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I am a part of Hands of Love by Moms of Kochi which is an initiative by Moms of Kochi where we lend a hand to manage the finances of needy moms and kids.
As part of the group, we often get requests on how to ensure children are getting the right nutrition for their growth and development.
Us moms have always been looking for the best diet for proper nutrition and the best nutrition drinks for child growth. Here are some nutrition drinks you could try.
Best Nutrition Drinks for Child Growth
1. Multigrain Drink
For an active, growing child, a daily diet might not suffice to fulfill their energy requirements. Hence it is ideal to include proper supplements to ensure the energy and nutrient quota. One such drink is the Multigrain drink.
Dry roast millets, sago, horse gram, almonds, pistachios and cashews. Powder them and keep them in an airtight container. Add this to your child’s drink every day and ensure that your child remains active and healthy. This one is the best health drink for your child that you can prepare at home.
2. Dates and Almonds shake
Kids love milkshakes and it is an easier choice to ensure that the child has consumed enough nutrients and remains full. Dates and Almonds milk shake is a healthy blend of protein, calcium, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamin B6. Take a glass of milk, 2-3 dates and a few almonds soaked overnight and peeled. Blend it in a mixer and consume fresh.
3. Turmeric Masala Mix
Consuming Turmeric Masala mix regularly improves immunity and Curcumin in turmeric helps when you have the common cold. Add a pinch of turmeric, and a teaspoon powdered cashew along with jaggery powder. Consuming this milk an hour before bedtime improves sleep and helps in improving your child’s mood.
4. Kesar Badam Milk
This magic drink is one of the best nutrition drinks for kids and adults alike. This improves immunity, strengthens bones and also enhances eyesight. Just like turmeric milk, Kesar Badam milk also helps to improve your sleep if consumed an hour before bedtime.
Finding the best nutrition drink
For busy mothers preparing these drinks and shakes can be an added job on some days. Moreover, remembering the ingredients to ensure ample nutrition is also a difficult task. This is where nutrition drinks come to your rescue.
But in these days of advertisement oversurge, how to find the right brand of nutrition drinks? You have to turn the bottle and check the ingredients. The ingredient that is given first is the prominent ingredient. You can also check the nutritional value.
While I compared various nutrition drink brands I realised that Complan is the right choice for my household as it has 34 vital nutrients, including 100% milk protein, vitamins and minerals. Also, it contains 63% more protein than other nutrition drinks.
Making healthy drinks for your child is satisfactory work. Because watching the kids drink up delicious nutrition without complaints is any mother’s dream.
You too can give the best nutrition drinks to your child and ensure their nutrition quota is fulfilled.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of peace and tranquility is essential for maintaining our mental and emotional well-being. One way to cultivate serenity within our living spaces is by incorporating an indoor Zen garden.
As much as we love living an eco-friendly life, to be a nature home, we have to develop an indoor garden. I have embarked on my wellness journey 5 years ago. Since then, there has been no looking back. I solely developed my spiritual space within my household where I find my peace and resilience. My Indoor zen garden has become my safe space where I share every emotion. I used to wonder how it could change my life so drastically that I have become a serene being.
Benefits of Indoor Zen Garden
These miniature landscapes offer a myriad of benefits that extend beyond mere aesthetics. Let’s delve deeper into why introducing an indoor Zen garden into your home can be a transformative experience.
Relaxation for the Mind
At the heart of every indoor Zen garden lies a sanctuary for the mind. Carefully curated with elements like smooth stones, lush greenery, and flowing water features, these tranquil havens provide a space for relaxation and introspection. Amidst the chaos of daily life, stepping into your indoor Zen garden can offer a respite as one of the strategies to manage stress—a place where you can unwind, rejuvenate, and center your thoughts.
Improving Mental Health
The impact of an indoor Zen garden on mental health is profound. By creating an environment conducive to relaxation and mindfulness, these serene settings have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. The simple act of tending to the garden—raking the sand, arranging stones, or pruning bonsai trees—can foster a sense of calm and inner peace, promoting overall psychological well-being.
Elegance and Sophistication
Beyond its therapeutic benefits, an indoor Zen garden adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. The minimalist design aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and harmonious balance, creates a visual focal point that exudes tranquility and refinement. Whether nestled in a corner of your living room or showcased as a centerpiece in your foyer, the presence of a Zen garden elevates the ambiance of your home, inviting a sense of serenity and grace into your surroundings.
Improved Air Quality
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, an indoor Zen garden contributes to better indoor air quality. The presence of live plants within the garden serves as natural air purifiers, absorbing harmful toxins and releasing oxygen into the surrounding environment. By incorporating elements such as lush foliage, succulents, or air-purifying plants like peace lilies or spider plants, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your Zen garden but also create a healthier living space for you and your family.
The benefits of an indoor Zen garden extend far beyond mere decoration. From promoting relaxation and mental well-being to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and air quality of your home, these serene sanctuaries offer a multitude of advantages for both the mind and body. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat from the chaos of everyday life or simply looking to infuse your living space with a sense of tranquility and harmony, consider creating your own indoor Zen garden—an oasis of serenity amidst the chaos of modern living.
My zen garden
Little did I know that my path to tranquility would be fraught with challenges. As I ventured into indoor gardening, the constraints of space posed significant hurdles in working with sand and planting materials. However, amidst the obstacles, I found solace in the expertise of Bombay Greens, a beacon of guidance in my quest for inner peace.
Confronting Space Limitations
The first obstacle I encountered was the limited space available for crafting my Zen oasis. Unlike outdoor gardens with boundless expanses, an indoor setting demanded careful consideration of every inch. Maneuvering sand and planting materials within this confined environment proved to be a daunting task.
Discovering Bombay Greens
In my pursuit of solutions, I stumbled upon Bombay Greens—a sanctuary for gardening enthusiasts. Their comprehensive range of products and services catered to every aspect of setting up an indoor Zen garden, alleviating my concerns and uncertainties.
A One-Stop Solution
What impressed me most about Bombay Greens was their holistic approach to indoor gardening. From mats for protecting surfaces to specialized fertilizers for nourishing plants, they provided everything I needed to transform my vision into reality. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality ensured that no aspect of my garden was overlooked.
Overcoming Challenges
With the essential supplies from Bombay Greens, I felt equipped to tackle the remaining obstacles in my path. While I already possessed decorative elements like Buddha curios, the messy nature of handling potting mixture threatened to derail my progress.
Despite the initial setbacks, the process of creating my indoor Zen garden became a labor of love. As I meticulously arranged stones, nurtured plants, and curated a sense of harmony, I found myself immersed in a state of peace and contentment.
