Relationships are tricky. Some find and stay in love easily, while others find it challenging to keep the boat afloat. When two entirely different individuals come together with their flaws, characteristics, personalities, likes, dislikes, and more, it is not as easy as it is shown in romcom movies to sing songs and remains in love forever! However, it is relatively easy if two people are serious about their commitment to each other and are ready to work on the bond’s intricacies.
It is essential to never take yourself or your partner for granted when in a relationship. Both of you are equal parties to whatever goes on in the commitment. Hold yourselves accountable for both the good times and the bad. Take equal responsibility for the tasks you share, finances, decision-making, chores, etc.
You deserve a healthy relationship where you both are happy and content. Communication is one of the essential criteria to remember when looking for a healthy relationship. This cliché technique of knowing and understanding each other over time is perhaps the most misunderstood. Healthy communication is when both of you can share whatever it is that is bothering you or making you happy without any judgments. Healthy conversations where you both talk about the little things like how your day was, what you did, how you feel, and what you’d like for dinner are all introductory talks. Never underestimate the relevance and power of good communication between couples.
Respect is the next factor that all couples must consider to enjoy a healthy relationship. Respecting each other, boundaries, feelings, ideas, and actions, and even prioritizing each other’s time, is crucial. Validating each other’s feelings and emotions is extremely important. Even when you disagree, there should be mutual respect and commitment to understanding what can be done next!
Boundaries often need to be more understood in romantic relationships. You and your partner will have limitations on what makes you feel safe, happy, and comfortable. You must consider each other’s boundaries and be mindful of respecting the same.
All healthy relationships rely on mutual trust and unguarded love. Your partner will love and trust you in a healthy relationship. Trust is something that is built over time. It is, therefore, imperative to validate that trust and never betray your partner. Steadfast love, affection, care, kindness, and compassion strengthen trust in the relationship.
Supporting each other, building each other’s confidence, being there for each other, and being mindful of each other’s needs and desires are critical factors in maintaining a healthy relationship. You must know to dream along with your partner. Dream big of a beautiful life that both of you enjoy being with each other. Do not be so involved and caught up in the monotony of life that you both don’t find time or energy to be nice to each other. Always make an extra effort to keep the romance burning, the marriage spiced up, and the relationship healthy. After all, it’s a combined effort and must not be one-sided.
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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.
Most people will acknowledge that they do not always feel their best. Of course, even the most attractive and successful people have terrible days, but if you think negatively about yourself more often than positively, you may want a perspective change.
Contrary to popular belief, how you feel about yourself may not have much to do with your appearance. To identify modest lifestyle adjustments, you may make to make yourself more appealing to yourself and others, we looked to scientific studies and spoke with relationship and dating experts. These suggestions can assist you in starting to view yourself more favourably.
8 Ways to Feel Attractive & Confident In Your Skin
1. Perspire More
Even if you loathe exercising, it can make you feel more confident. Exercise is a terrific way to de-stress, have some alone time, and produce endorphins, a chemical that can lift your mood. We are not only talking about exercise’s physical effects on your body. Exercise is a terrific method to feel more sure about yourself and make you feel appealing because it balances work, pleasure, and self-care while improving your fitness and healthiness and generating endorphins.
2. Compliment Others
Although receiving love from others is the quickest approach to improving your self-image, you should try providing compliments and love to others first. You will appear more attractive in your eyes and others’ eyes by praising others’ qualities. Making other people feel good about themselves boosts your attractiveness. Therefore learning how to complement appropriately may be the secret to getting a second date. People work hard to prepare for dates, so take the time to complete the other person.
3. Smile, Please
Smiling makes you appear kind and approachable to others, which can influence how they sense you. However, grinning at oneself in the mirror could give you the same benefits. As social beings, we are conditioned to read other people’s body language and search for indications of safety and welcome. “Smiling is a universal signal for warmth, approachability, and attractiveness. But it also applies to you; if you smile at yourself in the mirror, your brain reacts in a manner that is strikingly like how it would respond to the smile of a trusted friend.
4. Talk Positively
It is usually lovely when a close friend or family member observes or applauds a positive trait, but you don’t have to wait for that extra encouragement. Although it may sound foolish, telling oneself compliments or mentioning things you appreciate about yourself will help you recognize and respect these qualities. Intentional focus is a skill that attention requires. Anything you focus on will enlarge your field of consciousness. Positive aspects of yourself, whether exterior attributes or internal talents and qualities, become more apparent when you actively recognize them. You can experience these characteristics more fully when you take the time to acknowledge them.
5. Analyze Connections with People
You might not feel your best because of toxic person(s) in your life. People who had relationships in their lives that showed signs of “estrangement, change, mistaken friendship, and false friendship” were surveyed by The Journal of Ethics and Education. According to the study, they frequently did not see how others were bringing them down and often viewed toxic people with “rose-colored glasses,” which could be detrimental to their mental health. Therefore, avoid spending time with or being around people who are always critical of you, disrespectful to you, or poorly impact your self-esteem. Instead, prioritize the people who spend time encouraging and uplifting you more. Your confidence will soar as a result.
