Preparing for the grand entry of your angel & what to expect!!! Alright. By now you are aware that your little miracle is arriving shortly. Excitement is in the air. But wait a minute! Have you made all the arrangements? Is there a hospital room tentatively booked? Did you get the right size diapers? Formula? Bottles? Is the hospital bag packed? And all of a sudden million questions hit you. And you go blank. Welcome to parenthood!

How do you keep your head above all the swirling waters of questions, doubts, and unwanted advice? It’s simple! Create a checklist. Yes, you read that right! Are you serious! You may ask. And I say YES. As first-time parents, my wife and I did just that. And guess what? It worked, and yes, it will work. 

Now you may ask what Checklist?
Let’s make an uncomplicated list of things to have ready.
Here are my suggestions, as a first time dad and a full time dad.

Simple, straightforward and easy to plan checklist.

These are not just essentials for your baby, these are essentials for a new parent. To make life easier and manageable.

Define roles for each partner when it comes to taking care of baby! 

Each one needs a break while caring for your little one. A mother can only do so much in 24 hrs. So be ready to divide the tasks and conquer! Examples can be feeding, burping, diapering, bathing, helping the baby to sleep. There are plenty of responsibilities.

Also, please note. Your baby needs playtime at this stage mainly tummy time. Always supervise your baby during tummy time. Ensure there are breaks from tummy time by rolling junior over onto their back once in a while. For this, you will need simple toys and a play mat. Most of the age-appropriate toys are musical, large but light enough for the baby to grip, pull, and maybe even chow down on. Your baby may not enjoy many toys at this stage but ensure they have a good play mat and some soft toys. It’s a good start!

Bear in mind that no two babies are the same. All information shared here merely offers an idea of what to expect. This phase is going to be the best part of your life. Never forget to enjoy each moment. You will get to see a smaller version of you evolve into an amazing human being.

Of course, there are plenty of challenges ahead. Nevertheless, you will love each second, even the difficult ones. It’s worth it. Have fun with the process and remember to be patient. It’s going to be okay! Trust me, I am a new dad, and I am learning and growing as my bub grows. I know I am changing, my mindset and myself. I will be sharing more parenting tips as we grow. 

 Follow Ignatius Deepak Stanley

Invasion of Technology in Managing Human Resource Function

Businesses all across the world have been impacted by the rapid advancement of technology. The role has undergone significant change since millennials already make up more than half of the workforce and are expected to increase to more than 75 percent by the year 2025*. It doesn’t matter whether it’s learning and development, talent acquisition, or performance management; technology solutions are taking over HR and making their presence felt right from enterprise-level products to customized solutions, from AI-enabled workplaces to analytics that is suited for every challenge.

In this digitally-driven and technology-enabled world, future HR executives will need to play two essential responsibilities, which are as follows:

1. To make educated selections concerning the technological items that could be appropriate for their company.
2. To make certain that the digital experience improves the overall experience of the employees as well as their performance without compromising the amount of work that can be accomplished.

Impact of Technology on HR Practices

Technology alters how human resources departments communicate with employees, hire new ones, keep old ones, and retire them. When it is implemented effectively, technology may make HR operations more efficient. Effective human resource management methods increase productivity while lowering risk.

Technology makes it possible for HR services to compile and analyze employee data to provide a comprehensive picture of performance.

As a function, human resources (HR) is always changing, and the progression of technology has had an influence on HR just as it has on every other function. The burden that is placed on HR experts will, to a large degree, be relieved as a result of the development of more recent technology.

The six major HR trends that are going to change
the H.R. function and its operations.

1. Leverage AI technology to improve talent acquisition and HR operations
AI is helping talent acquisition professionals save time and effort by lowering the amount of labor that is routine, repetitive, and administrative. Artificial intelligence helps enhance the process of managing massive volumes of organizational data by turning that data into useful outputs, which helps increase the productivity of the business. Identifying data patterns is one of the many functions that machine learning, a crucial cog in the wheel of technology, does. This helps with vital decision-making.

2. Use predictive analysis to plan for future needs
Predictive analysis is a method that uses data from the past to make predictions. Modern HR departments use analytics not only to improve the process of hiring new employees and keeping the ones they already have but also to improve efficiency and performance, which leads to more engaged employees.

3. Analytics drives diversity and inclusion
AI and ML blend beautifully today to identify potential and high-performing employees through a vast pool of job applicants emphasizing skills and experience, thereby removing unconscious biases in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and education that are used to creep in. ML and ML blend beautifully today to identify potential and high-performing employees through a vast pool of job applicants emphasizing skills and experience. The final product is a more diverse workforce overall.

