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How to stay happy

“THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE IS TO BE HAPPY”.
~Dalai Lama

Everyone agrees in unison to the above thought but a question that lingers in their mind is how to be happy always?

Happiness means different things for different people. For me it would be a good night’s sleep and for you it could be something different. There could be some similarity in things that would make us happy but on rare occasions it can be a probability that same things could make people happier.

We juggle a lot in life. Career, family, education but in the end we always want to feel good by being happy. Happiness can’t be bought by exchanging money in supermarket nor is instantaneous if we switch on a button. I hope somebody invents with that innovative thought, so that many people who are in search of happiness would benefit.

But do we realize that we always look out for something or someone to make us happy. So just like it is a known fact our happiness depends on external factors. We fail to recognize and we are definitely missing out on something that is so very near but not seen or felt. Any guesses?

Start believing that happiness exists within us, our thoughts,beliefs then your goal of becoming happy is easily reachable.So a pleasant feeling in your subconscious mind is dependent on the choice of thoughts that makes you happy.

It is all interconnected. Thoughts, emotions and state of mind. If confidence, focusing interest, anger or fearing is an individual trait don’t forget to include happiness among them.

If you can work on making yourself a confident person or to focus attention keeping yourself happy by inculcation of position thoughts and beliefs shouldn’t be difficult.

There are a lot of of ways that help in understanding how to stay happy .

Here are ways you can keep yourself happy.

ENJOY THE PRESENT

Most people either brood over the past or think too much ahead about future that they fail to enjoy what is happening at present. In short they fail to live in the present. Make sure you cherish what is happening right now so that doesn’t add up to your thinking bucket of past. Most important secret of happiness is to live in the present.

REMOVE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

Unhappiness is due to negative thoughts which make your mind scattered. As a result your mind focuses only on picking negative vibes. Channelizing your thoughts on the right path is the best solution. Observe negative beliefs or thoughts, remind that you deserve only happiness and do this constantly. Replace the negatives with positive thoughts. Whatever you focus grows so let that be positive always.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Honest and sincere expression of gratitude is the birthplace of happiness. Be thankful to who you are and what you see around you. Have the feeling of content and be grateful for what you have. Did you know that you attract positive vibes when you express gratitude?

DON’T CONTROL OTHERS

The most important thing for happiness is that to understand and accept that you have no control over other person’s action or thoughts. You are going to remain unhappy if you decide that you could change people if you control them.

SELF-AWARENESS

Identify what you are good at. Your strengths, abilities are what you should be aware of and that would make you happy. List them out and start focusing on them. Channelize your thoughts on those positive beliefs. Tap out the huge potential that lies inside you.

GRACEFULLY ACCEPT CHALLENGES

Who doesn’t have challenges. Life could be partial but definitely everyone has challenges at some point in life. Challenges are only to test your inner potential. Unless we face challenges we are not aware of what we are capable of. Overcoming challenges makes you stronger.

SLEEP AND WORKOUT

Ample and adequate sleep is necessary for peace of mind. The body and mind are connected and if you do not give enough rest to the body, you are putting yourself under stress, confused mind and unhappiness creeps in.

Exercise or workout on the other hand helps in release of hormones that help in physical and mental well-being. Practicing breathing exercises increases oxygen flow and makes you feel fresh and energetic.

HELPING OTHERS

Learn to be a giver in life. Helping others definitely gives a sense of satisfaction followed by happiness.

Money , vacation,property give you temporary happiness. Only if you are happy within you can enjoy them. You should focus on your long term thoughts by setting priorities in life and take control of your thoughts and live a deserving life.

Our thoughts, emotions and mindfulness will land you a happy life. So it is never late for you to start building habits that will guarantee a happy and fulfilling life.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is part of Blogchatters half marathon.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

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Water mistakes to avoid

Water forms about 60% of our body. Not getting enough of it leads to dehydration. We have all been learning from lower grades that our body requires about 8 glasses of water daily.

The moment the body is dehydrated it sends out signals in the form of symptoms like lethargy and
fatigue.

Drinking adequate water is need for optimum body functions and metabolic processes to take place the right way.
It is not just about reaching the target of drinking adequate water that we need for our body, it is also about drinking it in the right way.

Did you know that drinking water the wrong way or at wrong time has bad effects.

Here are the mistakes that you must avoid while drinking water.

Drinking water while standing.
Many of us have the habit of just picking a bottle drinking water from it and moving on. We do not sit when we drink water. Is this good? No. Drinking water when you stand directly sends it to the tummy. The nutrients of the water are not absorbed and doesn’t reach the organs it should. So the next time you pick up the bottle make sure to sit down and drink.

Drinking during exercise
Many people tend to sip water in between their workouts. Though this might be to quench the thirst, it might not be enough that is needed for loading your body before the workout. This will definitely cause headache. So it is always advisable to consume water before working out.

