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Motivational

Practical Strategies to Manage Anxiety in Today’s Fast-Paced World

Featured Madhumita Chakraborty1 Comment

Have you ever found yourself suddenly wanting to cry or struggling to catch your breath without any apparent reason? Have you experienced sleepless nights or palpitations even when you’re at rest? If you have, you’re not alone.

Anxiety, depression, and fear are common challenges many of us face in today’s fast-paced world. At some point in our lives, we all encounter these feelings when we’re dealing with anxiety, or depression. Sometimes, these emotions can be triggered by specific events, like workplace difficulties or worries about a loved one’s health. For others, anxiety can become a constant presence, disrupting daily life and becoming what is popularly called an anxiety disorder.

Overcoming Anxiety: A Personal Journey

I’ve personally faced anxiety multiple times in my life, and it’s lasted for days or even months, causing significant discomfort. It’s not just an abstract term to me. I’ve sought help from psychiatrists, taken medications. While these medicines provided temporary relief, they often left me feeling weakened due to their side effects. Overthinking has always been a part of my life, and my mind rarely finds peace. On the positive side, this propensity to think and analyze has helped me express myself through writing, but the negative impact on my personal well-being and social life has been undeniable. Medications offered only short-term relief, leading me to seek ways to tackle overthinking and regain control of my mind.

Before I delve into how I managed my anxiety and stress, let me share some valuable insights I gained from a psychotherapist I was fortunate to meet in my journey.

Understanding anxiety

Anxiety isn’t entirely a bad thing; it serves a purpose. For instance, think of a deer encountering a tiger. The deer’s anxiety kicks in, prompting it to run for its life. This anxiety is what triggers the deer to take action. If anxiety didn’t exist, the deer might not react and could easily become the tiger’s prey.

Anxiety has its merits, up to a point. Let’s say, on a scale of 1 to 10, a level of 5 provides the right amount of awareness. However, if your anxiety level goes beyond 5 on this scale, you’ll find yourself overly aware, overthinking, and becoming fearful of things that don’t warrant excessive attention.

Effective Strategies to Find Inner Peace and Manage Anxiety: Practical Steps for a Balanced Life

Over the years, I have discovered various techniques that have helped me manage my anxiety effectively. Here are some practical strategies to help you find inner peace and combat anxiety in your daily life:

Over the years, I have discovered various techniques that have helped me manage my anxiety effectively. Here are some practical strategies to help you find inner peace and combat anxiety in your daily life:

  1. Take Time to Relax: When anxiety strikes, give yourself some time to relax and regain composure. Sometimes, stepping back and breathing can make a significant difference.
  2. Practice Deep Breathing: Deep breaths can work wonders, especially when you’re feeling extremely nervous. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
  3. Mindful Acceptance: Instead of arguing with your thoughts, acknowledge them without judgment. Let them come and go naturally, without resistance.
  4. Self-Awareness and Positive Mindset: Cultivate self-awareness, which can help rewire your brain and foster a more positive mindset.
  5. Spiritual Guidance: If you’re inclined towards spirituality, consider reading a holy book daily. In my case, I find solace and moral support in texts like the Bhagavad Gita.
  6. Forgiveness: Learn to forgive others and, most importantly, forgive yourself. Forgiveness acts as a detox for your soul, freeing you from unnecessary burdens.
  7. Meditation and Physical Exercise: Embrace meditation to calm your mind and stay focused. Combine it with physical exercises and breathing exercises like Pranayama for a holistic approach.
  8. Stay Engaged: Keep yourself occupied with activities that bring you joy. Engage in hobbies, read books, or help others – distractions can often break the cycle of anxious thoughts.
  9. Acknowledge Your Success: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging your successes boosts your self-esteem and confidence.
  10. Disconnect and Connect: After working hours, disconnect from your work and spend quality time with your family and friends. Meaningful connections can provide emotional support and comfort.
  11. Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in every activity, whether it’s a walk outdoors or a daily task. Mindfulness can ground you in the moment and reduce anxiety.
  12. Challenge Fearful Assumptions: Don’t fear upcoming events based on assumptions. Remember that these fears are often unfounded, and challenging them can break their hold over you.
  13. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a metaphorical hug regularly. Self-compassion can provide the comfort and reassurance you need.
  14. Take Action: Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and take action. Taking initiative can empower you to overcome challenges.
  15. Prioritize Happiness: Engage in activities that bring you happiness and fulfilment. A positive mental state contributes to your overall well-being and radiates positivity to those around you.
  16. Seek Professional Help: Above all, don’t hesitate to seek support from qualified therapists. Therapy can provide valuable tools and insights to help you manage anxiety effectively.