4. Compliance allows for greater levels of productivity in the past
HR departments frequently struggled to both preserve and retrieve data. A single omission can have a devastating effect on the operations of a firm. It just takes a few clicks to gather, retrieve, and show data using a cloud-based HRMS, which saves a significant amount of time and effort that would otherwise be spent on work that is not productive.

5. Analytics is the driving force behind enhanced performance management
Cloud-based analytics and data presentation. Today's human resources information systems make it much simpler for managers to track and manage the performance of their teams. When personal biases are taken out of the evaluation process, it becomes objective and driven by results.

6. Improved effects of learning and development initiatives
One-size-fits-all Training modules are no longer effective. Initiatives for talent engagement and development have been much more effective nowadays because of technology like AR and VR. One of the main causes of workers' delaying training is a lack of interest. AR and VR have made learning more interesting and helped people remember what they have learned.

To summarize, the use of technology has significantly altered the responsibilities of professionals working in the field of human resources management. More and more human resources management tasks are being done electronically inside the human resources department. This is done to improve the administrative efficiency and responsiveness of human resources management to their internal clients, workers, and managers. Technological advancement allows organizations to improve their internal processes, core competencies, and organizational structure.

• 75 percent by the year 2025

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We are in a time where everything is abundant, everywhere. So much to choose from; so many options listed. Infinite possibilities and opportunities. It just makes the decision-making more complex.

From movies, series, documentaries, short films, and more on different OTT platforms sitting in the comfort of our homes, cuisines so varied from various online food delivery applications and restaurants just a click away, multiple social media apps to switch back and forth for entertainment: the list looks endless.

Isn’t it funny, inspiring, and at the same time amazing how we get exotic items from these new grocery and food delivery applications! From meat to mustard, vegetables to veg pakodas, fruits to fresh fish, varied kinds of cheese, chocolates, mixes, and sauces door delivered. Products we probably would not have gotten even from established supermarkets earlier are available, just a click away.

Everything is so effortlessly available. Everything has become accessible. Just a few clicks away! Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Hotstar, Sony Liv, Voot, what not! Not to mention how we get tired just by surfing these apps for what to watch!

This choice game we play has significantly and seriously affected how we as a generation perceive life and relationships. If we think on a deeper level, from relationships, career opportunities, education, even pass-time, vacation destinations, and more, today we have more options to choose from than it was earlier.

While being progressive are we losing the real essence and value of things and most importantly emotions? Are we bombarded with multiple options to choose from and being blinded by selfish actions most often unnoticed? Are we given the luxury of selecting and picking what we like, or are we made to believe that hopping from one choice to another is as effortless as switching channels while also sometimes letting go of quality?

It’s alright to go with the flow and be amid the progress we are making globally. However, we must never lose the essence of it all. The little things, the little emotions, that’s what we need to remember to pass on to the next generation.

Enjoy being spoilt for choices. Appreciate being able to enjoy a lifestyle loaded with luxury with the comfort of technology, science, and advancement, while maintaining humility and being humane, kind, and never forgetting the roots.

Follow Aakanksha Dinah

Who you fall in love with is absolutely out of your control. It simply happens. In the same way, you can not just flip a switch and stop feeling these things, even if you get the perfect job on the other side of the world.

Nobody enters a relationship anticipating it to be a distant one. But if you find yourself in such a situation, you should have to get the most out of a fundamentally miserable or bleak circumstance in order to maintain the connection.

The objective of every fulfilling relationship is to have a strong “kinship.” However, long-distance partnerships are exceptionally difficult since you must almost entirely rely on communication to keep your bond strong. And that may require more work than an ordinary relationship. Couples who are in long-distance relationships need to know that it will take more work to keep in touch if they want to avoid even small cracks in their relationship.

A long-distance relationship is risky. Because when you are in love with someone and when you cannot sense their physical presence, you are most vulnerable. Sometimes you want to give up, and then the next moment you want to give it another chance.

No one can guarantee it will be simple; the additional distance prevents many things from being doable. You could experience moments of loneliness and sadness as well as a confusing situation.

However, the extra distance also enhances the sweetness of the little things. Holding hands, sharing a meal, experiencing each other’s touch, going on a stroll together, and even smelling each other’s hair—these seemingly insignificant desires might suddenly mean a lot more in a long-distance relationship.

