Save Nature And Save Us

Under the deep darkness of the ocean, over the starry night sky, above the flirty mountains and crystal-clear daylight, you and I are mere playdates that cherish the warmth of a good night! When several people long for what they naturally had in their lives years before, several others know nothing about the serenity of nature and the beauty of untouched earth.

We are a generation that has made quite a transition in terms of how nature, architecture, development, and progress in all ways are perceived globally. We have touched heights that we never expected. We have built walls against stories our ancestors left behind for us to know. We have touched base with little to no expertise in preserving what has to be. We have among us nature activists and environmentalists who teach us about the importance of maintaining what we have for the benefit of others who come after us. However, merely going to deaf ears and unhinged souls, the world is raped over and over again, not allowing mother nature even to cry out loud!

This is when a man faces abnormal waves of nature’s wrath – pretty cliché and fair for all the trees we cut down, all the water we waste, all the animals we harm, and all the ground we clear! Tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes; storms, rains, droughts, heat waves, extreme winters, and harsh weather accompanied by endangered fauna and flora nearing extinction – we have together destroyed the calmness of nature only to witness what would be left behind centuries later if we go at this rate.

From building modern architectural marvels to finding progress in even the most minor household discoveries, harming nature has become an inevitable part of human survival. We are clearing forests to build luxury resorts that sell the “best of nature,” we carve out wood to witness the prosperity of human-made deities inside human-built walls; we harm creatures inside waterbodies to entertain people who are least bothered about the difference between a turtle and a tortoise! We have uselessly abused nature so much that it is quite an irreversible task to bring back what once was! It is humanly impossible to revert to what has been done to mother nature in the last one or two centuries. Humans have overused the earth and all its resources, and we face adverse effects like extreme heat, weather changes, soil erosion, quality agriculture degradation, drinkable water depletion, and so on. We must start consciously choosing not to harm and overuse the earth but contribute to its survival.

It is, instead, a significant gift to nature if each of us decides to grow a tree in remembrance of all the different things she has given us. From the food we enjoy to the medicines that aid us in healthy survival, mother nature has contributed too much for humans to take things for granted. It is high time we step out of our comfort zone to make a change. Let us skip taking notes in schools and colleges and make a difference at home. Let us close faucets when not in use and distribute waste according to their nature of disposal. Let us unite and see that nature is not harmed in any way. Let us make an effort to collect unused water, recycle waste and paper, reuse resources that can be reused, and honour mother nature for all the blessing she is.

Let us consciously say no to plastic and non-degradable waste that is highly hazardous to nature. Let us hold tight to all our social responsibilities as citizens of this EARTH in maintaining and conserving all that we get from nature! Let us together start a change today and make this world more beautiful without all this global waste that hinders pure air from traveling around. Let us make a difference in all those parts of the world where proper drinking water is deficient. Let us move forward and be there for stomachs left hungry when we waste tons of food daily. Let us shine bright for those farmers who toil in the dirt to feed mouths that don’t speak for them! Let us increase the volume and bless this world with heavy metal, trance, and melodies that birds and rhinos can relate to. Let us promote the healthy cohabitation of insects, animals, reptiles, birds, and other creatures that comprise this vast world’s predominant part! For a change, let us humble ourselves in front of the vibrancy and velocity of this world and make a slight change in how people perceive survival and modernity. Let us paint the modern world green and not grey, for green makes much more sense in the end!

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Aakanksha Dinah, a passionate writer, orator, communicator focused on establishing a Training institution centered on creativity and innovation. Aakanksha is a true believer in loving the work we do and strongly believes in smart-work, the reason why creativity works better for her. Aakanksha is enormously focused on making a career in professional writing and publishing. She loves writing poems, self-help articles, and essays. An enthusiast when it comes to learning languages and in short, Aakanksha is a wanderer, an explorer, a mom, a dog-mom, a poet, a cook, a writer, and an influencer.

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Is It Okay To Say No

Yes, it is perfectly okay to say “no.” And saying “no” is integral to maintaining boundaries and taking care of oneself in life. Saying “no” allows you to set limits on what you are willing and able to do, whether in your personal or professional life. By being assertive and saying “no” when necessary, you can avoid overcommitting yourself, becoming overwhelmed, or engaging in activities that are not aligned with your values or goals.

In addition, saying “no” can help you preserve your mental and emotional well-being. By declining requests or obligations, you feel uncomfortable with, you can reduce stress and prevent burnout.

Furthermore, saying “no” is a way to assert your autonomy and make decisions in your best interest. By doing so, you can take control of your life and create a more fulfilling and balanced existence.

How to say No?

Saying “no” can be challenging, especially if you are a people-pleaser or feel guilty about declining requests or invitations. However, it is a valuable skill to develop to maintain healthy boundaries and take care of yourself. Here are some tips for saying “no” effectively:

  1. Be clear and direct
    When declining a request or invitation, it is essential to be clear and straightforward. Avoid using vague or non-committal language, and state your refusal in a firm yet polite manner.

  2. Give a reason
    A reason for saying “no” can help the other person understand your perspective and reduce potential tension. However, it is not necessary to give a detailed explanation, and it is okay to state that you cannot do something now.

  3. Be assertive, NOT aggressive
    Saying “no” does not mean being rude or aggressive. Maintaining a respectful tone and demeanour is essential, even if the other person may be disappointed or upset.

  4. Practice self-care
    Saying “no” can sometimes be emotionally challenging, especially if you feel guilty or worried about how the other person may react. It is important to practice self-care and engage in activities that help you feel good about yourself and reinforce your self-worth.