Remember, managing anxiety is a journey, and it’s different for everyone. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can take significant steps toward finding inner peace and living a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Leaving some thoughts at the end.

Look at the endless sky, and try to imagine, our miniscule presence in this vast universe. We are but tiny dots, so why burden ourselves with worries that are mere fractions of a dot in the grand scheme of things?

The current concerns weighing on your mind today, might lose significance after few months or some years, say 5-6 years down the road. Time has its way to heal and resolve everything. Isn’t it?

Let us know your thoughts at contactareaderscorner@gmail.com

Kids Stories · Motivational · Mythological · Short Stories · Stories

Chetak, the Blue horse

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

By Kritadhi Chakraborty

“Ho! Rider of the blue horse!” a familiar voice made Maharana Pratap look back. He could see only one horseman amidst the yellow dust… his brother Shakti Singh. But the sound of hoofs against the flinty rocks superseded his emotions as his savior today, none other than his beloved stallion Chetak, blazed through the mountains of Haldighati. Chetak, like his master Rana, was heavily wounded. “Hey Devi Ma!” uttered Maharana when for a few seconds (as though) time came to a standstill… Chetak was about to take a breathtaking leap over a mountain stream. As if the strength of a 100 horses has been bestowed upon him. Nobility unimaginable, will power to rescue his master whom he had borne through the day. Chetak fell along with Rana. Within a few moments Rana was back on his feet to fight back – but was relieved to find that none of his pursuers dared cross the stream.

Pratap rushed to Chetak… quickly unbuckled the harness. “Chetak! Chetak!” Rana’s voice choked in admiration of his valiant stallion as he realized that it was time to part with his guardian angel. Chetak’s expressive eyes, despite the blood dripping over it, was beaming with success and joy.

Rana took Chetak’s long face on his lap and cuddled the peacock shaped neck… far from Rakt Talai (the battlefield), Rana could only hear the breeze over his shoulders… as he recollected the happenings of the day.

The Mughal Sultan Jalal Uddin Muhammad Akbar was on his way to take Udaipur, located at the heart of Mewar. The Mewari army consisting of 20,000 soldiers were up against 80,000 Mughal troops. Maharana Pratap was holding the flower (flag) of Mewar. The Mewari army fought gallantly beside their prince who led the banner into the hottest part of the field. Rana had disguised Chetak as an elephant by putting an armor in the shape of an elephant’s trunk. Chetak charged an elephant by raising one leg upon the elephant’s trunk, giving a chance to Pratap to throw his lance at the enemy. The mahout got killed instead. In the process, the elephant’s tusk tore through Chetak’s leg and crippled him. Rana was wounded too. The battle was slowing turning into the favor of the Mughals as they rallied near Rakt Talai. The Mewari forces, that were left, had to make a tactical fall back. A camouflage had to be created to give Maharana Pratap enough time retreat.

It is said that Chetak, with a mind of his own, only submitted to the Maharana; and that he was the one to choose the king, not the other way around. Critically injured Chetak refused to succumb to the pain and only on three legs helped his master flee from the battlefield, to live to fight back again.

Chetak passed away in the arms of his master Maharana Pratap.

We don’t know how much of this is real. History does not name the horse ridden by Maharana Pratap at the Battle of Haldighati on 18th June 1576, nor do they attribute any unusual feat or achievement to it. The story is recounted in court poems of Mewar from 17th century onwards. Whatever the reality may be, what is important here is that the story inspires millions of Indians over hundreds of years. This story about the nobility and valiance of an animal inspires me.

Kids Stories · Motivational · Short Stories · Stories

Reward

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

By Kritadhi Chakraborty

When Tisha’s dad came back home after his post dinner walk, he was a bit unusual that day.

He sat on the sofa with his eyes clothes and head resting on the cushion.

Tisha, an eight-year-old, lived with her parents on the fourteenth floor of a luxury apartment.

Every night, since they had shifted about a year ago, Tisha’s mom packs rice, curry and some extras from the day for the stray dogs.