The gardening mat by Bombay Greens is made of high-quality 300 GSM Geo Fabric Material. It is durable and waterproof. It’s easy to clean and perfect for repotting. Further, I bought the potting mixture which comprises of vermiculite, cocopeat, fertilizer, and neem powder. It is a combo for your potting and repotting needs. This makes the potting process less messy and saves time and water. This is a 100% organic mixture, which enhances the plant growth manifold. It is a light fluffy and high-draining pot mix. This makes 10kg of potting mix and makes potting an easy task. In addition, I also bought seeds from them. Overall Bombay Greens has made my Indoor zen garden adorable and refreshing without any mess.
Setting up my indoor Zen garden was far from a cakewalk, but it was a journey worth undertaking. Today, as I bask in the serenity of my Zen oasis, I am reminded that amidst life’s challenges, there is always room for growth, beauty, and inner peace.
In the world of vegan nutrition, plant-based proteins are the superheroes that fuel our bodies with the strength and vitality we need. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just embarking on a plant-powered journey, understanding the diverse and delicious world of plant proteins is essential. More often than not the vegan diet has been demonised for not providing us with the requisite protein content. However, being a nutrition and fitness coach my research in this matter has opened a vast world of Vegan protein options and the myths surrounding protein in a Vegan diet.
Importance of protein in the diet
We have learned from school protein is a macronutrient. It is called the building block of the body. A Vegan diet excludes all animal products like milk, meat, eggs and other animal-derived ingredients. The absence of conventional animal protein sources presents a danger of protein deficiency unless we back it up with vegan protein options. Before we see the protein-rich vegan diet, let’s address a few myths about protein deficiency in plant-based diets.
Myths about protein deficiency in plant-based diet
Plant-based diet causes protein deficiency – There are numerous plant sources of protein. If consumed in the right quantity, they will suffice the protein requirement in our body.
Plant proteins are incomplete – While some of the plant protein sources may lack a few amino acids, if you ensure the consumption of a balanced diet, this can be compensated. Plant-based athletes and bodybuilders have successfully followed an active lifestyle by including a variety of plant protein sources in their diet.
Plant proteins are not bio-available as animal proteins. Some plant protein sources could have lower bioavailability than animal proteins. However, the bioavailability can be improved by cooking, soaking and fermenting.
There are more myths about the vegan diet but you can be rest assured that you can suffice your protein requirement by including a variety of plant protein sources in your diet.
Vegan protein options in your diet
1. Legumes
They are probably the most accepted and known protein sources. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas and black beans are rich in protein content. 100-gram lentils have more protein content than one boiled egg. When it comes to nuts and soya the protein content is even more.
2. Soya chunks, Tofu and Tempeh
Tofu and tempeh are both derived from soya milk. They can be used as substitutes for paneer. They can be used in curries, or in grilled and fried form. 100 gm soya chunk contains 52 gm proteins which is equal to 4 boiled eggs.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is a complete protein, It contains all essential amino acids. It is easy to cook and can be used as a base for salads, or as a side dish.
4. Nuts and seeds
Seeds and nuts have high protein content. Nuts like almonds, peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds ets are rich in protein. You can prepare homemade protein powder using these nuts and seeds.
5. Whole grains
Brown rice, bulgur, barley, and oats are examples of whole grains that contribute to protein intake. They can be used as the base for meals or added to soups and stews.
6. Plant-based protein powder
If you are a busy bee running from office to home, you might not have the time and frame of mind to cook protein-rich foods and make protein powder, store bought protein powder is the best option. However, it is imperative to ensure the quality of the protein powder that we are buying. One reliable protein powder that has the goodness of peas, mushrooms, spirulina and probiotics is the Plant Protein Powder by Rooted Actives. This is a chocolate-flavoured 100% vegan plant protein powder. The goodness of protein is obtained from brown rice, mushrooms, spirulina, peas etc. This is enriched with all 9 amino acids and enzymes for digestion. It is the best choice for those who are following vegan, keto or gluten-free diets. It can be the ideal ingredient in your post-workout drink.
In addition, the fact that it is sweetened by natural stevia makes it a safe bet for people who want to go sugar-free. It is also infused with super mushrooms – Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Oyster mushrooms. If you consider the calorie and fat content of whey protein, this plant protein powder has a lesser quantity while the fibre content is more. Mix 1 heaping scoop (35 G Approx) of Plant Protein in 200-250ml of water. Shake well until it is completely mixed. Take 1-2 Servings Daily.
Mushroom coffee
Another ingredient by Rooted Active Naturals that stole my heart is their Wellness Mushroom Coffee.
Lion’s mane and chaga are superfoods that do not interfere with the taste of coffee. Lion’s mane is revered for its nootropic (cognition), brain, focus, and memory-boosting properties, while Chaga is a super antioxidant that helps with energy, immunity & cardio functioning. These powerful adaptogens & antioxidants may balance the effects of coffee without impacting its taste. more energy, fewer jitters, and super performance. (85% arabica coffee + 15% Lion’s mane & Chaga).
As you explore the world of vegan protein options, remember that variety is key to a well-rounded vegan diet. By embracing the abundance of options available, you can enjoy delicious meals while nourishing your body with the essential nutrients it needs. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply incorporating more plant-based meals into your routine, this guide is designed to empower you on your journey to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
‘Why are you getting unreasonably angry?’ ‘Do you have anger issues?’ ‘You should control your anger.’ Many of you might have heard this at some part of your life. Anger has always been demonized as an unhealthy emotion. I was the angry bird of the family that the younger ones would think thrice before messing with me. At school and college, I have been omitted from the so called desirable women category because the boys used to be wary of my reaction if they approached me. Slowly, the thought that my anger is my drawback started seeping into my psyche. It took me two decades to realize that anger is after all a positive emotion if channelized in the right path. The moment I learned to embrace my anger and tamed it, my life changed. I channelised my anger positively and the transformation in my personality is unbelievable. So, the next time someone gives you an angry bird image, tell them that ‘it is because I am positive’.
Embracing my angry bird image
I knew from early on that my anger was not healthy. Though I was not aware of healthy and unhealthy emotions back then, I was well aware that my anger was destructive. If I indulge in an argument, I would be the louder one. I had to raise my voice to the highest decibel to feel the satisfaction of having an upper hand. If that was not enough, I used to unreasonably hurt my loved ones and have lost many friendships because I used to treat them as my anger release bags. I knew I was going wrong but I was helpless. When I decided to change the pattern, I initiated a new defence mechanism of not reacting to anything that would trigger me.
I was somehow convinced that by avoiding the situation, I could remain calm. The moment a trigger came my way I started reminding myself to not react. Everyone was happy to see the newly emerged version of mine. The angry bird image gave way to the patient soul. Only if I knew that I was not managing my anger but bottling it up. Result? Things reached the bottleneck and I burst out fiercer than ever before. Whoever triggered me was out of the picture because I was loud enough to overpower the thoughts of the ones around me. Everyone saw how I was behaving but no one cared to ask why.
How I changed my angry bird image in a healthy transformation?
The first step into anger management was to acknowledge that being angry was normal. As a next step, I started observing my anger and I learned the following facts about it.