Though difficult, long-distance relationships can come with a few unexpected benefits.
And When it comes to surviving the distance, here’s what you can do.

1.Limit your conversation

Being extremely “attached” and obsessive is not a smart option. The connection doesn’t actually need to be maintained through constant communication between you two. Many couples believe that they need to do more to make up for the distance. That is untrue. And it might further worsen the situation. You will soon get weary of “love.”

2.Consider it a chance

Consider it a learning experience for you both. You have the chance to demonstrate your affection for one another at this time. You shouldn’t worry that your long-distance relationship is tearing you apart. Instead, you should trust that this will make your relationship stronger.

3.Consistently and creatively communicate

Every day, they say “good morning” and “good night” to one another. Additionally, strive to keep your lover informed of your life’s events, no matter how unimportant some of them may appear.

Send each other occasional images, audio samples, and brief movies to boost the pace. By making this type of effort, you give the other person the impression that they are loved and cared for.

4.Dirty talks are a saving grace

Without a doubt, one of the most significant factors in relationships is sexual tension. Sexual desire may be compared to the glue that prevents a couple from drifting apart. In addition to being biological, sexual urges can also be emotional.

Send each other flirtatious texts with sexual innuendos and suggestive language to keep the fires blazing.

5.The key lies in similar things

Give each other recommendations for books, TV series, movies, music, and other media. You have more topics to discuss when you read, watch, and listen to the same things.

It’s wonderful to share certain experiences even if you don’t live together.

6.Keep your autonomy

If your partner lives far away, you may feel that a piece of yourself is missing, but try to carry on with your regular habits. Keep in mind that you are still an individual, not merely a member of a group. Additionally, being active frequently reduces loneliness.

You might want to chat to your lover more often if you don’t see them often. However, if they can’t constantly communicate with you, becoming dependent on your phone or computer might cause melancholy or even hatred. You’ll miss out on time with other family members as well.

Spending some time alone or with friends and family is still advisable, even if your spouse does have time to chat nonstop throughout the day.

7.Be truthful to one another

Discuss any sentiments of dread, insecurity, resentment, indifference, etc. If you try to keep a secret from your partner, it will eventually consume you from the inside out. Avoid attempting to handle everything on your own. Be direct and truthful with one another. Allow your spouse to assist you and provide the necessary support. When an issue first arises, it is preferable to address it than to wait until it is too late to do so.

8.Have a goal in mind

In reality, a couple cannot maintain a distant relationship indefinitely. We all have to settle down eventually.

So, let’s come up with a strategy together. Set up a schedule, write down the expected times for separation and convergence, and show what the end result will be.

You two need to be on the same page and have the same objectives. You are both driven to work together in the same direction toward a future that involves one another, even though you do not share the same place or time zone.

9.Remain optimistic

To maintain a long-distance relationship, you must consistently give it uplifting energy. Even though waiting can be hard and lonely, you should always keep in mind that the rewards will be as sweet as paradise.

10.Be Thankful 

Being appreciative is a great way to maintain a optimistic attitude. Be grateful that you have someone to love and that person loves you back. Be grateful for the simple things, such as the handmade letter that recently made it safely to your mailbox. Be grateful for one another’s well-being and security.

It’s true that Long-distance relationships are accompanied by a lot of insecurity, anxiety, sadness, and other strong feelings. Nevertheless, it also gives faith, trust, camaraderie, patience, hope for a new beginning, and, of course, love.

Follow Naveeta Shokeen

I am sure you have read, re-read, mastered, learned, and unlearnt hundreds of ways to stay healthy, fit, and of sound mind. I have done that too! Today, I will help bring a few elements together to help you create an easy list to start with, no matter what level of discipline you have! Simple this checklist may sound. However, none of us give enough emphasis on these five simple points and that’s a concern.

Here are my Five To Do’s and how they could help us?

1. Drink more fluids 

First, when it comes to your body, we have been taught that our body is made up of roughly 65% of water. Keeping yourself hydrated and well-watered is highly essential for multiple reasons. It helps keep your blood thin enough to flow easily to the heartland around your body. This means less stress on your heart. It naturally cools you. Combats dehydration from sweating. Helps flush out toxins when you use the bathroom. Now, most of that is water! What about fresh juices then? This helps deliver much-needed elements like minerals, natural sugars, and trace minerals. And more importantly flavour and colour to your beverage or refreshment!