In their society, stray dogs are not allowed to enter. Feeding stray dogs anywhere near the main gate is a big “No!” from the association as that seem to cause a lot of trouble to the residents.

Tisha’s dad carries the package to a nearby low lit street. There are at least some three to four regulars for the nightly meal.

“Today I was attacked by two bike-men you know?”. Tisha’s dad started saying after having two glasses of water. Tisha’s mom was shocked, “What?? Are you okay?”

“Yes! You won’t believe how I got saved today! I reached for my wallet and was about to give all the money I had to those men. All of a sudden those dogs started barking at the bike-men and many more dogs joined in no time. Couple of them climbed on the bike. Probably thinking that they may get into trouble due to the noise made by the dogs, the bike-men fled” Tisha’s dad took a pause.

“I can’t thank God enough for sending His messengers today to save me”. Tisha could see gratefulness and joy of being rewarded in the eyes of her dad that day.

She felt for the first time what they meant by saying, “Showing kindness to animals is an act of service to God”.

Motivational · Short Stories · Stories

Don’t ask why, deal with it

Madhumita ChakrabortyLeave a comment

Yet another announcement. Now for the 3rd position. Amy looked up with hope. Awful, this time again the 10-year-old, had to clap for one more fellow competitor. Her face went pale. Her mother looked at her, gently touched her head. The 4th position was announced for a girl of some other school. Amy looked down once again. A soft voice stirred her up. “Clap Amy”. It was her father smiling at her. Amy clapped with disappointed at heart.

“The award for the 5th position goes to Amy.”

Amy’s parents were overjoyed at the announcement. A faint smile on Amy’s face.

The family returned home. It was late evening, they were tired.

Amy could not speak at dinner table. “What happened Amy?”

Gush of warm tears rolled down her cheeks. She could not reply to her mother, wept bitterly.

Her parents were silent, they could probably understand.

Amy spoke almost after 30 minutes.

“I will never participate in any competition again. I worked hard, prepared well, and delivered my best but I stood fifth. You both were wrong. I don’t think hard work is the pillar of success.” Amy burst out in tears and cried out loud in despair.

Absolute silence in the room for almost 5 minutes.

Her father, Rohan, an engineer by profession broke the silence. “Amy my dear, your performance was excellent today. You stood fifth among 200 interschool participants in the story telling competition. You are one of the top 5 participants. We are proud of you. Your hard work and perseverance were rewarded.”

Amy looked at her father, her face looked eager to hear more.

Rohan, continued, “Have you not seen your mother and me working till late hours? You need not top a competition to prove your efforts. Even after hours of hard work, all your efforts might turn futile. We must work hard to give our best to stay in the race.”

Amy’s mother, Sree was listening silently. She has seen uncertainties in her career despite all the hard work and diligence she has put through. Sree has always been strong to handle her emotions and learn through her experiences.

Sree was trying to join the dots.

“Amy dear”, Sree spoke tenderly. “Don’t be upset. There are situations in our life which are beyond our control. The kids who ranked the top four might or might not have done as much as hard work you did. Even the ones who were among the bottom few ranks might have tried harder than you did and might be more capable than the toppers. There are multiple factors that determine success.”

Amy looked at her mother with curiosity.

“Amy, provided you did not work so hard, you would not have presented so well. Even the position you secured would have been far from reach. The performance of other competitors, the experience and understanding of the judges, your delivery on the moment, your content and many more such aspects play deterministic role in a competition. You have successfully performed well.”

Sree paused for a while and looked at her daughter’ glowing face.

“Success is not determined by a rank or by immediate gains. You have successfully gained experiences and have learnt several new concepts. Hard work makes you active at mind and helps you learn better. You must look forward and prepare for upcoming challenges. Life is full of twists and turns, and you must gracefully adapt to every situation in life.”

Sree smiled.

“You should know how to tackle each moment life unfolds to you. Remember Amy don’t just ask why but try to deal with every situation.”

Amy smiled. She was listening carefully until this time. That day indeed changed her life.

Amy is now in her late thirties and works for an MNC. Life has shown her how to stay confident and how to accept the uncertain turns.

Today, when Amy received her promotion letter on email, she was overjoyed. I could see her eyes glittered. She is my roommate; you may also call her my soulmate.