6. Have A Sense Of Humour
If you try to laugh off a tiny issue that would ordinarily get under your skin, you can take some pressure off yourself, which can help you see yourself positively. Laughing and joking can help you feel more at ease. This is crucial because some individuals take their entire existence seriously, which is apparent in their behaviour and appearance. Nobody always needs to be flawless; thus, being flawed is entirely acceptable. It’s crucial to stay true to oneself and avoid letting other people define you. Laugh a lot and enjoy laughter. It is said, couples feel more attracted the more they laughed together.
7. until you make it
What is the most straightforward approach to boost your self-confidence? Act as though you are already. People will notice you when you push yourself to feel good about yourself. It all comes down to your smile, body language, and even eye contact. How you enter a room or share a glance determines whether your confidence works for or against you. People can sense when you’re feeling strange or uneasy; whether or not they think you’re appealing will depend on that.
8. Posture, Please
Besides making you look beautiful, good posture can also make you feel good. Numerous studies have shown that sitting up straight can boost your sense of power and confidence. People who adopt “power poses” experience higher testosterone levels, lower cortisol levels, and a greater understanding of personal control. Keep your head up physically and psychologically to improve your mood and see yourself more positively.
In short, feeling confident can be challenging, but some tricks may help. Taking care of yourself can boost your self-esteem and help you feel better. Make sure to eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. The way you dress can have a significant impact on how you feel about yourself. Choose clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I can do this.” Visualize success, and imagine yourself succeeding in whatever you’re trying to accomplish. It can help boost your confidence and motivation. Do focus on your strengths. Think about your strengths and focus on them. Remind yourself what you’re good at and how to use those skills to succeed. Do take risks. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more confident you’ll become. Make sure to surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with people who lift you up and support you. Avoid people who bring you down or make you feel bad about yourself. Always remember confidence takes time and practice to build. So be patient with yourself and keep working at it.
“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.
So it’s been a few years since you held your little miracle! All the awws and aahs that came with a newborn have now moved on to oohs and argh. In my case, there are now a few watch outs! This is a normal progression in your little child’s life. While to us adults, it seems easy to navigate certain aspects of life, remember your little one is just a few years into this journey called life. They have a long and lovely way to go in their life’s journey.
As parents and guardians, we must start equipping them to live their best lives as early as possible. So what are some of the most important things you want to teach your child or children? Manners, etiquette, and some life skills that are age relevant. Whatever you want them to learn, ensure they have fun, and let them know you have their back. Remember, you will always be your child’s biggest cheerleader. Read that again. So if you thought parenting had kids and let them grow on their own. I am afraid it has just begun.
Welcome to the next stage of your child’s life as they grow!
It has been proven repeatedly that the best way to pass on knowledge is to pass it on to those who need it and are willing to learn. Children are always ready to learn as long as what they are learning is fun, engaging, and challenging enough to enjoy the process. Now, parents bear in mind toddler fans, at times, have a mind of their own and want to do things differently. That is perfectly ok! Yes! That’s right. It is ok for your little one to learn different things from what you think they might need or must know.
Teaching a three-year-old can be daunting for many parents, but it does not have to be! With some patience and creativity, you can help your are three year old learn various topics and develop critical skills. Remember, it’s about the journey of learning together, and if it needs to be tweaked or lightened, it suits your little one’s needs. So please, by all means, adjust!
tips to get you started
1. Make Learning Fun: Learning should be a fun and engaging experience for your three-year-old. Activities and games to help your child learn can help them stay focused and motivated. For example, if you teach your child their numbers, use counting games or number puzzles to make it more enjoyable.
2. Keep It Short: Three-year-olds have a limited attention span, so keeping learning sessions short and sweet is essential. Aim for 10-15 minutes at a time and break up different topics throughout the day.
3. Repetition Is Key: Repetition is the key to learning, especially for young children. Repeating the same concepts and activities often to help your three-year-old remember what they’ve learned.
4. Use Everyday Opportunities: You can also use everyday activities to help teach your three years old. For example, if you’re grocery shopping, you can encourage your tot to pick some essentials or push the baby cart in the supermarket.
General tips for parents to consider
Encourage Independence: Children are starting to develop a sense of independence at this age. Please encourage your child to do simple tasks like dressing, using the bathroom, and feeding themselves. This can help build their confidence and self-esteem.
Read To Them: Reading is integral to a child’s development. Read books with your child, point out the words and pictures, and ask them questions about the story. This can help improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Provide Opportunities For Socialization: Children need to interact with other children their age. Look for playgroups or preschools in your area that your child can attend. This can help them learn social skills like sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with others.
Encourage Physical Activity: Children are full of energy and need to be active at this age. Encourage your child to play outside, ride a bike, or participate in other physical activities. This can help improve their coordination, balance, and overall health.
Teach Basic Manners: Children at this age still learn to interact with others. Teach them basic techniques like saying “please” and “thank you” and greeting others politely. This can help them develop positive social skills and show respect for others.
Remember, every child is different and may develop at their own pace. Be patient and supportive as you help your child learn and grow.
