Stressing on exercise to combat stress

Fitness has become a rage across the globe accompanied by 'feel good' factor which has undoubtedly become a fad amongst varied age groups. Adolescents are anxious about fitting into their jeans, young adults about not wanting to gain that extra inch around their waist line, men wanting a la Arnold body and the older set of individuals combating ailments like cholesterol and diabetes.


It’s proved innumerable times that workouts apart from enhancing one’s physical appearance also improve mental health to a great extent. Stress has indeed become an everyday monster infiltrating into our regular regimes. The increasing levels of which results in several complicated disorders such as anxiety, depression and hyperactivity. While meeting personal and professional demands, it’s important to make a little time for yourself and get a little exercise.


Else life becomes an irony where slogging away even one's health for money will end up in utilising the same cash flow into medical expenses for not having taken care of your health. After all ' the saying health is wealth' isn’t coined for nothing.

The link below suggests how Exercise combats stress.

http://www.ottawa-psychologist.net/documents/drevafisherapaexercisefruelsthebrainoctober2005.pdf

Reminiscing Kargil War after 10 years

-By Swetha Amit
http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=d23a82d1-615a-4c8a-a768-47538bd5db57

July 4th may mark the Independence Day of the United States of America and a long weekend for both the Americans as well as the Indians residing there. However it gives us Indians here a reason to cheer as well with immense pride and gusto as this day embarks a moment of the mother of all battles. Conquering Tiger Hill was no piece of cake for our valiant soldiers as they fought with resilience and fervour at a position which was at a disadvantage.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/10-years-of-kargil-heroes-recall-the-war/96326-3.html

Unfavourable weather conditions, surrounded by the enemy on all 3 sides and wounded severely, our Indian army indeed proved their grit and valour. July 4th 1999 indeed is a date that deserves to be imprinted in the history books and minds of every Indian as this war is the embodiment of the subcontinents' victory of the Kargil War.

While one holds their heads in pride on hearing of such escapades in the violent battle, it is sad to also realize that the army probably do not get their deserved due. Heroes are idol worshipped in many parts of the country for their stunts on screen, while the real ones off screen hardly get coverage. At times indifference is exhibited towards the same stating that it probably doesn’t affect people the way it ought to have. While a gay right is made a hue and cry about, shouldn’t such news also get their share of coverage?

We feel secure and safe in our cosy warm homes due to a section of individuals who sacrifice their lives for our country. It’s something that one takes for granted but sad that appreciation is found to be absent towards the same. Terrorism proves to be yet another thing altogether as one mentions security. However not so long ago, 26/11 again proves to be a moment of glory on hearing of how our NSG commandos fought the infiltrators with sheer courage. Yet it was an almost in ruins bus that they were escorted in while the stars of the glamour world are done so in the lap of luxurious cars.

Unfortunately the truth is stark and blatant raising pertinent questions in every patriotic person’s mind- Does the army get what it deserves? The answer probably lies in the reason where fewer individuals even consider joining the security forces.

In the meantime, it’s a moment to reminisce with great joy and pride as one says JAI HIND!!

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Mixing Cricket and Political Terror?

-By Swetha Amit

http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=fb32c568-fac0-4bbe-8c70-fc4b489b3956

It is said that the true essence of anything is snatched away when diluted with some other flavour. While it is seen in the case of perishable goods, one cannot ignore this aspect with regard to current affairs as well, especially when it comes to areas like Sports, Politics or Art.

It is no mystery to millions that Pakistan has been subjected to dire straits on a constant basis. What with the terror activities resurging at an alarming rate, this neighbour of India no doubt has received a lot of flak. To an extent where hatred has developed in the minds of many and quite a few have shown their disdain towards Pakistan with respect to Cricket. The beginning of the T 20 World cup exhibited several individuals writing off Pakistan, be it as an underdog team or one which didn’t deserve to win.

Yesterday’s victory after 17 years undoubtedly has brought in a cheer for a country which has been in the news for all the wrong reasons possible. Not to mention their own civilians who are lurking in the jaws of death, continuous bombings and are on the brink of barbarism. With such catastrophe, one would cease to look for a silver lining amidst the dark cloud which Younis Khan and the men of green have invariable done with immense grit and determination. It was a pleasant feeling to receive some good news about Pak for a change. Not many have let that incident about Sri Lankan players being attacked slip their minds. Therefore it enhanced a feel good spirit to see both the teams in the finals play the sport with fervour despite the runners up losing a few wickets in the earlier part of the game.

While some have graciously accepted this victory, there are quite a few who unfortunately have exhibited their displeasure. This denotes a case where the sporting factor is enticed away. Why mix Cricket and Political terror? Why displace one’s anger towards a group of extremists and fundamentalists on the 11 players who are in no way involved in such atrocities or for that matter against a whole nation? Inhabitants in that country face the same feeling of fear and terror and linger in a hope of seeing a peaceful nation. Terror, racism exists all over the world. Why shoot all the arrows of animosity in one direction alone?

