May 16

6 Calming Habits That Can Relax You Even More Than Meditation

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
Simple practices that soothe your mind when meditation just isn’t cutting it. My most recent attempt at meditating was pretty embarrassing. I downloaded an app that my friend swears by and had planned to begin a daily practice to help reduce my stress during a particularly chaotic time. The app promised that my mood would improve with a consistent practice and that the more time I spent meditating with the app, the better I would feel. This sounded great and I was anxious (hah!) to get started. I figured I would start with a very modest chunk of time, so I chose a beginner meditation that was less than five minutes. I hit the button, closed my eyes, took a deep breath and sat there. After what felt like an eternity, I peeked…it had only been one minute. Disappointed with myself, I closed the app, canceled my membership, and dug back into my email stack. Why was I so bad at this? My husband can meditate for an hour without getting distracted. Was I too impatient? Too weak of spirit? Instead of spiraling, I turned to a few experts on the subject to see if I could find ways to […]
May 15

The Ultimate 21-Day Brain Health Challenge: Genius Tips to Sharpen Your Mind

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
Specific, actionable moves that can help sharpen your mind and keep it healthy long term.   The brain is your body’s command center. It powers all of your body’s mechanisms and processes: how you run and dance and figure out a waiter’s tip, your hunger for chocolate or roast chicken, and the rush of chill you feel when you step outside on an early spring morning. It generates your laughter, your creativity, your feelings of grief or deep happiness, and helps you make sense of the world. How critical it is, then, to help keep the brain healthy—and there are so many ways to do that with the choices you make every day. In fact, many brain experts are increasingly emphasizing the risk factors for neurodegenerative conditions like dementia, and the behavioral changes people can make to help stave them off. To keep your brain crackling along in the healthiest possible way, we’ve designed this 21-Day Brain Challenge: 21 specific, research-based, and actionable tips that can help sharpen your memory, challenge your mind, and more. And best news? So many of them are fun. (Not on this list but critical to your brain, as well as all aspects of your […]
May 14

Tai Chi Walking vs Normal Walking: Which One Is More Beneficial To Your Joints?

by admin in Healthy Living 0 comments
While normal walking is a repetitive cycle of falling forward and catching yourself, Tai Chi walking is a deliberate transfer of weight that minimises impact and maximises joint stability.   Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise, yet it offers numerous health benefits. It is known to improve cardiovascular health, support weight loss and boost mental health. Walking is also known to build and maintain strong muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Recently, different forms of walking have gained attention as they offer some additional benefits over normal walking. Tai Chi walking, a fusion of traditional Tai Chi principles with walking, is one of the popular types that has gained attention lately. It involves slow, controlled movements, focusing on breath, balance, and mindfulness. Practitioners typically walk in a manner that emphasises gentle, flowing motions and grounding with each step, integrating the meditative aspects of Tai Chi. While normal walking is a repetitive cycle of falling forward and catching yourself, Tai Chi walking is a deliberate transfer of weight that minimises impact and maximises joint stability.   Benefits of Tai Chi walking 1. Promotes relaxation and mindfulness The meditative aspect of Tai Chi walking helps reduce stress […]
May 13

5 Best Exercises That Can Help Reduce Lower Leg Pain

by admin in Workouts 0 comments
Regular exercise not only helps reduce lower leg pain but also strengthens the muscles that support the legs and ankles. Lower leg pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. It can happen due to long hours of standing, excessive walking, running, muscle strain, poor posture, or even lack of physical activity. The pain may happen in the calves, shins, ankles, or surrounding muscles and can be a mild discomfort or a sore pain. In many cases, tight or weak muscles are one of the main reasons behind this problem. Ignoring the pain can make daily activities more difficult and may even affect balance and movement over time. Fortunately, simple exercises and stretches can help relax the muscles, improve flexibility, and help in leg movement. Regular exercise not only helps reduce lower leg pain but also strengthens the muscles that support the legs and ankles. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises improve blood circulation, reduce stiffness, and lower the risk of future discomfort. Here are some of the best exercises that can help reduce lower leg pain.   Exercises For Lower Leg Pain 1. Calf Stretch This is one of the easiest and most effective exercises for reducing […]
May 12

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

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
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

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
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

by admin in Healthy Living 0 comments
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

by admin in Workouts 0 comments
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

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
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

by admin in Healthy Living 0 comments
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.   […]
Recent Posts
Categories