What started as a means to express my observations when riding the Delhi Metro is now about maintaining a not-so-personal diary about the "everyday" Life! Expect a lot of opinions, a love for the unusual, and the tendency to blog on-the-go, unfiltered, with bias, and ALWAYS with a cup of chai...[and some AI]
Have You Seen Dog Meat Market Videos – Why Do These Dogs Usually Look So Docile?
Trying To Talk Yourself Out of Depression Does Not Always Work
Prozac works but why not try the un-chemical way to feel good?
This discussion is not about whether Prozac helps with anxiety. Yes, medicines like Prozac can help you control your anxiety levels, but here, I am discussing some DIY methods that are not equally chemical and don't require you to chase around for a prescriptionI have had issues with restoring my mental energy levels every time they get depleted over a few hectic days. Ever since I turned 25, a pattern emerged where, after a couple of days of sustained physical and psychological work, my mind would go into a caffeinated mode, unable to wind down, and as a result, my anxiety levels and the associated digestive symptoms would surface. The medicines I tried over the years to control this habit and its root cause helped to some extent, but there is a catch to using them.No matter what the pharmaceutical world says, there is a downside to every drug out there, prescription or over-the-counter. Once you get into the habit of using mood boosters, or in my case, mood-sustaining salts, there is a big chance your body and mind will stop evolving to help you navigate and manage different phases of your life, and some need you to be alert and calm. My continuous run-ins with these meds also helped me uncover some things that could boost the overall mood and energy levels. These mental health tips are not stolen from the web or blatantly rewritten to engage the search engines. This is from my cup of psychological wellness, and I am sharing some of it with you:Take some bites: the easiest way to control anxiety on a bad day...
Don't force sleep: slightly offbeat anxiety prevention tip
Online window shopping or OTT indulgence: easy ways to control anxiety
Find getting-rid-of videos: easiest tools for managing rising anxiety levels.
Online & Offline Clean-up: the simplest way to distract away oncoming anxiety
NOT sure-shot ways to reduce anxiety - find your own fix...
I recommend trying out:
- Slow, conscious exhaling with a slight humming sound
- Chewing your food more consciously, taking extra minutes to swallow each bite
- Listening to music that tends to make your mind travel, even if for just a few minutes
- If you are connected to paper & pen, try to write a bit, try to journal your feelings a bit
- If you are addicted to blogging, write about anything - it really works [personal website]
- Tightening the grip on a body part, almost to the point of making it numb, and then releasing
The Dream vs Reality of Family Summer Vacations: everything is not OK when holidaying with the family!
The Planning Pressure
Even before the vacation starts, the stress begins with the arduous planning process. Aligning everyone's schedules to find agreeable dates is a chess game in itself. Then comes the contentious debate over destinations that try to satisfy all interests and budgets. Just getting out the door requires a heroic effort of packing, cleaning, and preparing.
Financials: Just Cauz it is Family, Does Not Mean Free Rides for Everybody
Speaking of budgets, paying for a family vacation can be a serious source of stress and strain. Between airfare or transportation, hotel rooms, food, activities, and more, the costs add up shockingly fast. For many families, spending so much in one week can create guilt, remorse, and uncomfortable money conversations. Among bigger family groups vacationing together with distant aunts and uncles who seem balder than ever before, chances are that you will come across a few folks who just don't want to spend, even if it means they are adding ice-cream milkshakes to a family dinner meal order for which a budget has already been defined. You cannot argue or make sense with such people, as their agenda is clear - either vacation as a freeloader or else, raise Hell so that someone from the groups comes forth to placate things in the guise of "...we are family".
Logistical Headaches
Once the vacation actually begins, the logistical challenges quickly set in. Coordinating transportation, keeping tabs on the whole crew, making sure everyone is on time for events - it can feel like an endless cycle of herding cats. Let's not even discuss the battles regarding which attractions or restaurants to visit that inevitably break out. Family members who believe that a few extra golfing carts don't take up much space or those who pack like Rambo for a family camping trip, perhaps just understand that packing, unpacking, and traveling with luggage is a serious logistical issue. Just because it is a family trip does not mean that people will accommodate those who travel with luggage twice their body weight and others who demand more space for the extra set of sneakers they are carrying.
