Consider These if You are on Amazon India - Looking to Buy Glass Mosaic Tiles?

Glass mosaic tiles are more than just design accents — they’re an art form that brings light, color, and personality to any space. Whether you’re redecorating your kitchen backsplash, framing a mirror, or crafting handmade coasters, these tiny pieces of glass can transform the ordinary into the eye-catching. In home décor, glass mosaic tiles shine brightest where they can play with light. Try using them on a feature wall, around a vanity mirror, or as a border in your bathroom. The reflective surface bounces light around the room, adding depth and elegance. You can also use mosaic tiles on tabletops or plant stands for a touch of color without overpowering your interior theme. Pair neutral tiles with metallic grout for a sophisticated look, or experiment with vibrant tones to create a lively, artistic vibe. For DIY enthusiasts, mosaic tiles are equally rewarding.

Break away from large-scale projects and start small — decorate picture frames, trays, candle holders, or flower pots. Arrange tiles by hue, shape, or random pattern, then secure them with adhesive and finish with grout to create a smooth, durable surface. These projects make beautiful, personalized gifts and are an excellent way to reuse leftover tiles from renovations. The best part? Glass mosaic tiles require minimal maintenance and stand up to moisture, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications. Whether you’re aiming for elegance or creativity, these tiles give you endless ways to express yourself — one small piece at a time. Tip: Always buy 10–15% extra tiles to allow for cutting and pattern alignment. The small details make the biggest difference in creating mosaic perfection.

BestTeam 200pcs Mix Color Square Glass Mosaic Tiles for DIY Crafts, Mosaic Tiles, TILE, Glass - 200 pieces

The BestTeam Mixed Colour Crystal Glass Mosaic Tiles pack offers individual pieces in assorted multicolours, designed for both DIY hobbyists and home décor enthusiasts. Each tile is made from glass with a glossy finish, enabling light reflection and visual depth for applications such as accent walls, mosaic art projects, mirror surrounds, and decorative planters. The varied palette adds life to craft surfaces and pairs beautifully with resin or contrasting grout tones. For home décor, these tiles make vibrant patterns accessible without heavy tiling infrastructure. While they’re decorative rather than floor-grade, they suit splash-backs, wall strips, or accent areas extremely well. Adhesive isn’t included, so separate tile glue is required. Customer feedback notes occasional colour variation between pieces, making this best suited for creative layouts rather than uniform installations. Overall, the BestTeam pack delivers visual impact and versatility at an attractive price, serving as an easy entry point into glass mosaic décor.

Glossy Square Glass Mosaics Multicolour by Sai Mosaic Art - 500 GMS

From Indian brand Sai Mosaic Art, this pack of glossy square glass mosaic tiles offers a compact, value-friendly introduction to mosaic décor. Each tile features a high-gloss finish for light play and reflection. The assorted colour blend works beautifully for small DIY projects such as decorative frames, coasters, planters, or mirror borders. Its modest pack size makes it practical for hobbyists or testers who don’t need bulk quantities. Because tiles come in mixed hues, they deliver a lively, handcrafted look rather than rigid uniformity. Users should note that adhesives are not supplied, and achieving colour consistency across multiple packs may require manual sorting. Despite these small considerations, the Sai Mosaic Art pack scores well for affordability and convenience. It’s an excellent pick for artists, students, and decorators looking to explore glass mosaic design without committing to larger lots or industrial-grade kits.

Assorted Colours Glass Mosaic Tiles (20 Variations) DIY Mosaic Art Crystal Glass Mosaic Tiles (Top Colour Triangle)

This assorted multicoloured glass mosaic tile pack is built for larger home décor applications—accent walls, kitchen splash-backs, and bathroom borders. The range of warm and cool tones gives designers flexibility in achieving visual balance or contrast. The tiles’ glossy finish enhances light dispersion and adds depth to surfaces. Though attractive, these tiles are decorative in grade—best suited for vertical surfaces or low-traffic flooring. Installation requires standard mosaic adhesives and grout; moisture exposure should be managed with sealant if used near wet zones. Users appreciate the vibrant appearance and cost efficiency, but note that colour ratios can vary from pack to pack. It’s ideal for do-it-yourself decorators or small contractors seeking an affordable yet premium-looking glass finish. For best results, plan your layout before setting to manage pattern and hue variation.

250 Pieces Vitreous Glass Mosaic Tiles for Arts DIY Crafts Green

This 250-piece vitreous glass mosaic tile pack caters to craft enthusiasts and DIY professionals alike. “Vitreous” glass refers to a low-porosity type that resists moisture and enhances luminosity, giving these tiles a premium reflective quality. Their uniform sizing allows precise arrangement for coasters, art panels, and accent wall inserts. The multi-colour mix is curated to achieve visual variety without clashing, making the set suitable for education projects and decorative retail pieces. While aesthetically rich, these tiles are intended for light-duty décor rather than load-bearing floors. Adhesive and grout need to be sourced separately. Reviewers praise the clarity and smoothness of finish, though some highlight differences in thickness between batches—a minor concern for intricate designs. Priced accessibly, this pack delivers ample creative freedom for both home and studio projects, combining visual charm with versatility.