  5. Find alternative solutions
    If you are declining a request or invitation, it may be helpful to suggest an alternative solution. For example, if you cannot attend a meeting, you could offer to contribute differently or attend a future meeting.

What should I worry about when I say No?

When saying “no,” it is natural to have concerns about how the other person will react or about the potential consequences of your refusal. Some worries include

  1. Damaging relationships
    You may worry that saying “no” will damage your relationship with the person making the request or invitation.

  2. Hurting someone’s feelings
    You may worry about offending or hurting the other person’s feelings.

  3. Being perceived as rude or uncooperative
    You may be concerned that saying “no” will make you appear rude, uncooperative, or challenging to work with.

  4. Missing out on opportunities
    You may worry that saying “no” will lead to missing out on opportunities or causing regret later.

  5. Facing the consequences
    You may worry that saying “no” could result in adverse effects such as lost opportunities, job loss, or social exclusion.

While these concerns are understandable, it is essential to remember that saying “no” is a healthy and necessary part of maintaining boundaries and self-care. By being transparent and direct and practicing self-care and self-compassion, you can reduce your worries and feel more confident in your decision to say “no.”

Saying “no” is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. However, by being transparent, direct, and respectful, you can effectively communicate your boundaries and take care of yourself. In short saying “no” is essential for self-care, setting boundaries, and preserving your well-being. It can help you avoid overcommitting and avert burnout and let you assert your autonomy and push decisions that are in your best interest.

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Chippy is a dreamer and optimist. She believes, we become what we hope, aspire, dream to be and knows how to make a dream or two happen. Seventeen years of experience, struggling, winning, failing, succeeding and failing again and making it, she knows what it takes to build a successful project, a business, and what it means by starting from the bottom up. It takes determination, dedication, and direction and that’s why her mission is to ‘step up & inspire.

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When Children Refuse to Attend School

The term “school refusal” was formerly synonymous with truancy, conjuring images of children loitering on street corners or playing video games in their dormitories.

While it is true that some game-playing may be involved, it is essential to note that school refusal is not the same as skipping class. It is motivated not by the appeal of having pleasure outside of school but by an aversion to school.

Problematic patterns

Everyone occasionally resists going to school, but school refusal behavior is an extreme pattern of avoiding school that causes significant problems for the child. Several distinguishing characteristics differentiate school refusal from typical avoidance:

  • How long has a minor avoided attending school?
  • How much anxiety do they associate with school attendance
  • How tenaciously they resist
  • How much their resistance is interfering with their life (and the life of their family)

Even if a child attends school on the majority of school days, they may still experience school refusal. I’ve worked with children who have missed only one or two days of school but have been 30 times late because their anxiety prevents them from arriving on time. Children with school refusal may also have the habit of departing school early, spending a great deal of time at the school nurse’s office, or texting their parents throughout the day.

Suspicious Sick Days

Children with school refusal frequently report unexplained symptoms, such as migraines or stomachaches. In addition, anxiety manifests itself physically, so their symptoms may indicate this. In this situation, the first thing you as a parent should do is have your infant examined by a pediatrician; you do not want to overlook a medical issue. However, it is possible that attending school is their concern.

Occasionally, reluctance to attend school is a minor blip on the radar that can be readily remedied. Perhaps your child had the illness and was out of school for a significant amount of time; they are now having trouble readjusting to school. They are suddenly becoming possessive and anxious about the homework they neglected.

In this situation, it is essential to minimize time spent at home. Instead, you wish to have a conversation with your child’s instructor. You want to be capable of telling them, “We’ve informed your teacher that you were absent due to illness. I am aware of your concern, but he understands. It is time to return to class.” Then they return to school, where things are frequently relatively straightforward.

Similarly, some school-aged children experience anxiety blips after summer vacation. The primary objective is to enroll children in school as soon as feasible.

Understanding The Problem

For more severe cases of school refusal, the initial step in treatment is to obtain a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Although school refusal is not a diagnosable disorder, it frequently occurs alongside separation anxiety, social anxiety, melancholy, and panic disorder. Therefore, a thorough review enables treatment professionals to determine the underlying causes of your child’s school refusal, allowing them to tailor therapy to their needs.

Listen Up

There is also the possibility that something specific is occurring at school, such as bullying or a challenging subject. This does not imply that you should promptly ask your child who refuses to attend school, “Who’s bullying you?” But it is essential to be aware of your child’s current circumstances. You should anticipate hearing about their teacher and assignment progress. It would help if you also were mindful of the children your child associates with. All of these topics should be discussed in ordinary conversation. And if your child mentions something that happened that day, stop what you’re doing, perk up your hearing, and listen without judgment, because it may be significant.

Reaching Out

Treatment providers for children with school refusal frequently employ cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches children to manage their anxious thoughts and confront their fears. Although anxious children may disagree, the best method to overcome anxiety is to become more accustomed to feeling anxious. Children need the opportunity to see that they can attend education and that their worst fears will not be realized. Exposure therapy, which progressively reintroduces children to the school environment, is highly effective. In the initial stages of treatment, this may involve driving by the school or strolling its empty halls on the weekend. From there, children can progress to attending one or two courses and, ultimately, a full day by the end of treatment.

Being proactive and identifying school refusal as soon as possible is preferable. Unfortunately, the longer a child is absent from school, the more difficult it is for them to return to the routine, as skipping is highly reinforcing. 

Families I’ve worked with have described preparing for school as a battle with tantrums. Sometimes the morning is so complicated and tiring that the parents give up and say, “Fine, stay home; I’ll go pick up your homework.” It is a very understandable situation, but again, allowing it to persist delays the return of children to school by one day. Parents must understand that the sooner their child returns to school, the better and that seeking assistance is a crucial first step.

