May 12

Your favourite workout playlist can help you exercise for 20% longer, says study

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A new Finnish study has found that listening to personally chosen workout music could help people exercise nearly 20 per cent longer without feeling any more exhausted. The right playlist can help you push through fatigue and keep going far longer than you otherwise could. If you are heading go the gym in the evening, make sure you don’t forget your headphone in the gym bag and your favourite workout playlist. Because science now suggests it could help you perform better than you ever expected. According to research published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise, conducted in collaboration with the University of Jyväskylä, the Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport and Springfield College, music can help people tolerate discomfort and stay motivated during tough workouts.   What the study suggests During the study, researchers found that cyclists lasted several minutes more when riding to their favourite songs compared with exercising in silence. The simple act of slipping on a pair of headphones and playing your favourite tunes could helped improve exercise endurance. The study centred on recreationally active adults taking part in demanding cycling sessions. Participants were asked to complete two separate high-intensity rides. One session was carried […]
May 11

Your brain needs workout too: Neurologist-recommended tips to train your brain like you train your body

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Don’t forget the gym for your brain too We all know we’re supposed to exercise our bodies. Walk more. Lift weights. Stretch. But we forget that the brain needs exercise too. And not just crossword puzzles once in a while. Your brain is like any other organ, if you don’t use it, it gets a bit sluggish. When you challenge it with new things, like learning a language, playing an instrument, reading deeply, or even having meaningful conversations, it builds new connections. That’s what keeps thinking sharp and memory strong. Brain exercise is especially important now because our lives are so automated. We rely on GPS instead of remembering routes. We scroll instead of focusing. We multitask constantly. And over time, that can affect attention span and mental stamina. Dr. Vivek Kumar, Principal Director, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj shared how important brain exercises are and daily habits that can keep your brain sharper.   What does “brain exercise” really mean from a neurological perspective? Dr. Vivek Kumar: Mental exercises are essential for maintaining cognitive health, reducing age-related decline, and boosting mental resilience. By engaging in puzzles, sudoku, learning new skills or hobbies, and practicing mindfulness, individuals can improve […]
May 10

5 small habits (beyond yoghurt) to take care of your gut health and prevent bloating

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More than 70% of the immune system resides in the gut; here are the keys to keeping your microbiota balanced Yoghurt from La Fageda, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to making dairy products, rose to fame after a scientific study analysed the key to Maria Branyas Morera’s longevity. Branyas, who in 2023 became the longest living person in the world, died at the age of 117 in 2024, surpassing the average life expectancy of Spanish women by more than 30 years. The enlightening results of the research highlighted that her gut health was comparable to that of a much younger person and Maria herself revealed on her social networks (managed by her relatives) that part of the secret of her 117 years consisted of consuming three servings of natural yoghurt daily, without exception. And although it is true that these fermented dairy products are beneficial for our gut health (if they are natural and without added sugars) thanks to their live probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus, which help balance the bacterial flora, improve digestion, strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation, we must emphasise that our microbiota does not live on yoghurt alone. There are so many other habits that, […]
May 09

7 Exercises That Can Help To Improve Ankle Mobility

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You can improve ankle flexibility and strength with regular and simple movement practices. Better mobility not only supports physical activity but also makes daily tasks feel easier and more comfortable. Ankle mobility is important for everyday movement. It helps you walk, run, squat, and maintain balance without discomfort. When your ankles move freely, your body can perform tasks more efficiently and with less strain. When you have poor ankle mobility, it can lead to stiffness, reduced performance, and even pain in other areas like the knees or hips. This happens because the body tries to compensate for limited movement. A lot of people experience tight or weak ankles due to long hours of sitting, lack of physical activity, or wearing restrictive footwear. This over time, can increase the risk of injuries such as sprains or muscle strain. The good thing is that with regular and simple movement practices, you can improve ankle flexibility and strength. Better mobility not only supports physical activity but also makes daily tasks feel easier and more comfortable. Improving ankle mobility also helps with walking, running, squatting, and reducing injury risk. Here are some exercises that can improve ankle mobility.   Exercises For Ankle Mobility 1. […]
May 08

People in their 60s who look 40 often follow these daily habits, according to psychology

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Some people in their 60s manage to look decades younger, and psychology may explain why. Instead of relying on miracle creams or costly procedures, their secret lies in simple, consistent habits that support their physical and mental well-being over time. Experts say that these age-defying routines aren’t exclusive or unattainable—they’re daily choices anyone can adopt. From the way they handle stress to how they care for their bodies and minds, these practices play a key role in maintaining a fresh, youthful glow well past midlife.   What daily habits help people in their 60s look decades younger? Psychologists highlight a set of behaviors and mindsets that contribute to a younger appearance. These habits, practiced regularly, influence both how the body ages and how a person feels from the inside out.   Daily self-care is non-negotiable Those who look younger than their age often commit to self-care as a daily priority. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and mental well-being form the foundation of their routine. It’s not about occasional indulgence but about steady, intentional habits that pay off over time.   They actively keep stress under control Chronic stress leaves visible marks—wrinkles, tired eyes, dull skin. Youthful-looking individuals tend to […]
May 07