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Ignatius Deepak Stanley is an experienced business coach, trainer, educational consultant and full time dad. He has worked with several well known corporates before deciding to take time out and be a full time dad to his 3 year old son. Beside being a consultant, he has written and published books. Deepak enjoys riding and driving, reading, writing and travelling.
Organizations desire to hire people who are deeply dedicated to their work. Those with this quality make better employees overall and can always complete tasks successfully. They frequently demand less supervision on day-to-day duties, and supervisors can rely on them to carry out more significant responsibilities. The following are a few indicators that someone has a solid work ethic that you should check for.
Work ethic refers to the values, behaviours, and attitudes individuals bring to their work. It is paramount because it impacts the quality and quantity of work produced and the individual’s reputation and career prospects. A strong work ethic reflects personal integrity and commitment. In addition, individuals with good work ethics are viewed as reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated. Employers value employees with strong work ethics because they are more likely to produce high-quality work, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively. This can lead to increased opportunities for career advancement and professional development. When individuals exhibit a strong work ethic, they contribute to the organization’s overall success. This can increase productivity, better results, and improve customer satisfaction. Individuals who have a strong work ethic often feel a sense of personal satisfaction from their work. This can lead to increased motivation, job satisfaction, and career fulfillment. People with a strong work ethic can positively impact their colleagues and the workplace culture. They can be role models, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
1. Consistently maintains a professional attitude
From the minute an employee goes through the office door till the moment they exits, professionalism should be observed. They look the part by wearing clothing that has been meticulously cleaned and ironed. To ensure that they is prepared to begin their shift on time, they arrives at the workplace a few minutes early to settle in and obtain his coffee. They treats the other workers respectfully and doesn’t take unscheduled breaks or make unauthorised adjustments to their plans. They are aware of their responsibilities and well-equipped to carry them out. Developing the habits required to be professional and consistent throughout the day begins with a strong work ethic.
2. High levels of efficiency and productivity
Employees with a solid commitment to their work are likelier to follow or create daily tasks. These are often set up and planned in a way that makes her sure she can give each activity the time it needs. For example, she may break up her day into sections.
For instance, the first two hours of the day can be spent fielding calls from customers and taking new orders. After that, the next two hours may be spent on sales calls. She might then use the afternoon to develop new ideas and do essential administrative work to clean her desk before bed at night. Productivity can be increased by sticking to a routine and being well organized. Employees who possess this attribute are just more productive.
3. Collaboration and working as a team
Understanding that you are part of a larger team and each individual has a specific role is critical to developing a good work ethic. This understanding encourages teamwork and cooperation to ensure that everyone gets the information they need to do their jobs in the best way possible. And because people with high work ethics are typically more productive and efficient with their time use, this frees up time for individuals with solid work ethics to assist others in accomplishing more.
A person with a high work ethic isn’t focused on what they need to do for themselves; instead, they are focused on what needs to be done for the firm’s success. As a result, he contributes well to the team.
4. Continual and Excellent Work
Those with a solid work ethic are driven from the inside out to achieve their goals. They will gladly accept money as well as other incentive rewards. But beyond that, a manager will see that the person has a strong desire to succeed in everything they do. The source of your frustration may be just a straightforward technical problem. A worker with a high work ethic will not sit around and wait for another employee to take care of the issue. Instead, he will contact the appropriate resources, look for solutions online, and continue to work on the issue until it is fixed. This commitment to achieving one’s goals may be seen in every action an employee with a strong work ethic takes.
5. Dedicated
The quality of work done by an individual with a strong work ethic is high because they adhere to appropriate scheduling practices, have a strong drive to achieve their goals, and maintain high professionalism. In addition, the work is done cleanly and professionally and often goes above and beyond what was initially requested.
For example, you could ask one of your employees to fold the newly stocked sweater inventory. Someone with a high work ethic will fold them and organize them according to size or colour and then inquire what else is required. Next, she will clear the area that will be used to show them, ensuring that everything is in its proper place and is neat for the public to see.
Overall, work ethic is paramount because it impacts the quality of work produced, career prospects, organizational success, personal satisfaction, and workplace culture.
“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.
What Have You Done For The Person In The Mirror? What is your favourite dish to eat? When someone asks you that question, you might say Ramen or Biryani… And when they give you biryani the next day – hurray! Your favourite food is in front of you, and you are pleased! How about biryani the next day too? On a consequent day, you are also served biryani each day for the next month. You might end up never eating biryani again!
The love you show to other people has the same boomerang! You love someone so deeply and care for people wholeheartedly only because you are a good person from within… It makes you, perhaps, happy giving all you have and all the empathy you pour into this world… However, all the effort eventually fades with time and with people realizing that this is a continuously flowing river of compassion, love, and kindness that will never dry up. No matter what, the expectation of this river of love not drying up adds to your need not to let it dry up! You feel pressured to keep the flow going when you are not helped to maintain the same. This is when you feel exhausted, used, and not appreciated.