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“Saral hu Saadharn nhi” (Simplicity is not Ordinary). This phrase encapsulates her entire existence. A woman of few words, a daydreamer, who is certain that there is life beyond stars. An HR professional who began her writing journey when corona knocked on our doors. A Content Writer, Screenplay Writer, and published Author. She is die-hard romantic and that reflects in her quotes, poems and short stories and currently working on her first book. She enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, travelling, and is a huge Bollywood enthusiast. She is a wife, a mother and a friend you can most certainly rely on.

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The Vegetarian Halo

If you have travelled across the world or at least outside your region or state of residence, one exciting and glaring difference you may have found is the lifestyles and food habits of the natives. In fact, at times, that is the reason some people travel – to explore the nuances and differences in cuisines, flavours, ethnicity, and cultural heterogeneity.

Most of these diversities are indeed influenced by various factors like natural habitat, region, culture, religion, local availability, and personal choices! However, of these differences in lifestyles and dietary choices, the argument that hits the hardest is that of Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian food!

Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian 

It is a very tricky and sensitive topic. While dietary choices are very personal, they are influenced by several factors, some of which are outside the control domain of an individual. Therefore, to say that a specific diet is necessarily better than the other is a bit of self-flattery and delusional.

Today’s argument is not about which diet is better –veg or non-veg … But it is about the people that uphold a diet preference as ‘Holier than thou’!

It is about those who cringe at the sight of non-vegetarian food and may sometimes step on others’ feet to declare how the others must drop their preference and choose a diet similar to the propagators themselves. It is about the people who carry ‘The Vegetarian Halo.’

The Vegetarian Halo  

The vegetarian halo refers to the positive perception and assumptions associated with individuals who follow a vegetarian diet. It refers to the idea that some vegetarians see themselves as more virtuous, compassionate, and environmentally conscious than those who consume meat. These rare but present people feel their vegetarianism accords them with a sanctity that makes them a breed holier, more spiritual, and more sacred than others. Almost as if they walk with an invisible HALO above their heads.

You may routinely hear some joint statements from them, like:

“How can you be so heartless to eat meat?”

“I don’t contribute to the suffering of animals.”

“I’m more conscious, superior, and enlightened ….. because I choose not to eat meat.”

“Vegetarianism is a more compassionate, pious, and ethical choice.”

They walk the earth’s surface almost as if they were the chosen ones entrusted with the moral task of carrying the burden of all existential HUMAN SANCTITY. 

At this juncture, where I can almost sense debates arising, let me reiterate – The problem is not with them choosing a specific diet and style. The problem is the vegetarian narcissism they feel entitled to unleash onto others. They think that by merely choosing to eat vegetarian, they acquire moral rights to school the ‘unholy’ spirits about how wrong they are in choosing anything that is not plant-based. 

What they forget in the bargain is that dietary preferences are a person’s personal and fundamental right and that they need to approach such discussions with mutual respect and open-mindedness. Individuals need to realize that they may exercise their dietary choices without belittling or judging others who make different choices. What is an ‘unbearable’ sight for you is ‘FOOD’ for the other. It commands respect! 

They must understand that more than any personal choice, a food preference is primarily dictated by a fellow human’s cultural, geographical, and religious contexts. E.g., The natural habitat, geographical location, and climate of the region may affect the availability or abundance of certain foods. Like in the case of people living in coastal areas often have easy access to seafood, while inland regions may rely more on land-based produce. These shape dietary preferences.

Similarly, different cultures have their culinary traditions and food preferences. These cultural practices are often passed down through generations and shape routine dietary habits. So, suppose your ancestors were natives of Afghanistan. In that case, you are still more likely to continue savouring Mantu, Chapli Kebab, or Mahi Sefeed, even while nestled in a cozy-busy city in the plains. 

Regional food preferences are also heavily influenced by the local availability of ingredients. So, if you are an Afghani living in Japan, your Kabuli pulao may include Wagyu beef, or your Mahi Sefeed may be prepared with sashimi-grade tuna or even Unagi. Or if nothing non-vegetarian is available, a person might switch to vegetarianism based on what is quickly and locally available. Choosing local produce over specific food items is always advisable to maintain the sensitive ecological balance of the region you call home!

The ‘holier than thou’ tribe needs to realize that while vegetarianism is acceptable, it is more important to prioritize environmental sustainability and respectful mutual existence before discussing morality based on food preference. While vegetarians may pride themselves in leaving lesser carbon footprints, non-vegetarians can boast about restoring ecological balance by participating in ecosystems that rely on natural predator-prey relationships for credit. Imagine if all humanity were to eat only plant-based foods – you would soon run out of the earth’s natural resources. Or if everyone were to start eating meat or fish – the entire food chain would get disturbed, right?

The truth is that the diversity in food preferences works to balance the universe’s delicate and fragile mutual dependency. So, the next time someone tries to guilt-trip you about choosing to be non-vegetarian, show them this article!

Did you know that the diet you consider ‘vegetarian’ may not be as vegetarian as you would like to believe? Take a look at different diets that are considered ‘vegetarian’ the world over…

  • Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: This is the most common type of vegetarianism and involves avoiding meat, poultry, and fish but still includes dairy products like milk, butter, ghee, cheese, etc., and honey and eggs (animal products) in the diet.
  • Lacto-vegetarian: This type of diet involves primarily plant-based food, avoiding meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, but still includes dairy products like milk, butter, and cheese in the diet.
  • Veganism: Vegans avoid all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey. They also avoid any other products that come from animals, such as leather or wool. Some even practice raw veganism, which involves eating only foods that are not cooked or processed.
  • Plant-based diet: This refers to a diet consisting mainly of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Depending on the individual’s preferences and needs, it may or may not include small amounts of animal products.
  • Flexitarianism: Also known as a “casual vegetarian,” this approach involves reducing meat consumption but not eliminating it from the diet. Flexitarians often eat meat only occasionally or in small amounts.
  • Fruitarianism: This type of vegetarianism goes a step beyond raw veganism and involves only eating fruits, nuts, seeds, and other plant-based foods that can be harvested without harming the plant.
  • Jain vegetarianism: This type of vegetarianism is practiced by Jains, a religious group in India, and involves avoiding all animal products, including honey. They even avert vegetables that grow underground and those believed to contain microscopic life.