Drinking water before and after a meal
You shouldn’t be drinking water just right before your meal. The water might actually fill up the tummy and spoil your appetite. Do not drink water right after your meal as it may intervene the process of digestion and even lead to vomiting.

Substitutes of water being caffeine and tannic acid
The amount of water that is required by the body cannot be compensated by the amount of coffee or tea that you consume. Though it might be black coffee or green tea eliminating milk, it has to be water and water only.

Drinking very little water
Drinking very little water leads to dehydration. The body might feel deficit with the amount of water that has been consumed to carry out regular body functions and metabolic processes.

Drinking water by gulping
Many people gulp down water at one go. This rushes the water to sediment the impurities in the kidney and bladder. Therefore it is always advised to drink water in small sips.

Drinking too much

Drinking too much of water has no health benefits but leads to water intoxication. It can lead to low sodium levels, and swelling in the brain causing coma and seizures.

Right way to drink water


Drinking water on empty stomach

Drinking water on empty stomach helps in flushing out toxins, relieve constipation and alleviate issues in digestion. It keeps you hydrated throughout the day. Drinking infused water of various herbs or seeds has greater benefits.

Drinking water after working out

Drinking water after working out helps in restoring the electrolyte loss and helps in coping the water shortage post working out.

Drinking water half an hour before and after the meal
This will help in not intervening with your appetite, reaching your target for water levels and helps in relieving constipation. It also helps in avoiding you to overeating. This is different if you have water right before the meal, because that will spoil the appetite and make you avoid or eat less of nutrient rich food.

When having a headache
Headaches can be a sign of dehydration. It can also trigger migraines, so in take of water helps to decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines.

Before bath time

Drinking a glass of water before taking a bath helps in lowering your blood pressure.

Before bed time

Drink about half a glass or water before your good night’s sleep to replenish fluid loss that could occur during the sleep. You can also have a glass of water beside your bed to prevent dry mouth. This is common to people who are on medication.

Drinking water at room temperature
Cold water disrupts the digestion process. It decreases blood supply to organs leading to constipation. Room temperature water can help in digestion and metabolism in turn resulting in weight loss. Room temperature water also helps in reducing symptoms of bloating. Warm water helps in controlling the cholesterol levels in body and flush out toxins from arteries making it clean.

Drink when thirsty
The body sends signals when it needs water. So make sure you are aware of the thirst cues it sends so that you reciprocate by drinking water at the right time.

Noticing cues which signal dehydration
Dry chapped lips and dark yellow urine are signs of dehydration. So make sure you take these cues into consideration and start consuming enough water.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is part of Blogchatters half marathon.

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Reasons to include fenugreek in diet

Fenugreek or methi is an ingredient commonly found in the Indian household. Found to taste bitter these tiny golden seeds are a storehouse of various benefits.

Fenugreek finds its way into alternate and Chinese medicine for a longer period of time. Because of it’s property to help in thickening, it is also used in gravies though it adds a bitter taste.

Fenugreek also finds itself in the list of ingredients in making soap and shampoo.

The leaves from methi are rich in fibre and used to make numerous dishes to add flavour. Did you know its so very easy to grow fenugreek even in your balcony/kitchen garden?

REASONS TO INCLUDE FENUGREEK

Because of the soluble fibers present in it, fenugreek helps in lowering LDL, reducing blood sugar levels and weight loss. It also helps in fighting against colon cancer and also treat acid re flux and heart burns.

Fenugreek herbal tea helps boost breastmilk production. Hence a lot of new mothers instead of taking over the counter medicines to boost milk supply could resort to home remedies like these to help in boosting their breastmilk production.

Fenugreek when consumed regularly by men helps in boosting testosterone and therefore as a beneficial effect show increased libido.

Fenugreek helps in lowering blood sugar levels. Fenugreek plays a major role in improvising insulin levels and the high fibre content helps in maintaining the sugar levels.

Appetite control and weight loss- Fenugreek helps in appetite control aiding less intake of fat and overall reduction in appetite. Hence consumption of fenugreek on regular basis aids weight loss.

Fenugreek helps in reduction of frequent heart burn symptoms thereby reducing the intake of antacid medication. It strengthens the digestive tract and helps keep a check on gastritis and bloating.

Fenugreek since it is rich in fibre and also amounts of antioxidants helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body.

Fenugreek is a great addition for intake for people whose body is dominated by kapha. The seeds helps in generating heat in the body, because these people are weakly immune and mostly prone to flu, cold and cough. The heat generation helps in immunity boosting.

Fenugreek leaves are great for skin health. The rich amounts of antioxidants and vitamins helps in tackling skin problems.

Fenugreek helps in reduction of hair fall and boost hair growth. It can be taken in powder form mixed with buttermilk to reap this benefit. You can also apply soaked fenugreek paste or fenugreek infused coconut oil on your hair to tackle hair fall and boost hair growth.