Anger helps to understand us better
A feeling of anger enabled me to stand up for myself
Being angry has saved me from many toxic friendships
Anger has motivated me to push my limits
Anger helped me in defending myself
If my anger had unimaginably positive repercussions, why was my anger materializing in a negative form? Because, for me, anger was not an emotion till then, it was an expression. My anger was not manifested in a physical form like an emotion that is being processed and expressed in a better way. The moment of this realization was bliss for me.
Since then I put a halt and ask myself, should I react this way or is there an alterative way to express my anger? More often than not I used to express unreasonable anger to my kids because it was convenient for me. I developed a pattern of escapism wherein I used to shout at my kids when I am angry with my husband. This was a prominently unhealthy pattern that I had to fight my way out of. When I followed the habit of pausing and introspecting I started behaving more reasonable and surprisingly I win every argument.
Your expression of anger depends on the person at the receiving end
Some instances, I would witness myself being angry at my partner to hide my pain. Yes! anger helps to hide the pain but this camouflaged pain could reach a bottleneck. You might have felt relieved of taking the burden out after shouting at someone who you have been suppressing your anger from. This is because it is like the pressure valve which when released, becomes loose. You heart and throat that tightens with pain will be relieved once your anger is expressed. But further you embark on a guilt trip of overreacting to the situation. To avoid such an introspective regret, you could pause and think. Journal your feelings and find better words to express them.
Anger helped me earn my position
If you ask me about the crossroad in my life, I would say it is the toxic friendship which budded after my third child was born. She broke me at different layers but my anger towards her fueled a fire to fight my way up. It is my anger towards her that pushed me beyond my limits and it acted as a manifestation and visualization meditation coupled with affirmations like ” I will show her what I am capable of”.
Every time I uttered similar lines, I was reassuring myself that I am capable of even more. My angry bird image might have changed by now, after applying the wellness programs in my own life. However, I still feel angry and I have learned to channelize my anger productively. Hence the next time you feel angry, ask yourself if it is an emotion or an expression. If it is the latter, you have won half the challenge.
The world is gravitating towards healthcare like never before. We are all keener to maintain health by embarking on a workout spree, gorging on raw food so that we can stay healthy, and supplementing on tablets to fulfill our nutritional requirements. The upsurge of advertisements and the recommendations by influencers – That’s it. We fall for all those that come across as remotely ‘healthy’. When they say that popping in vitamin pills would supplement you with the required nutrients, you fall for it. But are you aware of the Multivitamins Composition to ensure that you are supplied with the requisite nutrients? Let’s dive deep into the world of health supplements.
The health that is synthesized in a multivitamin plant.
Quite often, the resounding question that we, as nutritionists, face is whether I should take multivitamin supplements. The answer to this question can be two questions.
Do you take multiple servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day? (not once in a while but every day)
Does 80% of your diet consist of unprocessed or whole foods?
If your answer is yes, you need not take any health supplements unless you have any specific ailments or deficiencies. Because a balanced diet is enough to keep you healthy. But as the present conditions stand, the soil is depleted of its natural minerals and goodness due to the continuous and inadvertent use of fertilizers. This in turn tampers with the nutritional quality of the produce. Also, we receive our fruits and vegetables after transportation.
A lot of nutrients are lost in this process. So we cannot be rest assured of the quality of the produce that we buy from the shops. If the vegetables and fruits are produced in your backyard or they are bought from an organic farmer in your locality. Your dietary routine should be as per mentioned above, you need not take nutritional supplements. Otherwise, it would be ideal to supplement your diet because more nutrients could be lost due to overcooking and unscientific packing.
Single vitamin and multivitamin
Now that you have an idea about whether you should consume supplements. The next question is whether you should consume any particular vitamin or multivitamin. If you have a specific vitamin deficiency, it is advisable to take single vitamins. For instance, I have Vitamin C and Vitamin D deficiency. Hence I take supplements for these two. Though my levels are almost back to normal after my wellness lifestyle, I take supplements once in a while just in case. If you are pregnant, the gynec might prescribe folic acid, iron, and calcium supplements. Patients above 50 would be suggested Vitamin D and Calcium because their chances of having Osteoporosis are higher. Vegans are suggested Vitamin B12. But if you are an overall healthy human it is better to have the right multivitamins dosage for adults due to the following reasons.
Single vitamins can be expensive
If you choose to consume a separate tablet for each vitamin and mineral requirement, it would burn your pockets. Moreover, you have to pop in multiple pills instead of a single multivitamin tablet. The multivitamins multi minerals and antioxidants tablets uses are more pronounced in such scenarios.
We don’t know how they act
If we pop in multiple vitamin pills, we don’t know how they will react and whether one vitamin will affect the absorption of another. The medical world is still unsure about the repercussions. Multivitamin contraindications are lesser in comparison because a good multivitamin company will take into account all of these while formulating the tablets.
Now you know whether to take single vitamins or multivitamins. Now let’s have a look at the Multivitamins Compositions which is the key factor in deciding whether the tablet we consume is beneficial or not.
Multivitamin composition – What to look for?
The multivitamins multiminerals and antioxidants tablets uses depend on the composition that they are formulated in. You need to know if you are consuming the synthetic drug created in a multivitamin plant or the one with the right multivitamins compositions. While all the jargon would be overwhelming for you, we shall share a few terms to look for in your supplement. Before we go further, take your multivitamin bottle and look at the label.
Before going further let us see what are co factors. Co factors are the substances that along with the enzymes and other substances, help the nutrients to be absorbed into your body. Once you take synthetic tablets with multivitamins composition that mimic the chemical structure, they don’t get absorbed due to the lack of co-factors. However, there are other companies that go about to ensure that you are provided with bioactive (easily absorbable) forms of vitamins and minerals.
The composition to look for
To know the difference, let us dive deep into the multivitamins composition.
Vitamin B-6 -The bioactive form of B-6 is Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate but if you look at the label, most of the commercial tablets available have Pyridoxine HCL, which is the synthetic form and would be ejected through urine.
Vitamin B-12 – The bioactive form of B-12 methylcobalamine but most tablets have cyanocobalamin in their tablets. This is the cheaper version and is not the bioactive form
Vitamin B-9 – For Vitamin B-9 or folate, the bioactive form is L-5 Methyltetrahydrofolate
Minerals – Minerals are mostly poorly absorbed unless combined with the chelate. Most companies don’t provide chelated minerals.
Some companies skip the addition of bioactive forms of the vitamins. In such cases, without any further research, you can be assured that the product is synthetic because the companies that go the extra mile to provide you with bioactive multivitamins mention that on the label. We don’t want any unnecessary fillers like gluten, yeast, artificial colors lactose, etc. The components that you might want to look for are cellulose and silicon dioxide which are natural.