Assorted Colours Glass Mosaic Tiles (20 Variations) DIY Mosaic Art, Decoration, Crystal Glass Mosaic Tiles

These Mixed Colour Glass Mosaic Tiles pack features rectangular glass tiles designed for modern accent work in homes and crafts. The elongated shape creates a sleek, rhythmic pattern perfect for backsplashes, borders, or designer insets. Each tile’s glossy glass surface amplifies light reflection, enhancing brightness in compact interiors. The assorted colour arrangement offers flexibility in design—ideal for eclectic or contemporary settings. These tiles are best suited for vertical application; although durable, they’re not engineered for heavy floor use. DIY installers and designers will appreciate their manageable size and vivid colour range. Since adhesive isn’t provided, ensure compatibility with glass tile glue and non-sanded grout for a polished finish. Overall, ATORSE delivers an artistic, high-impact décor solution that balances affordability with design sophistication.

VERDICT...SO FAR?

From what I have been able to see online, across marketplaces and e-commerce web stores, the collection put up by Sai Mosaic Art is the best so far! None of the other brands in this niche has the type of variety this store offers. You can find a wide variety of geometric mosaic tiles in various shapes and sizes, and you can bulk order as needed. Their customer support is really good too! I would suggest trying their Metal Foil Glass Mosaic Tiles, which are nearly impossible to find anywhere else. The prices are good, and you can expect a quick turnaround on the order processing too!

Shopping for Silicone Sealant on Amazon India?

Yes Art Heals but you don't need to be an artist

So, I was getting started with my Sunday morning chores, which these days are more about DIY repairs. This time around, it also included setting up two small plants in recycled glass bottles to be put up in the kitchen, near the big window. An hour or so later, I chanced upon the drawings that my 4.5-year-old girl drew. This is when I realized that what I was doing and what I was looking at were both forms of Art. To turn this into a question – What is art? Is it as fundamental as creating something in a very tangible and creative way? I believe so. The artist could be anyone. In this case, my girl turned the canvas into art, using her skills, and drew us, a family. There is nothing to gauge her performance here. Such art is pure and unadulterated. It does not need inspiration or reason, like filling out the galleries for an upcoming art exhibition.

Literally, anything that occupies your senses in creating something using your skills and some tools amounts to doing art, creating art, and being artistic. And I have realized that there is something deep, at the neural level, that connects art with our mind. To be brutally honest, since completing middle school, I hadn’t been even close to being artistic. However, around 2016, my wife inspired me to do small things. This included starting a balcony garden. Once the planters came in, so did the need to paint and refurbish potting vessels and recycle a few things to be used as substitute planters. As a result, the spray paint cans, colors, and paintbrushes returned to my life. There is some therapeutic, close to healing, as you brush the color on a surface. It has a profound effect on your mind, taking it away from the daily anxieties, fears, and tensions.  

I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it disconnects you from the world, though that is what I hear about great artists and real content creators. Even when using paint spray cans, the mind pacifies itself as you watch the mist of colors coat a surface, turning blacks and greys into vivid reds and bright yellows. Overall, the little bit of academic, greenhorn-level art that I have been able to pursue via these humble attempts has proven to be medicinally effective. There is no pharmacology apart from the chemical formula that is at the heart of many painting media these days. There are no after-effects apart from some drops that have marked your home tees and shorts. But there is a lot to gain from the experience. Even if you need to think, overthink, and surgically dissect your thoughts, slowly scraping away the soil build-up around the corners of a small planter can be a very effective medium to concentrate. You will realize that while doing so, you breathe a lot slower, you are less irritated, and overall, you can think less or more, but with greater clarity. The latest in this small journey has been returning to using crayons.

This might sound nerdy and oversold, but as the crayons give away and a part of them is martyred on the paper, you feel more in the moment, and break away from the past or the future that might be overwhelming you. As you start filling in within the boundaries of different shapes and forms, called shading perhaps, the simplicity of the task helps you relax. Another thing that I plan to start doing soon with my daughter, and as a part of getting artistic, is more drawings using chalk—this is one frontier that challenges me in a very unexpected manner. For some reason, the logic and sentiments associated with painting, coloring, shading, scraping, and layering don’t seem to apply as much when the tool is a piece of chalk and the medium is a school’s blackboard…

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 prescription. I 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.

You need to boost your sugar levels, but just a bit, not to the extent that you get a sugar rush. A few bites of literally anything, spaced across one hour where you nibble and munch a lot rather than consume a heavy meal, can help. Don't gulp aerated drinks as they don't hold for much time. Try more bread, cornflakes, some ice cream, a smoothie, a shake, or a small sandwich that you keep biting into. Yes, chocolate helps, but in moderation. Nuts, roasted or with something sweet, can help too. Raisins work in some way and are also a physical energy booster. Bananas tend to make me feel sluggish, so I avoid them despite a whole lot of natural sweetness. This is not meant to cure your anxiety, and it does not help you to cure anxiety. This simple exercise can help you get over anxiety for a few hours and navigate a hectic day at the workplace when there is a distinct burden you are carrying.