2. Exercise fairly

Second, Exercise is a word that can send shudders down the spines of some of us because we don’t want to go to the gym. However, not all exercise needs a gym. That s why I used the term exercise fairly. Learn what your body needs in terms of exercise. Workouts can be fun if you decide you want to have fun with them! It can be a walk in the park, a slow jog around your neighbourhood, a swim, or maybe go cycling. Whatever you choose to do ensure it brings you movement and joy. This will ensure you do it as often as needed.

3. Sleep sufficiently

Third, Sleep for some of us is second nature. Lay your head on the pillow and “POOF” off to Lala land you go. Not for everyone, unfortunately. Some of us need tea, lights, music, pills, or a soft knock to the head with a hammer (I am kidding with the last one) but I am sure along with your smile or chuckle even you know the challenges either personally or have a loved one struggling with this. Clean sleep habits are found in plenty online these days. So here are a few that may help. These are aside from your eating or drinking system before you sleep.

Have the room relatively cooler than the rest of the house, if you use a fan, air cooler or air conditioner ensure this is not so cold that you feel like you are in the North Pole. Cozy enough to help you nod off with ease.

Ensure the room is dark enough for your eyes to not be disturbed. Slight bright light causes your eyes to open and can hamper sleep. Night lights or dim lights can be used if you have the habit of leaving them on.

Once you lie down to sleep, ease your breathing to allow your body to relax and slowly drift off into a restful state. Try to sleep for at least 4 sleep cycles. One sleep cycle is about 90 minutes long which means the minimum suggested sleep one needs is about 6 hrs. The maximum suggested sleep is 6 sleep cycles or 9 hours. Note this is just a suggestion. Some people can live on less sleep and some need much more depending on the situation.

4. Eat well

Fourth Eat well, this is not the section that supports different types of eaters. It instead is to help you figure out what portions to eat and what to slow down on or cut out if needed. A large breakfast is always key to having a great day. Unfortunately, many of us will snack on a slice of toast, a power bar, or a glass of milk and expect our bodies to generate enough energy after roughly 6-9 hrs of sleep!

Lunch is supposed to be a medium-sized meal. Some of us cannot control the need to stuff ourselves here and then sleep through meetings with a slight snore!

Dinner is supposed to be the lightest meal for our bodies to rest and recharge for the next day. Here again, we tend to feast and directly head to bed. And wake up a few years later after a daily routine like this and wonder why we have become fat!

The reason is simple. Our bodies go into a panic mode and store all excess food as fat to beat the poor breakfast habit we have.

To try and get this right remember Breakfast like a king/queen, lunch like a prince/ princess, and dinner like a pauper. Another version of this is to eat your breakfast, share your lunch with a friend, and give your dinner to your enemy. Whatever your preference, the conclusion drawn is the same breakfast is simply the most important meal of the day!

5. Ease your mind

Fifth, Ease your mind. Stress and anxiety are nothing new. However, they are causing people to have breakdowns. Most lifestyle illnesses sprout from our poor mental health. Negativity, constant work pressure, family challenges, things not going right. The list is endless. One needs to learn how to avoid these kinds of thoughts and there are many ways to do so.

Here, the only point we will cover is that you need to learn what your stress or anxiety thought triggers are and work them out. Learn to do breathing exercises or meditation whichever works for you. You may be able to handle this on your own or may need professional help. Either way, ensure you learn how to cope with it.

A healthy mind leads to a healthy body!

Follow Ignatius Deepak Stanley

I keep getting news about cousins, relatives, and people dearly and distantly known to me who have died of cardiac arrest or multi-organ failures. All in two years, the number of these cases has risen. To add, the aforementioned people are in the 30-50 age group. During the peak of Covid, these deaths were more. This has reached a plateau in between but death tolls will tell you how people are falling prey to post Covid complications or developing comorbidities linked to the heart. 

People have also become equally health conscious about their diet and lifestyle. Despite that, people are losing lives to heart diseases every year. Our entertainment industry has suffered losses – so many celebrities and artists have passed away this year to heart diseases despite their exemplary fitness levels. 

Truly, heart diseases are silent killers that don’t announce their entry either. So, it is important to focus on improving fitness levels, and stamina and most importantly getting regular health check-ups. The 30+ age category is more vulnerable thanks to fast lifestyle, sedentary jobs, and bad food habits. 

The Internet is viral with several tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and heart. Medical professionals across the globe are constantly speaking about the significance of maintaining a healthy heart, increasing physical activities, and also looking after mental wellness. A lot of meditation groups are being formed and group meditations are helping stressed individuals. Work from home jobs has increased stress levels for many – a matter of worry for families. Holistic healing practices and alternative medicines are slowly taking precedence during these tough times.