Fenugreek helps in treatment of fever and sore throat when consumed in combination with lemon and honey.

Fenugreek helps in treating uterine problems like menstrual cramps, period pains and hot flushes. Fenugreek water helps in easing the pain during the time of menstruation.

It is said that fenugreek empowers the mammary glands and hence encourages development of breast tissues. This helps in increase breast size.

Fenugreek helps in destroying free radicals in body and fights against skin problems like dark circles, wrinkles and age spots.

Fenugreek seeds benefit pregnant women by stimulating the labour and uterine contractions, they are also said to decrease in pain. However if taken in excess it leads to miscarriage and preterm labour.

The compound galactomannan present in fenugreek helps in tackling cardiovascular diseases.

HOW TO INCLUDE FENUGREEK?

  • Fenugreek can be soaked overnight and seeds can be consumed in empty stomach in the morning.
  • Fenugreek can be soaked overnight and the infused water can be consumed on empty stomach.
  • Fenugreek herbal tea can be consumed by adding two teaspoons of fenugreek to a glass of water. Boil and reduce to half and consumed.
  • Fenugreek can be roasted and made into powder. This can be taken with buttermilk, water or even added in curries or gravies.
  • Fenugreek can be sprouted and made into sabzi.
  • Fenugreek leaves can be included in diet to make rotis, dal or gravies.

FENUGREEK FOR HAIR

OIL : Roast about 3 teaspoons of fenugreek . Mix in about 100 ml of coconut oil. Let it infuse for a week and it can be used for hot oil massages for the hair.

MASK: Fenugreek can be soaked overnight , ground with water or curd and applied as a hair mask. Wait it out for about 30 minutes and shower with regular shampoo and conditioner.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is part of blogchatters half marathon.

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All about Simple nail care

As much as we do the skincare and hair care, when it comes to hands and nails , they always take the back seat.
Most people opt for manicures or pedicures only at the salon. Not sure if it because of the lack of time, or not willing to invest in the products. I do not comment on it, but getting it done is what matters.


Life came to a standstill with the pandemic, salons closing and a major setback for people because their now at their own risks for hair cut, spas, pedicure and manicure. With that said, taking care of yourself in terms of skin, hair and nails isn’t a big deal if you are willing to spend some time for it.

When it comes to nail care, we commonly find two sets of people. People who can do manicure with closed eyes and people who do not know the difference between the cuticle and the half-moons. No matter whichever category you belong to, here are tips that make nail care easy.

DO NOT BITE NAILS
Though most people do it out of stress or being tensed, biting nails just as we learnt in primary school isn’t a great habit. We are either directly feeding on the germs from the nails and spoiling the nails which already had a good manicure. In short to avoid it, you could maybe cut it out immediately once it grows big, have a peer signal you when you are about to bite. Nails do not taste great anyway.

MOISTURISE

Dish washing, sanitizing, using hand washes frequently wipe of the natural oils from nails. It makes the nails brittle, crack and split. The best way to moisture is to use baby cream or vaseline. Just massage the nails until the cream is absorbed.

LENGTH RECONSIDERATION

Nails that chip along edges or are stripping of at the tips need to be reconsidered for length. If you are someone who does daily chores like dish washing , peeling I hate to break it, it is difficult to manage with long nails. You could maybe reconsider the length to a level just above the finger that can be manageable.

NO CUTICLE REMOVAL

Cuticles signify the nail health, so do not break the barrier, It can easily lead to inflammation. Cuticles protect your nails from infection and removing them can cause nail infection for a longer duration. You can invest in a cuticle oil to take care of your nails.

WEAR GLOVES

In case you use harsh soaps for cleaning, be it the house or vessels, make sure you wear gloves when you touch the detergent. Harsh chemicals might prove bad for nail health. Also make sure to wear gloves so that your nails do not chip when your either cleaning or gardening.

EAT WELL

A well balanced diet is very much necessary for overall body maintenance including your nails. A healthy diet can guarantee you healthy nails which are supple. Vegetables, whole grains, seeds, legumes and nuts when included in diet regularly help in producing nutrient rich blood which help in boosting mail health.

DO NAIL FILING IN ONE DIRECTION

People naturally tend to file nails in back and forth motion. What actually needs to be done is doing it in a one direction motion. Doing it in back and forth makes the edges rough.

DO NOT PEEL GEL NAILS
When you want to remove gel nail polish from nails, do not peel them off. They will strip the nail off and also the natural oils. They might even lead to brittle nails. Make sure you soak them with acetone and a cotton ball to remove the polish.

LEAVE THEM POLISH FREE

Once a while leave the nails polish free cause they need their breathing space. If nails turn yellow or are being very brittle, the nails signal you to give them some polish free time.
So go polish free for about a week or two, give the nails a good massage. Once they turn healthy you can resume to applying nail polishes.