The dosage matters
Another key factor is the dosage. We need a continuous supply of nutrients in our body. Though it is not practicable to take 5-6 dosages of the tablet per day at least two doses is a must. If a company is asking you to pop only one pill and go about the day, you can be assured that their Multivitamins Composition is as good as not. The website multivitamin guide has a comprehensive list of approved multivitamins. For more assistance about your diet, you can take our diet plans and start formulating healthy eating habits.
Smoothies have gained acceptance in the world of health. With the right mix of balanced nutrients, the smoothies ensure you are provided with a diet that ensures you remain healthy and fit. Post covid the search for foods that are good for the lungs has been the trend. With life going faster, cooking for a separate diet plan gets into your hair because who has time for donning the chef’s cap? The easy exit from the irritating cooking job is to have smoothies. Hence presenting to you smoothies recipes for breakfast. Save your time and energy while you ingest the goodness of vegetables and fruits. They let you have guilt-free indulgence because they are equally scrumptious and healthy.
Smoothies Recipes For Breakfast
As I am following the satvic lifestyle I have been trying smoothies for a while. We are providing you smoothies recipes for breakfast and also for the days when you are on a smoothie diet. You could have them as smoothies or juice them up depending on the time of the day you are trying to have them. Smoothies provide you with ample fibre while juices lack the fiber content. However the juice is what you have first thing in the morning, then it is better to avoid smoothies and stick to juices. Before we jump into the recipe let us address the most commonly asked question. Are smoothies good for you?
Benefits of smoothies
1. Saves time
When you are on a diet, it is difficult to cook all the fancy ‘so-called’ healthy diet which has ingredients that are not even appropriate for the Indian climate and seasons. If you are working or a parent with small children cooking something separately for you can be taxing. So just grind them up and gulp them down.
2. Aids digestion
As opposed to the juices smoothies are rich in fibre. The fibre content enhances the bowel movement thereby improving the digestion of food. If you make smoothies with almond milk or coconut water, it hydrates your body, flushes out the toxins, and regulates the body temperature.
Smoothie diet can be incorporated by anyone in their diet. However, it has become the trend once the benefits of smoothies in weight loss have become known to laymen. Smoothies ensure you get the nutrients required without adding calories to your diet.
4. Nutrient-rich
Smoothies are rich in nutrients. Since you are using multiple fruits and vegetables, the smoothies are rich in various nutrients. As you customise your smoothie the nutrients that you receive are varied.
4 Smoothies Recipes for breakfast – Begin your day with a bang
1. ABC Smoothie
ABC Smoothie
ABC smoothie is a powerful detox smoothie with the goodness of Apples, Beetroots and Carrot. Apple is rich in Vitamin E, polyphenols, bio active contents, and antioxidants. Beetroot is rich in Vit B9 and Folate. It also contains nitric oxide which increases bloof flow to your muscles. It contains beta carotene which aids the body in digestion and absorption of votamin A. It is useful for healthy vision, weightloss and improving immunity.
Peel and chop the apple, beetroot and carrot. Blend then in a mixer. Add honey and grated ginger and blend again. Add a pinch of salt. Your smoothie is ready. Transferit to a glass/mug and serve fresh.
Peel and chop the aashgourd and almonds. Blend then in a mixer. Add lemon juice and stir well. Your smoothie is ready. Transferit to a smoothie glass/mug and serve fresh.
3. Green smoothie
Green smoothie
This is a smoothie that can be counted as complete diet
Peel and chop the banana, mango and almonds. Chop the spinach. Blend them in a mixer. Add lemon juice and stir well. Your smoothie is ready. Transfer it to a smoothie glass/mug and serve fresh.
Orange can be substituted with lemon juice. Likewise almond milk can be substituted with coconut water or coconut milk
4. Golden Glow Smoothie
Golden Glow Smoothie
It is a colorful, tasty and creamy smoothie rich in Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. It boosts the immune system and energy levels.
Peel, de-seed and chop the papaya and grate the carrot. Peel and de seed the orange.
Blend them in a mixer along with turmeric powder and ginger. Your smoothie is ready. Transfer it to a smoothie glass/mug and serve fresh.
The smoothies recipes for breakfast can be customized as per the availability of fruits and vegetables. By consuming these you can ensure that your nutrient requirements are met while you make sure to lose weight in the process.
@rakhijayashankar The copyright of the content belongs to Rakhi Jayashankar and cannot be republished or repurposed without the express permission of the owner.
No one is untouched by the hands of stressors. Those who work are always under the pressure of deadlines, peer pressure, career advancement pressures, and whatnot. Students undergo academic pressure, parental expectations, competition and so much more. Women too need to balance a lot between their work and household responsibilities. In today’s fast-paced society, stress has become an ever-present and significant aspect of the modern world. As we navigate the complexities of contemporary life, we face a multitude of challenges that can trigger stress, such as job pressures, financial worries, social demands, and technology overload. While stress is a natural response designed to protect us, chronic and overwhelming stress can have adverse effects on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To lead a healthier and more balanced life, it is crucial to delve deeper into the root causes of stress and adopt effective strategies in managing stress.
This blog post will explore the anatomy of stress, identify common stressors in the modern world, analyze the impact of chronic stress on health, provide practical techniques for stress management, discuss the importance of cultivating resilience, and emphasize the value of seeking professional help when needed.
The Anatomy of Stress
Before we delve into stress management techniques, it is essential to understand the biological and psychological underpinnings of stress. Stress is a complex response triggered by the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight situation. This response, while necessary in dangerous situations, can be counterproductive when faced with chronic stressors. The limbic system and the amygdala in the brain play a pivotal role in processing stress. Understanding the science behind stress helps us recognize its influence on our bodies and minds, making it easier to manage effectively.
Identifying Stressors in the Modern World
The modern world presents us with a plethora of stressors that can affect us physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is important to identify and acknowledge these stressors to address them effectively. Some common stressors in today’s society include:
a. Work-related stress:
The pressure to meet deadlines, achieve targets, and maintain a work-life balance can lead to burnout and increased stress levels.
b. Financial stress:
Economic instability, debt, and the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle contribute to financial stress.
c. Social stress:
Social media and societal expectations can create feelings of inadequacy, leading to social stress and anxiety.
d. Technological stress:
Constant connectivity and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can leave us feeling anxious and mentally drained.
e. Environmental stress:
Issues like climate change and natural disasters add an extra layer of stress to our lives.
By understanding these stressors, we can take proactive steps to manage and mitigate their impact on our well-being.
The Impact of Chronic Stress on Health
Chronic stress can take a toll on both our physical and mental health. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can lead to a weakened immune system, digestive problems, cardiovascular issues, and even mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The impact of stress on health should not be underestimated, as it can significantly decrease our quality of life and hinder our ability to function optimally. Recognizing the long-term consequences of stress motivates us to prioritize stress management.