Don't force sleep: slightly offbeat anxiety prevention tip.

Trying to route your mind towards a relaxing mode could have disastrous results. You could end up feeling more irritated and less energetic. Don't sit alone and do too many deep breaths...this generic advice does not help many people like me. You might want to lower the intensity of the lighting around you, put on some music, and start engaging your mind with videos or music you like. Trying to put yourself to sleep is often the cause of bringing about anxiety. Your mind starts to dig up answers. You start examining everything that has happened over the course of the day or even yesterday. The further you dig, the farther you are from a good night's sleep. Sometimes, this can make you overthink to the extent that a small daft of anxiety comes knocking. As a rule, don't lie down for too long just because it seems like the right time to sleep or just because someone recommended a quick nap. If you are not someone who is genuinely good at power naps, don't stress it. Don't go chasing the general rule of an 8-hour sleep cycle. Keep it simple - sleep only when you are naturally slipping into it.

Online window shopping or OTT indulgence: easy ways to control anxiety

For shopping enthusiasts like me, an easy way to maintain sanity on a slightly stressed day is working on an online shopping cart. Prune the wish-listed products. Cancel items whose items have just escalated. Try to read into the current sales campaign. Save items you might need in the near future. De-link or upload more of your payment cards. Update shipping addresses or link a digital wallet that can provide some savings the next time you actually buy something. Indulge in some online product comparisons. Overall, this exercise might not lead to actually buying great products, but it occupies your mind in a way that takes the focus away from something that has been bothering you. It also takes away the need to sip beer. Making a big bowl of homemade popcorn and catching up with that OTT show that has been waiting in the watchlist is another good idea. Let the OTT zombies chew down your anxiety levels. A bit of butter on the popcorn will not make you morbidly obese, and renewing the monthly OTT subscription is still a lot cheaper than getting dependent on valium or Prozac.

Find getting-rid-of videos: easiest tools for managing rising anxiety levels.

This must be the strangest advice for controlling anxiety, but sometimes, it actually works. There are a lot of videos on YouTube and Instagram where people are getting rid of some strange wart or mole, overgrown nails that challenge Shrek, or hair that has never been clipped for decades. How does this work? When you are watching this type of visual content, there is a feeling of superficial, artificial relief that kicks in as the ugliest nails are clipped off, unruly locks are shaven away, or blackheads are pulled out. This helps in unwinding in a private, aloof manner, and such content is available at all times. While I call it getting-rid-of content, it can be slightly overbearing if you are watching it for the first time. Believe me, nobody really likes watching ultra-magnified views of ingrown hair on the chin being pulled out, but when you are out of quick answers to manage anxiety, anything is worth trying. However, if you chance upon animal slaughter videos uploaded by PETA-type agencies and find the recorded killings somewhat calming, you probably need help - the idea here is not to turn sadistic.

Online & Offline Clean-up: the simplest way to distract away oncoming anxiety 

You need an instant boost of goodness, and this is closely associated with a feeling of accomplishment. You need instantly doable tasks that help you feel that way. How can you do it? Get on your smartphone or get on your knees. Dust away things that are cluttering your desk or room, and your mailbox. Kick away, dump, and delete everything that seems mundane or highly unusable. From glamorous Apps to what seems no-long-usable on the bedside table, eradicate, and kill stuff that is not serving any purpose. This keeps your mind busy, works up the body a bit, and you get a nice feeling of gaining more control. Plus, your room partner or your mom would have one less reason to scream at you - how is this a bad deal?

NOT sure-shot ways to reduce anxiety - find your own fix...

There are days when running or heavy weight-lifting, even stretching, and some burpees can bring back that feeling of being alert, a reasonably good mood, and restore energy levels to some extent. And there are days when all of the things shared above don't make any impact. Like I said, this is not swallowing a pill and slightly numbing your mind. The entire efforts here are on managing your anxiety without using prescription pills or things that can be addictive. Usually, having too much caffeine or sugar does not help. Driving around aimlessly also does not get the job done. In contrast, something as simple as sipping some form of fluids might not take away that feeling of low, but it can prevent ruining your mood. You have to try it all and find what works best for you. For instance, every time I am snacking on crispy, crumbly stuff, making all sorts of horrible eating noises, my mind seems totally distracted, as if the focus has been taken away from overanalyzing things. And in the work-from-home schedule that has been enforced upon us, anxiety can come calling in the most unusual ways. You have to find simpler, non-medicated ways of keeping up your state of mental health.