SIMPLE NAIL CARE ROUTINE

  • Remove nail polish with remover.
  • File the nails.
  • Push the cuticles back
  • Cleanse the nails.Wash the hands thoroughly. Pat dry. Use acetone to remove any moisture.
  • Apply base coat.
  • Apply two coats of nail polish.
  • Clean the area around nails
  • Apply the top coat.
  • Apply hand cream

I hope the above tips and routine might make it easier to manage nails in our busy lives.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is a part of Blogchatter ‘Half Marathon.’ 

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5 must have indoor plants

Well it is said that you can name yourself an adult when you have a bar cart, book shelf and nowadays people include an indoor plant. But I’d say to have a green thumb you needn’t be an adult. The age as a number isn’t a deciding factor here.


Where to start is the first step and probably most people get stuck here. This is where brands pitched in with starter kits or list of plants that you could choose to start having at home. Before that we must decide what part of the house would look much better with all the greenery.


The next thing that needs to be considered is the climate. And the windows in our house that would let in light. So the amount of light that would be coming in and the climate we’re located in play a major role in deciding what we get home.


Interacting with indoor plants in a way helps in reducing psychological and physiological stress. They help bring in a positive impact on mental health. Calming anxiety , helping in realigning your focus and making you more productive are much more benefits of having indoor plants.

And if you are in an apartment this is a great way to bring the outdoors home.

So here are reasons for you to join the bandwagon of having indoor plants at home.

Help in purifying air– House plants helps in purifying harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia and pollen. They could cause headache, allergies, fatigue and sickness. These plants help improve air quality and make the air cleaner for better health.

Stress reduction– Besides the making the air cleaner the psychological benefit of helping in reducing stress is another important advantage of having indoor plants. The plants help in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and also helping in spreading positive vibes.
Great for styling vignettes- They’re a great fit for the shelves. They help in adding break ups along the hard lines of continuous range of books and stuff.


Help in sharpening your attention– When you work alongside with live plants on your desk, you could notice a difference in your level of attention. On contrast plastic plants do not provide you the same benefits.


Increase recovery rate- The recovery rate from an illness, surgery or an injury is faster when you look at plants or flowers since it is therapeutic when you take a glance.
Help in adding colour- Plants help in adding colour. They help in adding much more texture and colour.

5 plants with easy maintenance

Money plant or devil’s ivy – The plant can withstand extreme climate conditions and requires minimal maintenance. It is one of the most common plants which can grow on fences and in pots. It helps absorb volatile organic compounds and helps keeping air cleaner. If you are a believer of vaastu, the plant is said to bring in material abundance.


Snake plant -It has sturdy and pointy leaves which are long and helps in keeping air pure by absorbing almost 100 different air toxins like oxide, chloroform and alcohols. The plant releases oxygen during the night hour in comparison with other succulents thereby making it a perfect plant for the bedrooms.


Aloe vera– Another common plant in most households known for its numerous benefits in terms of health and skincare. It exudes positivism and hence is great for the living and bedrooms. An ingredient that finds its place in many home remedies, cause of its goodness to skin and hair.


Bamboo palm– The plant has an affinity to benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It grows quick and helps in eliminating toxins. Also known as butterfly or areca palm and also grows in dry weather conditions. It helps in purifying the air making it a great indoor plant.


Peace lily– Very commonly found across the subcontinent. It is not only visually eye-catching but also great in absorbing toxins emanating from the electronics indoor. It is known for its adaptability to extreme and sudden weather changes. Its also intelligent to let you know to water it when the leaves droop. Great when it is placed in areas prone to dampness say your bathroom.

The list curated above is specific to Indian maintenance and keeping in mind the sub continents climatic conditions.

So plants can only thrive with people who have green thumb is logical to olden days. Some of these plants require low or even zero maintenance. Though some may not help you with keeping the air clean, but are a great addition to decor and no compromise on the psychological benefits.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

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How to teach money to kids

Talking finances and money to kids isn’t complicated and something shouldn’t be ignored anymore. Gone are the days when it is fine we reply saying money “money doesn’t grow on trees”. This is the piece of financial advice we were handed those days and it ended there.



If we want our kids to manage their money without issues in future then teaching them about financial responsibility at an early age is the solution. A habit that can take more time to build is saving. We can clearly say that quite a few adults are yet to master it.



As parents we want our kids to have the best. Not only the best in toys, dress, education but most importantly we want them to be safe and secure. A key lesson that needs to be taught which will guarantee they will do well is the lesson about money. This lays the foundation which will make them do well in life.



Many of us now wish that we could have been taught more about managing money. Missing the opportunities and being reluctant to talk about finances are reasons many parents give on why they couldn’t discuss with kids.
Children are very eager to learn about the wisdom of finance we have. So giving them the gift of financial literacy would be the best foundation we can do for them.