One can sense that displeasure would have surpassed the normal levels had India lost to Pakistan in the finals. While it is understandable to feel disappointed on seeing their favourite team lose, one should learn to take the game in a sporting manner. True sports lovers are the ones who take winning with pride and losing in their stride instead of bashing a team for the wrong reasons. It’s all about the game eventually, which calls for an appreciative applause for a good innings. The phrase ‘You win some you lose some’ isn’t coined without a purpose. Meanwhile, it’s time to relish the real flavour of Cricket and smile as we see a country celebrate its winning streak.

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Streaks of immaturity

-By Swetha Amit

http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=082ccd88-8c02-43ab-a14d-c4ebe0c9b053

What began as a casual conversation ended up as one that instigated thought provoking questions within me. After the exchange of the usual pleasantries and polite inquiries, the topic somehow took a turn that delved deep into the human psyche. Being a Psychologist, human behaviour, thoughts, actions, words uttered never fail to evoke fascination and curiosity. A few experiences narrated by those conversationalists made me realize how common such instances were and probably occurred in most people’s lives including mine.

One of them chose to narrate an incident in a social set up. Apparently amidst a group of friends, discussions taking place range from tongue in cheek remarks to intense ones which give rise to pertinent points of heated arguments. And if it is not ended amicably, it could result in a lot of resentment and bad blood, especially when unwarranted labelling happens. Such was the case with the person above.

Things apparently got out of hand when a sensitive topic was discussed to which this person decided to end it with a certain amount of assertiveness. To which the reaction was labelled as being impish and needed a lot of ‘growing up’. Yet strangely after a few weeks, the same man who labelled him as reactive behaved in a similar manner in another scenario as a pretext of being assertive. What puzzled my friend was the fact of why such behaviour was termed immature when the same individuals ended up doing the same thing at a later stage. And yet they seem to think their act was anything but childish.

Another instance narrated to me took place in a household set up. A file consisting of important documents was misplaced due to which my second friend obviously exhibited signs of being flustered. The feeling was understandable as those were official papers and she was answerable to her boss. To which her parents remarked stating she was acting like a seven year old instead of empathising or helping her search for the file. After a month or so, when her father faced a similar situation and she remarked the same, he retorted stating that it was important enough to cost him his job.

The above two instances no doubt occurs among millions around the world. Such can evoke amusement or exasperation. It is strange to note how people who call others ‘immature’ or ask them to ‘grow up’ are actually the ones who behave in the same way. While certain reactions during tense moments are humane, why label others when we aren’t perfect ourselves? Why sound hypocritical and double standard while doing such things? Why make somebody feel miserable when you commit a similar sort of behaviour in front of them at a later stage?

Nevertheless it made me wonder why people indulge in such things. Is it a case of being able to advice others and not follow it yourself? Or sort of recognizing your own similar shortcoming at a sub conscious level and displacing it on to others as an ego satisfaction? Or merely being an unwarranted critic? Strange are the ways of human behavioral dynamics. Perhaps this is what makes Psychology interesting yet mystifying at the same time.

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'The Color of Paradise':An eye-opener

-By Swetha Amit

http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=0891773e-8596-4171-8ecc-5bc17d61eccf

Life comes in varied colours. How humans perceive them in different shades is what makes it interesting and mystifying at the same time. Some view it as a spectrum of the rainbow. While others view it in black and white interspersed with shades of grey. It’s surprising to note certain not so privileged individuals’ ability to view it as a reflection of paradise even if fate did not seem fair to them. These are ironies which make one marvel at such optimism and pity those possessing the grey shades of bitterness and pessimism.

Majid Majidi's‘The Color of Paradise’ is a simple yet endearing story of a visually challenged motherless boy and how destiny unites him with his father. The film starts off with 8 year old Mohammad waiting for his father eagerly to go home for summer vacation. As the boy reaches the village, he is received with immense affection by his grandmother and his two sisters. Little does he realize that what should have ideally been a carefree life ends up as a nightmare of feeling unwanted and unloved?

His father ashamed of his blindness decides to get rid of him by putting him up in a carpentry workshop far from home. And with a selfish motive of marrying a woman in the village much against the wishes of the grandmother. However fate takes an ironical turn when he ends up losing everything he wanted. As he returns to take Mohammad back home, a miraculous venture enables him to realize the true treasure destined for him for life.

The Color of Paradise exhibits the heartfelt emotions of the characters in a way that the viewers cannot help but go moist eyed. Few scenes stand out in this aspect. The beginning scene portrays the father’s reluctance to take him home and is met with a vehement refusal by the school authorities. Another one where the father pours out his frustration to the grandmother stating his ill luck from his childhood of having lost his father and then his wife. And being burdened with a blind son who will be unable to take care of him during his twilight years. One cannot help sympathise with the man for having gone through a lot. Yet resent him at the same time for his ruthless treatment meted out to Mohammad.

