Jul 01

3 simple brain exercises to boost focus and memory

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There is a lot of attention around workouts these days, but most of the focus is on physical health. What often gets overlooked is that your brain needs regular exercise, too. This may come as a surprise to many. But, just like lifting weights strengthens your muscles, your brain needs workouts to sharpen focus and boost memory. Brain exercises are crucial for maintaining and improving cognitive functions. Regular mental stimulation can enhance concentration, improve memory retention, and even help prevent cognitive decline associated with aging. Here are 3 science-backed effects of brain exercises to boost focus and memory.   1. Meditation People often tend to overlook the importance of meditation on body and mind. Meditation involves focusing the mind and staying present. This practice strengthens the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are brain regions linked with attention and memory. Regular meditation can improve attention span and reduce stress, which supports better memory. Somestudiessuggest that meditation may benefit the brain by affecting its structure or how it functions. However, more research is necessary to confirm its action. You can dedicate 10-20 minutes daily to meditation. Choose a quiet space, and focus on your breath or a mantra. When your mind wanders, […]
Jun 29

10 brain-damaging habits you may be doing daily, warn health experts

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Ever feel like your brain is in a fog, even after a full night’s sleep and your morning tea or coffee? You might be unknowingly engaging in daily habits that are detrimental to brain health. Here are 10 common routines that could be silently impairing your cognitive well-being.   1. Sitting too long at work may harm cognitive function Even if you exercise regularly, prolonged sitting can negatively affect the brain. Dr Aditya Gupta, director of neurosurgery at Artemis Hospital Gurugram, said extended sedentary behaviour is linked to cognitive decline and brain shrinkage. He suggested standing or walking briefly every hour during the workday.   2. Chronic stress may increase dementia risk Dr Gorav Gupta, Senior Psychiatrist and CEO, Tulasi Healthcare, warned that chronic stress can physically alter brain structure and disrupt sleep, increasing the risk of dementia.  He recommended practising mindfulness or engaging in regular physical activity to manage stress.   3. Skipping breakfast or hydration affects brain performance Both doctors emphasised that starting the day without water or a nutritious meal can impair focus and energy. Tea or coffee on an empty stomach may worsen the effect. They recommended beginning the day with a glass of water and […]
Jun 26

Cutting back on calories? Eating less may take a toll on mental health

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A recent study reveals a potential link between low-calorie diets and increased depressive symptoms, particularly affecting men and overweight individuals. The research, analyzing data from thousands of adults, found that calorie-restrictive diets correlate with higher cognitive-affective symptom scores. Experts emphasize the importance of balanced nutrient intake, including glucose and omega-3 fatty acids, for optimal brain health and mental well-being. Feeling the blues lately? It might be time to look beyond your emotions. This time, look into your plate. What you eat, or more specifically, how little you eat, could be impacting your mental health. Yes, you read that right! A recent study found that cutting back on calories may increase the risk of depressive symptoms. According to a new study published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, following a low-calorie diet is linked to a heightened risk of depressive symptoms.   What is a healthy diet A ‘healthy’ diet incorporates lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and fish. The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the best diets in the world for its health benefits. This diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and heart-healthy fats like olive oil.   Diet and […]
Jun 21

10 Daily practices that can boost your mental health

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Daily habits impact mental health. Procrastination and social media use can be harmful. Cultivating healthy habits is essential for inner peace. The article suggests ten ways to improve mental well-being. These include embracing change, practicing self-forgiveness, and pursuing personal goals. Learning from failures and taking action are also important. Focus on long-term contentment and self-reliance for a joyful life. Our daily activities have a big impact on our physical appearance and overall health. How we think, speak, perform our daily tasks, or present ourselves. If we are not intentional about forming healthy habits, we run the risk of falling into patterns that deprive us of our inner peace and happiness. Common behaviours that can harm our mental health include procrastination, excessive social media use, negative self-talk, and comparing ourselves to others. By recognising and breaking these habits, we can create a more contented and joyful environment for ourselves that aligns with our goals and values.   Ways to improve your mental well being   1. Put Perspective Above Circumstance Life will inevitably involve frustration and inconvenience, but how each person responds to these circumstances is different, their reaction determines the outcome. Instead of reacting with anger, jealousy, or fear, adopt […]
Jun 19

Doing this 10-minute walk before heading to office can offer 7 health benefits

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Take 10 minutes to start your day by walking barefoot on the grass early morning, if you can. It can calm your mind, uplift your mood, and recharge your energy levels. Mornings are often rushed. Once the alarm clock rings, and we step out of the bed, activity rarely stops until the next sleep cycle. But before you dive into the chaos, how about giving yourself just 10 minutes of calm? Walking barefoot on grass may seem too simple to make a difference, but this grounding practice can do wonders for your physical and mental health. It connects you with nature, clears your head, and offers a gentle energy boost—all before your workday even begins. Whether it is a garden, park, or a patch of lawn, spending a few quiet moments with your feet touching the earth can reduce stress, improve focus, and even support better sleep. Wondering how? Know its benefits to convince yourself to follow this underrated morning ritual.   Health benefits of walking barefoot Here are 7 advantages of walking barefoot on grass for just 10 minutes before heading office:   1. Reduces stress Walking barefoot on grass is a natural way to calm your mind and […]
Jun 16