Here are ways you could start teaching money



Start early

Math forms most part of money knowledge. So the learning about money could start as early as when they start learning math. What is money?Where and how it is used are the first and foremost concepts.
Also they need to know where it comes from. They need to clearly understand that it simply doesn’t come out of the wallet. Make them understand that we get paid when we work. SO no work results in no pay. This would make them understand that to earn they must work.



Give allowances

Assign a chore or ask them to run an errand and reward them. As they age you can increase the amount. Teach concepts like save, invest and spend. In this way they will know to allocate what they receive. Creating opportunities for them to earn is a great way to learn about money and to understand that their work is rewarded.



Teaching them to save

It is important to let them know that money is not only for spending but also to save for future. Saving will help in teaching discipline, gratification, setting goals , planning, being prepared and most importantly feeling secure and independent.
Giving them chances to set short term goals like to buy their favourite stationary or favorite toy will make them more enthusiastic to save. TO begin with they could start with saving in a piggy bank and then proceed to opening a savings account once they are old enough.



Make them understand and make decisions

Tracking where money comes from and how is it going to be spent teaches children to make smart decisions. Make them understand that they can pay people to get things done for them when they grow up or also spend in getting things for themselves. The key here is for them to understand that it is going to cost them either way.



Involve them in financial decisions and ask opinions

When I say ask opinions it doesn’t mean you have to go by it. It will help in boosting their morale that they are becoming mature and capable of becoming a good adult. They will also get to know how you handle the situations and learn to model you. Start this in their teens, the goal here is to talk about money freely and not getting stressed up.

See where they go wrong and grasp the situation to teach

There might be situations where the kid spends the entire money , or cable bill rockets and so does electricity. DO not cave in. Instead use this opportunity to make them understand that if money is gone it is gone . Let them know that extra TV hours count, leaving the light on counts. This will make them realize and start acting responsible.



Work on your relationship

Kids learn by mimicking our behavior. So if they notice that we are stressed, spending beyond boundaries and keeping the finance scare they are most likely going to become like you. They cannot think it is normal if you spend money beyond limits so act responsibly and be a good role model.
This also sends out a strong message that you practice what you preach. Talking to them about saving and investing and on the contrary ending up be scarce doesn’t picture a good role model.



Teaching differences

Make sure kids understand differences between needs and wants. Let them be responsible for the decision they make to spend money on a trip to circus or a video game. So later they cannot blame you. Let them enable themselves by making a priority on what do they want first. Making them understand what is their dire need and what is a want helps them make better decisions.


Gratification

Kids need to understand that they don’t always come with a bag of goodies after leaving a store. Visiting every time doesn’t mean we spend and buy stuff. The goodie will make its way during an occasion and not during every store visit. Making them save money for their most wanted goodie is another way they learn to save. And once after they purchase you could see how thoughtfully they make use since it came out of their own money.



So it isn’t late if you haven’t started. There is no right time and no time when it denotes your lagging behind. If you are reading this and plan to start, I wish you the best.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

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5 reasons why we procrastinate and how to overcome it

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” – Benjamin Franklin



An act of unnecessarily postponing things , decisions or actions is called procrastination. People often confuse this with laziness but both are very different in their own ways.



Procrastinating is active meaning you chose to do something else instead of the actual task that you are supposed to be doing. Laziness on the other hand is being inactive and not deciding to do anything at all.



Procrastination is usually ignoring an important task in favour to something else that is much more easier to complete. Minor instances of procrastination can make us pay a heavy price. So it is always better not to give in to it, even if it is a smaller instance.

Primary issues cropping up would be demotivated behavior leading to low performance. But if it continues in the longer run it might lead to depression due to accumulated stress and degrade physical and mental health.

Most often misinterpreted as a matter of willpower, people fail to recognize that procrastination is something much more complex. Self-control is most important to give us the push to complete a task. We often get demotivated when factors like anxiety,negativity, failure interfere with self-control and take us in the opposite direction away from motivation.

Exhaustion and delay in receiving the reward for completion of task may make you disregard the value of the reward which interferes with the self-control and motivation. We must keep in mind that both self-control and motivation work hand-in-hand for us to complete a task or do an action. Anything in interference to these two will definitely have a negative impact.

Why do we procrastinate?



Unclear or abstract goals


When you have a concrete goal that is clearly defined you are more likely to show greater interest in completing the steps to achieve it. Contrary to this if your goal that is set is abstract or vague you are more likely to procrastinate.



Late rewards



When tasks come with the late reward package you are likely to deem it unimportant because the reward is getting to you a little late. Delay discounting where people tend to discount the value of rewards that they would be receiving later crops up. So people become biased to tasks which offer them a reward earlier and would be much interested to complete it first even if it is not critical.



Disconnect with future



A disconnect between the present and the future individual known as temporal discontinuity causes procrastination. People become carefree that the present is the only time to be concentrated and the future can be handled when it comes with the flow.