When you look closely, eventually, you might be only pouring all that love in the wrong direction where people have long back stopped craving for the care and affection you’ve got – not always because they have completely lost interest in you – but because they have somehow seen over time that you are only focusing on giving others everything and in the process, you have entirely forgotten about who YOU are! You have lost touch with your own needs and desires over others. You have lost contact with your inner self. You have been toiling for so long that you forgot to notice the person in the mirror – who you probably see every morning but are too lost and drained to notice!
That person in the mirror has many questions. That person has many needs and wants too. That person is waiting for you to turn back and realize that you are doing it all wrong.
Talk to yourself, heal yourself, and show empathy to yourself, and the world can wait till you find out who you really are from within before you start distributing parts of yourself to the vastness, and get entirely lost somewhere! Why not? Simply because it is not worth it. It is not worth it to ignore your shadow. It is only served if you do your part in your family. It is not worth it to not satisfy your own needs over others. It is not worth it not to be selfish at times. It is not worth it to carry the burden of others. Do you know what is worth it all? Being there for yourself.
Understanding yourself. Honouring yourself. Acknowledging yourself. LOVING YOURSELF. Ensure you are doing something worth your time, efforts, self, and LIFE! Nothing is worth more than what you do with your life and all the ticking time you’ve got!
TALK TO THAT PERSON IN THE MIRROR!
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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.
A friend re-entered the dating pool a few years back. The last she dated was her husband, whom she met at university. Since then, everything has changed. So thus, she needed to learn about the new dating scene. A few from her circle suggested a few app names and requested she creates an online profile. It would be a real “quickie,” her friends had told her. A quickie in current lingo means a short and concise act of lovemaking. A quick one. Sounds exciting and exhilarating, having sex in a few minutes wherever you are.
So back to the topic. Now, she had to “swipe” left or right. Well, it depended on what she wanted to do with the profile or potential match in front of her. A super exciting adventure where all she had to do was set a location preference, and pictures of dates would appear. And thus, she began dating.
Dating for the current generation could be anything from a quickie, an ONS (One night stand), or an open relationship to it’s complicated. Of course, you can customize your profile bio depending on what you want.
For millennials, dating meant meeting potential dates in pubs, bars, plays, cinemas, cafes, or restaurants. Some metros and a few small cities back then had started speed dating events (present in a different form today) where you encountered people face-to-face and spent a fixed period (10-15 minutes) at each table in cafes and yet find your love or romantic interest.
Online dating was in its early phases. Yahoo and MSN chatrooms were dating hubs where potential partners exchanged A/S/Ls. For the unversed, A/S/L is age, sex, and location. Orkut was blooming, and social media had just been born. Creating attractive profiles with eye-catching bios was the norm. When Facebook made its entry, it took over the dating scene. It was one of the biggest social media platforms then. Potential dates would check photographs and videos (no reels then) of people and approach them. Slowly audio and video calling features were added, making the dating universe much smaller. People sitting on different continents or countries across the globe could match potential partners in seconds. And now, there are millions of apps around the world.
Just like the definitions of romance and love have undergone profound changes, the vocabulary has changed significantly since we crossed from the Gen Ys and Gen Zs to the present Generation Alpha. The medium of romance is no longer only phone calls and text messages via SMS, Whatsapp, or Messenger. In addition, one has multi-dating options thanks to dating apps and many others.
The vocabulary and terminology have profoundly changed from the Lost Gen, Greatest Gen, Silent Gen, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, to Gen Alpha. Suppose you belonged to the 80s/90s or Gen X/MTV generation. In that case, these are the terms you may be familiar with (there may be more, too, depending on all the countries and continents across the globe), thanks to the million sitcoms we watched back then. On the other hand, Gen Alpha (born 2010 till now) is an app-based, quickie generation – whether it is health, lifestyle, travel, or even dating – life is at the fingertips of gadgets.
You can create an attractive profile on any dating app and swipe left/right for potential dates. All you need is a photo or a video for verification from the dating app, and you are all set to meet your date. Mention your city, sexual/gender preference, and why you want to date; you will be matched better with dates accordingly. Like-minded profiles will pop up for you to check. Unlike the good old days when you exchanged phone numbers, now you can preserve your anonymity and chat till you are prepared to meet your date. Until then, you can use the chat interface of the apps.
Top 10 New Generation Dating slangs
1. Ghosting
When someone suddenly stops communicating with their romantic interest without any explanation or warning.
2. Benching
When someone keeps a potential romantic partner “on the bench” or in reserve without fully committing to them, while continuing to explore other options.
3. DTR – Define The Relationship
This is when two people talk about what their relationship means and what they expect from each other.
4. Cushioning
When someone keeps multiple romantic options as a safety net in case their relationship doesn’t work out.
5. Catfishing
When someone pretends to be someone else online to deceive someone into a romantic relationship.
6. Slow-fading
When someone gradually decreases communication and fades out of a romantic relationship without officially ending it.
7. Cuffing season
The time of year, typically in the fall and winter, when people seek a committed relationship for the colder months.
8. Bread-crumbing
When someone gives just enough attention and affection to keep someone interested but doesn’t fully commit to a relationship.
