Aug 18

Brain health: 10-minute habits that are perfect brain exercises

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Why 10-minute daily habits matter for brain health In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook mental fitness. But just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Simple habits like reading, moving, or journaling can boost memory, enhance focus, and protect your brain from premature aging. These daily micro-practices don’t require fancy tools, just intention and consistency. Over time, they improve neuroplasticity, reduce stress, and help your brain stay sharp and agile.   Mindful breathing or meditation Spending just 10 minutes focusing on your breath can significantly reduce stress and improve cognitive clarity. Mindful breathing calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, and enhances concentration. Whether it’s traditional meditation or a few minutes of silent reflection, this habit helps improve brain structure over time, especially the hippocampus, responsible for memory. Practicing this every day clears mental clutter and helps the brain perform better under pressure.   Reading a page or article daily Reading just one article, short story, or book page daily can keep your brain stimulated. It enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension, and strengthens the neural connections related to critical thinking. Non-fiction sharpens factual retention, while fiction boosts empathy and imagination. Even short reading bursts act as cognitive workouts, […]
Aug 15

People who succeed in everything they pursue usually practice these 5 daily habits, according to psychology

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Sarah runs three companies, speaks four languages, and just qualified for the Boston Marathon at 45. When I asked her secret, she laughed: “I disappoint people every single day before 9 AM.” That cryptic response revealed something I’ve noticed about serial achievers—they don’t do what you’d expect. While everyone else is optimizing morning routines and drinking bulletproof coffee, truly successful people have developed habits that seem almost antisocial, even selfish. But these practices are precisely what enable them to succeed where others merely survive. Psychological research on high achievers reveals that success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working differently. The habits that separate serial winners from everyone else aren’t sexy or Instagram-worthy. They’re almost boringly consistent.   1) They say no to good opportunities every morning Sarah starts each day by reviewing her inbox and declining 90% of what’s there. Speaking engagements, coffee meetings, collaboration requests—all rejected before her first cup of coffee. She calls it “disappointing people before breakfast.” This isn’t rudeness—it’s mathematics. Serial achievers understand that attention residue from task-switching destroys deep work. Every “quick coffee” or “brief call” doesn’t just take 30 minutes; it fragments an entire day’s focus. They’ve learned what most people never grasp: success […]
Aug 12

How weight training strengthens your heart and four exercises to try

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When we think about heart health, cardio exercises like running, cycling or swimming often come to mind. But what if lifting weights could be just as effective – or even better – for your heart? While most people associate weight training with building muscle or improving strength, research shows that it can also play a significant role in reducing your risk of heart disease. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of lives lost each year. The tragedy is that many of these deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes, including exercise. Surprisingly, weight training is emerging as a powerful tool for improving heart health, alongside cardio and a healthy diet.   Why exercise is key to heart health Exercise is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. The NHS and other health organisations recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to maintain cardiovascular health. Cardio exercises like walking, jogging or swimming improve heart and lung function, lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. But strength training, often overlooked in discussions about heart health, offers unique benefits. Weightlifting strengthens the heart by improving circulation, reducing strain on the […]
Aug 09

​5 ways to be more likeable, as per psychology​

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Being a well-liked person is a feat that not everyone can achieve. Psychologists agree that well-liked people experience more happiness, trust and reciprocity in their interpersonal relationships. If you are looking to become more influential and strengthen your bond with other people, here are 5 psychology tips for you to become a more likeable person:   Compliment people’s strengths Receiving positive compliments about their actions and personality boosts people’s self-esteem and makes them feel appreciated. When you compliment people, it shows that you notice and appreciate their good qualities. The next time you notice an admirable quality about a friend, make sure to compliment them. Or when you notice someone doing a good job, make sure to let them know. Giving people genuine compliments will make them like being around you and foster a stronger relationship.   Remember and bring up things Make an effort to remember the things that people tell you. When you remember details and ask people about their lives, they feel important and appreciated. Simply bring up things by saying, “The last time we met, you mentioned…” Showing genuine interest in people’s lives makes them feel at ease around you. Remembering details that are important to […]
Aug 06

7 daily mindfulness habits to reduce stress and improve focus

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Discover simple yet powerful ways to stay present, reduce anxiety, and build inner peace—one mindful habit at a time. These seven daily practices fit easily into your routine and can transform the way you think, feel, and live every single day. In today’s fast-paced world, our minds are often cluttered with worries about the future or regrets from the past. Mindfulness offers a simple yet powerful way to bring our attention back to the present moment. Practicing mindfulness daily can help reduce stress, increase focus, and improve overall well-being. Below are seven effective ways to incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life.   1. MINDFUL BREATHING One of the simplest and most effective mindfulness techniques is mindful breathing. You don’t need any tools—just a few quiet minutes. Sit comfortably, close your eyes if you wish. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your lungs to fill. Exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing tension. Focus your attention on the sensation of each breath. This exercise helps centre your mind and reduces anxiety instantly. Practising for just 2–5 minutes daily can make a noticeable difference in your mental clarity.   2. MINDFUL EATING Eating is something we do every day, but rarely with full […]
Aug 03