For someone who is advised a healthy diet by the physician failing to do so because, it is only the future individual who will be the sufferer. They fail to realize it is the individual’s present eating lifestyle that would cause the problems in future.



Optimistic future



People procrastinate because they are optimistic about the completion of tasks in future given the fact that they are confident of the availability of time and their ability to complete. Most often they fail when it comes to calculate the inadequate time at their disposal to complete the task and console themselves by saying the next time it would be different if in case it is a repetitive task.


Inability to make decisions



People procrastinate in situations when they are unable to decide the next course of action. Given the fact that the options in front of them would be too many to choose from, too important to choose and too similar to choose. In such cases the individual is said to have indecisiveness to proceed.



Anxiety and being overwhelmed



Sometimes when people feel anxious and highly overwhelmed they tend to procrastinate. Overwhelming could be due to situations where there is a single huge task or a couple of simple tasks. Anxiety on the other hand will have the capability even to put this into a loop- Anxiety and procrastinating due to anxiety.



Fear of failure, evaluation and negative feedback.



Exaggerated and unjustified would be right to name the fears in most cases when people procrastinate. The fear of being evaluated and given a feedback from the public make people worry and end up in procrastination.



Fear of failure is another important factor that plays a major role and could also be considered a subset of the evaluation and feedback fear. This would make them continue to work and not come to completion because of the fear.


How to overcome procrastination?

Agree or identify that you are procrastinating

The first step is to Identify that you’re into procrastination. Most people fail to recognize that they are procrastinating and think what’s stopping them.

How do you identify?

  • Waiting for the right time to work on it or make decisions.Read the instructions again and again but not taking any action or devising a strategy to work.
  • Low priority tasks are filled for the entire day in your planner.
  • Putting off a task in to-do for a long time though you know its important.
  • Try to fix why you are procrastinating.



Most times it is because of the task that is presented if it is vague or too simple or is overwhelming to be completed. Not having a proper strategy or the fear of success and failure could make you procrastinate. So identify the why and try to fix it.



Stopping the habit of procrastinating by adopting anti-procrastinating strategies.



If its an old habit it takes time to die hard. So understand that you cannot overcome this overnight. It takes time to forget the habit. Think how you could adopt strategies that will help you not procrastinate.

Strategies that help overcome procrastination

  • Forget the past.
  • Self-rewarding
  • Be capable of taking decisions immediately rather than postponing.
  • Peer pressure works so have someone check on you.
  • Commitment to the task
  • Lessen or minimize the distraction
  • Act on the go.



Take more control on the task. Think of it in a way that you choose to complete rather than you need to or you have to.



Procrastination is not a disease. It is not late to start correcting it, even if you are a senior citizen. Everybody gets a chance make mistakes, learn and bounce back. Make sure you do not procrastinate to getting started on the way to stop procrastinating.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

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@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is part of #causeachatter for blogchatter

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Z’s which help in skincare

Z’s which help in skincare

The final alphabet, the final post for this season and the last of ingredients from this series of mine.
This was the most difficult alphabet for me to find ingredients, try out the DIYs and then put them out here.

So here they are, the Z’s which help in skincare.

Zucchini



Zucchini is a type of summer squash. This dark green vegetable also is rich in nutrients which help in maintaining good skin.



Zucchini is rich is water content and thereby it helps in maintaining great skin health.



Zucchini is rich in riboflavin which helps in maturing of collagen.


Synthesis of collagen is very essential for good skin health, hence the vitamin C in the squash that is present in abundance helps in collagen synthesis.



Collagen and elastin is very essential for radiant healthy looking skin. The production of latter is boosted by vitamin C which also helps in reducing cellular damage.



Collagen also helps in keeping skin firm and wrinkle free. So the vitamin from zucchini is very much essential.



Zucchini helps deal with summer heat and helps in hydration which is the reason it is known as summer squash.



The lutein in zucchini helps in dealing with inflammation. Thereby when inflammations are reduced, skin tends to be healthy. The damage to the skin from sun is minimized thereby the moisture barrier is left untouched. Which is the main reason to mention that zucchini helps in hydration.



The water content in zucchini is 95%, which makes it great for consumption as well. So in way you are contributing to the hydration through food so it also helps the skin.



The antioxidants help in protecting against free radical damage.

DIYS:



Blend zucchini peels with overnight soaked masoor dal. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.


Blend two tablespoons of zucchini paste with a teaspoon of oatmeal. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for oily skin.


Blend two tablespoons of zucchini paste with one teaspoon of olive oil and oats powder and a egg yolk.Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for dry skin.


Slice zucchini and place them over the eyes and face. This is for reducing dark circles and also providing natural glow.

ZINC:


Zinc is a very essential mineral to be included for a healthy body and is also great for skincare, especially in fighting against acne.



When we term it essential it means the body cannot prepare or produce zinc and it needs to be included in daily diet.