9. Love-bombing
When someone overwhelms their romantic interest with excessive attention, affection, and gifts, usually in the early stages of a relationship.
10. Stealthing
The act of removing a condom during sex without the other person’s knowledge or consent. This is a form of sexual assault.
Knowing the language of dating allows you to communicate effectively with potential partners. It helps you understand what someone means when they use a particular term and will enable you to express yourself clearly and accurately. Different dating terms and phrases can have different meanings for different people. Understanding these terms can help you know what your partner is looking for in a relationship and their expectations. Dating terminology can be confusing, and it’s easy to misinterpret what someone means. By being aware of the language of dating, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure you are on the same page with your partner. In the modern dating world, there are many new and different ways to meet people, some of which can be risky. Knowing the language of dating can help you navigate online dating apps and websites and be aware of potential red flags or signs of danger.
Here are a few more SLANGS to know
Orbiting When someone continues to engage with their former romantic interest on social media without communicating directly.
Haunting Similar to orbiting, haunting is when someone lurks on their former romantic interest’s social media, even after the relationship has ended.
Zombieing When someone who ghosted their romantic interest suddenly reappears, often months or years later, as if nothing happened.
Submarining When someone who ghosted their romantic interest suddenly reappears, but with an explanation or apology for their previous disappearance.
Thirst-trap When someone posts a photo on social media to receive attention and validation from others, often sexually or suggestively.
Gaslighting When someone manipulates their romantic interest into doubting their perceptions, memories, or sanity.
Monkeying The practice of quickly moving on from one romantic interest to another without taking time to process or heal from the previous relationship.
Paperclipping When someone who ghosted their romantic interest suddenly reappears without any explanation or apology for their previous disappearance.
Stashing When someone keeps their romantic interest a secret from their family and friends, often indicating that they’re not serious about the relationship.
Kittenfishing When someone presents themselves online in a slightly more positive or exaggerated light than their true self, without necessarily pretending to be someone else.
In recap, knowing dating terminology can help you communicate effectively, understand your partner’s expectations, avoid confusion and misunderstandings, and more importantly stay safe while dating.
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She is a quirky writer/photographer/closet poet and singer who has traversed a non-conventional path. As a former entertainment journalist who has worked in print and online media for a decade, Priya loves talking to people and writing their unspoken stories. She is a single parent of a 7-year-old son settled in Tamil Nadu and a Content Consultant/ Communications-PR Manager. She is also an informal mentor to parents in her local parenting network. She dreams of being an author of a book and maybe the scriptwriter of a film someday!
One of the stories from my never-peaceful past that I tell people is about the house I spent the longest part of my childhood. The house carried a lot of memories … and some nightmares! We moved into this house when I was seven, and the house was sealed with a notice stuck on the door. I never read or asked about the message or bill, but I remember walking into the house and spotting a blood-soaked (or so it seemed) torn shirt under the sink. At that age, I never understood the severity of it or what it could have meant, or how eerie that could sound to someone.
But we were a huge family and desperately needed to move to a big house, and that house was the only option available. My father never believed in any rituals, so we never got any house-warming or house-blessing rituals done. We moved into it.
Many years later, when I was an adolescent, I remember sleeping on my side and feeling a strong, hand holding my hand. The grip was so firm that it woke me up from my sleep, but I could barely open my eyes. I could still feel that grip, so much so, that I squeezed that hand just to convince myself that it was not a dream, and I could barely squeeze beyond a certain point. At that time, I felt what I was experiencing was real!
I was experiencing ‘Paranormal!’
Well, at least I would believe so…
Many argue it could be a lucid dream, which is not altogether impossible—the existence of ghosts or paranormal falls in that grey area that can be debated for decades. Ancient folklore has spoken about ghosts, other-worldly souls, the supernatural, and the mystic. Whether it is the ‘The Dybbuk’ from Jewish folklore (the spirit of a dead person that possesses a living person) or ‘The White lady’ from European folklore (the mysterious woman in a white dress who roams around castles and graveyards), or ‘The Bhoot of Bhangarh Fort’ of Indian folklore (said to be of the many people who died there as a result of the curse of a sorcerer); all have one thing in common – The BELIEF of a supernatural presence!
But do ghosts exist for real… or are some random coincidences fusing in to create an eerie experience that adds up as ‘Ghostly’ or ‘Paranormal?’
Let’s examine some experiences that people usually describe as other-worldly and if there could be a possible metaphysical and scientific explanation.
1. Apparitions
What it means? Apparitions are supernatural appearances of a person or thing and account for the most commonly reported experiences. You see these fleeting shadows or hazy human or animal forms floating around. These can be full or partial-body apparitions, sometimes headless or without legs. At times they may be vivid and static like a person standing or sitting while it’s not there.
Possible scientific explanation
Your brain is a powerhouse of suggestions, almost to an extent where it can create alternate realities for you. As severely as your mind and heart want to see an outcome, as powerfully and vividly, your mind can construct it for you. This is called ‘Motivated Perception’ or, in layman’s terms, ‘you see what you want to see.’ More serious conditions like substance abuse or delusional disorders can cause you to have hallucinations, which may seem like apparitions.