With so much going on with just defining a vegetarian diet, how does one even define one “right” way to be a vegetarian?

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Veena Gupta, a homemaker, doting mother, and a loving wife, who takes pride in a long-standing career in Banking and Finance. While her life took shape and as she was pursuing all this, something kept tugging her creativity. This pull lead her to decide to express her thoughts through writing. True to her name, her words flow from her pen to resonate with the reader’s mind like the soothing music that the musical instrument Veena creates! For someone who likes to experiment in life through adventure sports, trekking, and other varied interests, Veena likes to bring her experience, background and perspective to her readers through her simple yet effective writing to push the fact home!

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How To Wake Up Early

Starting small is the key. Learn to love your mornings, which is good news for night owls and anyone who does not spring out of bed as soon as the sun rises. Routine adjustments of any size can improve your mood and energy levels. You can enhance little things to help you obtain the rest you need. When you are well-rested, getting up is not difficult.

1. Place Alarm Out of Reach

Pressing the snooze button will not make you feel more rested unless you still have an hour or two to sleep. But when you first hear that grating beep, there is another reason to stand up. You can maintain the synchronisation of your body’s internal clock by rising and retiring simultaneously each day. As a result, you become more tired at night and more alert in the morning.

2. Let in the Light

When you awaken, open the blinds or curtains. Also, go outside. Your brain functions better, and your body clock runs more smoothly under natural light. Lights should be on if the weather is dark. A flashing alarm clock might be helpful to.

Additionally, it might not be as abrupt as a loud alarm. Try using a lightbox (or sunlamp) if you experience morning brain fog or suffer from depression or seasonal affective disorder. You may feel happier and more alert as a result.

3. Enjoy a Morning Splurge

Make a plan for something to look forward to every morning to help you resist the impulse to stay in bed. For example, while enjoying a delicious breakfast, you might read your favorite website or stroll around a beautiful park. Anything that makes you happy or excited stimulates your brain and helps you feel less sleepy.

4. Sip a Cup of Joy

Just make sure it is the caffeinated variety of coffee. Brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are stimulated by caffeine. They make you feel better, give you more energy, and help you concentrate. Regular coffee drinkers are also less likely to experience the blues than those who do so, just seldom or never. Do you not like it? Choose a cup of green or black tea. They include beneficial components in addition to caffeine.

5. Schedule a Morning Sweat Session

You may get your blood circulating and rev up your nervous system by jumping jacks or taking a brisk stroll. You will experience increased alertness both right away and hours later. You will quickly fall asleep if you exercise first thing in the morning rather than later. Try at least a few hours before going to bed. Any later, and you might have trouble falling asleep. Yoga has been shown to help with insomnia.

6. Fuel Up

Nothing to eat? Attempt to eat a small breakfast. Your body receives the energy it needs to start moving with even a small meal, such as an egg on whole-wheat bread or a cup of yogurt with berries. Breakfast also aids in concentration. Even your body clock might be maintained. Your morning will feel more like morning and less like the middle of the night if you do it.

7. Power Down Before Bedtime

Your melatonin levels (which are levels of the hormone that makes you feel tired) can be lowered by bright lighting at night. And other things besides overhead lights can make you start counting sheep. For example, the light from laptops, TVs, and cell phones hinders melatonin generation. The solution: Dim the lights in your house and turn off all gadgets an hour or more before you want to go to bed.

8. Skip the Nightcap

Alcohol does indeed induce slumber. However, it can also make it difficult to fall asleep and leave you groggy in the morning. If you do indulge in alcohol, limit yourself to one drink and consume it with supper or at least two to three hours before going to bed.

9. Attempt melatonin

Your body can prepare for sleep with the aid of this hormone. Additionally, it helps to regulate your body clock. A melatonin pill may be helpful if you have difficulties falling asleep or are running behind schedule due to travel or a new regimen. Preferably, take a low dose (0.3–1 milligrams) an hour before bed. And before taking any new drug, always talk with your doctor.

10. Make a Successful Wind-Down Routine

A peaceful evening aids in sleep. At least an hour before bed, avoid stress like email and tense conversations with relatives. You can meditate, stretch, take a warm bath or shower, or read a book in a dimly lit room to help you prepare for sleep. Consult a doctor if you get at least 7 hours each night but are still exhausted. It could be a health issue or a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.

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“Saral hu Saadharn nhi” (Simplicity is not Ordinary). This phrase encapsulates her entire existence. A woman of few words, a daydreamer, who is certain that there is life beyond stars. An HR professional who began her writing journey when corona knocked on our doors. A Content Writer, Screenplay Writer, and published Author. She is die-hard romantic and that reflects in her quotes, poems and short stories and currently working on her first book. She enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, travelling, and is a huge Bollywood enthusiast. She is a wife, a mother and a friend you can most certainly rely on.

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Mother A Child’s First Teacher

Throughout a child’s existence, a mother provides advice. The mother is the first teacher who helps guide their children toward improvement. Mothers play a unique role as teachers from the moment a child is conceived. From the time when a woman knows she is expecting, she begins learning everything about being a mother and starts incorporating the essential changes into her life.