It’s known as trace mineral because it is needed only in minute quantities on a day to day basis



Zinc helps fight against viruses and bacteria. Zinc also has anti inflammatory properties which help in healing the redness and sensitivity caused by acne.



It could also help in making the scars disappear.



Zinc protects skin from sun damage and is a common ingredient in the topically applied sunscreens.





Zinc works as an antioxidant but not technically. It helps fight against free radical formation and protecting the cells which helps in formation of collagen.

How can you include zinc in diet?



By including below in your daily food

Beans, nuts, whole grains, poultry and dairy products.

On another note, the body finds it easier to absorb zinc from animal based food than plant based because the latter has phytates which inhibits the absorption of zinc. So in that case you could consult a doctor to take a supplement.

As one of the DIY I’m sharing a smoothie that is rich in zinc.

ZINC SMOOTHIE

Blend the below ingredients

Nut milk two cups

One tablespoon of hemp hearts, coconut oil and vanilla essence

Mixed nuts 1/3 cup

One frozen banana

2 dates deseeded

Protein powder two scoops

3 teaspoon cocoa

You could add in stevia in case you do not prefer bitterness.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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Y’s which help in skincare

Y’s which help in skincare

We’re almost at the tail end and yes its the day of the Y. So what could I think of for Y. I did manage to find some that would help you out and I hope all the ingredients mentioned from A-X and the DIYs were useful. Do let me know if you would want me to write about anything in particular.

Let’s get to the topics and take a look at the Y’s which help in skincare.

YOGURT

The always available ingredient in fridge is also the fountain of youth. Its a rich protein source. So protein be it when applied or if consumed helps in repairing skin cells. It makes the skin appear more radiant and youthful.

What protein does to the body when consumed like strengthen ,repair and nourish is what it does when applied topically over the skin.

The lactic acid in yogurt helps in shrinking pores and tightening skin thereby having an effect in reducing the fine lines and wrinkles.

It has great exfoliating properties and guarantees transformation of dry skin to smooth skin.

Rich in vitamin B it makes skin glow and also aids in skin cell growth and regeneration.

The probiotics present in yogurt help in healing inflammation due to sunburns.

The zinc content helps in regulation of oil secretion and keeping breakouts at bay due to which it is best suited for oily skin.

On the whole yogurt is an all round multitasker when it comes to beauty.

DIYS

1.Crush some rose petals and add in rose water. Mix in a teaspoon of yogurt and honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

REDUCE SUNBURN IRRITATION: Mix in few drops of chamomile oil to half a cup of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

2.PIGMENTATION: Add in few drops of lemon juice to half a cup of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

3.SLOW DOWN AGEING: Mix in a teaspoon of olive oil to 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

4.Mix in a tablespoon of oats to 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Let it soak and mash. Apply on to face and do gentle circular motions of scrubbing before washing off.

5 MOISTURIZER: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa and honey to 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

6, ACNE AND DARK CIRCLE : Dab cotton pad in yogurt and apply on to affected area for acne. Similarly apply under the eyes for dark circles.

IRRITATED SKIN: Mix in a tablespoon of honey and aloe vera gel to 1/4 cup of yogurt. Apply on the specific area and wash off in cold water post 15 minutes.

OILY SKIN: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of honey and turmeric powder to half a cup of yogurt. Apply on to skin and wash off after 15 minutes.

EYEBAGS AND DARK CIRCLE: Blend half a cucumber with half a cup of yogurt. Apply under the eyes and wash off after 15 minutes.

YOLK:

The egg yolks are rich in fatty acids which help in providing necessary hydration for the skin and helps in moisture lock.

The yolk is best suited ingredient for dry and dull skin.

Hydration, nourishment and moisturisation is what the egg yolk helps in providing the skin.

DIYs:



Mix in half a mashed avocado an egg yolk and a teaspoon of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for skin glow.


Mix in a teaspoon of honey, almond oil to an egg yolk. Whisk it until it froths. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for acne.


Mash one ripe banana. Add in a teaspoon of olive oil and an egg yolk. Mix well and apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.


Supple skin: Mix in an egg yolk, few drops of rose water, one tablespoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.



Please be very careful to not get the yolk into the eyes, nostrils, ears and mouth to avoid salmonella infection.

YELLOW BELL PEPPER:


This beautiful vegetable in itself is a wonder ingredient for youthful skin. Yes it is, but not by applying it on skin. But by consuming the vegetable in itself it weaves a magic to keep skin looking younger and youthful.


Collagen from vitamin C present in yellow bell peppers helps in keeping the skin firm and guards the cells from getting damaged. Bell peppers help in skin protection from free radical damage.


Antioxidants and the phytochemicals which are present in abundance help in making the skin appear youthful.



The antioxidants helps in reversing the signs of ageing. Making skin appear firmer and youthful by fighting against sun and free radical damage which involves no formation of fine lines or wrinkles.