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 

Reviewing CBD Gummies [India] For First Time Users | Cannabidiols Can Be Good

• Product: Zero CBD Broad Spectrum Gummies, Grand Daddy Purple, (4 pcs)
• The option: CBD content 30 mg
• Just one pack
• Retail price: INR 800 plus 50 for shipping anywhere
• Platform for purchase: https://itshemp.in/
• Brand: Zero CBD
• CBD type: broad spectrum, gummy infused with CBD 

I hope this unpaid, organic review helps those who are on the edge of making a decision but are still contemplating CBD gummies, still waiting for an authentic review that is totally unbiased and does not hold back from sharing the truth.

If you are not clear about the concept of ‘maal’ versus Cannabinoids, where the latter is associated with a lot of health benefits, you need to read up on the information that is easily available online. At the end of this CBD review, I have also shared some links that help to understand the utility of this herbal product and highlight it as a safe option - safe enough to be tried by the time-starved, always-rushed professional who is trying to maintain the work-life balance in the face of deadlines, a young family, and ailing parents.

Negativity Detoxification is serious stuff - not just another DIY detox bootcamp!

The need to detoxify from negativity has become paramount for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Negativity, whether originating from external sources or internal thoughts, can take a toll on our overall health. This article explores practical and evidence-based strategies to detoxify from negativity, delving into the science behind these methods to provide actionable insights for cultivating a more positive mindset.

Understanding the Impact of Negativity on Mental Health:

Negativity, in its various forms, can significantly affect mental health. It cannot always be subdued with a few shots of Valium. Constant exposure to negative stimuli, be it through news cycles, social media, or personal interactions, can contribute to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and even depression. Recognizing the impact of negativity is the first step toward implementing effective detoxification strategies.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology reviewed longitudinal studies on the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders. The findings highlighted a correlation between increased exposure to negative life events and a higher risk of developing mental health issues (Kessler et al., 2010).

A Brush with Rebellion: The Power of Makeup in Protest Through History

Makeup, often dismissed as a mere tool for beautification, has a deeper, richer history woven with threads of protest and empowerment. From ancient civilizations to contemporary movements, makeup has been utilized as a medium for self-expression, resistance, and assertion of power. This article takes you on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating evolution of makeup as a potent symbol of protest and strength.

Ancient Roots:

In the ancient world, civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia laid the groundwork for using cosmetics not only for aesthetic purposes but also as a means of social and political expression. Both men and women adorned themselves with elaborate makeup, using kohl and pigments to signify status, protection, and sometimes dissent.

Medieval Europe:

As Europe transitioned through the Middle Ages, makeup faced scrutiny as the Church condemned its usage. Despite societal restrictions, some women employed cosmetics to challenge societal norms subtly. Red lipstick, for instance, became a clandestine symbol of rebellion and resilience.

The DIY approach thing for normal work days, week days...

I don't recall creating too many reminders as a kid, teenager, student or an associated. The same habit has persisted at the Managerial bandwidth too. I just cannot create a checklist and tick-off the tasks scheduled for the day. However, there are some things that I am trying to do these days. This is a very short list, only in my mind and does not have any MBA-influenced solutions. When you are under-staffed and struggling to keep-up the motivation levels, a few reminders like these can be handy to keep yourself afloat no matter how challenging it gets. Reaching out and starting a conversation remains my biggest challenge and the fact that I never lie about my true intentions stands-out as the big engaging factor for anyone communication across the table, with me...

Why spray painting is also about training your mind? OR Challenging it…you be the judge!

If you have been glancing at my DIY submissions about the weird and often excessively adventurous trials and tribulations that are usually about Home Improvement, Home Repairs, DIY Builds, and Unwanted Landscaping, this discussion will not surprise you. Now, one of the most recurring aspects of my DIY voyages has been painting. This started with the usual route of buying an acrylic paint, a bottle of turpentine oil to dilute the paint, and a standard painting brush. The strokes were going well, the results were beginning to impress, and the compliments, though scanty, had started to surface. Just when I thought that my brush journey had started, I got this idea about spray painting. The thought was actually an afterthought, a few days after I had gotten the rear bumper of my aging Maruti Swift painted.

DIY Anxiety Explorations: it is not generalized, not GERD, not Acute or Extreme!

This blog is a testament to my anxious soul, my habit of overthinking things, and being a bit volatile. For a long time, I had been believing that there is nothing really new about anxiety issues, about the anxiety of any type that I have not experienced. But September was a rude awakening and a realization that I did not see coming. This time, I have experienced anxiety in its most unusual way. Think of it as some sort of shakiness or feeling unsettled despite not worrying about anything, without obsessing over things around me. This bout of anxiety is very subtle, but it remains in the system for the day. A few lone moments or working on some DIY project where my mind wanders around a bit can bring it on. This is the most spontaneous form of anxiety that is not about meeting new people or handling new situations. Many times, it comes up when there is nothing disturbing me at the moment, even when I am not fixating on the small imperfections, I tend to notice a bit too much.