She develops awareness of the foods she consumes and the healthy lifestyle choices she should make to provide the baby with the best possible environment. So this is how early learning begins—from the moment a child is conceived. When a child is born, the mother serves as a teacher and mentor. She is the primary influence, giving her child stability and affection.

Things we learn from mothers

It isn’t easy to pin down precisely what mothers teach us. Listing down some specific things we all learn from our mothers.

1. Discipline

A mother always sets a good example; when we see that she values discipline, we are more likely to pick it up and apply it to ourselves. We have observed her rising early each day, juggling her obligations, eating on time, and carving out time each day for us. One of the most crucial lessons we pick up from our mothers is discipline.

2. Sharing & Kindness

An essential component of a child’s moral growth is sharing and caring. We learn to work together, be kind, and do things for others as children when we are taught to share and care for others. As a result, we learn to care for them and their feelings and reactions as we grow into adulthood.

3. Affection & Love

Mothers are experts at educating their kids to respect and love others. The lessons women give their children about loving and respecting others make the world a better place. They impart the importance of empathy, comprehension, and how to care for people other than oneself.

4. Respect

One of the first lessons our mothers teach us is this. They teach us to respect those around us, regardless of age, race, or social condition. We learn and start to appreciate our parents first when we are young. This occurs due to their treatment of us and our other family members equally.

5. Hard work

A mother puts in more effort than anyone. She teaches us the importance of perseverance and education in pursuing our goals. Be it staying at home, doing all the duties and looking after everyone, or supporting her family by working full-time and caring for her children when she gets home. Mothers are on duty 24/7. So, this is a lesson children learn from them just by seeing it implemented.

6. The value of patience

Mothers usually teach how to balance life with patience. Of course, it has its ups and downs to be a mother. However, with patience, mothers always overcome all of the concessions and adjustments that come with parenthood. Mothers impart the same lesson to their young children and help them learn the value of patience. 

7. The value of compassion 

Mothers are kind to everyone. Be it friends, foes, dogs, cats, frenemies, or the house help. Their kindness manifests in the generous hospitality they extend to anyone visiting the house. However, one of the most crucial lessons a mother imparts is this.

8. To be selfless

Mothers are naturally selfless and put their families and children first. They instill in their kids the value of putting others’ needs ahead of their own. 

9. Never give up

Mothers always encourage us never to give up. When kids struggle with physical and emotional problems, they are always there to support and motivate their kids. 

10. The importance of values

Mothers always teach their children the importance of values. She emphasizes the value of integrity, commitment, and inclusivity. Mothers are always quite fussy about their children’s values and morality.

11. How to be brave

During a crisis, a mother is the glue that ties a family together so they can tide over the problem they face. Families would disintegrate at the first sign of conflict if it weren’t for their courage.

12. How to recognize genuine beauty

Mothers seldom neglect to compliment their little ones. Instead, they always ensure everyone in the family is pleased by showing appreciation and training their children to do the same. 

13. The strength of dedication

“Dedication, steadfastness, allegiance, faithfulness, and loyalty” are some definitions of commitment. Mothers always succeed in teaching their children the strength and significance of devotion.

14. How to establish connections

Relationships are a two-way street, and every relationship needs much work. Yet, no matter how demanding one may be, our mothers never give up on it; they fight to strengthen it.

15. Being Accountable

Today’s mothers not only carry the weight of their entire home on their shoulders, but they also balance a full-time career. As a result, they teach us the importance of responsibility. 

A mother’s heart is composed of gold and is a diamond in everyone’s life. For a child, she is the ultimate source of happiness. Her contributions are certainly too significant to imagine. But, above all, her love is pure and innocent. Always love her the way she loves you, and never forget her teachings because a mother is the best teacher in the world.

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“Saral hu Saadharn nhi” (Simplicity is not Ordinary). This phrase encapsulates her entire existence. A woman of few words, a daydreamer, who is certain that there is life beyond stars. An HR professional who began her writing journey when corona knocked on our doors. A Content Writer, Screenplay Writer, and published Author. She is die-hard romantic and that reflects in her quotes, poems and short stories and currently working on her first book. She enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, travelling, and is a huge Bollywood enthusiast. She is a wife, a mother and a friend you can most certainly rely on.

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5 Reasons Reading Is Healing

Benefits of Reading

It can make problem-solving abilities stronger. For many people, losing themselves in a good book is the pinnacle of entertainment. If you read a lot, you undoubtedly already know how simple it is to become completely engrossed in an engaging novel and lose track of time. You tell yourself, “Just a few more pages,” but when you look up after a few chapters, you see another hour has passed.

Although staying up past your bedtime while reading can be relaxing, books provide much more than a fun distraction. Moreover, the evidence that reading might increase IQ is growing.

IQ may be the first thing that springs to mind when considering intelligence. Although many experts now concur that intelligence goes well beyond IQ, IQ tests still measure both fluid and crystallized intelligence.

Fluid intelligence is the ability to think, draw connections, solve issues, and consider abstract notions.

  • Overall intelligence, including vocabulary and learned skills, is called crystallized intelligence.
  • The ability to identify sentiments in oneself and others and control or affect these emotions is referred to as emotional intelligence.
  • Although there are many ways to be intelligent, reading can significantly increase your intelligence in these three areas.

1. exposed to novel concepts

There is no disputing that some situations can restrict the ideas you come across daily.

You may be wondering how reading might improve your intelligence. Below are seven essential methods, as well as some advice on how to get access to reading materials. There is no disputing that some situations can restrict the ideas you come across daily.