2. Shadow People
What it means?
Like apparitions, shadow people are humanoid, animal figures, or a combination of both. They are dark and are usually silhouettes. They can walk or float like apparitions, traditionally considered dark and negative energy. People typically associate shadow figures with death and harm.
Possible scientific explanation
Similar to apparitions, these could be a play of your perception, hallucination, or a trick of the light. Our brain also tends to find patterns and meanings in our vision. So even if you may have seen something random, your brain works overtime to find a match from your memory data warehouse. Whatever it can attribute it to, it does. At times it can be carbon monoxide poisoning causing you to have hallucinations and extra-sensory perceptions.
3. Unexplained noises
What it means?
Hearing voices, names being called out, hearing heavy footsteps, someone banging the door, or noises of things falling, doors and windows opening or closing or creaking are staples of horror stories. Many people report being called by someone, especially from behind, hearing whispers, and turning around to find no one. Interestingly, these usually happen when you are alone and not surrounded by people.
Possible scientific explanation
You can blame the wind for the noises. The acoustic vibrations could be at play, or a sudden breeze could cause certain sound waves that our brain may decipher as a ‘certain word’ or a sound vibration similar to your name. However, at times the proper frequencies are just infrasound. They are too low for your ears to pick up but can trigger physical and emotional responses that feel like a ‘paranormal experience.’ EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) pick up these infrasound vibrations that sound like ghostly voices!
4. Strange smells
What it means?
Many people report smelling a particular odour without reason for being there. Perfume sprays or odour of the person who unexpectedly died. Like rotting fish or flesh, many also report smells of something burning or rotting. These are primarily written from sites where a tragedy has taken place.
Possible scientific explanation
Our brains are definitely at play here. It could be conspiring with your senses to create fragrances you want to smell (like in the case of perfume fragrances of your loved ones). This is a ‘Coping mechanism’ your brain tricks you into. It tries to comfort you by creating the same scent you are used to.
It could be chemicals or pheromones in the environment you may be picking up on that smell like rotting flesh or burning odours. A specific variety of mold can also cause you to hallucinate and experience odours while appearing spooky!
5. Sudden cold or physical sensations
What it means?
This one is my favourite. A sudden drop in temperature, a particular spot feeling unusually cold, a feeling of cold air brushing past you, or even a cold hand touching you is commonly attributed to spirit presence in the area. A Portal opening is also said to have a cold spot around it. A portal is a doorway, gate, or entrance to the other world. A gate where people can come and go of free will (like a door or window in the house). In the metaphysical world, a spirit portal can be around anything that can pull or reflect energy (like a mirror) or at places where you transcend into a different form of energy (like a hospital or a morgue, or cemeteries). It could also be at a random location in the house or an open space where geomagnetic energy concentrates on the geological forces of the area.
Possible scientific explanation
Magnetic fields are more commonly to be blamed for such unexplained cold spots. We cannot see the earth’s magnetic spots and could misconstrue them as cold spots. A window direction, airflow dynamics, air currents, lighting layout, or your body’s temperature regulation system could trick you into experiencing cold spots.
6. Objects moving on their own
What it means?
This is said to be done by poltergeists. This is when things suddenly fly off from their places without any explainable cause. For example, the doors and windows may open and close. Or drawers may suddenly open and shut. Something you believe you kept in a particular place may be found elsewhere. Poltergeists are believed to be very violent and influential because they are tactile and can cause tangible things to move and, therefore, can be physically harmful to you.
Possible scientific explanation
Vibrations or infrasound can cause movement in unexpected areas. You may also have pranksters and hoaxers having fun at your expense. Or there could be sudden air-flow change causing things to move or fly off, which generally don’t.
7. Sleep Paralysis
What it means?
Sleep Paralysis is when you suddenly wake up and feel someone choking you or sitting on your chest. Your eyes and mind are open, but you cannot move. You can see and understand everything but are unable to scream or speak.
Possible scientific explanation
Sleep paralysis is a commonly reported condition. Narcolepsy or sleep apnoea can cause sleep paralysis. It lasts only a minute or two but can feel like a long time and frightening.
There could be many other reasons behind a paranormal experience. Some are psychological, like personal beliefs, the power of suggestions, and sociocultural conditioning. In contrast, others may be as mundane as sleep deprivation causing you to have visions and experiences that feel other-worldly.
Even with many explanations in support and against the idea, there cannot be an absolute answer on whether ghosts or spirits exist. This remains, and will forever remain, a ‘grey’ area where you cannot say which argument could be actual.
It all eventually boils down to which part you lend credence to with the experiences you have been through. As for me, my experiences did push me to say…
Yes, I do believe in Ghosts! Do you?
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!
Oral health directs to the overall health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral health because it not only helps to prevent dental concerns such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, but it also plays a paramount role in your overall health and well-being. Oral health is more critical than one may acknowledge. Did you know that your dental health can provide insight into your complete health, and disorders in your mouth can have repercussions throughout the rest of your body? Safeguard yourself by educating yourself about the connection between your dental and your body’s health.