The UN’s WHO has come up with a stress management guide for coping with adversity called “Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide.” It is available on the WHO website where people can download the guide in their respective country’s language. There are audio files for exercises ranging from Grounding, building awareness, being kind to oneself, and more. It is interesting to see how the whole world has united in one common effort to boost their citizens’ mental and emotional health. Almost every country has some kind of program designed for their people. There is a surge in yoga and meditation centers in every city. June 21st was observed as World Yoga Day across the globe.

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body after the brain. And Did you know?

1. Your heart is roughly the size of a large fist.
2. It weighs between 9 and 12 ounces. (250 and 350 grams)
3. The heart beats about 100,000 times per day (nearly three billion beats in a lifetime!). An adult’s heart beats nearly 60-80 times/minute. A newborn’s heart beats faster than an adult heart – 70-190 beats/minute.
4. The heart pumps about 5.7 liters of blood daily.
5. The heart can produce energy to drive a truck for nearly 20 miles – equivalent to driving to the moon and back!
6. The heart has its electrical impulse. It can beat even if it is separated from the human body – as long as it gets a good supply of oxygen.

Here are the top 10 Reasons Why the Heart should be happy

1. Keeps cholesterol and blood pressure in check
An unhealthy heart can increase the chances of getting a heart attack and stroke.

2. Maintains healthy blood in the body
The heart pumps nearly 5 liters of blood daily. The circulatory system in the body is responsible for sending oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. It takes away unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products too.

3. Prevents stress and depression 
Clinical psychologists say there is a link between heart and mental issues. Most heart attack patients undergo depression. So, it is extremely vital to keep the heart-healthy. 

4. Lowers the risk of dementia
There is a link between a healthy heart and the brain. Research shows that an unhealthy heart can lead to narrower blood vessels which can mean restricted blood flow to the brain. Lesser blood reaching the brain can result in memory loss, reduced decision-making capacity, and other mental disorders. 

5. Maintains hormones
The heart is linked to the nervous system and the endocrine system as well. While the former sends signals to the heart to control the heart rate, the latter secretes hormones that maintain blood pressure. The thyroid gland helps control the beating heart too.

6. Gets the music going on in the body
A perfectly beating heart ensures harmony and music between all the organs of the body in a rhythm – pumping blood to maintain healthy hormones and all other functions of the body. This is another reason why they say listening to music daily helps cause a healthy heart.

7. Well-nourished body
A perfect recipe to maintain a healthy heart is eating nutritious food like whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. Breakfast is considered the best key to a healthy heart. Being the first meal of the day, it decides the rest of your day.

8. Maintains happy hormones
They say to have a happy heart, one must engage in physical activities that may include weight lifting and regular strength training, jogging, running, walking, cycling, swimming and so many more. But all this must be done after evaluating your fitness levels with your fitness consultant.

9. A stress-free heart is a healthy heart
Go on a digital detox and discover how your heart beats. Zero stress levels mean a healthy hormonal secretion.

10. Regular health check-ups
As soon as one hits the 30s, doctors recommend annual tests for your body. So, don’t miss any of the tests. It will go a long way in keeping in check heart malfunctions or disorders.

So, what are you waiting for?
Run while you can and save your heart!
Keep smiling!

Follow Priya Rajendran

Everyone’s cheerful. Everyone’s eagerly awaiting to see the newborn! Is it going to be a boy or a girl? Is the baby going to be healthy? Will she/he latch properly? How much will they weigh? What colour? What time, What date? So much speculation and anticipation about the arrival and the early days of a baby! BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MOTHER?

I recently read a small write-up on the gram and was truly touched. Being a new mom myself, I related to the content. I am inspired to share it with others who did not get the opportunity to read it and those who need to fully understand that motherhood and being a mom are not all smiles and happiness all the time as portrayed in the movies, reels, and on the tube. 

Not all mothers are asked if they are keeping well. Not all mothers are asked if they ate, want water, need help, or a break. 

The article started, “everyone wants to hold the baby, but who holds the mother?”

With all the hormonal changes, the arrival of the baby, and the life-changing experience of labour, the new mother has already gone through so much stress, pressure, and anxiety. There’s hardly any time to bond with her new baby, let alone have time to breathe and take care of herself weeks or even months after delivery! 