It is present when I am doing the everyday tasks, the daily duties, and still, it manages to surface, making me a bit shaky. This is not Generalized Anxiety, for I understand it rather well. This does not feel anxious due to something bothering me subconsciously. The feeling can be very unsettling. It is new to me despite having experienced this problem for more than a decade. I had been talking about it and trying to explain it even before talking about anxiety and mental health issues became cool. Even worse is the fact that this undefined anxiety surfaced at a time when there were birthdays to celebrate, and I had to undertake abstinence from all types of alcohol. Perhaps, the mind dug a bit too much into elders in the family being old, very old, and some passing away. Perhaps, the mind was unconsciously concerned about the cycle of Life and impending Death, which everyone knows and talks about but does not know how to interact with when such incidents actually come calling. No Valium this time around. I am like, "...let us do this without trying to create a fix". Yes, any instance of death in the far-away family circle too starts this bout of anxiety, and it creeps up like a feeling of wire going through my lower legs. 

Getting Started with My Bathroom Tile Deco Work Project

I am the definition of a greenhorn when it comes to anything related to being artsy or doing tile-work, but this time around, I found the courage and the gumption to start something that could be potentially disastrous if not done properly. So, I am taking a few minutes to describe what this DIY project is going to be about, and will keep dropping in regular updates:

The Plot

WE are in a bit of disarray and indecision when it comes to refurbishing the bathroom. Our new home is somewhat prone to moisture seepage. There have been repeated rounds of arguments in the building as to how this issue should be tackled. The expenses would be huge, and invariably, all inhabitants of the apartment building would need to contribute a lot more than what they are paying as the monthly security and maintenance amount. This is the biggest issue, too, when it comes to setting up the scaffolding and starting the critical, structural re-strengthening repairs.

DIY Silicone Lessons via DIY Struggles in Handling Industrial Strength Compounds

I have been paying my dues in the niche of silicone adhesives - you might have read my first discussion about using these rather high-on-DIY spirit compounds that make life a lot easier for guys like me who are just getting around how to do small mend jobs around the house. Our living space is rather big for just two folks. The society here has been lethargic in its upkeep. As a result, many irritating things like small cavities and damp spots continue to bother us. This time, I have been proactive in using materials that I can easily buy from Amazon to turn into some sort of handyman, closer to what constitutes the definition of a family man for me. With some weeks of constant jobs and testing, I have concluded some handy information for you, i.e., if you want to understand how useful silicone can be provided you are using the right type, and yes, there are types here to handle:

Inter-dental Comfort: for Folks Cursed with Enlarging In-Between Tooth Spacing

It has been nearly 3 years, and I am still struggling with finding a smarter, more practical solution to neutralize the nuisance of food particles getting lodged between my teeth. My trusted dentist, who seems very overwhelmed by my dental structure, says that I have a teeth constitution that is too complex to have straight answers. I have had my share of dental fillings. Even while filling with the best compounds known to mankind, the attending dental intern was quick to point that given the strange manner in which my teeth are lodged horizontally, the lifespan of these fillings is going to be a big question—what should last for at least one year might not make it beyond the first 3-4 months in my case! I have discovered some things along the way and I guess these will be somewhat helpful to those with a similar problem.

Romantic dates for more soulful relationships? Knock-Knock...you are a Moron with an "M"

Couples' therapy can be very DIY, still effective and so easy to find that you won't believe it. You don't need to exchange notes about your list of favorite movies, you don't need more candle-lit dinners and Viagra cannot infuse the warmth you want in your relationship. Couples need to spend time together and vacationing is not the only way to do it - you can do something every day to strengthen your bond, to understand each other more. Just knowing her favorite colors does not make you a good husband. If she remembers the birthday diary of your ancestors, it does not amount to her being a kick-ass wife. The real magic lies in watching TV together even if it is the most hopeless piece of digital content ever produced but just lying there, together without speaking too much - that makes it look romantic.

Reasons for My Cup of Tea vs Normal Folks | Everyday Babbling Thoughts Blended with Handy Lifestyle Management

Anyone who has been at my blog, even twice, would know there is a definite difference between how I perceive thoughts and situations and react and how the more normal world behaves. This includes the pattern in which a cup of tea makes appreciable contributions to my everyday life.

Usual:         To Awaken Yourself
My Take:    To Calm Overactive Senses

Most people I know talk about having tea to awaken their senses, earlier in the day to wake-up from the slumber and during the day to regain their mental acuity. However, with me things are rather different. Think of me as an overworked, almost always engaged mind. I have this habit of digging so deep into the work that often I start blinking too infrequently and, as a result, my eyes get dry and irritated. This is why, for me, taking a few sips of tea is about interrupting my self-righteous habits that tend to exhaust me. This is not therapeutic for me. This is more of lifestyle management. Simple thing like ordering the tea or pouring it in my cup and sitting back to catch a break really helps to disengage the slightly over-stimulated sense, helping me regain that sense of calmness.