You might have less general knowledge than someone who attended college, worked multiple jobs, or both, lived in a small town, did not finish college, and has worked at the same job their entire adult life.

Of course, this does not imply that you lack intelligence. On the contrary, your strengths may be in another field, such as music, the natural world, or interpersonal skills, as there are different varieties of intelligence.

However, general intelligence does depend on knowledge, and reading is a great way to increase your knowledge.

Some estimates place the total number of books at under 130 million. That means you can discover a book on almost any subject, from self-compassion to philosophy to home maintenance. In addition, well-researched fiction can help you learn more about history and current affairs, even if you do not like nonfiction.

In other words, regardless of where you live or what you do, you can learn new ideas and facts if you have access to books.

2. chance to experience various cultures

Maybe you’ve never been able to visit another nation or even travel to different parts of your home country. However, reading a book can still explore other cultures and customs.

Reading creates the possibility to bond with characters (or real people) who have very diverse life backgrounds. In addition, learning more about history, traditions, and everyday life in other parts of the world exposes you to new standpoints, which can help formulate greater cultural understanding and sharpness.

What makes this so important? First, the more you know and understand about other cultures, the less likely you are to hold on to stereotypes or preconceived ideas about the lives of others.

3. Increase empathy

You undoubtedly remember a few profound literary works from your most recent English or literature lesson, some more engaging and timely than others.

Regardless of your opinions on the given books, just reading them had a good impact on your capacity to empathize with or comprehend the feelings and perspectives of others.

The fact that literary fiction enables you to investigate other people’s thoughts and experiences could be one cause. When you read, you follow characters as they make decisions that define their lives and selves, but you do not have to live with the results of those decisions; instead, you can learn from their mistakes.

Reading provides a secure environment for considering actions and their effects and for gaining “experience” that improves character. You are more likely to develop knowledge and understanding if you read more.

4. Improve vocabulary

General intelligence includes language and vocabulary abilities; every time you open a book, you are likely to learn a new word.

You learn more than new terminology when your eyes scan the page Reliable Source. You are also learning to determine the meaning of unfamiliar terms by using context cues. This talent can improve your language skills undoubtedly, but it may also affect your ability to solve problems in other spheres of your life.

Additionally, reading printed books can aid in spelling improvement and the assimilation of written grammar rules. On the other side, listening to audiobooks could make it easier for you to become more accustomed to how to pronounce unfamiliar words.

Reading can stimulate your imagination by enabling you to imagine and explore new, excellent, and natural worlds. Expanding one’s imagination can also increase creativity, making it more straightforward to develop original answers to problems that arise in daily life.

5. construct problem-solving capabilities that are more robust

Nonfictional works like self-help books and how-to guides provide a comparatively simple method of issue-solving. But it is also essential to think about the parallels you can make between fictional characters and your own life as you follow them through difficult situations, such as:

  • Relationship difficulties or family issues
  • issues at work, school, or with pals
  • complex physical or mental health issues, significant issues like racism, homophobia, or bullying

You may not always do it correctly the first time—however, the creativity and imagination you might cultivate. Reading from a Reliable Source will assist you in coming up with fresh concepts for solutions that meet both your demands and the needs of the people you care about.

“Saral hu Saadharn nhi” (Simplicity is not Ordinary). This phrase encapsulates her entire existence. A woman of few words, a daydreamer, who is certain that there is life beyond stars. An HR professional who began her writing journey when corona knocked on our doors. A Content Writer, Screenplay Writer, and published Author. She is die-hard romantic and that reflects in her quotes, poems and short stories and currently working on her first book. She enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, travelling, and is a huge Bollywood enthusiast. She is a wife, a mother and a friend you can most certainly rely on.

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Sitting The New Smoking

The expression “sitting is the new smoking” has become popular recently. Studies have shown that prolonged sitting can have adverse health effects like smoking. While smoking and sitting are different activities, both can severely impact your health.

Sitting long periods has been linked to many health problems, including heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. In addition, studies have found that sitting for long periods can lead to poor circulation, causing blood clots and increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Conversely, smoking is a well-known health hazard that can cause cancer, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. While the risks of smoking are much more severe than sitting, both activities can lead to various health problems, and both are preventable with lifestyle changes.

Sitting for a prolonged span can be dangerous, leading to various health issues. For example, when you sit for an extended period, your body burns fewer calories, leading to weight increase, obesity, and related fitness problems such as heart condition, increased blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

Sitting for long periods can also cause poor circulation, directing to blood clots in the legs or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening. Sitting for too long can also lead to poor posture, back pain, and neck pain.

While sitting for a long time is not as harmful as smoking, studies have shown that prolonged sitting can have adverse health effects, especially if it’s a regular habit. So it’s essential to get up and regularly move, even if it’s just for a few minutes every hour.

To minimize the adverse health effects of sitting, taking frequent breaks is recommended to stand up, stretch, and move around throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to incorporate regular exercise into your routine, such as walking, jogging, or biking, to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of related health problems.

Sitting for lengthy periods can be detrimental to your health. Here are some probable threats associated with prolonged sitting

  1. Increased risk of obesity Sitting for long periods can slow your metabolism and lead to weight gain, increasing your risk of obesity.
  2. Increased risk of heart disease Prolonged sitting can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of heart disease.
  3. Increased risk of diabetes Sitting for extended periods can lead to insulin resistance, increasing your risk of developing diabetes.
  4. Increased risk of back pain Sitting for prolonged periods can put pressure on your lower back and lead to back pain.
  5. Increased risk of muscle atrophy Sitting for long periods can cause your muscles to weaken and waste away over time.
  6. Increased risk of cancer Studies has shown that prolonged sitting can increase your risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and endometrial cancer.
  7. Increased risk of depression and anxiety Sitting for long periods can negatively affect your mental health, leading to increased feelings of depression and anxiety.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to take breaks from sitting every hour or so, stand up and stretch, and move around for a few minutes. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can also help reduce the adverse effects of prolonged sitting.