From all the unsolicited advice and “gyaan” from different people, the inconsolable crying of the baby, not-so-understanding family, and many many changes in her body, what a mother most needs is attention, care, and space for herself. She deserves it too. She needs time to heal her body and mind. She needs to prepare for motherhood. She needs to breastfeed which is not as easy as many think it is – it is painful, uncomfortable, and taken for granted. 

From guilt, fear, stress, anxiety, sudden bursts of crying, emotional fluctuations, mental breakdowns, lack of self-confidence, and changes in the body, a mother goes through so much that not only are they less understood, but they are constantly provoked and forced to suppress their feelings despite having no reason to do so. 

From being body shamed for putting on weight, going on a guilt trip for not lactating, feeling sorry and sad when the baby cries, feeling drowsy and suffocated due to lack of sleep, and having to not just be there for her baby, but her family, relatives, husband, house, office, her career; she’s not given a second to pause and take a breather. 

Her back aches but no one’s there to massage her and give her some time to unwind. Her stomach grumbles but she needs to feed the baby, her cravings for ice cream can’t be met, her sleep has to be compromised, her body is bloated, her breasts change shape and size every two days, her face dulls, her hair falls, her hands shake and her eyes tear, but she stays a mom and she’s got no way out. 

Be her escape. Be the change. Be there for her. Tell her she’s doing fine. Tell her she’s strong. You never know what such small acts of kindness can do to a new mom. Maternity leave is not for her to care for the baby alone, but to heal and be there for herself too. Understand her and make her smile. Gift her something nice and do not advise. Share what you know and do listen to her. You are not only helping her as a mother but the baby too by helping her be a better mother.

As everyone’s eager to hold the baby; you hold the mother. 

Follow Aakanksha Dinah 

Going on a vacation by yourself is one of the best ways to learn more about your life, more about yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, and aid in making better choices. Learning how to travel on your own is one of the best ways to have a life-changing and eye-opening experience, exposure to a world outside of our own. So if you want to be sure you get the most out of it, you need to get started.

If you are hoping to make a change, here are a few tips for solo travellers.

1. FIRST AND FOREMOST, PUT YOUR SAFETY FIRST.
Safety is a major issue for those who are contemplating a solo vacation. Although it pays to be cautious, this should not prevent you from embarking on your next adventure. Choosing the proper destination might make all the difference since certain locations are more suitable for solitary travel than others. Always verify in advance with the CDC and the country's embassy online to confirm that their COVID-19 testing and vaccination policies are current. With the unpredictability of COVID-19, travel insurance is always a good idea, as is informing loved ones of your whereabouts.

2. KNOW YOUR DESTINATION
You need to learn more about the location that you intend to visit as part of the process of making plans for your trip. This entails being familiar with every nook and crevice of the neighbourhood. If you want to avoid being taken advantage of by the people who live there, it is in your best interest to learn as much as possible about the environment, including the people who live there, the food they eat, the means of transportation, the prices for traveling to various locations from where you are staying, and much more. 

3. LEARN THE LANGUAGE
It may sound obvious, but taking the time to learn a few phrases in the local language may make a significant difference in how you experience a country, especially if you are traveling alone and cannot rely on others for translations.

4. FIND SHARED HOUSING
Consider staying in a place that requires more than one person to occupy it because a hotel room for one person may be pricey and, let's be honest, a little lonely at times. Meeting new people is especially easy when you stay in shared accommodations like hostels or Airbnbs.

5. PROCEED INDEPENDENTLY
Because everyone is unique, selecting a vacation that caters to your specific personality and areas of interest will be the most important factor in determining how much fun you have when you travel by yourself. To help you get started on your journey all by yourself, the map above highlights some of the top cities for independent travel.

6. ASSIMILATE
The best way to avoid attracting the notice of purveyors and fraudsters is to blend in. It's a bonus to be able to blend in and appear to be a local. If you don't do your homework about the region, its surroundings, and the types of attire worn by locals, you'll come off as a tourist. It's not that difficult, and you'll be able to do it.

7. CHALLENGE YOURSELF
When traveling by alone, you run the risk of feeling lonely and bored at times, but if you can find ways to keep yourself interested and intrigued, you may be able to view a city in a way that you haven't seen before.

8. SELF-CONFIDENCE
Traveling on one's self can be difficult at times, but the advantages make the effort worthwhile. After venturing out on their own for an extended period, many people find that they experience increased levels of confidence and contentment, in addition to gaining some fresh perspectives on life.