Sibling Squabbles
If the sheer effort of executing a family vacation wasn't enough, the close quarters often amplify another major stressor - sibling conflicts. With kids stuck together 24/7, small tiffs can escalate into full meltdowns. Exhausted parents are then forced into endless referee roles between screaming kids in the backseat.
Routine Disruptions
We all love to get away, but even a luxury vacation can be surprisingly disruptive. Something as simple as being out of one's normal routine and environment can leave some family members grumpy, tired, and prone to meltdowns. From different beds to strange foods, adapting to a new temporary lifestyle isn't easy. While the idea of quality bonding time as a family is an honorable pursuit, the realities of planning and executing a summer vacation are rife with potential stressors. From budgetary pressures to petty squabbles, these trips often contain a surprisingly high ratio of headache to holiday. Of course, the hope is that the happy memories outweigh any negative moments. But avoiding stress altogether may simply be an impossible dream when it comes to the classic family summer vacation.
Reflection & Future Planning: Learning from Experience, Planning for Next Time
By embracing a spirit of continuous learning and growth, families can ensure that each vacation experience builds upon the last, creating a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. However, this still might sound preachy and impractical for those who have horrible vacation moments when traveling with their family or close friends. To get out of that negative zone, perhaps a solo trip to shrug off the negativity can help - you won't know unless you try it. Similarly, try not to engage too much with a person in the group who usually gets under your skin. Also, remember this is not the time to discuss the past or future - vacations are meant to be just in the moment...try losing yourself a bit!
Why are some people inherently irritating?
Rediscovering the Joys of Local Exploration: Unveiling the Benefits of Neighborhood Strolls
Can Cannabis indica homeopathy help with IBS-D?
No reliable scientific evidence shows that homeopathic preparations of Cannabis indica meaningfully help people with IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant IBS). Mechanistically, high-potency homeopathic medicines contain no measurable THC/CBD, so they cannot act like medicinal cannabis; any reported benefit is most likely a placebo or non-specific. PubMedScienceDirect
What exactly are we talking about?
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“Cannabis indica” (the plant): a species/chemovar of cannabis that contains cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and terpenes. Pharmaceutical or herbal cannabis products deliver those chemicals and can affect the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). PMC
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“Cannabis indica” in homeopathy: a homeopathic remedy made by serial dilution and succussion of a mother tincture of the plant. Typical potencies used by homeopaths (e.g., 30C) are diluted far beyond the point where any original molecules remain. Homeopathy’s claimed mechanisms (like “potentisation”) are not supported by mainstream chemistry or physiology. WikipediaScienceDirect
Important distinction: a homeopathic “Cannabis indica” remedy ≠ is an herbal tincture, cannabis oil, or pharmaceutical THC/CBD product. The former does not deliver cannabinoids in measurable amounts; the latter can. WikipediaPMC
The Pandemic Fear was Inside our Home [when someone tests positive]
My father just got his first shot of the vaccine after waiting out his recovery from what has now become an integral part of our lives - the Coronavirus. While I was making a reminder of the date on which he would be getting his second shot, memories of the first couple of days when my father tested positive rushed in. This happened on April 17th, 2020 - last year. He had been feeling a bit heavy in the head for a few days, and like many folks, his mask-wearing etiquette was rather questionable. He has always been someone proud of his immunity, the fact that he played cricket from the school to club level despite all the hardships, and he would never take a sick leave from his workplace [CITIBANK - the CITI never sleeps]. He did not have the reserves of energy to collect the pathology report, and with my bits-and-piece knowledge about the healthcare genre, I was trusted to gather it and confirm that he wasn't infected - we were rather sure about it. My father, falling ill? A smart betting man would never invest in this preposterous theory!
A really bad attempt at rhyming during the Pandemic...