Effective Strategies in Managing Stress
a. Mindfulness and Meditation:
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help us stay present and focused, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, while meditation focuses on training the mind to redirect thoughts. It is one of the most practical strategies in managing stress and finding inner calm.
b. Physical Activity:
Engaging in regular exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and can enhance mood and overall health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or hitting the gym, physical activity is an excellent way to combat stress.
c. Time Management:
Organizing our time effectively and setting realistic goals can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed by responsibilities. Prioritizing tasks and breaking them down into manageable chunks can help reduce stress related to time constraints.
d. Social Support:
Building a support network of friends and family provides a buffer against stress and allows for open communication about our feelings. Sharing our experiences and seeking support from loved ones can significantly alleviate stress and be helpful in sharing Strategies in managing stress with others.
e. Limiting Technology Use:
Taking regular breaks from screens and setting boundaries for technology use can improve mental clarity and reduce stress. Disconnecting from digital devices can create space for relaxation and reduce the anxiety caused by constant connectivity.
f. Relaxation Techniques:
Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and engaging in hobbies that bring joy can help reduce stress levels. Relaxation techniques allow the body and mind to unwind and recharge.
g. Healthy Lifestyle:
Adopting a balanced diet, ensuring sufficient sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption contribute to better stress management. A healthy lifestyle forms a solid foundation for managing stress effectively.
Cultivating Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges and adapt positively to adversity. Cultivating resilience enables us to better cope with stress and embrace change. Techniques for building resilience include:
a. Fostering a Growth Mindset:
Embracing a growth mindset, which focuses on learning and growing from challenges, allows us to perceive setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
b. Maintaining Optimism:
Cultivating optimism enables us to maintain a positive outlook, even in difficult times. This positive mindset can help us find solutions to problems and build emotional strength.
c. Learning from Setbacks:
Viewing setbacks as learning experiences helps us develop problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. Embracing failures as stepping stones to success can transform how we perceive stress.
d. Seeking Meaning:
Finding meaning and purpose in challenging experiences can provide a sense of direction and help us navigate stressful situations with a greater sense of purpose and resolve.
Seeking Professional Help
While self-help techniques can be powerful, seeking professional help is essential for those experiencing chronic and debilitating stress in addition to the strategies in managing stress. Therapists, counselors, and support groups can offer valuable guidance and support in managing stress and addressing underlying issues. Professional assistance provides an outside perspective and specialized tools for managing stress effectively.
Wrapping up
Understanding and applying strategies in managing stress in the modern world is a multifaceted journey that requires self-awareness, perseverance, and a commitment to overall well-being. By recognizing the sources of stress, employing effective stress management techniques, and fostering resilience, we can protect our physical and mental health, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life with reduced stress levels. Embracing a holistic approach that combines physical, emotional, and mental well-being allows us to navigate the challenges of the modern world and achieve a balanced and fulfilling existence. Remember, stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to dominate our existence; we have the power to take charge and live a life that embraces balance and well-being.
About the Author
This post, The Strategies in managing stress, is written by Jaishree Nenwani. She is the author of a self-help book “Tiny Habits Massive Results”. Based out of New Delhi, India Jaishree is an Author, blogger, and homepreneur. She is passionate about journaling and loves to share wisdom and journaling tools that invoke deeper authenticity and Personal transformation. She writes about Self-improvement, Personal growth, and ways to become happier in your life. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.
Views expressed in this post are personal and for reading purpose only. They’re not medical advice. Each individual’s experience may vary. Please consult a professional if you need help.”
Karma! I have always visualized it as a daughter-in-law in the patriarchal family setup or in our daily sops, so to speak. You ask me why? Because come what may, anything that happens in your household or life, Karma is to be blamed. Karma is that easy outlet to pin the failures, disappointments, and lack of motivation. While we are at it, Karma would play its role for not putting up enough effort to overcome the challenges that come our way. To stay at the top of the game, we have to be in charge of our life and the challenges I have overcome as an SAHM have been immense. But to stay at the top of the game I had to. How to overcome a challenge as an SAHM?
While battling PPD after my second delivery, I used to visualize myself as a helpless soul sunken in a pit of despair. The thought that I am wasting my life, by changing nappies, was ingrained in my mind. As a Stay at home mom, I was conditioned to think that my life’s purpose was to raise healthy kids and maintain my home. But six years down the line, the realization dawned on me that I cannot let my caliber go in vain and I could simultaneously do my job as a mother without fail. How did I overcome a challenge and start afresh by staying at home for six years? Here are the basic steps I took and they became key points in the challenges I have overcome.
Recognise own’s worth
After spending years confined to home, my confidence had taken a hit. I believed that I lost my talent and perseverance. But when I decided to give life a second chance, I introspected and all I could think of was to write. I started writing poems again. Poems to short stories and finally a novel – when did my talent expand its horizon is still unknown to me.
If you are trying to resume your career, and are unsure where to start, you should start by noting down your strengths. While you enjoy your passion and convert it into a career. With social media at its hype, you can start by pitching for an online opportunity. There are numerous avenues out there. It’s all about where you look.
Plan ahead
We must have a solid foolproof plan to get past the competitive world. This is where journaling and manifestation helps.
Journaling
A journal is like your best friend. You can tell anything to a journal but when you talk to a journal make sure you address yourself with respect and positive ambitions. Note down your strengths and weaknesses. Point out your opportunities and challenges. Have multiple action plans as to how you are going to start because if something didn’t materialise, we should have something else to tap into. Search for opportunities that match your skill set.
Manifestation
If there is something that I blindly believe, it is the power of the law of attraction. Manifesting, your goals, putting it on paper, doing gratitude journal and visualizing it while you work on your goal. The manifestation has been stated in one line but to put it into action intensive brainstorming and perseverance is a must.
Talk to yourself
As weird as it sounds, talking to yourself gives you immense confidence, pushes you forward and instils a go getter attitude inside you. You might err in your process of getting back to your work regime but as a good friend, tell yourself where you faltered and how to rectify. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Be your best friend.
Learn to say NO
However difficult it seems, the power of telling no cannot be replaced with any alternative. When opportunities knock at your door, don’t jump at the first call. Pursue your opportunities, weigh the pros and cons, meanwhile pitch into other possibilities. But immense care needs to be invested in saying No without offending anyone because we never know if we have to go back to them at any point.
Share the load
The most foolish mistake that majority women make is to do everything themselves. Delegation is a virtue that you must master, be it a workspace or home. Ask your partner to share the load if you are the sole responsible one in the relationship. If you are single, modify your life to suit your career. If your kids are grown up, say 8 years and above, ask them to take responsibility for some household chores. The bottom line is that we should not be the only one responsible for the household.
Now that you know how to break the SAHM inertia, start from the basics first and slowly build the momentum. The challenges I have overcome might come across to you as something that every other woman faces. But the fact that it is common doesn’t make it light. You would be there but you might not realise because you are used to hearing ‘we have been through worse’. This is a sad reality that they all had it worse but shant we make it better for us?