9. SLOW YOUR PACE 
Traveling by oneself entails the most independence possible Accept it and move through life at your own pace while doing so. You might get the urge to go sightseeing one day, but on another, you might want to take things at a more relaxed pace. The satisfaction comes from determining your course of action. When you go to a museum with friends, one of the drawbacks is that you have to try to keep up with their pace as you move around the galleries.

10. DISAPPEAR WITH THE FLOW
When traveling by oneself, it is especially tempting to spend too much time thinking about and planning various parts of the trip. The ability to just go with the flow and see where the day or night takes you can, at times, result in some of the most interesting and entertaining stories.

11. RESEARCH BEFORE TRAVEL
There are a variety of methods available for conducting research before an upcoming vacation, and thanks to the proliferation of social media, it is now simpler than ever to query locals for recommendations regarding the top attractions.

12. TRUST YOURSELF
A delicate balance is required to successfully put oneself out there, meet new people, and safely explore a place while traveling alone. In the majority of scenarios, putting your faith in yourself and using common sense along with a modicum of prior planning ought to be sufficient.

13. OWN A CAMERA 
The freedom of traveling on one's own is a photographer's dream come true. Even in the absence of a predetermined itinerary or timetable, it is possible to pass a whole day taking photographs of lively side alleys and breath-taking scenery. When it comes to capturing a moment with only you, it's not always necessary to resort to taking a self-portrait using a smartphone camera.

14. LIBERATE YOURSELF 
When you travel by yourself, you have the freedom to be whoever you want to be. Plunge headfirst into the experience, have faith in who you are and seize the opportunity to express every facet of your personality.

15. PLAN B
There's nothing quite like always being well-prepared! Always have a backup plan in place. It will simply inspire you to have more fun and not be as concerned about your safety as you might be on a trip. Be flexible with your trip plans, because things don't always go as planned. Enjoy yourself while you're at it. 

What are you waiting for? Go make plans. Get going. Go on. Get started.

Follow Naveeta Shokeen

It’s not “a woman’s cup of tea !” Over the years, this thought has been repeated generation after generation. “It” refers to money matters. Until the 19th century, women were not entitled to work. Literacy spread much later. Nevertheless, women still stand backward in financial literacy. How do you define financial literacy? Straightforward. It is nothing but the knowledge of budgeting, investing, borrowing, taxation, and personal financial management. 

According to a 2019, World Bank report, 'India has amongst the lowest female labor force participation rates in the world. Women make up 48 percent of the Indian population, and, 65 percent of women are literate as compared to 80 percent of men.' 

‘Women’ has always been linked with myths and stereotypes about money and financial aspects. That is because traditionally there has consistently been a male figure who has taken over finances. Stock markets are also considered a male dominion! In the earliest times, ever since currency replaced the barter trade in our country, women folks took a backseat. The fact is women were rather put in the backseat when it came to finances. 

Reasons given back then were that women will get married and enter a different household, so they need not take interest vis a vis the male member who will be the driving force of the family – the “waaris” aka heir. Some households did have matriarchs (female heads of the family) too who did manage finances but those were exceptions. Even then, girls were not allowed to be at the forefront. So, years of conditioning left women to rely, depend, and lean on men for managing financial matters. 

Zoom into the 21st century… Vroom! Women are now heading successful business conglomerates, they are entrepreneurs, and they own successful start-ups! So, what is still choking or blocking women from being financially empowered  (read: knowledge on accounts, making finances and business decisions alike!) Even today, no matter how high the position of the woman in the company, there is always a male member who will take care of audits or finances. 

1. Keep track of performance appraisals

It is important to know the split-up of your salary – CTC or cost to the company, basic salary, gross salary, allowance, reimbursements, income tax deductions, employee provident fund, gratuity, and life and health insurance. When you enter a new company, knowing these elements will help in keeping track of appraisals and the rest of the performance records.

2. Know where your money is going

Keeping a written or digital record of expenditures is a good idea to know your monthly expenditures. In the older days, there were bound books or ledgers. Now thanks to digital media, we have various apps to record the same. There are digital wallets to store important financial documents too. 

3. Financial goals/Bucket list

Just like a travel bucket list to visit places of interest, one must have investment and saving goals for oneself and the family. This helps not only in times of emergency but also has long-term benefits like children’s education, your health, and family health as well as 

4. Role model for kids

Women can greatly influence the next generation by becoming financially empowered. Younger children will also learn the importance of being financially literate from an early age, looking up to women’s family members.