Carrot and bell pepper combination is said to even out blemishes and improve skin tone.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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X’s which help in skincare

X’s which help in skincare

Today we talk about X’s which help in skincare. I chose to write about the two main processes which help in keeping skin clear and healthy. Of course , yes I’d also include ingredients at home that can be used in these processes.

DETOX

Skin detox


In the fast paced world we expose skin to dirt, pollution, makeup and chemical exposure. This in a way is a reason for clogged pores. We usually mention the term “DETOX” only for the body, but it’s time that the skin also needs to be included. Because the skin is your largest organ and needs to have a detox as well.



The skin helps protect against infection, excess water loss, production of vitamin D and helping in regulating the temperature of the body.


Swelling, itching, breakouts and redness are results of skin erupting because of not doing a detox. But on the other hand if detox is being done religiously and on a regular basis, you could reverse the adverse effects and in fact help in boosting skin health.

FACTORS:



STRESS: Stress often brings out its effects in the form of acne and inflammation.

SUGAR: If in take of sugar is more, it could result in breakouts and pimples.

LIFESTYLE: improper sleep cycle, inadequate hydration , drinking and smoking also have adverse effects on skin.

SIGNS THAT YOU BADLY NEED A DETOX:

  • Dry and dull skin.
  • Patches and blemishes
  • Wrinkles and sagging
  • Oily skin
  • Sensitive and dry skin

WAYS TO DETOX:



WORKOUT: Exercising indirectly contributes to skin detox. When you exercise you sweat it out and that helps in flushing out toxins.



FACIAL OR SPA: Taking up a facial at home or at a parlour or going for a spa actually helps in skin detox.



HYDRATE SKIN INSIDE OUT:
Hydration from inside involves drinking adequate water.
Hydration from outside is applying moisturizer or a serum that suits your skin type. Make sure to do it twice.
Also when you use a serum it not only helps in hydrating the skin but in a way it also helps in better absorption of other skincare products.



CLEANSING:
Cleansing is a great way to remove off dirt and make up form skin. Ensure to do a double cleansing and make it part of your daily skincare routine.



TONER:
Toners help in eliminate any residue oil from the cleanser, It prepares the skin for the products that follow. It helps in maintaining the pH of the skin. Also helps to shrink the pores.



EXFOLIATION:
Exfoliation is done to remove the dead skin cells and dirt. This is one of the secrets to glowing skin.



MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Give up on alcohol and smoking. Smoking causes the fastening of the ageing process.
Alcohol promotes dehydration . So both are a no-no if you want clear skin.



CUTTING DOWN ON SUGAR:

Sugar consumption in excess is one of the major reasons for breakouts and acne. Cutting down on sugar helps in a great way to maintain good skin. Fruits and dark chocolates would be great alternates for your sugar craving.

STEAM:

Going in for a hot steam helps to open pores and release the dirt and other residue.



BALANCED DIET: Eat a well balanced diet that include more of fruits and vegetables. Limit intake of carbohydrates, sugar loaded food and fried food.



PROPER SLEEP CYCLE:

Skin needs its repair time just like the body. Dark circles would first pop out indicating that the skin doesn’t have enough repair time and needs a detox badly.


DETOX BATHS:

You could also go in for detox baths like adding epsom salt, ACV, sea salt or coffee grounds to warm bath water and enjoy a relaxed bath.



SWITCH FROM CAFFEINE : Make a switch to eliminate caffeine and to include green tea. You will start noticing wonders.

DETOX DRINKS:


VITAMIN C: Squeeze in some lemon juice in two liters of water. Add in some pineapple, kiwi amnd let it infuse. Drink it the whole of the day.

ACV water: Mix two tablespoons of water to 2 liters of water. Not more than two tablespoons of ACV a day , keep that in mind.

TURMERIC WATER: Add 3-5 fresh turmeric slices in two cups of water and boil. Add some honey before drinking if needed.

EXFOLIATION:

Skin exfoliation


Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the external skin. It helps in brightening the skin by removing the dirt, boosting blood circulation and improving the appearance of the skin.



Types of exfoliation


MECHANICAL: Mechanical exfoliation involves removing the dead skin cells using a scrub, brush or a sponge.

CHEMICAL : This involves using acids like AHAs and BHAs.



More details on exfoliation here.

DIY Scrubs:

  • Blend a cup of strawberries, two drops of ACV, half a cup of yogurt and half a cup of almond powder. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.
  • Mix in half a teaspoon of lemon juice and water. Add one tablespoon of salt. Apply on to face and gently scrub and wash off.
  • Blend one kiwi, two tablespoons of brown sugar and add in a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.
  • Mix three tablespoons of coffee grounds to a cup of yogurt. Add in some honey and apply on to face. Gently scrub and wash off after 15 minutes.
  • Mix in two teaspoons of tomato pulp, yogurt and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.