Pain, you make me a believer… The song was running in the background as I am sitting down to write this post. We have come across various types of pain. The one that can be expressed through tears of emotions, the physical pain that is visible on the body as marks and bruises, the medical pain that can be confirmed via tests, the undecipherable pain that can be proven by the little one that comes out of you… The list goes on. However, the kind of pain that cannot be expressed in words, that would not leave any bruises, that cannot be confirmed by any tests. How about that? After eons of research, a name was given to this invisible trauma – Fibromyalgia. While we are discussing the latest treatment for fibromyalgia, it is imperative to spread awareness about the major challenges.
Due to the lack of awareness, men and women who are suffering from pain are judged as lazy. While we had a discussion about the judgments in our Fibromyalgia Support forum, the most common comments were you are imagining the pain, you find it convenient to do nothing, and you are lazy. There are no conclusive tests or scans to confirm the condition. Doctors depend on the symptoms and fibromyalgia pain areas to diagnose it. Ironically, still, a small section of doctors refuse to acknowledge that a condition like this still exists.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
For the longest time, Fibromyalgia was misunderstood as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because chronic fatigue was one of the significant signs. In simple terms, it is chronic muscular pain and fatigue. Anyone irrespective of gender, age, and demography can have fibromyalgia
1. Muscle pain
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is muscle pain. There are some specific points of origin for the pain. These are called tender points. Some physicians diagnose fibromyalgia based on the tender points. Mainly there are 18 tender points and if you have pain in at least 11 of them, the physician would diagnose you with fibromyalgia. Some are situated near the joints and hence the pain would be misunderstood as joint pain. If the tests for common conditions like arthritis are ruled out, the doctors would proceed to consider further pain areas and symptoms. The tender points are symmetrically located around the head, neck, shoulder, knees, and hips. There would be a stabbing pain at the point when pressed.
The main tender points are the following.
Back of the shoulders
Back of the neck
Hip bone
Above the buttock
The base of the skull
The point above the elbow and knee
Lower neck in the front
Edge of upper breast
Lately, physicians have reached a conclusion that even if the patient doesn’t have sensitivity in all the tender points, they can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia provided they have associated conditions like cognitive issues (brain fog), fatigue, loss of memory, etc.
2. Fatigue
Another common symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic fatigue. Quite often patients with fibromyalgia are misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome because they are always tired. None of the blood tests, scanning, etc would give any conclusive results. Because of this, the patient will be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and other symptoms are often ignored. Along with fatigue, if other symptoms are prominent, this can be considered as fibromyalgia.
3. Sleep disorders
The sleep cycle of a fibromyalgia patient would be obstructed due to pain as well as the stress they are going through. The patient might find it difficult to sleep in the night leaving them sleepy through the day. In some cases, the patient would feel tired despite sleeping for hours. They will be sleepy all the time and hence tagged as lazy. The symptoms are similar to that of a condition called narcolepsy. Or we can say that someone with fibromyalgia could also have narcolepsy.
3. Cognitive issues
Fibrofog is a condition that helps a doctor in a conclusive diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The majority of patients would have the condition. This is a condition when the patient suffers from brain and memory issues. The patient would have memory issues, inability to concentrate, and difficulty in engaging in a conversation and storing the information in the brain. If we look at the larger picture, anyone suffering from chronic pain and inability to sleep would suffer from cognitive issues. Hence this could be considered a secondary effect of the condition.
4. Irritable bowel syndrome
Patients with fibromyalgia often face difficulty in digestion. Irritable bowel is another irritating and troublesome symptom of the condition.
5. Anxiety, depression
While you are dealing with so much pain, you might end up being anxious or depressed. On the other hand, fibromyalgia can occur due to stress as well. Hence it is imperative to have a check on your mental health because in more cases than not, mental stress is directly related to the onset of fibromyalgia.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Scientists have not been able to find solid evidence of the reasons behind the result of this condition. However, the most common reasons believed to cause fibromyalgia are
Genetics – This condition runs in families. If you have a family history, you may very well be prepared for the condition.
Infections – Some infections and illnesses are believed to trigger the condition
Physical and emotional impact – Some accidents, physical injuries, etc can trigger the condition. The most common trigger of fibromyalgia is psychological and emotional stress.
Latest Treatment For Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia Cure Found
When I say ‘fibromyalgia cure found’, I am not sure cure is the right word because it is indeed the latest treatment for fibromyalgia without any medication. However, you need to maintain consistency to live a life without pain. I have been there and I have suffered the worst judgments. But the pain and perseverance were worth it as I am leading a pain-free life now. Earlier antidepressants and analgesics (pain killers) were the only treatment for fibromyalgia. But now with time and experience and the inadvertent connection of the condition to your stressful life, we have many alternative treatments. The latest treatment for fibromyalgia that I underwent, has helped me live without pain and medication.
1. Proper diet
Food is medicine. If you treat your food like one, there is no looking back because a proper diet to alleviates the symptoms of fibromyalgia. If you have no other medical condition, start following an intermittent fasting regime under expert guidance. Include whole grains, avocado, citrus fruits, natural sweeteners, green leafy vegetables, probiotics, and nuts in your diet. Make it a point to drink detox drinks to eliminate the toxins from your body. Find your Ayurvedic dosha and take the drinks appropriate for your doshas like Vata tea, Pitta tea, and Kapha tea.
2. Exercise
If you are suffering from Fibromyalgia, you might find yourself frowning. Because the pain would be unbearable to just move a muscle, let alone follow an exercise regime. But trust me, I have been there and it is not impossible. The first day was torture but I preferred extended days without pain to unbearable pain for a week. On Day One I did a couple of Surya namaskars and basic yoga (I was a yoga trainer once, but still I couldn’t manage more than the basic). On Day two I lifted weights though it felt like the weights would pull me down but after five days, my body started responding to the movements and slowly the pain subsided.
3. Meditation
As mentioned earlier, the most common cause of fibromyalgia is stress. On the first day of meditation, you would be distracted and wouldn’t be able to hold for more than five minutes. However, maintain consistency. Slowly you will connect with your inner self.
4. Mindfulness
Due to the fibro fog, you would not be able to concentrate or do anything systematically. Being mindful and living in the moment is the best way to bring your brain back on track and clear the fog inside the head.
5. Journaling
Write down the thoughts when you have the pain. Read them to identify the pattern of negative thoughts that come automatically to your mind. Rephrase it and see the positive side. Journaling is a powerful tool to know yourself because once you read what you have written, it serves as hypnotherapy. You will see yourself writing about feelings that you never realized existed.
6. Aromatherapy
Lavender essential oils and rosemary essential oils are helpful in relieving stress. Use them in diffusers, or in your body wash, shampoo, etc. Add a few drops to a bucket of water and take a shower using the water. You will emerge refreshed and rejuvenated. You can also apply peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil as well as clary sage oil at the tender points. Make sure to use a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, etc.
7. Nature Therapy
Gelling with nature is one way to clear your mind and thus keep the pain at bay. Walk barefoot on sand or grass. Have indoor plants and talk to them. Spend at least 10 minutes a day with nature. Even looking at the sky and observing the clouds would suffice.