2021: when birthdays aren’t ‘Less’ than any reason to celebrate!
The emptiness outside screamed at us, but it was voiceless,
Lives that have been turned upside down, seem countless.
The perennial worriers are learning how to be fearless,
Life-from-home helped those reconnect who were faithless.
Masked people still try to look good despite being rendered faceless,
Keeping distances nurtured human connections but they were nameless.
As death came knocking in our neighborhood, the circus of life seemed pointless,
The poorest among us were those without friends and not those who were penniless.
While we try to forget what has happened during this time, finding ways not to get restless,The lessons learned and the memories created will forever remain priceless.
How to work from home when you are managing a toddler?
Distractions: Children are naturally active and curious, which can make it hard for parents who work from home to concentrate on their work without being interrupted by their kids. Parents can find it hard to focus on their work when their kids want their attention, want to play with their toys, or need to do chores around the house.
Lack of separation between work and home life: When you work from home, it can be hard to keep work and home life separate, which can cause the lines between the two to blur. This can make it hard for parents to leave work behind and spend quality time with their kids. Also, work can get in the way of family time, which can make you feel guilty and frustrated.
Lack of structure and routine: It can be hard for parents who work from home to keep a structured and routine work schedule. This can make it hard to tell the difference between work and family life.
This can make it hard for parents to set priorities and make good use of their time.
- Care for children: Parents who work from home often have to find a way to balance their work and their children's needs. This can mean dealing with sick kids, taking care of kids who aren't in school or taking care of younger kids who need constant attention.
- Isolation: Parents who work from home can feel lonely because they don't get to talk to their coworkers and colleagues as much as they would in an office. This can be especially hard for parents who are used to having coworkers with whom they can share ideas or talk about their lives.
- Technical problems: Problems with the internet, software, or hardware can all interrupt a parent's workday and add to the stress and frustration of working from home. Self-care: It can be hard for parents who work from home to find time for things like exercise, healthy eating, and free time to do things they enjoy.
This can make you feel burned out and less satisfied with your job.
SOME TIPS TO HELP WORKING PARENTS WITH THIS
Taking care of a toddler while working from home can be hard. But it can be done well if you are organized and have patience. Here are some suggestions to help the process go more smoothly:
Make a schedule:
- Set up a routine for both you and your toddler to follow every day.
- This will help you both know what to expect and keep things from getting in the way at work.
- Set limits: It's important to set limits between your work life and your life at home.
- This can be done by giving everyone a set place to work and a set time to work.
Get your toddler involved: Look for ways to include your toddler in your workday.
- This can be done by giving them easy things to do, like sorting papers or helping to make lunch.
- Take breaks: It's important to take breaks from work so you can spend time with your toddler and recharge your own batteries.
- Try to plan these breaks ahead of time so you can get the most out of the time you have together.
- Plan for possible distractions. Toddlers can be hard to predict, so it's important to plan for possible things that could get in the way.
- This can mean having a backup plan in case something goes wrong or having toys and activities on hand to keep them busy while you work.
Take care of yourself first. Taking care of yourself is important if you want to be able to handle work and a toddler well. Make time to work out, take care of yourself, and relax.
Talk to your boss: If you can, talk to your boss about what's going on.
They might be able to give you more freedom or work around your needs to make it easier for you to work from home with a toddler. In the end, working from home with a toddler can be hard, but it is possible if you have the right plans. You can handle both work and a toddler if you have a routine, set boundaries, include your toddler, take breaks, plan for distractions, put self-care first, and talk to your employer.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO KNOW: Do employers help out parents who work from home and have small children?
Yes, some employers do help parents who work from home and have small children. The type and level of support can vary from employer to employer and from employee to employee. Here are some kinds of help that an employer might give:
- Flexible work arrangements: Some employers may offer flexible work arrangements, like flexible schedules or part-time work, to help parents balance their work and family responsibilities.
- Childcare help: Some employers may provide on-site child care or help pay for child care for employees who need it while working from home.
