Oct 07

Simple secret to handle stress: The daily trick that actually works found in research

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Daily stress from work, home, or personal interactions can feel overwhelming, but research shows that even small boosts in perceived control can help resolve these challenges. A study by Penn State University found that on days when people felt more in control, they were significantly more likely to take action to tackle stressors, from household problems to difficult conversations. The sense of control strengthens with age and can be improved through practical strategies like prioritising tasks, breaking challenges into manageable steps, and reflecting on accomplishments. Stress has become a common part of daily life. From work deadlines and household problems to disagreements with family or friends, small pressures can quickly accumulate, leaving people feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. While many stress management techniques exist, researchers have found that one simple factor can make a real difference in how effectively we handle daily challenges: the sense of control over our own lives.   Feeling in Control Reduces Stress A study led by researchers at Penn State University, published in Communications Psychology, highlights the role of perceived control in managing everyday stress. The research shows that even small actions that enhance a person’s sense of control can significantly improve their ability to resolve […]
Oct 06

Add These 8 Trainer-Approved Exercises to Your Routine Immediately

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Start your fitness journey with these simple and effective exercises. Getting started with strength training can feel like a lot, especially with all the different exercises and conflicting advice out there. So, to make things simple, we went straight to the people who know best: certified personal trainers and coaches. We had them narrow down the best exercises for building strength and endurance. The best part? Every single exercise they chose can be easily adjusted to fit your current fitness level, so you can jump in no matter where you’re starting from.   1. Deadlifts The deadlift is a compound exercise that has you lifting heavy weight off the floor by bending at the hips and standing back up. There are plenty of variations to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned weightlifter. Some variations include the kettlebell deadlift, Romanian deadlift, conventional deadlift, stiff-legged deadlift, sumo deadlift and trap bar (or hex bar) deadlift. “The deadlift is a great exercise because it helps strengthen the core, back, shoulders, arm muscles, as well as your glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves,” says John Gardner, a NASM-certified personal trainer. He explains that the deadlift is an essential exercise that stimulates the […]
Oct 05

​7 superfoods to mix with yogurt for gut health benefits​

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A bowl of yogurt is a quiet ritual in many Indian homes: cooling after a spicy meal, a soft landing for a late-night hunger pang, a plain bowl that somehow feels like care. Yogurt already brings the bacteria; the secret is feeding them the right things. Pairing simple, everyday superfoods with dahi turns a snack into a steady habit that nudges digestion, calms inflammation, and keeps the gut neighbourhood happier day after day. Scroll down to see which ones deserve a place in your bowl.   Flaxseeds – tiny anchors for calm digestion Roasted flax (alsi) snaps in the mouth and brings a soothing, nutty depth to curd. It supplies soluble fibre and omega-3 building blocks that help lower inflammation and provide slow-burning food for friendly microbes. More than a crunch, flax roots a bowl of yogurt in steady, gentle digestion – the kind of small addition that shows results over weeks, not hours.   Banana – mellow sweetness that feeds the good bugs Banana softens yogurt’s tang and brings resistant starch and inulin, mild prebiotics that act like fuel for probiotic communities. It’s perfect for mornings: comforting, filling, and easy on the stomach. The sweetness feels familiar, so this […]
Oct 04

3 exercises that can rewire the brain and improve cognitive function and it has been proved by science

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Research indicates that activities like dance, martial arts, and team sports significantly enhance cognitive function beyond traditional workouts. These complex movements stimulate the brain, improving memory, attention, and decision-making skills. Studies reveal measurable brain changes, including increased gray matter and improved executive functions, highlighting the potential for lifelong brain development through enriched physical activity. It is proven that physical exercise supports a healthy body and mind. What is increasingly becoming popular is that certain types of movement, apart from shaping the body and also reshape the brain. Over the past few decades, researchers and practitioners have studied that how activities such as dance, martial arts and team sports influence cognitive performance, boost good mood and promote health. These exercises go beyond just building a healthy body, while conventional workouts like jogging and lifting weights improve cardiovascular health and promote muscular fitness, they often lack the cognitive and social complexity that drives deeper brain engagement. Let’s see Team sports, martial arts and dance, all integrate learning with memory and enhanced decision making, this combination of physical and mental challenge stimulates the brain in powerful ways, enhancing focus, mind flexibility and even structural brain changes over time. Why complexity matters in movementAny […]
Oct 03

A 10-Minute Barre Workout You Can Do at Home

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All you need for this full-body strength routine is a chair and a mat. Over the last two decades, barre workouts have exploded from a niche boutique offering to a fixture of the fitness scene — taught at hundreds of specialized studios, gyms and Y.M.C.A.s — as word has spread about their power to build strength, balance and flexibility using mostly your own body weight. Barre workouts were first created by a German ballerina in 1959. They train every major muscle group through a series of exercises that involve small movements, with the goal of isolating and stressing your muscles to the point of fatigue. “Every muscle has to show up, all your ancillary muscles and your larger muscle groups,” said Tanya Becker, a longtime barre instructor and co-founder of the franchise Physique 57. To effectively engage all of these muscles, many barre exercises involve several incremental steps. Barre also has a reputation for being deceptively hard — all those tiny movements can add up to a rigorous workout. (Many barre instructors encourage their students to strive for a “shake” with each exercise: the point when the muscle is so fatigued that it begins to quiver.) But you can tailor […]
Oct 02

5 ancient breathing techniques that can help bring down blood pressure, improve heart health and lung function