Practicing pranayama daily will clear your air passages and also calms your mind. It clarifies your entire system. There are many types of Pranayama and variations of the same based on breath retention techniques.
In addition to these, you can also try facial reflexology, massages, and more. Try these techniques and see what is the most effective for you. As an end note, I would recommend everyone to reduce their screen time, especially during the night. These are a few fibromyalgia cure found by me or curated by me so to speak. These have helped me come out of the never-ending pain. This is a collated list of the latest treatment for fibromyalgia. Follow these and lead a pain-free life with the latest treatment for fibromyalgia. We have a fibromyalgia support forum. You can contact me for guidance.
This post is a part of the Wellness Hour Bloghop by Swarnali Nath and I. Find all the posts that are published as a part of the Bloghop in the linky below.
Taking care of oneself is not as easy as it seems. More so if you are in a social environment where mental health is neglected and mental health issues ate looked down upon. Once you fight your way out of this, you are unbeatable and you develop the wings that hold the potential to share the burden of others. Today we have one such soul who fought her way up against her family, relatives, and friends to ensure her mental health is taken care of. She extended her hands to hold others’ and share their peace stories with the world. Meet Swarnali Nath, founder of The Peace Stories Initiative. She is an Author, Blogger, Content Creator, and a Wellbeing Researcher when she shared her struggles and why is mental health important.
Swarnali Nath – Warrior of Womanhood
Welcome, Swarnali. Thanks for joining WoW as our first Warrior of Womanhood.
Thank you for inviting me to your WoW Initiative. It’s an honor to be a part of this wonderful endeavor by you.
The world knows Swarnali Nath as a successful award-winning blogger. Behind that blogger, deep inside there is a child who has fought for happiness and peace. Would you wish to introduce her to the world?
Yes, I indeed have a child in me and I never want her to grow up. She has fought for happiness and peace falling under the trap of mind when she was left all alone in the darkroom of despair. But when she saw the sunbeam peeking from the window, she realized that life is beyond this small room. And thus, she started her journey to bring smiles to others’ lives as she wants to spread hope, love, and peace in this world.
We are in the 21st century but People still don’t know why is mental health important. Did you ever find it difficult to speak about yours?
Yes, every time. My parents don’t understand my mental health issues as these problems can’t be seen. I keep shouting about my problems but this only end up having a series of misunderstandings with them.
Lack of awareness
The foremost problem in recognizing a mental health disorder is the lack of awareness in people to identify the symptoms of mental health disorders and how to take care of mental health. These symptoms are more to be felt, to suffer in silence, and sob the pain inside because nobody understands what they don’t see with open eyes.
Even people who have been there once, refuse to understand your problems and they want the solutions at the soonest, as anyhow. They will keep pointing at everything you do and consider them as your faults. They will keep discouraging you, hurting you, and instead of stretching their hands to hold you in the dark tunnel, they only leave you alone. Grieving, breaking, and shrinking to the abyss, all alone. Suffering from mental health issues like depression makes the person undergo a situation that is equally painful, frightening, and alarming. The person seeks help to live, but every breath is choked so life can show its ugly side to him/her. This time, all he/she needs is love, empathy, and compassion from his/her dear ones, but unfortunately, he/she rarely receives it.
The taboo
Here comes another important aspect of calling mental health disorders a taboo. Many people still don’t want to open up in public or consult with a professional in the fear of society and their judgments. This is disappointing and heartbreaking at the same time. The more we will be vocal about our mental health problems, the better will be the situation in the future. I really hope people understand the sufferings of mental health fighters and deal with them with empathy and kindness so the scenario changes in the coming years. I hope people will understand why is mental health important.
Warrior of Womanhood – Struggles of Swarnali
We all have our own share of struggles. My fight with mental health started in the second semester of my Engineering but then I was not aware that I was stepping into a deep hollow of darkness. From the leader girl in school, I turned to a timid girl who never questioned her lecturers or enjoyed her college days. Rather, I was never a free-spirited girl during my college days and slowly I started shrinking inwards. Additionally, even when I did well in my higher semesters and grabbed the highest marks on tough papers, I was never appreciated. Instead, when I failed to grab a job in college placement, I was cornered as a loser by my fellow professors.
I met with an accident in my seventh semester and that made me immobile for months. Even when I recovered, I was walking with pain in my ankle. After a year of pain and despair, I discovered that I was taking treatment for a wrong diagnosis. Further, the proper treatment commenced but it was very late so I couldn’t get my ankle back to normal and will never be able to. This was enough for my parents not to allow me to go to another state for a job. They told me to find a suitable job in Kolkata. I saw my friends grabbing decent jobs in MNCs and me, struggling hard to get a job. I started preparing for PSU sector jobs then.
The next lap or the desperate sequel?
Initially, it was all good until we shifted to a new city, Durgapur. In my native town, Chittaranjan, there was an entirely different atmosphere of dreams and ambition. Although a small town, my native town itself proudly finds its place on the map of India as the railway town of Bengal.
But in the new city, Durgapur, in the neighborhood we moved to live, everyone was concerned about my marriage. A twenty-three-year-old girl, unmarried, seemed like a burden to her aged parents. On a daily basis, their nose was poking into our household, and even my relatives who lived in the neighborhood started taunting me for my ambition. I was always busy in my preparation for the PSU jobs, spending most of the day in my study room, practicing with mock tests and inventing my own methods to solve the problems in a quicker time. Even when I spent time with my younger cousins and played and laughed, the situation became such that I started feeling guilty about laughing my heart out. Even now I can’t smile from within; don’t know when I will be able to smile like my teenage self who smiled from the heart.
But they never understood. Moreover, they always spoke to me harshly, celebrating my failures in passing the exams, and not being able to grab a job. I paid no heed to them and continued appearing for exams and interviews. But destiny had a different game with me. Every time I could not succeed with only a 0.5 or 0.25 deficit in the passing marks. I have always wanted to be financially independent and never thought of a life otherwise. Even though I appeared for many interviews in private sector jobs, the same thing happened there too.
The friend in need
Meanwhile, I lost all my friends. Some of them stopped talking to me with an excuse of being busy with their work, some of them stopped talking to me as I was lagging behind them in life, and some of them considered me as their competitor in the competitive job exams. There was another lot who were never genuine and later when I came to know the truth, I disconnected from them. Gradually I became alone and for the entire day, I was confined in the small study room and spent my days with the desktop (later my laptop) and books. At that time, the only friend I had in the real world was my sister.
But here is one good thing amidst everything bad. After some time, I befriended some gems of people who are still with me through thick and thin. They have their own struggles but they teach me the true meaning of perseverance. Since then, I started believing that spring comes only when you let go of winter.
My old friends left me but I connected with the new friends who taught me the real meaning of life, hope, dreaming, resilience, adventures, and whatnot! Here I want to mention that not everyone in my new circle was genuine, but I became more cautious about whom I allowed to stay in my life and whom I let go.
