which includes barley, non starchy vegetables and legumes. Adding them to your diet can also give a boost to your fiber intake.
  2. Reduction in sugar intake– Sugary items, aerated drinks, packaged sugar bars, cakes, wheat bread should be strictly avoided for a better health. Instead, opting for jiggery powder, stevia can serve as a good replacement of sugar. Opting for foods which has low glycemic index and low carbs are important for the long run.
  3. Loosing weight and increase protein intake – The primary goal for a person should be to maintain a proper BMI, anything above your normal BMI is harmful. For that cutting down processed foods, excessive oil and taking protein is the key. Not necessary one needs a whey protein isolate or any nutritional supplements which is used by youngsters or gym- goers these days. Look for natural protein like eggs, fish, soya beans, pulses instead which can help to enhance your lifestyle immensely and promotes a lean body mass.

Diets which are important for diabetes patients-

  • Green leafy vegetables- Having this in your diet is essential as it is not only a good source of fiber but also have low carbs in it. They are assosciated with loads of essential phytonutrients, mineralsand vitamins. Adding salad to your diet at the beginning of the meal provides a balanced diet to your body.
  • Nuts- Nuts like almonds, pistachios and walnuts can reduce the blood sugar level as well as risk of diabetes effectively.
  • Apple cider vinegar – It is made from fermented apple juice and can effectively reduce the blood glucose levels after meals. Additionally it contains certain minerals as well as vitamins and acetic acid which becomes beneficial for them who are suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
  • Berries- Berries are powerful anti-oxidants along with vitamin C and fiber. They are also essential in regulating the blood glucose levels and are proven effective in diabetes patients.

4. Doing some physical activity– Not necessary you need to join a gym but you can try home workout or yoga. Yoga is very helpful which can strike a balance between your mind and physical strength. Doing physical activities helps to improve metabolism. While you become more active, the muscles in your body takes up all the excess blood sugar as a result it helps in weight loss.

5. Managing stress– When you start taking too much stress you blood sugar level increases which causes your health to detoriate. Each and every things mentioned above are connected to stress. If you’re stressed then you may forget to eat properly or exercise which can do no good to your body. Hence, meditation plays an important role here. Once you start meditating you’ll be able to strike a balance between your stress and personal life. It is the need of the hour to start focusing more on your health rather than paying your bills later to your physicians.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

The word sustainable means able to retain at the minimum possible with best results and also helps the mother earth heal. Sustainability is a vast concept and is generally a long term process when it comes to results. Sustainable practices preached in day to day life helps one achieve long term goals. 

Such is the concept of SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION.The increasing pollution in day to day life is a major example of why sustainable transport should be an important goal of the people of the 21st century. The daily consumption of petrol and diesel by various vehicles, excessive carbon monoxide emissions, contribution to global warming, noise pollution are some of the reasons among so many more that deplete the earth’s natural resources and increase health problems. 

The only option of change is to switch to a more healthier, quick, effective and also less resource consumption way; In the fast pacing life of people where every two among three people own a car in urban areas, it is important that sustainable alternatives not only add value to human’s time but are effective at the same time. 

Here are my vision of some eco-friendly, sustainable and intelligent choice :

 To start with first is TO WALK, walk for the short trip and avoid your vehicle when possible. This won’t only help nature heal but also can make one lose weight if practiced regularly, also it will make you feel closer to the greenery around and you won’t need to wait in long traffic queues or find a parking spot when you arrive. 

Next on my list would be to CYCLE, if you switch a cycle from your bus, train or bike journey, this will help to reduce the emission of around hundred kilograms of greenhouse gases. It will help lose more calories in every round of your travel and the fresh air is complimentary with every trip. 

If it’s not possible for you to travel without a vehicle, choose more eco-friendly ones. One of the best options can be CARPOOLING, it is a way of sharing a vehicle for a bunch of people destined for the same place. It helps save fuel and the hassle of parking. Additionally it adds company for your journey and lesser cars on the road. 

The next time you are planning to go for a trip, go for some EXPLORE PLACES AROUND your residence, you never know there are so many around your place. Unplanned trips are amazing and the best  when not harming nature. It helps save fuel and energy, decreases pollution and helps one feel more close to nature and experience unknown places. 

There are a lot other ways too and everyday there is a new find by so many humans.GREEN TRANSPORTATION is a choice and every being should choose it as a responsible citizen. Choosing these means to travel helps the earth heal at its maximum and makes the air pure. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION should be followed everywhere and by everyone as much as possible.