Train the brain to love discipline: 7 habits that can help

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For most of us, doing anything that just doesn’t feel like us is a big NO! But what we don’t realise is that, things done out of our comfort zone can present an entirely different version of us, we didn’t know existed. Discipline is like a muscle; the more you practice, the stronger it becomes. Your brain is your strongest weapon; train it however you want, it will work. But is you who needs to understand, comfort can’t achieve you things discipline can. Be firm in your action, take on the new challenge, learn that new hobby and be a better version of yourself.   1. Indulge yourself in a clear routine Your habits won’t last long if you don’t have a clear plan devised. Choose a specific time and place for the habit, make it simple enough that you can do it yourself. Set individual tme for each activity. Your brain responds well to a routine; if you do it haphazardly, it might not work out that well for you.   2. Associate it with a deeper understanding You won’t work unless the result is what you truly want. Sooner or later, that enthusiasm burns out, and then you […]
Jul 31

Overlooked signs of anxiety in daily life

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Feeling a little off lately? Tapping your feet nonstop? Overthinking something on repeat? These could be subtle signs of anxiety hiding in plain sight. We have to give it to Gen Z, they’ve made it normal to talk openly about mental health and how we’re really feeling. If nothing else, this generation has helped us reconnect with our emotions and shown us that there’s no shame in speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. And that awareness is more important than ever in today’s hyper-competitive world, where the pressure to stay ahead can quietly fuel anxiety. The tricky part about anxiety is that it often creeps in unnoticed. We tend to miss the subtle signs, but recognising them early can make all the difference in preventing bigger issues down the road.   So, what actually happens when anxiety hits? “When anxiety hits, the body quickly prepares to handle a perceived threat, even if there isn’t any real danger around. It typically begins with a trigger stimulus, such as a distressing thought or mental image. This leads to a perceived threat, which causes the brain to interpret the situation as dangerous,” Dr Shailesh Jha, consultant psychiatrist, Indraprastha Apollo Saarthak Mental Health […]
Jul 28

Why your mind deserves daily self-care

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This International Self-Care Day, mental health experts share a comprehensive guide to help you cultivate a self-care routine that nourishes your body and mind   While the conversation around mental health has broadened over the years, self-care as a concept has been marketed in ways that lead you to think of it as spa treatments and luxurious indulgences. Understandably, it can be pleasurable to go on a holiday, but true self-care can be practiced daily, is critical for your mental health and far more accessible. Every year, International Self-Care Day is observed on July 24 to highlight the role of self-care in life. While every person knows of the concept, people do need a reminder often, so mental health experts delve into how self-care is different from pampering yourself. They also highlight the benefits of digital detox and emotional check ins, and share practical strategies to help you include self-care in your everyday lives   The essentials of self-care: Beyond pampering Dr Aparna Ramakrishnan, consultant, psychiatry, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, defines self-care, “Intentionally and consciously taking action to maintain or improve your physical, mental and emotional health. It is taking care of yourself so that you have enough […]
Jul 25

3 effective science-backed ways to keep the brain healthy

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Brain health is paramount, and experts suggest simple, cost-free methods to boost its function. A study in Brain Sciences highlights three key factors: physical exercise, social interaction, and cultivating strong interests. Movement combats brain aging, while relationships stimulate complex biological processes. Passion drives learning, impacting neural network development. The brain is undoubtedly the most important organ in the human body. It’s in charge of some of the vital functions in the body, and hence keeping it in top shape is important. But how do you boost your brain function? No, you don’t really have to take endless supplements or expensive treatments. The trick is simple and free of cost! Here are 3 effective ways to boost brain health, according to experts. Before we dive into the tips, let’s take a look at the miraculous power of the brain.   Your brain is fabulous Ever imagined how powerful your brain is? You are reading this article, and along with visualisation, your brain is breaking down this information and storing it. Lift your hands. Your brain just did it! How fabulous is it? There are around 100 billion nerve cells that work in coordination to keep you nimble and quick in your […]
Jul 23

Everyday acts of self-care

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International Self-Care Day on July 24 is a gentle reminder to pause, nourish yourself, and embrace small everyday healing rituals When we hear the words ‘self-care’, many of us picture bath bombs, jade rollers, or maybe even a weekend yoga retreat nestled in the hills. But self-care is often quieter than that, not always picturesque, not always Instagrammed. At its heart, it’s deeply personal. And as International Self-Care Day approaches on July 24, experts are nudging us to go beyond the surface and start turning inward. “Self-care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity,” says Dr Partap Chauhan, founder and director of Jiva Ayurveda, a world-renowned Ayurvedaacharya and author. “When you think of self-care, the first thing that probably comes to mind is rest or skincare. But from an Ayurvedic lens, nourishment sits right at the centre,” he notes. According to him, what we eat isn’t just feeding our stomachs; it’s shaping our minds, emotions and immunity. “Food is not just fuel… it’s medicine. The nutrients you consume today are quietly building your health tomorrow. Ayurveda teaches that good nutrition supports ojas, your body’s vital energy. And nurturing ojas is the foundation of self-care. Not just today, but every single […]
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