Why not take an adventure trip within your home with almost zero gear? [DIY Anxiety Management]

What seemed like an empty patch of floor in our reserve bedroom now challenges me - I must do mountain climbers and skull-crushers to ensure my physicality is maintained to some extent. I haven't stepped out, not compared myself with others at the gym, or done anything drastic, and still, this challenge is huge, as daily motivation levels can vary, and I tend to be dicey with time management. What am I talking about? The fact that your home itself can be the canvas for some adventure-type activity without Googling the best nearby locations for a weekend break!

You can easily do things that help to challenge your overall fitness with basic supplies at home. There is no camping or hiking gear involved here. This is about getting adventurous with the least important things that are found in nearly every household. Lately, I started doing mountain climbers, and as compared to push-ups, these are much more full-body involving and can be done in so many ways. But then, there are a million push-up varieties too. So, let us not compare them. If you could combine mountain climbers with push-ups, 30 minutes can seem like an eternity. Plus, all you need to do them is a plain, empty floor and a towel, because you will sweat a lot for sure! These are two core-killers and seriously, even if you happen to be in good shape, 5 sets of each, alternated, can leave you panting, sweating, and almost blushing...just like the after-glow. The rushing of blood also kills the anxiety pangs. It keeps you occupied even after wrapping up the session, as the body is trying to cool itself and recuperate from the torture you just unleashed!

One Exercise for Most Core Gains - Fast, Slow, Sides Variations

Another home-based exploration can be DIY car care, inside-out. Everyone knows how to wash or wa,x and clean a car, but how many people actually do it all together? You have to start with dry dusting, followed by soaping, pressure washing, and then allowing your vehicle to dry. Take a breather while the car dries up. Now, coat the insides and external surfaces with a good waxing compound and buff. This has to take at least 1 hour, and by the end of it, you will have completed the most complex, full-body workout without even knowing it. This tires your body and engages your mind in the most unexpected ways. Every inch of your body feels stretched. It is like a complete workout, cardio, and muscle with good stretching, and helps to use up those free hours and tires you sufficiently to fall asleep like the dead.

USE SPRAY PAINT TO REVAMP WORN-OUT DOOR MATS: homesthetics.net

You have to try spray painting. The spray cans are easily available on Amazon stores these days, and there is so much you can do with them. From planters to pots and all surfaces that are rusting, you can spray-paint them into new glory. The only thing is doing some prep in terms of covers and sheets that don't allow the underlying and surrounding surfaces to catch the spray. You want painting and not discoloration or spotting, so ensure the spraying room is pretty much free from stuff that can be wrongly coated. Try to play around with colors. Have patience of allow each coating to dry before applying the next one. This is easy, artsy-crafty sorts, and brings back the enthusiasm we once had during the schooling years. You can even find reasonably priced finishing cans, overcoat supplies, and items to lend the perfect finishing touch. For the uninitiated, this can be really engrossing and fun. There is so much to self-learn, learn via self-exploration. Just Google priming and you discover a whole lot of science about surface preparation when it comes to DIY painting jobs.

Try the single-legged pose and its many variations. What seems easy and doable can be a bit embarrassing and gives you the opportunity to laugh at yourself. If you can do it already, perhaps it is time to hold the pose for a much longer period and time yourself. If you are a starter, this is like discovering how your body communicates to balance itself. Yes, you realize the mechanism via which the upper & lower back, the hands & arms, waist & sides, and your mind work together to uplift and keep the body positioned in a different way. It is like uncovering new zones and sensations in your body. Give it a couple of tries, and it will roll out to be more interesting than it seems. Remember, you are not doing this to lose weight but just to do something different! No goals. No objectives. Just for the sake of trying it.

Explore Other DIY-themed Discussions

Try to be a dust-buster. When is the last time you really did any type of home-care activity that shone through? Nothing can be as rewarding as cleaning up the house in a way that your entire family or your partner craps their pants. No wait, no crapping of any type needed. That would neutralize the cleaning thing. So, what I am trying to say is that if you really get into cleaning the garage and the basement and the attic, there is so much that you will uncover and perhaps even reconnect, within the same home you have been occupying for ages. Attack the cobwebs that need to be destroyed. The floor mats are not your friends anymore. Those niggling crevices need the seriousness of a nuclear scientist. The peeling paint strips are a shout for help. All damp patches are your enemy, and the mopping tools are now your weapons of mass destruction. Every & and any of all types of Dust, Debris, and Grime should feel your wrath!

Explore Other Anxiety-themed Discussions

You are not an un-Chef cook, you just don't fail enough...

This is about experimenting in the kitchen, being vital to improve your gastronomic superiority. I would always wonder why, despite her culinary art being superior to anyone else on the planet, my mom deviates from the standard path so minimally.

I thought it was just the fear of failure. Turns out, I was horribly wrong. My dad would never recommend trying too many things in the kitchen. This subdued the inner chef in her, not allowing her to really spread her cooking wings. This did not make her a good, bad, or better cook, but it did not allow the real potential to express itself. Today, I see my wife able to do a lot more with the most basic supplies because both of us are open to the idea of food experiments that can go horribly wrong! [Will share her latest creation - bread, egg pizza that is better than the crap served at Domino's]. And this is what this discussion is about - you are never going to be an awesome, chef-like kitchen maestro if you don't play around enough. Actually, you have to fool around. Just rethink the days of arts and crafts activities when in school.