I found her speaking to her parents on a phone call.

In the afternoon we were sitting in the balcony of our hostel room. When I congratulated her, Amy narrated the story of the 10-year-old Amy. She smiled and said, “I have faced wins and failures in multiple competitions, have experienced multiple instabilities in my education and profession, have confronted moments of separations, but have always tried not to just ask why, not to just give up, but deal with the unfavourable situations and to embrace the favourable ones.”

I was thrilled. “Your promotion is just one more experience and life wants you to deal with it.” Amy smiled.

Motivational · Spiritual

Benefits of Pranayama

Chanchal Chandra BhattacharyyaLeave a comment

What is Pranayama?

Pranayama may be simply defined as breathing exercise. It includes three prominent steps- inhalation, retention, and exhalation.

Types of Pranayama

There are several types of Pranayama. Today I have planned not to go deep into explaining each one of them but to just name a few of them for reference and to give you an overall idea of the importance of Pranayama. I have a plan to focus more on each of the Pranayama processes and their individual benefits in my future blog.

Let me mention the names of some common types of Pranayama.

  • Bhastrica
  • Kapalbhati
  • Nadi shodhana
  • Bhramari
  • Sheetali
  • Ujjayi

Why is doing pranayama so important?

Pranayama helps regulate the breathing process methodically. Pranayama is as important as doing Asana and Meditations in yoga. Let me sum up a few points by which Pranayama can help you.

  • Reduces high blood pressure
  • Reduces Cardiological problems
  • Maintains body temperature
  • Treats depression
  • Helps detoxification and help fight pollutions and germs
  • Helps to lose weight
  • Clears nasal passage and helps fight sinusitis
  • Improves mental conditions
  • Good for skin
  • Helps to sleep better
  • Improves Lungs function
  • Improves digestive system
  • Helps reduce bad cholesterol in blood
  • Controls mind and takes care of mental health
  • Helps you to remain alert and focus better in work
  • Boosts your immune system

In some research work it revealed that pranayama is a very effective way to improve physical as well mental health and promotes a better life. It helps to achieve result within a short period. Now a days it is very essential to do pranayama, as physical and mental stress is very common among all irrespective of their status in the society.  

Understanding the benefits of Pranayama is very important to get motivated and to seriously start practicing it to enjoy the wide range of benefits you get.

If you feel practicing Pranayama has helped you or might help you in future, do share your thoughts. Our future blog will have each of the types of Pranayama explained in detail.

Till then stay connected.

Email us at contactareaderscorner@gmail.com

Motivational

How to overcome problems in life?

Chanchal Chandra BhattacharyyaLeave a comment

There are ups and downs in our life. Sometimes we go through troubles and sometimes we find our life little smoother. There is no one who is out of this rule. Suffering from problems is very natural in our life and is common to every life on earth. It is also not unusual to say “I am the only one who is suffering with such serious problem.” Do we bother to understand what others are going through? Is it not good to make enquiry to know what others are into? If we do so we may find how we are not in some exceptional condition.

In this context, let me narrate the story of a farmer who visited Buddha to find a solution to his problems. One day a farmer visited Lord Buddha to tell all about his sufferings and to have the Lord’s to overcome those problems. When the farmer was asked to explain the types of problem he was suffering from, he informed that he was a farmer, and his family depended on cultivation. Due to natural disasters like scarcity of rain or heavy rain, he could not grow enough crops to sell or to feed his family. They had to regularly deal with acute poverty. His family was very unhappy with him and disobeyed and disrespected him. Besides, there were other problems in his life. The farmer explained about his other problems as well. After listening to him carefully, Lord Buddha said that he counted the numbers of problem and it was eighty-three in total. Farmer confirmed that he had no other problem. Lord said that he was unable to solve those eighty-three problems. Farmer was very shocked at this and told “you are the Lord, and if you cannot resolve my difficulties, why do others say that you solve every one’s problems”. Lord replied, “yes, though I cannot help you in solving these eighty-three problems, but I can solve your eighty fourth problem. Your eighty fourth problem is to worry about those eighty-three problems.  If you stop thinking about the problems you have, you will find that your life has become smoother and happier.”