5. Financial emergencies, Death et al

In most cases, the male members take charge of the financial crisis. Women also can do the same if they have sound knowledge of legal and financial documents and records, especially where it is located. More often than not, it is when the male head of a family passes away, that the baton is suddenly passed on to the widow and other women members. The shock of death and sudden financial responsibility could be overwhelming. Financial losses in business can be managed well if women are equally involved in business transactions. They can help take over during crises.

6. Be informed while investing 

It is always nice if one knows the pros and cons of investments, shares, and stocks. These days, there are brief courses and quick tutorials online on terms and how to start investing. Industry experts take courses and help with the same.

7. Choosing loans and interest rates

Most of the loans taken are for buying a house, or vehicle or for availing of student loans. It becomes inevitable to know an agency that provides good interest rates for loans. Having good knowledge about compound interests, loan structures, and the ideal time duration to repay loans, will help one select a loan effectively.

8. Effective family budgets

If given a chance, women can make sound judgments and create good budgets too. A good family budget will have a healthy mix of budgeting, saving, borrowing, investing, and taxes in the money palette. The key is to set aside a good amount of money to reduce borrowing and increase savings.

9. Reduced financial stress & anxiety

Financial literacy ensures mental peace and sound decision-making for women in the family, apart from the other family members. It is crucial women are empowered to take the lead in learning, and comprehending all matters related to money, tax, investments, saving, borrowing, and even property matters.

10. Property, power of attorney, and ownership

Inheritance is a bone of contention in most families. Now that it has been made legal for women to have a part in family inheritance (irrespective of whether they are married/unmarried), it is more important to make them aware of legal and property rights, as soon as they become adults. Knowing who all are property holders in the family, their shares, and who has the power of attorney (signatory authority for all important financial documents) is an necessary part of financial education for women and it should start at an early phase of their life. From childhood, impart financial awareness amoung kids alike.

Remarkably fewer women take interest or invest in the time to learn the basics of investments, capital, savings, turnovers, profit-loss, and running a successful business. Another flip side of not knowing about finances is making wrong business decisions or slipping into the hands of scamsters. Thanks to more downward appeal to discover financial freedom, many stereotypes and jokes pass on through generations around females failing to handle money, businesses or enterprises successfully. 

It is time to stop the spread of stereotypical view concerning women. Time to learn and be better around money! Let us push ourselves and initiate to get financially literate and for achieving ultimate economic freedom. Raise your hands with me and let’s talk money.

Follow Priya Rajendran

Over the years people have worked and tried to create savings from whatever earnings they fetch. However, in this century… the 21st century a lot of youth who have commenced working have started falling into enormous debt. How are they sinking into massive debt? We all start with fair wages. Though trying to show the world that we are living the good life, break the bank. If you ask how are we still doing this! Some take credit cards and others take huge loans. Therefore putting ourselves into a vicious cycle of debt and debt relief. This cycle if not broken, becomes one that causes for stress anxiety depression, and multiple other health disorders.

So how do you beat it? Here is my three ways to ‘Simple & Systematic Savings Plan’

1. CREATE A SYSTEM TO SAVE A PART OF YOUR INCOME

One way is by creating a system or a plan to save a portion of your income. Here is how. First, figure out how much you need per month to survive. From your whole salary divide it into 4 parts. The first part (40% of your salary or income) is for essentials and monthly expenses ( this covers, food, electric, gas, phone bills, fuel, etc). The second part (15% of your income) will be for other things like outings and fun activities (holidays or family visits) The third part (20% of your income) will be kept for emergencies and if in a month there are none it goes into a recurring deposit for future use. The forth point (25% of your income) goes straight into savings. No questions asked, no excuses.

2. CREATE A LAYERED SAVINGS PLAN

3. FLAT 30% SAVING SYSTEM

From your total earnings per month all you have to do is subtract 30% of what you get in hand and put it away in to any form of saving. You can set up an automated system for this amount to be auto debited on a specific day in any given month. Of all the discussed plan this one is slightly harder. Reason being you have to assume that 30% of your income is not yours to use. This system is good and beneficial if one can commit to it. Having shared these with you. The best way forward is for you the reader to come up with your own plan. Choose one that works well for you and make tweaks or changes as needed.

Now while this is just a suggested breakup of how to do it. You tango ahead and make adjustments to the numbers to suit your need. Always Remember, discipline in handling money will give you an added advantage. It helps you stay financially independent and stress-free.

Follow Ignatius Deepak Stanley