The first challenge in becoming a better listener is that most of us assume we already are one. But even when we ask people around if they consider themselves good listeners, chances are they may have only heard the question, and not truly listened to it. What makes the whole thing tricky is that listening almost always feels natural, most of us don’t think of it as something we need to work on, we just assume it happens on its own. But in reality, listening takes effort. It needs focus, patience, and the willingness to set aside your own thoughts for a moment so you can really hear what someone else is saying.
When we think about starting something new, there is always a guide, a video, an article, or someone who has done it before, and is ready to help us along. Which is also the best part about beginnings they always feel exciting and supported. But what happens when if you decide to give up on doing something that you have worked on for years, which was once your love and passion, but now you only find ways to avoid working on it, making excuses, or simply keep pushing it aside for that “one day”.
When I think about relaxing after a long day, I never plan on scrolling through reels or watching yet another YouTube video. Yet somehow, that is exactly what I usually end up doing on most days. It feels easy and mindless, almost natural, but instead of calming me, it leaves me feeling restless and wired. So for a while I kept experimenting with different self care rituals, and that is how I eventually ended up with something which is simple yet refreshing : Cooking. It gave me a chance to leave screens behind and work with my hands on creating something which brings me joy. If you have been thinking about cooking as just a way, to put food on the table, here are a few things which might change your perspective and open you up to this mindful practice.
Most of us start our day with a mental to‑do list. Sometimes it just floats around in our heads, waiting to be ticked off. Other times, we jot it down on paper or let it live rent free on our phones. No matter where it lives, that little list often feels like a lifesaver, helping us juggle responsibilities, plan the day, and bring a bit of order to the chaos.
There have been so many times in my life when I have tried meditating. It always starts the same way either a friend tells me how amazing it is, or I see people around me practicing, or I get that classic social media push that makes it look like the ultimate life hack.
Seeing mental health and AI come together is no longer surprising, it is everywhere, from social media and YouTube to everyday conversations. In daily life too, whenever we feel overwhelmed, the first thing we do is to reach out for a screen, an app, or even a chatbot. Sometimes it is for that quick sense of validation, and other times just to distract ourselves for a while. Over time, it has become the default way to vent, process feelings, or a space for that instant emotional relief.
The very first lesson that we are taught as kids is that kindness matters, and very soon it also becomes the first thing society expects from us. But as we grow up, we see different sides of kindness. Some people are called kind because society says they are. Others spend their lives trying to live up to that label, while some give up after a few attempts. Which makes me think:
If you live in a Metro city like I do, you’ve probably noticed how often people talk about planning little “escapes” to smaller towns. To be honest, I catch myself thinking about it more often than I’d like to admit—usually on days when everything feels a bit too overwhelming. Sometimes it’s pure nostalgia for where we grew up, and other times it’s that slower, quieter lifestyle all of us have seen online—which, thanks to social media, is almost like a daily reminder.
Fitness whether it is physical or mental has become everyone’s goal in recent years. But with life getting busier it is difficult to stick to a routine for long. If you are like me you probably would have already tried different workouts only to give up eventually. However, there is one practice, that has stayed with me over the years. Walking.
We all enjoy the feeling of comfort. It is warm, familiar, and safe. It gives us exactly what we need, a steady routine, a sense of control, and predictability. But can something that makes us feel safe today start holding us back tomorrow?
Something which I have observed over time is that everyone holds on to a thought, a set of words, or a small philosophy that quietly carries them through life.
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The first challenge in becoming a better listener is that most of us assume we already are one. But even when we ask people around if they consider themselves good listeners, chances are they may have only heard the question, and not truly listened to it. What makes the whole thing tricky is that listening almost always feels natural, most of us don’t think of it as something we need to work on, we just assume it happens on its own. But in reality, listening takes effort. It needs focus, patience, and the willingness to set aside your own thoughts for a moment so you can really hear what someone else is saying.
When we think about starting something new, there is always a guide, a video, an article, or someone who has done it before, and is ready to help us along. Which is also the best part about beginnings they always feel exciting and supported. But what happens when if you decide to give up on doing something that you have worked on for years, which was once your love and passion, but now you only find ways to avoid working on it, making excuses, or simply keep pushing it aside for that “one day”.
When I think about relaxing after a long day, I never plan on scrolling through reels or watching yet another YouTube video. Yet somehow, that is exactly what I usually end up doing on most days. It feels easy and mindless, almost natural, but instead of calming me, it leaves me feeling restless and wired. So for a while I kept experimenting with different self care rituals, and that is how I eventually ended up with something which is simple yet refreshing : Cooking. It gave me a chance to leave screens behind and work with my hands on creating something which brings me joy. If you have been thinking about cooking as just a way, to put food on the table, here are a few things which might change your perspective and open you up to this mindful practice.
Most of us start our day with a mental to‑do list. Sometimes it just floats around in our heads, waiting to be ticked off. Other times, we jot it down on paper or let it live rent free on our phones. No matter where it lives, that little list often feels like a lifesaver, helping us juggle responsibilities, plan the day, and bring a bit of order to the chaos.
There have been so many times in my life when I have tried meditating. It always starts the same way either a friend tells me how amazing it is, or I see people around me practicing, or I get that classic social media push that makes it look like the ultimate life hack.
Seeing mental health and AI come together is no longer surprising, it is everywhere, from social media and YouTube to everyday conversations. In daily life too, whenever we feel overwhelmed, the first thing we do is to reach out for a screen, an app, or even a chatbot. Sometimes it is for that quick sense of validation, and other times just to distract ourselves for a while. Over time, it has become the default way to vent, process feelings, or a space for that instant emotional relief.
The very first lesson that we are taught as kids is that kindness matters, and very soon it also becomes the first thing society expects from us. But as we grow up, we see different sides of kindness. Some people are called kind because society says they are. Others spend their lives trying to live up to that label, while some give up after a few attempts. Which makes me think:
If you live in a Metro city like I do, you’ve probably noticed how often people talk about planning little “escapes” to smaller towns. To be honest, I catch myself thinking about it more often than I’d like to admit—usually on days when everything feels a bit too overwhelming. Sometimes it’s pure nostalgia for where we grew up, and other times it’s that slower, quieter lifestyle all of us have seen online—which, thanks to social media, is almost like a daily reminder.
If you’re like me and grew up in a middle‑class Indian family, this might sound familiar.There was once a clear life formula that everyone trusted.
Fitness whether it is physical or mental has become everyone’s goal in recent years. But with life getting busier it is difficult to stick to a routine for long. If you are like me you probably would have already tried different workouts only to give up eventually. However, there is one practice, that has stayed with me over the years. Walking.
We all enjoy the feeling of comfort. It is warm, familiar, and safe. It gives us exactly what we need, a steady routine, a sense of control, and predictability. But can something that makes us feel safe today start holding us back tomorrow?
Something which I have observed over time is that everyone holds on to a thought, a set of words, or a small philosophy that quietly carries them through life.