​7 ‘cool’ habits young adults must ditch for good mental and physical health​

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Adulting is not easy, but it is not so tough, as well! Let’s be real: adulting is hard. Between trying to make rent, staying “on brand” for the ’Gram, and ordering oat milk lattes on autopilot, young adults today are juggling more than ever. But somewhere in this chaos, a few habits that feel totally normal — even trendy — are quietly messing with our health. They may seem harmless, even cool. But these daily choices are often loaded with long-term consequences. So if you’re in your 20s or 30s and still thinking, “I’ve got time,” well — now’s the time to read this list. Here are 7 ‘cool’ habits you need to ditch right now if you want to protect your sanity, gut, sleep, heart, and future self.   1. Living on 5 hours of sleep and calling it “hustle culture” We get it. You’re working late, building your brand, maybe even hitting the gym at 6 a.m. — and somewhere in the middle, you’re surviving on iced coffee and vibes. But let’s not romanticize sleep deprivation. Running on 4–5 hours of sleep every night doesn’t make you tough. It makes you moody, forgetful, bloated, and at higher risk […]
Jun 15

Top 6 Healthy Habits To Train Your Brain To Be Happier!

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By integrating these positive habits into your life, you won’t just be creating a stronger and more optimistic brain, but you will also be gaining access to a greater, more enduring sense of contentment and happiness. In today’s fast-moving world, it seems like happiness is a distant dream. We may seek it through outward success, material things, or momentary indulgences. But really sustainable happiness is not something outside of us; it’s something we can develop from within by consciously training our brains. Just as you’d go to the gym to make your muscles stronger, you can practice habits that are good for building your mental toughness, creating positive emotions, and actually rewire your brain for more happiness. Here’s how to begin training your brain to become happier:   1. Harness the Power of Gratitude It sounds simple, but the impact of gratitude is profound. Regularly acknowledging the good things in your life, no matter how small, shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. How to practice: Keep a gratitude journal, list three things you’re grateful for each morning or evening, or simply take a moment to appreciate something positive that happens during your day. Brain benefit: Gratitude engages […]
Jun 13

Not just mind & body, experts say yoga can prevent and help manage chronic diseases

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The popularity of yoga has grown tremendously in the past decade. More than 10% of U.S. adults have practised yoga at some point in their lives. Yoga practitioners spend on average US$90 a month, and the yoga industry is worth more than $80 billion worldwide. Yoga is now a mainstream activity in the U.S. and is commonly portrayed as a healthy lifestyle choice. I am a behavioural scientist who researches how physical activity – and specifically yoga – can prevent and help manage chronic diseases. Many people attribute improvements in their physical and mental health to their yoga practice. But until recently, research had been sparse on the health benefits of yoga. As the body of rigorous research on yoga grows, more and more work is showing the many health benefits of a yoga practice.   What is yoga? The name “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” meaning to unite, join or connect the mind, body and soul. The first text on yoga was written by the sage Patanjali over 2,000 years ago in India. Patanjali described yoga as “citta-vrtti-nirodhah,” or “stilling the mind.” This was achieved through a mix of breath work, meditation, physical movement and body […]
Jun 10

How to be more intelligent: 8 ways to sharpen your mind

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How to be more intelligent: 8 ways to sharpen your mind Intelligence isn’t something that is fixed; it grows when you feed it right. From what you consume to how you challenge yourself daily, sharpening your mind is less about natural talent and more about consistent habits. These eight simple but powerful strategies are backed by science and practised by lifelong learners everywhere. Whether you’re looking to think more clearly, remember better, or boost creativity, these habits can help. Intelligence isn’t just IQ, it’s adaptability, awareness, and continuous growth. Start with one habit today and watch your mind expand in ways you never expected.   1. Mind diet Just like food affects your body, your mental diet affects your brain. Each day, challenge yourself with something that stimulates your mind: Read a thought-provoking book, solve a complex puzzle, or listen to a deep podcast. Choose content that stretches your thinking and keeps you curious. Avoid passive scrolling and mindless content that dulls your attention. Instead, aim to consume at least one piece of mentally nutritious material daily. Your brain craves novelty and complexity, it’s how it grows. The more demanding the input, the stronger and sharper your mental capacity becomes. […]
Jun 05

Prevent weight gain, stay active if you don’t have time for daily exercises

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Exercise tips: If you want to lose that extra fat, you can. If you’re not a morning person, no need to worry, here are some unique ways to include physical activity to your lifestyle. Find what works best for you and make it a consistent part of your day.   Getting active is essential for maintaining good health, but sometimes fitting in a morning walk or workout can feel impossible with our busy lives. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults should aim for at least 45 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day to help prevent weight gain and stay healthy. If early mornings aren’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to stay active without having to start your day with a walk. Maintaining regular physical activity doesn’t always require a strict workout routine. The key is consistency. Even if you can’t commit to long walks, there are small, simple ways to integrate movement into your day. Research suggests that small bursts of activity can be just as effective as longer, more intense workouts. This means that no matter how busy or unpredictable your day gets, you can still stay […]
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