Teachers would give us some time to try something that our minds conceived with highly malleable clay, rather than imitating the idea that the curriculum provided. This meant a wider range of colors and designs, some enviably better than my expectations, and some so weird that you seriously reconsidered your friendship with that classmate.

Great food requires sacrificing the perfectness of each meal

The psycho-analysis of this part notwithstanding, you have to agree - more experimentation means more chances of succeeding, even if you are unsure about the ingredients you want to fool around with. Yes, you need to have more-than-average understanding of textures. You can forego the basic rules of the game. You can put mustard droplets on a conventional dish, you can provide unconventional layers to any egg preparation, and you can eat your ice cream with table accessories and chewies that eateries out there would banish at first sight. Something as simple as a biscuit that tastes best when dipped in tea could be your canvas here. You can layer it with different chocolate sauces or even ice cream flavors.

More DIY food journeys to cover

You can try eating rice with the driest, most un-gravied dish to try a meal that is so dry that you need mental and physical stamina to push it down your throat. I have had the pleasure of scooping away the unholiest of gravy leftovers, directly from the pan, using an over-roasted slice, and believe me, the flavor was more exotic than some Domino's type of culinary invention that will be broadcast on every digital medium. Just like all the weird-but-great geniuses who brought in inventions that changed the way we live, the Culinary Pedestal is for those who embrace infinite appetite to change, toss, saute, chop, twist, grind, and maneuver, beyond what seems reasonable...

Neat, designer-type bathrooms reek of elitist stature, being bathed in money?

My biggest issue is with the degree of dryness. How do these typically wet-spaces manage to stay so dry – is there no splashing or over-flowing or sprinkling that is associated with a humble, middle-class or even a luxury bathroom? I cannot recall a housekeeping guy permanently employed into cleaning-up and yet, these bathrooms tend to remain dry like parched paper! Why must I own only average bathrooms? Not sure how many people will disagree on this – there is something very progressive about having a really tidy bathroom. Not just the cleanliness part. I am talking about a well-kept bathroom with all the essential supplies in place and then, some more.

Sharing some of my favorite Aftertastes - Walnuts to Butterscotch

Walnuts & Butterscotch is Like the Perfect Marriage!

It is not an exaggeration to say that I have slightly overactive taste buds and a mind that obsesses over the smallest things. The natural cynicism and the love for food makes me a reasonable authority of sorts to share opinions about simple foods that we tend to ignore or just don't explore enough...one such food is walnuts and its small pool of companions. I have this obsession with keeping a log of things I taste, more of combine them and bite into them, and those that have a wonderful aftertaste tend to make a bigger dent in my mind. I feel the aftertaste aspect is largely ignored in contemporary food preparation that is too much about the aesthetics. There is no real aftertaste to savor after washing down a big, sauce-dripping burger with a cola? Yes, you might feel full to the brim but all things subtle and sacred, gastronomically, are lost! 

DIY Anxiety Management: Walking Away the Blues - Straight from a Transforming Believer

This discussion is a real-life account of trying, adapting, and keeping true to Morning Walks. No matter how humble this very familiar fitness activity seems, there is a lot to it that goes unnoticed. Hopefully, this discussion will help you understand why daily morning walks can be highly therapeutic for your physical & psychological health and help you become a better believer…

Around the first week of November 2017, I had settled into a reasonably regular schedule of morning walks. The momentum was good, the pace quick, and the steps curious to test my walking technique across different types of grounds/surfaces. These bouts of brisk walking had arisen earlier,r t, but sank abruptly. The reason was that I used to get bo, red, or being surrounded by other morning walkers seemed too suffocating. However, moving to Dwarka has been a gift in this regard. The place we live is a blend of extreme housing development and large patches of wide, empty roads that are just about perfect for walking. Yes, I don't prefer walking in massive parks, and garden trails seem too restrictive. The biggest plus was that I started walking when the winter season hadn’t even set in. This meant the luxury of wearing minimum and getting the time to ensure that my walking form was good – this aspect has been a bit of a journey for me – walking methods are comprehensively covered in health & living articles, blogged about in lifestyle or exercise-related online magazines but lack a certain degree of clarity – what type of walking is a bit exciting and highly effective?