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Pranayama is an ancient yogic practice that focuses controlled breathing to balance mind and body. Ancient breathing techniques or Pranayama, have proven to reduce cortisol levels, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and improve heart rate variability. Beyond physiological benefits, breathing techniques have emerged as simple yet powerful tools to restore balance, clarity, and inner calm. Stress, anxiety and mental fatigue have become common in today’s fast paced world. While modern medicines can offer stress management, natural practices are a more widely accepted means to relieve stress. Ancient breathing techniques or Pranayama, have proven to reduce cortisol levels, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and improve heart rate variability. Beyond physiological benefits, breathing techniques have emerged as simple yet powerful tools to restore balance, clarity, and inner calm. Take a look   What is Pranayama? The word is derived from Sanskrit, wherein, ‘Prana’ means life force and ‘Ayama’ means control or expansion. Pranayama is an ancient yogic practice that focuses controlled breathing to balance mind and body. By conscious regulation of breath, one can reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve lung function. Below are 5 ancient breathing techniques that can provide profound benefits to exhale the modern worries.   1. Anulom […]
Oct 01

Brain Fog vs overworked mind and fatigue: How to tell the difference

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The symptoms of mental exhaustion include physical exhaustion, decreased concentration abilities, irritability, delayed thinking and decreased drive for complex mental work. The brain uses this state to indicate its need for recovery from excessive mental processing. The condition disappears when people get enough rest while managing their stress levels, and maintaining proper work-life balance We often use the conditions brain fog, and overworked mind and fatigue interchangeably. However, the two conditions present different symptoms to people who experience them. The proper identification of brain fog and mental fatigue from overwork, enables people to receive appropriate treatment for their conditions. Here is how to distinguish between the two conditions, and what to do about it…   What is brain fog Brain fog is a condition that creates mental confusion, which makes it difficult to think clearly and remember things, while reducing focus abilities. The medical field recognises brain fog as a symptom which appears in different health conditions. People who experience brain fog describe their mental state as disoriented and confused, while also reporting memory problems and slow thinking. The duration of these symptoms extends from several days up to multiple weeks, and sometimes continues for extended periods. Daily activities and […]
Sep 30

How To Do 12-3-30 for Beginners

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The 12-3-30 workout for beginners includes modifications that allow you to work up the treadmill workout created by fitness influencer Lauren Giraldo. The original incline treadmill workout is simple: Set your treadmill at 12% incline, at 3 miles per hour (mph), for 30 minutes. This workout may exclude beginners who might not be able to work at this intensity yet and who’ll need to make adjustments.   Benefits of Steady State, Inclined Walking There is no scientific reasoning behind the specific numbers of 12-3-30. There is, however, an importance to the type of cardio that is being performed. “With the 12-3-30 layout, because the speed stays the same the whole time, it is considered a form of steady-state cardio,” Mara Magistad, NASM-CPT, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, told Health. Steady-state cardio can also offer the following benefits: Aerobic capacity and muscle endurance improvements Beginner-friendliness for consistent workouts Ease of recovery from intense workout sessions Weight loss in terms of fat loss   The 12-3-30 workout is not a program that works entirely on its own, but it is a great way to supplement your strength training programming, Lesley Bell, CPT, CES, PES, told Health. Weekly physical activity recommendations […]
Sep 29

5 indoor walking patterns that help build stamina in the 50s

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Safe walking patterns for people over 50 Walking indoors may not sound as exciting as a morning stroll in the park, but for many people in their 50s, it can be a practical way to stay active. Whether it is due to weather conditions, safety concerns, or the comfort of home, walking indoors can still be a powerful tool to build stamina. The secret lies not just in walking straight but in exploring patterns that challenge balance, coordination, and endurance. These small changes keep the body engaged while steadily improving stamina.   Figure-eight walks Moving in a figure-eight pattern pushes the body to change directions continuously. This simple variation tests both the legs and the core muscles, which are essential for balance and stamina. Unlike straight walking, the subtle turns activate stabilising muscles in the hips and lower back. Practicing figure-eight loops in a spacious hallway or living room for 10-15 minutes daily can gradually improve endurance without overwhelming the joints.   Ladder step walks This pattern works like climbing an invisible ladder on the floor. Take small, quick steps forward, then return with controlled steps backwards. The constant shift between forward and backward walking challenges the cardiovascular system and […]
Sep 28

How To Improve Concentration And Focus While Studying

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Staying focused while studying is challenging in today’s distraction-filled world. Learn effective strategies to study smarter, stay alert, and retain more information, whether preparing for exams or daily learning.   In today’s competitive environment, staying focused while studying is a challenge many students face. With distractions from phones, social media, and everyday stress, concentration levels often drop quickly. But the good news is that focus can be improved with the right habits. From mindfulness practices to lifestyle changes and smart study techniques, small steps can lead to big improvements. Whether you’re preparing for board exams, competitive tests, or simply trying to study effectively, these methods can help you build stronger attention and better productivity. According to the Harvard Health Publishing website, here are some strategies to sharpen your concentration and maximise study time.   Build Mental Strength   Practice Mindfulness Daily Mindfulness keeps you rooted in the present moment. For example, try five minutes of deep breathing before revision-it calms your mind and improves focus.   Try Brain-Boosting Activities Cognitive training, like puzzles or memory games, can sharpen mental agility. Solving Sudoku or crossword puzzles daily is a simple way to strengthen focus.   Choose Brain-Friendly Foods Eating a balanced […]
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