“Sitting is the new smoking” is intended to raise awareness of the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle and encourage people to reduce the time spent sitting each day. This may include standing up and walking around more frequently, using a standing desk, or incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine.

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Chippy is a dreamer and optimist. She believes, we become what we hope, aspire, dream to be and knows how to make a dream or two happen. Seventeen years of experience, struggling, winning, failing, succeeding and failing again and making it, she knows what it takes to build a successful project, a business, and what it means by starting from the bottom up. It takes determination, dedication, and direction and that’s why her mission is to ‘step up & inspire.

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Men Have Feelings Too

Postpartum Depression
It Occurs in Men Too!

Postpartum depression is a term often regarded for women who have recently encountered pregnancy and childbirth. It is an episode of sudden outbursts of emotions and major depressive disorder soon after the birth of a child. It is most often reported in mothers: however, it happens in fathers too! So maybe here we should give a little more credit to the phrase – “Men have feelings too.”

One out of every ten fathers goes through postpartum depression. This change in their mood, body, and mind can be noticed before the child’s birth! If we see closely, about half of all expectant dads gain up to 30 pounds on average during their partners’ pregnancies. And that isn’t all. A dad-to-be can expect to be slammed by at least one pregnancy symptom, like nausea, fatigue, food cravings, odor aversions, mood swings, sleep problems, or bouts of bloat. The agitation of how things are going to be, the change in lifestyle, the responsibility of being a new father, watching “the wife” go through the process of pregnancy, the pressure to be there for everyone – the new mom, the newborn, family, society, etc., has a lot of impact in the mind of a new dad.

Thinking about everything around them during and after a child’s birth makes it normal for men to lose their minds, too, like women! However, PPD in men is different from that in women. They show symptoms like irritability, mood swings, change in sleep and appetite, fatigue, etc. However, they may not express it outwardly by crying as women do. Postpartum depression in men can result from financial stress, relationship issues, recent trauma or loss, unplanned pregnancy, not knowing how to help, and watching things they have never witnessed the women in their lives go through.

Sadly, people often forget that with the birth of a child, new parents are born too. It is not only the birthday of the baby; it is also the birthday of the parents! It is the transformation of two individuals, too – they have been transforming from the day they learned about the pregnancy! It is not as easy as the rom-com movies show us – real life is all about smiles, tears, anger, agitation, confusion, dilemma, change, laughter, milestones (for the parents, too), groundbreaking parameters that keep in check what each person including the new baby needs! Welcoming a newborn baby is not only about baby photoshoots and people all smiling and giggling. It is more about dirty diapers, loud crying, sleepless nights, feeding, trying to find sleep, getting irritated with the simplest of things, giving into food cravings, not having any interest in things you once found enjoyable, getting advice from all over the world, finding peace and most importantly, finding oneself and finding the depth and strength of the marriage and partnership! Therefore, the whole thing is about the baby and the new mom and dad! It is about how they are coping with the situation – together, hand-in-hand, lovingly, and with so much love and reassurance that they will do it in peace and calm no matter what.

It is, therefore, imperative to make the men feel validated and relevant in a newborn’s life! Most Indian homes do not include the fathers in doing the baby chores, which makes them ignorant about how things work! Allowing them to contribute to the baby’s duties can make a massive difference in helping them understand and cope with what is going on and also gives them an idea of what the woman is going through, making them more considerate of the situation – allowing themselves to deal with their own insecurities and strange feelings. Only when they see and feel the struggle will they be part of it and try to set things right in the best way possible. Inclusiveness is a great way to fight postpartum depression in men and women. Couples who understand and are there for each other end up coming out of the depression faster and more robustly. Children who grow up with teams who understand and acknowledge each other’s flaws and strengths become mindful adults. It is, therefore, important for everyone to be involved with one another and burn through the struggles of raising a family unit together! Postpartum depression is natural – it is as accurate as pregnancy in women and equally relevant in men. Let us, together as a generation, break stereotypes of gender roles and gender equations. Let us not tag the weaker sex with how they deal with their emotions. Let us understand and accept that men can and will feel emotions, men can and will cry, men can and will empathize, men can and must contribute, and men can and will have depression and anxiety. It does not make them less of a man, but it makes them more human and just how men are supposed to be – considerate and compassionate. Let us create a generation of strong, rooted, loving, and thoughtful men.

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Aakanksha Dinah, a passionate writer, orator, communicator focused on establishing a Training institution centered on creativity and innovation. Aakanksha is a true believer in loving the work we do and strongly believes in smart-work, the reason why creativity works better for her. Aakanksha is enormously focused on making a career in professional writing and publishing. She loves writing poems, self-help articles, and essays. An enthusiast when it comes to learning languages and in short, Aakanksha is a wanderer, an explorer, a mom, a dog-mom, a poet, a cook, a writer, and an influencer.

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Confident At Work

It may be preferable to learn how to be confident at work if you want to boost your reliability and contribute more to your teams. Usually, to develop this confidence, you must reflect on your requirements and objectives. You may enhance your performance and wellbeing by learning how to boost your confidence. In this post, we’ll talk about confidence, give you advice on how to be confident, go over a few confidence-boosting ideas, and address a number of often asked issues about confidence.

How To Present Confidence?