If we take our personal problems as a part of life and accept and move ahead, then we get better life experiences and a confident nature. Let us now try to deal with our problems through the following few great ways:

  • Take Doctor’s advice if you have health problem or mental anxiety which is difficult to manage yourself.
  • Take help from others including your loved ones, friends, relatives, or neighbors if you cannot deal with the problem alone. Do not hide the problem, discuss with others. Take suggestions. Hiding may increase the problem.   
  • Express your thoughts and share your ideas
  • Take responsibility of self and others- Once you proactively start taking responsibility, you will realize that there are many issues in addition to your own that need a care.
  • Make a daily plan-Once you realize what your problem is and how is it disturbing your life, act on chalking out a daily plan to methodically deal with the problem.
  • Try to express gratitude to everyone around for every little support you get. Thank the Almighty God for his kindness and support.
  • Think positively and never let yourself down.
  • Face fear and remember there is no way to escape.
  • Accept problems- Accept the problem you are going through and face it yourself, without depending on others.
  • Try to understand others problem and help them
  • Learn from the problem and guide others in future. Reframe the problem to try and enjoy a better life.
  • Share your experiences with others when they are finding difficulty facing their personal struggle.
  • Remain engaged in multiple work throughout the day unless you get tired to get a good night’s sleep.
  • Engage more with your work of interest and do not sit idle and kill time.
  • Practice more patience
  • Always keep a smile on your face
  • Be confident and deal with the problem. Remember this will give you more confidence and mental strength.
  • Increase your energy level through fitness exercises. Read books and find out a hobby that you can enjoy daily.
  • Be more attentive to others
  • Be bold in thinking, firm in expressing, and ensure that you move steadily.

Hope you will get benefitted. Remain motivated and try and help yourself and others. I can assure that your life will be full of charm and the lessons of life will help you to deal with more difficult problems more efficiently.

Email us at contactareaderscorner@gmail.com

Motivational

How to sleep better without medication?

Chanchal Chandra BhattacharyyaLeave a comment

Are you lacking a good sleep at night?

If yes, then here are some suggestions for you, that may help overcome the problem.

In present days, especially in the lockdown period most of us irrespective of our age, are suffering from serious problems like mental anxiety or stress and an absence of sound sleep.

Take Doctor’s advice if this is creating a serious hindrance in your day to day life but try being confident to follow some basic disciplines that will  keep yourself mentally and physically fit and help you lead a better life and get a good night’s sleep.

I have passed through such difficult phase and after a long period of regular visits to the Doctor, I finally decided to practice a healthy daily routine to overcome the unhealthy situation. I got benefitted and have recovered.

Believe me the following are proven ways to get rid of anxiety and get a deep sleep at night.

  • Remain alert in your daily life, focus on every work you do, be attentive to what others say and speak your heart out in few words.
  • Always practice positive thoughts. This will help decrease your mental stress. Just throw away the disturbing negative thoughts and accept what you have or what you are going through to remain spiritually inclined and happy.
  • Practice going for a walk at least for half an hour in early morning or in the evening, that will keep you physically as well mentally fit.
  • Drink plenty of water, at least three litres a day to remove toxins from the body.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and green vegetables, less spicy food but tasty one. This will keep you fit and maintain a good hormonal balance with necessary supply of vitamins and nutrients.
  • Practice yoga and pranayama at least twice a day half an hour each time.
  • Read all types of good books.
  • Do not forget to practice what you are passionate about like enjoying a hobby like drawing, dancing, writing, crafting, any kind of sports to name a few.
  • Learn try and do one new activity a day.
  • Engage with kids in home or in neighborhood. This is a good one!!
  • Practice good manners – speaking the truth always and being honest and generous makes us bold.
  • Purifying ourselves mentally and maintaining hygiene makes us mentally and physically strong. Try to forgive yourself and others.
  • Exchange positive thoughts with others.
  • Be kind to all and help physically/ mentally / financially to at least one person every day.
  • Wash your hands and legs before you go to bed.
  • Listen to good music before going to bed.
  • Sleep in a posture that you are most comfortable with unless you have a strict restriction guided by a medical practitioner.

Above all, if you believe in God, have faith on the Almighty and if you do not believe in him remember to have faith in yourself or anybody close to you.

I assure you will get a better sleep. These are the ways that will improve your quality of life. Do not hesitate to take the Doctor’s advice to remain mentally and physically fit as it is the best way.

Want to know more? To share your ideas please contact us at email: contactareaderscorner@gmail.com