Sometimes I used to get bored with studying all the time. Then I listened to music, and here sprouted a new passion for music. However, along with music, I started reading online articles, downloading pdf versions of books, and reading a lot in my free time. In 2017, I started blogging to express my unspoken words through the written word.
The crossroad
It was in 2017 when I realized that my inner world was meeting unexpected turns and twists. One year prior to that, I only started realizing the inner transformation but this time, though I valued my new learnings and the new world of music and writing, my frustration for not being able to start my career made me devastated.
I know, it is not fair to call someone a failure who does not have a bright career. There are many people in this world who don’t prefer to do a full-time job. But you know what, it is all inside the mind. For an ambitious girl like me, getting a decent job was everything that I dreamed of since my childhood. All my classmates were well-settled in their lives. Be it a career, be it marriage, be it owning a car, or be it making their parents happy, they were succeeding in every sphere of life.
Slowly, this fuelled an inferiority complex in me. My parents were not happy with me. Deep down, I was broken and shattered. Still, I gathered all my courage and energy to continue my preparation and give exams and interviews. Life is not as ugly as it seems when you are living in despair. But, at the same time, it does not seem beautiful either, when you see your dreams are lost. When you see those childhood dreams that you planted in the deepest of your heart’s garden and water every day to flower when you will grow up, are lost in oblivion, the world becomes a standstill for you.
The descend
I sacrificed many things, the enjoyment a twenty-something loves to have, and the fun-filled life a young adult wants to live. And all my efforts and hard-works and sacrifices went in vain because I could not succeed in my goals. In 2020, I was all prepared to see my name in the final selection list. For the global pandemic, the result was delayed. When it went out, I went to check my name, and it was not there.
My name was not there in the last exam I gave for getting a job in the government banking sector. This twenty-word sentence seems like an ordinary sentence placed in this article, but for me, this is the root cause of my trauma. I went into deep trauma after that result.
Swarnali Nath
I spent sleepless nights, and in the daytime, when I tried to sleep, within a few minutes of closing my eyes, I woke up crying, shouting, and howling. My body started shivering, pulling my hair with all my strength, I wanted to become deaf so no sound from this world I could hear. I buried my head in my folded knees and cried for the whole day.
Many a times, I attempted to set my grade sheets ablaze, but my dad stopped me anyhow. I questioned myself, “What is the need for these scorecards showing my academic excellence when they can’t fetch me any decent jobs?” Many people tell me hearing my mental health issues, “why are you getting affected so much? You are in your late twenties, unmarried, and living with your parents, you don’t need to panic much.” As if I am living in heaven and I am panicking to take me to hell.
They tell me I don’t have to worry about the daily chores to do, meals to cook, and children to feed and teach and take care of. My dad buys the groceries and vegetables, and my mom cooks the meals and serves them on my plate. According to them, that’s why I can’t have any mental health issues. More precisely, I shouldn’t.
We, the young adults, can have our own share of grief, loss, heartbreaks, failures, deceives, and each of them is enough to trigger mental health problems.
Swarnali Nath
Is mental health important?
In 2020, I could recognize the mental health issues that I had been suffering from since my college days but I could not identify them before. At that time, I was suffering from social anxiety, panic attacks, frustration, stress, anxiety, and despair. At some point in life, I started having anxiety attacks twice a day. After every attack, my body became heavy like a rock mountain. I felt too tired that I couldn’t even move in bed. I felt sleepy but couldn’t sleep. It was hard for me to open my eyes as my eyelashes seemed very heavy. But soon after having some attacks, I decided to watch a soothing video on my mobile and walk bare feet on the porch to reduce the anxiety attack duration.
I should have ideally met a professional expert and consulted my problems but as my mom was just recovering from her anxiety disorders, we two sisters were busy in making her involved in craft therapy at home. It was just a few days when we saw my mom smiling after many months of suffering. Seeing her smiling face, I decided to sob my pain and preferred to divert my mind to somewhere else.
The pitstop
Slowly, I recovered from that worst state (as I believed so). This is when I started my Mindfulness studies and gradually, I started working with the mind because I realized everything was in my mind, only in my mind.
And this way, after two years, now I have become a well-being researcher. Among the various genres of my works, one of the main subjects that I aim at working for my entire life is mindful living. I work towards bringing moments of calm in everyday life and making a deeper connection with your inner self so you can have some peaceful moments amidst the hustle of life and spend some time with yourself blissfully. Empowered by my own story, now, I run The Peace Stories Initiative to spread messages of hope, love, and peace to the world.
Which is that moment when you decided that “This is it. I no longer want to suffer.”
In 2021, I started learning digital marketing and then I got a job as a content writer. But there was something that I was missing badly. Soon I started suffering from remote work burnout. At the end of 2022, I resigned from my second job and decided to give myself that much-needed break from my ever-stressed mind.
There is another reason for choosing this relaxing life over making my career in the field of digital marketing. I know I have upset my parents in every decision I have taken for myself, but my health left no other choice for me. At the beginning of 2023, when I was searching for a new job to do something more interesting than my previous roles, I could identify my trauma, my fear, my anxiety, and my depressed thoughts that were coming back to me. Slowly, at the beginning of February, I reached the same state that I was in mid-2020.
I could sense something was not right inside me, and I realized that if I did not stop it here, there is very less chance to get recovered from this trauma ever in the future.
Swarnali Nath
I realized that the failure in getting the desired job roles was making me fall under the trap of mind again and that was triggering that trauma to make my life a living hell once again.
This is when one spring morning, I decided to put an end to my suffering with that pain. Now, I am enjoying my break, rarely taking up freelance projects, reading, listening to music, watching movies, and writing. Currently, I am not worrying about building a bright career or getting married as I am enjoying my freedom from stress, anxiety, and despair.
I am waiting to bring a new self of me whom I wanted to see for a long, and now, I am sketching her in my inner canvas, one stroke at a time.
If there is one person or instance you would call the turning point in your life, who/which would be it?
2016 is a life-changing year for me. In March 2016, I started realizing my inner transformation and suddenly the whole world changed for me. Life’s perspectives changed, life’s meaning changed, and the way I was perceiving life totally changed. It was the year when I entered a different world of thoughts and experiences. So, I would like to say the year 2016 was a life-changing period for me.
Moving forward what is one thing that you would continue to do, for yourself?
I want to continue my research on the subjects that intrigue me. Apart from this, I want to continue working towards bringing hope, love, and peace to the earth through my writing endeavors. I also want to continue working in the niche of wellness.
What is the definition of wellness for you?
Wellness for me is taking better care of yourself so that you can keep working along with living life to the fullest. When your health is not well, you can’t focus on the important things in life, whether it is your work, family, or other things. Therefore, wellness for me is aligning my mind, body, and soul to the center of bliss so that I find peace in every step of life.