What’s the connection between oral health and overall health?
Like the rest of your body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, because your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts, some bacteria can cause disease.
Bacteria are generally controlled by the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria levels can rise to the point where they can cause oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers, diuretics, and antidepressants, for example, can all reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, protecting the body against microbes that multiply and cause disease.
According to research, oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) may play a role in some conditions. Furthermore, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can reduce the body’s resistance to infection, exacerbating oral health issues.
What conditions are associated with oral health?
Your oral health may play a role in a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
Endocarditis. This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) usually happens when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to specific areas in your heart.
Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease. Although the link is not fully understood, some research suggests that inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria may be linked to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
Complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Premature birth and low birth weight have been linked to periodontitis.
Pneumonia. Bacteria in your mouth can enter your lungs and cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including.
Diabetes. Diabetes weakens the body’s resistance to infection, risking your gums. Diabetes appears to increase the frequency and severity of gum disease. According to research, people with gum disease have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. Diabetes control can be improved with regular periodontal care.
Osteoporosis. This bone-weakening disease is linked to tooth loss and periodontal bone loss. In addition, certain osteoporosis medications carry a negligible risk of causing jaw bone damage.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, so does oral health.
Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and Sjogren’s syndrome, an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth.
Inform your dentist about any medications you’re taking and any changes in your overall health, especially if you’ve recently been ill or have a chronic condition like diabetes.
How can I safeguard my oral health? Practice good oral hygiene daily to protect your oral health.
Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily.
To remove food particles left behind after brushing and flossing, use mouthwash.
Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are worn or splayed.
Schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings.
Tobacco use should be avoided.
Also, contact your dentist immediately if you have an oral health problem. Taking care of your teeth and gums is an investment in your overall health.
Here are some grounds why oral health is necessary
1. Prevention of dental problems
Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, helps to prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
2. Protection of overall health
Poor oral health has been linked to several serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
3. Early detection of health problems
Regular dental checkups can help to detect early signs of health problems such as oral cancer, which can be easily treated if caught early.
4. Improved self-esteem
Healthy teeth and gums contribute to a beautiful smile, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
5. Cost savings
Maintaining good oral health can save you money in the long run by avoiding expensive dental procedures that may be required if problems are left untreated.
Good oral health is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and promoting overall health and well-being. Therefore, practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly to prevent dental problems and detect early signs of health troubles is fundamental.
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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.
Living peacefully means you live harmoniously with yourself and those around you. It may not be the easiest (most often), but learning a few tricks and hacks to living a more peaceful life is worth it! What brings peace to you may not be what brings peace to others around you – what defines peaceful living for you may not be the same for someone else. Peace, according to your beliefs and lifestyle, would be way different from someone else’s – however, there are a few things that never go wrong (for anyone) when it comes to finding peace and living a peaceful life.
Only you are responsible for how you live and perceive life – your journey is yours to travel. Hence, make sure you do it in style and make a few heads turn!
To begin with, finding peace has a lot to do with understanding yourself – your fears, insecurities, anger issues and intolerance, lack of social skills, and so on. So calm your storms from within to find peace and ease on the outside.
A few things you must not overlook include:
Being non-violent.
Being more understanding and observant.
Living life and enjoying the little things.
Being tolerant and adjusting.
Catering to the needs of others around you.
Respect all living beings – here, we are not just talking about humans. Animals, plants, insects, everything, and anything deserve respect. So respect and love everything around you, smile more, and acknowledge and accept the beauty within everything to find yourself immersed in serenity.
Another essential factor you must consider is loving others and not trying to control them. A lot of people need to correct this. They seek to control what others do or say rather than seeking to love and adore them for who they are. The more you try to control the actions, words, and emotions of others, the more you are trying to destroy your peace and the peace of others around you.
Being tolerant is another perfect life hack you must cultivate. Rather than jumping to negative conclusions and losing your calm, be tolerant. In changing your perspective of others, you change and alter their self-perspective! For instance, if you start calling someone witty, intelligent, strong, and wise rather than anything negative, their perception of themselves changes. Likewise, you create a world full of positive-minded, happy people!
Other ways to find peace within are forgiving and forgetting negativity, not dwelling in the past and moving on with life, being honest and transparent with yourself and others around you, not seeking any revenge, positive affirmations, cheering yourself and others around you and making sure life is just as beautiful as nature – we must not pollute it and keep it fresh and excellent for it to not lose its charm!
Tips to help live a relaxed life
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the art of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and bring more peace.
Simplify Your Life: Too many material possessions and commitments can create stress and chaos. Simplify your life by decluttering your space, saying no to unnecessary burdens, and focusing on what matters to you.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise benefits not only your physical health but also your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, improving your mood and reducing stress and anxiety.
Cultivate Positive Relationships: Positive relationships with friends, family and loved ones can bring joy and peace. Make time for the people who matter to you, and cultivate positive relationships by being kind, compassionate, and understanding.
Practice Forgiveness: Holding grudges and harbouring anger can harm your mental health. Practice forgiveness by letting go of past hurts and resentments and focusing on the present.