A Gastroenterologist Explains Why Eating Cucumber At Night Can Cause Indigestion

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Dr Sambit Kumar Bhuyan explains why eating cucumbers at night can trigger indigestion. Here is what you should know about cucumber consumption and how to consume it safely. Extreme heat may influence your dietary choices, especially at night, which can result in possible gastric discomfort. One such food ingredient that may be causing this is the 95% water content summer favourite. Cucumber, especially when eaten at night, can pose digestive issues such as bloating and acidity. While cucumber is considered a light, hydrating, and healthy summer vegetable, the timing to consume it matters if you want to avoid indigestion. A research paper named ‘Health Effects of Cucumber’ highlights that even though cucumber has beneficial properties, especially when eaten in hot summer months, it can lead to stomach upset if eaten at night. The digestive system slows down at night, so people need to eat foods that don’t build up acid in the stomach. Cucumber is one such summer vegetable that can do so, especially for those who have a sensitive stomach or gastrointestinal disorders. A medical expert can better explain what exactly happens to digestion at night and why cucumbers should be eaten as an accompaniment to the main meal.   […]
May 06

These 5 things may help improve recovery after a tough workout

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Working out takes many forms, from cardio like running and swimming to strength training like lifting weights and Pilates. But no matter your exercise of choice, there’s always a risk of causing stress to your body. You’ve likely experienced this firsthand, whether that was soreness when you laughed two days after an ab workout or that twinge in your leg after a long run. While you probably can’t eliminate postexercise discomfort, you can take concrete steps to improve recovery after a challenging workout. Below, we’ve rounded up five things to do that could make a big impact on your physical well-being after a workout, ranging from how (and when) to hydrate to the potential benefits of cold-water immersion. Consider these techniques.   Get a massage A massage isn’t just relaxing; it may boost your recovery after a challenging workout. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), massage therapy after a tough workout may reduce muscle soreness, pain, inflammation and perceived fatigue. Massages can also reduce overall stress while improving relaxation and immune system functionality. A meta-analysis evaluating different workout recovery strategies found that massage was the most powerful technique for improving delayed-onset muscle soreness and fatigue. Other helpful […]
May 05

Can’t Sleep At Night? Here’s A Doctor’s Guide To Fix Your Sleep Schedule

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Skipping sleep or not getting enough or proper sleep can make people feel tired, cranky and out of sorts. Sleep is one of the most important things our body needs to function properly. It keeps our energy up, supports healthy digestion and other processes, as well as helps our brain stay sharp and focused. Worryingly, many of us often compromise on it the most. Skipping sleep or not getting enough or proper sleep can make people tired, cranky, and out of sorts. And that’s not all. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist based in California, shared a post on Instagram, outlining dos and don’ts for getting sound sleep. He wrote in the caption, “8 habits nobody told you about for better sleep… From a Doctor: Still drinking coffee the wrong way? Small habit shifts can make a big difference for your sleep quality.”   Consistent Sleep Schedule: The doctor says, “Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day strengthens your circadian rhythm, helping you fall asleep faster and improving overall sleep quality.” Stress Management: Stress is responsible for the increase in the level of cortisol in the body, which can keep you alert and awake […]
May 04

‘How much walking is needed daily to lower blood pressure?’

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Adding small habits can further improve the impact Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage blood pressure. But how much do you need to walk for its effects to start showing? Responding to a Quora query: ‘How much walking is needed daily to lower blood pressure?’, Dr Amit Saraf, director, internal medicine, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, said that one doesn’t need “extreme routines to see benefits“. “For most adults, aiming for 30 minutes of brisk walking at least 5 days a week can make a meaningful difference. This adds up to about 150 minutes weekly, which is the recommended baseline for heart health,” said Dr Saraf. What matters more than speed is consistency and intensity. A brisk pace means you walk fast enough to raise your heart rate and breathing slightly, but you can still hold a conversation. “If 30 minutes at once feels too hard, you can break it into segments of 10 to 15 minutes spread throughout the day. These shorter bouts are just as effective when done regularly,” elucidated Dr Saraf. For people with already high blood pressure, even small increases in daily movement can help. Dr Saraf said that studies show that […]
May 03

5 Exercises That Will Hammer Your Inner Chest

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Skip the heavy weights to focus on muscle definition to achieve one of the most sought-after aesthetic goals. THERE’S MORE TO acquiring an aesthetically complete physique than just lifting heavy weight and bombarding your chest with bench press reps. This is especially true when it comes to developing muscle definition and hypertrophy, along with strength. You may think that the key to chest training is having a big bench, but you’re spending too much time and energy in the wrong place if you neglect accessory moves that target how the pectoralis muscles actually work. Your aesthetic goals will be better served spending time on bettering your mind-muscle connection, according to Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., and celebrity trainer and MH Advisory Board member Don Saladino. In this case, convergence—moving weight to or past the centerline of your body (adduction)—is key to getting that well-defined chest. “The bench press is important for strength development,” Saladino says, “but I also believe that after a period of time, you don’t really gain that mind-muscle connection from just staying with that same movement over and over and over, you don’t really get to experience what it feels like to do a movement […]
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