The Need of The society!

Newton’s 4th law and a new perspective

Note: This article does not take a scientific spin on Newton’s 4th law rather, a metaphorical one.

How often do you come across reels in your Instagram with aesthetically pleasing setups, where people showcase their productivity by fancy stationary, an iPad and their flawless note taking skills? Quite often right! It makes you question yourself. Am I of any good? Why am I wasting time scrolling on social media? I am worthless. While social media influencers with a fancy lifestyle ask you to motivate yourself with positive affirmations, it can give you a temporary boost of confidence but later you will see yourself slumped on the couch too tired to do work, too tired to rest. But believe, you are not alone.

Newton’s 4th Law

I’d like to call it Newton’s 4th law. The first three laws rule the world. The 4th law also is ruling the world, but no one explicitly acknowledges it. The fourth law states that ‘The value of a person is directly proportional to his/her productivity’. Yes, that is it. This single statement is the sole destroyer of the mental health of people, and ironically the destroyer of their productivity too.

Giving the statement a first glance, you will be virtually staring at me and saying what’s wrong with that. But by the end of this article, I assure you I’d have sparked something in you. The societal rules say that you have to be productive every single moment of your life. You would have heard your parents asking you to read books during your summer break so you can improve your vocabulary. Go to music class, you can be the next Shreya Ghoshal. Go to dance class, chess class and what not. The world basically says to shove skills into your throat so that you can be ‘valued’ as a man in the society.

So what is productivity?

What no one says you is that, productivity is not something measured by the time you spend before a laptop doing ‘work’ or the number of pages read in a book. It is not juggling multiple tasks by half-focusing on each task. It is a feeling of satisfaction that fills your heart. A feeling that cannot be measure by time or effort. You should feel happy that you did something new today. That work can either be a progress or a rollback, doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, all that matters is that your person you are today knows something more than the person you were yesterday. Happiness inspires productivity.

So am I saying that you should lessen the time of work or read fewer pages? Not essentially. You can still say that you are productive without feeling guilty of not crossing your intended checkpoint. You can take breaks instead of working 3 hours straight. You can do a few jumping jacks. You can sit idle for a while and do nothing. By idle, I don’t mean you can catch up on Netflix or scroll your phone.

Just sit idle and don’t do anything at all. Try not to think of anything. When you try not thinking, I can bet that your mind will reel great philosophies which you never would’ve thought about otherwise. It will think about that embarrassing incident that happened 2 years ago. No kidding. Try it and you will be amazed if you follow your train of thoughts. These small techniques not only improve productivity, but also improve your overall physical and mental health.

 

work hours and productivity
Time and Productivity

What isn’t productivity?

This list can include things which you previously thought belonged to the other list.

  • Working for longer hours=More productivity
  • Multitasking
  • Hoarding up more number of tasks together
  • Not planning on what to do before actually starting to do work
  • Trying to do everything by yourself
  • Neglecting social life

Be careful and identify these red flags. Once you identify it, try to change your mindset. As the old saying goes, mind is THE master.

Concluding remarks

I lined up for you what productivity is and how its definition has been corrupted by the society. Lead life one moment at a time, for life is nothing but the amalgamation of moments silver lined with emotions. I leave you with the quote of a great man.

Improved productivity means less human sweat, not more.

  -Henry Ford

 

 

 

Don’t let that kid die inside you, please.

I know you must be thinking about abortion or something related to parenting thing, but, no. Don’t get yourself wrong, as we say “Don’t judge a book by its cover” the same applies here, don’t judge a blog by its title. Then why title is there, huh!

Hello fellows, don’t be so rude that I called you a fellow. I called you because you didn’t even tried to think what title is saying about. There’s a kid in every one, in every gender, in every person. Some of them just forgot about it like time forces them to forget. No! Time always take test, but, how to pass it and how to live after passing the test is always on you. You planned to forget that kid for sake of your future. So, did you got that future?? I guess not, then atleast have one thing for life time.

You are also aware of it that keep the child alive will always keep you interesting, creative and more importantly happy. And do you know why I added happy in the last, because that’s true. Happiness comes from the mysterious ways. And a child can only enjoy that other wise you may have seen an adult asking questions from where this happiness arrived.

There’s one more reason why I ask you keep that child alive, it is because I personally think that child represent your whole life. That child remains in you from starting till end of your life. No Matter how hard your life gets or how strong you become, if you couldn’t save that kid inside you. You technically failed in this life.

So, think and start saving that child inside you.

See yaa..