Disconnect From Technology: Constantly checking your phone or social media can create stress and disrupt your peace. Take breaks from technology and spend time in nature or engage in other activities that bring you joy.
Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is being thankful for what you have in your life. Focusing on what you have rather than your lack can bring more peace and contentment.
Remember, living a peaceful life is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to cultivate habits and practices that promote peace, but the rewards are well worth it.
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.
You do not need to be a writer or artist or be in any creative field to be creative. Each one of us have creativity hidden in all our mental crevices.
I have often heard my friends and close acquaintances tell me how they want to be creative, how they are not clever enough, or how their brains are not wired for creativity. So many such statements float around in the Universe, and we all get attracted to negative words first. Right? I am sure most of you will resonate with this.
So how do you define creativity? Creativity is subjective and different for all. For some, it can be words, and some can be sketches, singing, dancing, photography, or even graffiti. It is a release of energy in a constructive manner using various tools and mediums. Creativity helps break the same old mundane routines – a break from doing ordinary chores.
According to the dictionary, “Creativity is the ability to make or otherwise bring into existence something new, whether a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form.”
In modern terminology, there is a term called “Creative Explorers.” They are those who can invent and invent original ideas. Are you one? What is your definition of creativity? What do you think makes your creative juices flow? Do mention it in the comment section.
In my early days, creativity came in writing and doodling (drawing and scribbling). Between classes in school and while attending boring lectures in college, I have often dawdled and scribbled designs. Old textbooks were filled with Warli décor (my favourite tribal art). Doodling gave me ideas to study concepts, ideate for a new project and help friends in their romantic adventures (I shall come to that later) too.
Nature Walks Mother Nature can be highly inspiring. Flora and fauna, insects, and all elements of nature can give you many ideas if you look closely at each. The designs, contours, colours, texture, and sounds can evoke you to create the best creations.
Music At times, you listen to a particular music piece in your playlist, and it will make you freeze in your tracks and make you think. So keep your journal and pen handy. Jot down the first word or concept that comes to your mind.
CrosswordPuzzles If you have been stuck while writing a novel or trying to fit a piece in a jigsaw puzzle, solving the mystery of a missing object, weaving threads of a relationship, or healing a part of your unresolved traumas, sit down with a crossword puzzle. While solving the crossword, you might stimulate your brain and think of something you never thought of before.
Dance If you are a kinaesthetic personality who loves to move around and think or do things, dance may activate your brain and help you solve problems. So many a time, we get saturated thinking in one spot. Dance movements will help re-center your body and mind, making you come up with out-of-the-box solutions.
Painting Colours have a beautiful effect on humans. You can develop mindfulness and concentration, solve problems efficiently, act as a stress buster, and connect with yourself more. Painting is akin to connecting with one’s inner self since you spend much time filling a canvas with drawings and colours. They say an artwork reflects an artist’s soul on the canvas.
Graffiti It has become of the best mediums to express one’s thoughts and opinions. Apart from being a hobby, it is being explored professionally by people in ad and digital marketing companies for social media campaigns. It gives people a sense of individuality and uniqueness, helps them come up with offbeat ideas for doing social projects, connects with the masses easily during campaigns, and helps boost self-esteem. Caution is to do graffiti on old walls, unused warehouses, old structures in cities, and legally designated public spaces.
Photography A camera is a medium for a person to capture moments, people, animals, and all elements of nature. A photographer’s pictures reflect their soul, they say. The photographs captured show how they want to express their thoughts. Each frame has a part of them frozen with other elements in the picture.
Cooking I know many friends who enter the kitchen to get inspired. They say food inspires and stimulates their imagination. It kicks up their creative abilities when they try a new recipe in the kitchen. Baking, grilling, or cooking something completely new even helps solve a lot of unresolved doubts in their mind. It is also a beautiful art form.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)Art If you are into making handmade things for yourself, the house, or your loved ones, then DIY is for you. Try making things from scratch, and the excitement that gets fired up to create something different will bring out all your creative juices. Of course, it can be just picking out raw materials for your DIY craft, but it will stimulate all your senses.
App Designing & Video Games Both these are the current trend among teens and Gen Alpha. It is one of the biggest stressbusters from studies and usual routines. There are dozens of video tutorials to guide you to do the same. You can learn a new skill too and, in the long run, help your friends create and design apps, video games, and anything tech related. You need not be a tech geek for this. All you need is a laptop and online tools to develop web programs. A lot of tutorial videos break tech concepts into plain non-specialist language.
So, what are you waiting for? Get creative, and make your creations this summer!
Signing off with a favourite quote I read:
“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.” – Bruce Garrabrandt, artist, author, and speaker.
She is a quirky writer/photographer/closet poet and singer who has traversed a non-conventional path. As a former entertainment journalist who has worked in print and online media for a decade, Priya loves talking to people and writing their unspoken stories. She is a single parent of a 7-year-old son settled in Tamil Nadu and a Content Consultant/ Communications-PR Manager. She is also an informal mentor to parents in her local parenting network. She dreams of being an author of a book and maybe the scriptwriter of a film someday!
Art of How To 