- Technology and equipment: Employers may give their workers the laptops, monitors, and ergonomic office chairs they need to do their jobs well from home.
- Support for mental health: Some employers may offer counseling services, mindfulness programs, or other types of mental health support to help employees deal with the stress and challenges of working from home.
- Training and development: When an employee works from home, their employer may offer training and development opportunities to help them improve their skills and knowledge.
It's important to remember that not all employers offer these kinds of help, and the level of help can vary depending on the employer and the needs of the employees. It's always a good idea for employees to talk to their boss about their needs and find out what kinds of help are available.
What is better for parents working from home and managing kids - working during the day or the night?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because the best schedule depends on each person's unique situation. Some parents might find it easier to work during the day while their kids are at school or with someone else, while others might prefer to work at night when their kids are sleeping. Parents who work during the day may be able to focus more on their jobs and get more done because they have set times to do so. They may also be able to spend more time with their kids when they are not working. But it could also mean that parents don't have time to spend with their kids or take care of their needs during the day.
Parents who work at night may be able to spend more time with their kids during the day and be more available to meet their needs, but they may also feel tired and burned out. Working at night can also make it hard for the rest of the family to get enough sleep, which can mess up schedules and affect both work and family life. In the end, the best schedule will depend on many things, such as the parents' work schedules, their children's needs, and their own sleep habits and preferences. Parents need to find a schedule that works for them and their families, and they need to let their employers know what they need so that they can balance their work and family responsibilities well.
A bit about work-from-home for those who believe that the Pandemic brought this to our lives...
How to work from home if there are seniors in the home who need care?
- Set a schedule and stick to it. Make a routine that works for both you and the senior you are caring for.
- Make a space just for work. It should be quiet and comfortable so you can work without being distracted.
- Talk to your boss and coworkers and let them know what's going on and if you have any specific needs or problems.
- Plan for the seniors' needs. Make sure meals, medicine, and activities are planned for the senior while you are at work.
- Take breaks. It's important to stop what you're doing every so often to check on the seniors and see what they need.
- Consider getting help from someone else. You could hire a caregiver or sign up for an adult daycare program to give you a break.
By using these tips, you can work from home and still take care of other people's needs.
What do therapists say about people who work from home?
Different psychiatrists have different thoughts about working from home, but many have raised concerns about how it affects mental health. Here are a few common thoughts:
- Isolation and loneliness: Working from home can make you feel alone and isolated, which is bad for your mental health.
- Work-life balance: When you work from home, it can be hard to separate work and home life, which can lead to more stress and burnout.
- Lack of physical activity. Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is linked to depression and anxiety, among other health problems.
- Boundary problems: When you work from home, it can be hard to tell where work time ends and personal time begins. This can make you feel guilty or angry.
A structure can be hard to set up. Some people may find it hard to set up a structured schedule and stay disciplined when they work from home. But psychiatrists also say that working from home can be good in some ways, like giving you more freedom and letting you spend more time with loved ones. The key is to find a balance that works for you and to take steps to keep your mental health in good shape.
Some Concluding Thoughts: working from home hasn't been easy for couples, even without kids or seniors to take care of...
- More time together. Working from home has given some couples more time to spend together, which has strengthened their relationship.
- Relationships have been strained for some people who work from home because they spend more time together, and the lines between work and personal life become less clear.
- Problems with balancing household responsibilities. When both partners live at home, it can be hard to take care of the housework and the kids at the same time.
- Less intimacy and sexual satisfaction. The lack of privacy and increased stress that come with working from home can make people feel less close to each other and less sexually satisfied.
- Better communication: Working from home can make you need to talk to people more clearly and openly, which can make your relationships better and help you understand them better.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHY the work-from-home lifestyle, culture, and problems are not going away any time soon!
- To advance their careers, get higher pay, or improve job stability.
- To learn marketable skills in areas like technology, business, or creative fields.
- To satisfy personal interests or pursue subjects they didn’t study earlier.













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