My Walking Explorations…much more than you imagine

My reason for taking on a dedicated walking schedule was simple. I needed something to keep myself distracted in the morning, some physical activity to beat the anxiety that often builds up without having the time or inclination to exercise with weights. My gymming sojourns can be parked for being discussed later – I took up walking as a means to substitute the morning weight training, saving time and energy, ensuring that I didn’t feel spent when starting the day but was challenged to the extent of keeping my ticker happier, mixing some cardio along with some me-time that didn’t allow my mind to ruminate and the thoughts to go awry. The nearly 40-day walking exploration was worth the effort. Everything in your walking gear matters. From the footwear options to the type of jacket you put on, each apparel and accessory choice makes a discernible impact...how? I am sharing this from my personal experiences:

Regularity matters

You have to take it up as a morning activity that starts the day for you. Skipping days early into a plan that is still taking shape means losing your momentum. You need to be at it for at least a month to call yourself a walker with benefits. Try not to divide the walking hours across morning, daytime, and evening – walk fast, walk early in the morning, and do it each day! Rise. Walk. Start Your Day! There are no rest days as compared to hitting the gym.

Invest in shoes

First impressions suggest that walking is not a high-impact exercise, so you don't need highly durable or supportive walking gear. This is entirely wrong. Why? Walking regularly takes a toll on your knees and hamstrings if you are doing it at the right, athletic speed. You might not have the body maneuvering guile of a pro-walker or a marathon runner, er but this physical activity tests your muscles, especially ly of your knees, ankles, and the inner thigh region. Your best preparation is investing in shoes that can absorb the shock and ensure you don't develop any chronic pains. You can even keep shoes sorted for rainy days and winter days. You can sort walking shoes in terms of those that necessitate a good pair of socks versus those that envelop the barefoot, feeling great against the skin. For me, shoes where the sole is still soft and capable of absorbing the bumps like good, semi-new tyres on a car are the best. Stay away from anything too bulky.

Embrace different surfaces

Please understand that walking coaches and fitness trainers will continue emphasizing the need for softer, slightly pliable surfaces to ensure better, faster results without harming your legs. However, once you have attained some degree of familiarity with the walking schedule, you can challenge yourself across different surfaces. Every type of walking ground out there holds a bit of body-balancing, musculature-testing challenge. Try these to keep your walking schedule more eventful and engaging – this ensures that the morning activity always allows you to do something different. Just like in the gym, you need different exercises to break the monotony – the ground on which you walk is yours to explore, and start new journeys every week!

Maneuver your body better.

Most walking enthusiasts talk about the need to understand a basic walking principle: your entire body is in motion. You cannot hang back or slouch as you try to walk faster. Your arms cannot lie idle, and your neck cannot sway on either side if you want to walk better, for more benefits. Arms are like the rudder that helps you maintain the perfect posture. Using your arms in coherence with your walking strategy is what I want people to understand better. If your arms move quickly, it will invariably push your entire body into walking faster. The pace quickens each time your arms extend more, almost parallel to each other. You don't need to have a soldier-like walking stance. Just keep the back straight, bowing ahead to the bare minimum degree as you want to press ahead, and this position fuels the momentum.

Use walking to heal, as a grieving mechanism.sm.

I have been guilty of overthinking the smallest details, observing, and opinionating about things that might seem hopelessly trivial to others. The result? Daylong anxiety creates a breeding ground for self-doubt, worrying inconsolably, and taking forever to get over broken relationships, missed career opportunities, and developing IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Walking has been largely therapeutic for me, helping me de-clutter my mind. Usually, I try to breathe slowly even as my walking footprints gather speed. This is the time when I try to banish negative thoughts that have never helped me grow personally, as a better worker, a more loving husband, or a more caring son. Walking more, beyond my stipulated time of one hour, is my go-to therapy on days I am suffering from passive anxiety attacks.

Don't mind the slowdown.s

The morning haze, a bit of early morning chill, not having a good night’s sleep, and many more, there is always a reason that, in the middle of your walking schedule, you might be facing unwanted slowdowns. There are plenty of times I felt that the overall impetus was lacking on a certain morning. However, don't fret too much. Just lower the speed, slow down, and give yourself some window to catch up. I have rhinitis, an allergy that causes serious irritation in the nasal passage and sinuses but this never kept me away from completing my daily, 1-hour walking workout – yes, for me, this is akin to doing squats or deadlifts and posting in front of the mirror!

Don't get too digital about it

There is an overwhelming push for doing everything the digital way. Speedometers or walking distance calculators, wristbands with LED displays, and activity calculators are making this look too complex. I am a technology follower too, but using it excessively means you are now extracting the fun from your walking. For me, all these devices seem redundant when my mind should be free from any distraction that makes me look at a screen. I don't want to have my leg or arms brushed against some type of contraption or pocketed/sleeved device. I want to walk in the freest manner with a good old wristwatch doing the trick.

Keep the faith!

Like most things in life, sticking to any regimen and making a good habit is hard. My challenges have been the same. While seasonal allergies, bouts of anxiety, and jangled nerves will always provide sufficient grounds to let go, you shouldn’t quit. As I step out again tomorrow morning when the world seems hidden, it is not about just burning calories – this is a tool in my arsenal to transform, to heal better, to believe more. And yes, remember that heel-first footsteps are the best without a big thumping action. Please share your story of using a very basic, everyday activity as a means to change for the better…THANK YOU!