1. seek training for professional development

By honing the abilities, you frequently employ to execute challenging activities, you can boost your confidence. For instance, if you work in IT, you can enhance your proficiency with computers and their systems by learning new coding languages. You can feel more confident if you perform better at work because you are aware of your excellent skill set. You can enroll in professional training courses or skill development courses to advance your professional development. You may also find out from your boss if they intend to hold training sessions to assist team members in learning cutting-edge methods and approaches in your industry. As an alternative, you may read publications and look into cutting-edge methods.

Seeking professional training can boost confidence in several ways:

  1. By learning new skills and knowledge, individuals can feel more competent in their abilities and more prepared to handle challenges.
  2. Training often involves receiving feedback and guidance from experts in the field, which can help individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement, leading to greater self-awareness and confidence.
  3. Being part of a training program can provide a supportive community of peers who are also learning and growing, which can help individuals to feel more connected and motivated.

Overall, seeking professional training can help individuals develop their skills, receive guidance and support, and connect with others in their field, all of which can lead to greater confidence and competence.

2. Dress To Impress

If you want to boost your confidence, you might want to think about whether your present wardrobe encourages or discourages it. Dressing appropriately can have a significant impact on one’s confidence. When individuals dress in a way that is appropriate for the situation or occasion, they are more likely to feel comfortable and at ease. This can lead to greater confidence as individuals present themselves in the best possible light. Dressing appropriately can also help individuals to feel more professional or prepared, which can be particularly important in specific settings such as job interviews or important meetings. Additionally, when individuals think they look good, they are more likely to carry themselves confidently and feel more positive about themselves overall. Therefore, dressing appropriately for the situation can be a simple but effective way to boost confidence.

3. Investigate discomfort

Investigating the parts of your employment that make you uncomfortable can be helpful if you want to boost your confidence at work. For instance, those who feel uneasy when presenting work at faculty meetings might gain confidence by honing their presentation abilities and discovering how to make effective presentations. This encourages better teamwork and puts more of an emphasis on your ability to progress.

You can overcome these deficiencies and learn how to take advantage of opportunities you might have otherwise missed by pinpointing your uncomfortable regions. For instance, enhancing your presenting skills will help you network better and attract more clients.

4. Take after others

It may be helpful to think about your coworkers’ confidence displays at the office. Those who already have self-confidence can teach you how to develop it and how to interact with people more successfully.

Find out which mannerisms they are most comfortable expressing for yourself. You could look at how your coworkers stand or sit, for instance. You can adopt this posture if you see that your self-assured coworkers stand straight or with their shoulders pushed back. People may treat you more confidently at work if you improve or develop your body language, which will make you feel more confident.

5. Set goals

You may want to consider your short-term and long-term career goals, along with how they impact your performance and confidence at work. When doing so, you can also identify your strengths and weaknesses, along with whether you believe that you can accomplish those goals. If you have confidence in your ability to obtain your goals, you can experience more confidence while you work toward them. This requires you to review your goals and to readjust them to help ensure that they’re realistic.

You typically experience more success when you accomplish small or realistic objectives that contribute to your career. Evaluating small successes in achieving a larger goal can help boost your confidence because you can identify where to apply effective strategies for further development. For example, you can set a goal to increase your overall work productivity. You can then set smaller target objectives to help you reach that goal, like improving your time management skills or focusing on single tasks rather than multitasking.

6. Pay attention to your assets

Because it forces you to evaluate your success and abilities, concentrating on your strengths can boost your confidence. Despite these little nuances, professionals who concentrate on enhancing their work typically consider their flaws or shortcomings rather than their overall success. By creating a list of your talents and skills as well as a second one of your accomplishments, you might lessen this propensity. For instance, people who wish to get better at reading can make it a daily habit to read first thing in the morning.

7. Recognize your errors

When implementing improvement plans and goal-setting techniques, mistakes are frequently unavoidable. In order to avoid making the same mistakes again and to improve your problem-solving abilities, it is helpful to analyze your mistakes and learn from them. For instance, you might input the code for a data entry software improperly. However, rather than identifying the issue and starting over, you can look at the place where the defect code was entered and determine whether your error resulted from an error or from a specific, faulty code. Then, by using the knowledge you discovered through self-reflection to make the necessary corrections, you can learn from this error.

8. Remove all offensive language

Taking an honest look at how you see yourself might also help you gain confidence. You can take action to alter your thinking if you realize that you are overly critical of yourself. You can use self-affirming strategies like focusing on all your recent victories or listing the professional qualities you most value in yourself in a notebook. Continue to assess the beneficial professional advancements you have achieved, and be sure to give yourself credit when you execute tasks to your manager’s satisfaction or higher standards.

9. Ask For What You Deserve

You can increase your self-confidence in your career by being assertive in your self-learning and asking questions. To help clarify any information that you find difficult to understand during team meetings, project planning sessions, or conferences, think about making it a practice to ask at least one question.

When you do this regularly as part of your work routine, you can boost your emotions of confidence and self-worth through participation. This can demonstrate to your team mates and supervisors that you can take initiative when you feel like you might need more direction. Coworkers who are attempting to increase their confidence may exist. You could allay their fears by taking the initiative to speak out and ask questions.

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“Saral hu Saadharn nhi” (Simplicity is not Ordinary). This phrase encapsulates her entire existence. A woman of few words, a daydreamer, who is certain that there is life beyond stars. An HR professional who began her writing journey when corona knocked on our doors. A Content Writer, Screenplay Writer, and published Author. She is die-hard romantic and that reflects in her quotes, poems and short stories and currently working on her first book. She enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, travelling, and is a huge Bollywood enthusiast. She is a wife, a mother and a friend you can most certainly rely on.

Follow Naveeta Shokeen