Another scene is where Mohammad has tears streaming down his eyes as he narrates in an appalling manner as to how he longed for his father’s love and affection. One of the instances where his miserable plight is portrayed as he reveals his inability to lead a ‘normal’ life.

The movie spells irony all over as one makes several inferences. What the father is unable to see in spite of being blessed with a good sight is seen with great clarity by his blind son. Mohammad viewed life as beautiful and in bright colours despite the fact his world appeared in a stark shade of black. This was depicted in his optimistic view of winning his father’s love eventually. While his father dwelled on grey shades by mulling over his losses.

It was strange as to how the father tried to get rid of his real source of happiness which he failed to see by being ‘blinded’ by selfishness. And yet it was the same person who was returned to him by destiny while the rest of his folks were lost into the jaws of death. Even when he’s washed away into the stream, he realizes that while his entire life is washed away in bitterness. Yet fate decided to bestow kindness on him and a second chance as a ray of hope waited ashore.

A simple tale may not necessarily exhibit ’special effects’ with modern technology. Yet it leaves one with a sound moral which indeed makes one realize that life is truly a colour of paradise.

Written for www.msn.co.in

Lasting impressions of the Literary world

-By Swetha Amit
http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=275e1ac2-bf92-49b2-983e-7e9dda5214f0

Books are indeed mans best friends as they say. Reading is a means of either getting away from reality or plunging into the same in a different manner.


While some prove to passing clouds, there are a few which tend to reign on your mind causing a downpour of thought processes and a hurricane in your cognitive space. There are a few which make you cry, laugh or think. Nevertheless they tend to leave lasting impressions which changes ones perspective of themselves or the world. The below are a few ones which have had that impact on me but may not necessarily apply to the rest.



The Boy in the Striped Pajamas- This book by John Boyne was made into a movie which released last year. The book depicts a poignant tale of friendship across barriers set in the background of the dreadful holocaust. A tale of innocence weaved into horrors and an appalling depiction which makes one wonder if ignorance is really bliss after all. The write up is in simple language with a lot of subtlety.

Atonement- The write up by Ian McEwan makes one realize how a false perception of events taking place in a fraction of a second changes your life and that of others as well. This was also made into a movie but the book as most of time is better than the visuals. It carries a lesson that one can incorporate into our attitudes.


The Alchemist- This is probably Paulo Coelho’s finest works depicting a heartwarming tale. It teaches one the aspect of following their heart in certain aspects rather than the head which acts as a guiding force.


The Kite Runner- Khaled Husseini portrayed the tale of innocence and redemption in the end in a poignant manner. Not everybody gets a second chance to atone and if they do, it’s one of the most precious gifts life has to offer.


A thousand Splendid suns-This book by the same author of The Kite Runner makes one cry by its appalling story. This is one such piece of literary work which is bound to leave deep imprints. It makes one get a glimpse of the pitiable conditions Women especially are subjected to in certain parts of the world. Such aspects make one realize the true essence of freedom which many take for granted most of the time.


Black Beauty- A classic by Anna Sewell which denotes a tale coming out from the horse’s mouth literally. It describes the life of a horse at different stages, its feelings and the ray of hope it attains in the end. For most animal lovers, this is bound to be an appealing read and for the rest its an interesting perspective from the other side of the reigns.

Heidi-Read this in fifth grade and could identify with the girl and her love for her grumpy grandfather. My relationship with my late granddad was similar during my childhood days. It’s a story of a little girl set in the scenic Alps which is portrayed by Johanna Spyri in a marvelous manner.


Rebecca- Intriguing, mysterious and powerful. It amazed me as to how the main character despite being dead continued to dominate the entire book making the protagonist linger in her shadows. Rebecca did win in the end after all especially since we don’t know the actual name of the former. It was made into a movie as well directed by Alfred Hitchcock which was truly a classic.


Shantaram-Love Mumbai and could completely relate to how South Mumbai especially was described here in a poignant manner. The latter consists of beautiful architecture and buildings that take you back to the colonial era. This is a city which enables one to get a new identity by shedding our painful past and finding ourselves again.

The Fountainhead-Made me think that being selfish wasn’t a crime and enabled me to believe in its virtue after all. Selfishness now to me is fiercely sticking to your individuality and not compromising it for anyone or anything. This route may be a stumble amidst the thorns of frustration but that’s what guarantees you a bed of roses in the end.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel: This book is an embodiment of survival in the most trying circumstances. It makes one ponder and wonder for a long period of time marveling its epitome of hope.


Memoirs of a Geisha- Found this to be a poignant tale of a young girl under pitiable conditions. It brings out the murky elements of the dark world of Geishas but not without the ray of hope in the end looking at it from the protagonist’s point of view. Brilliantly written by Arthur Golden.


Tuesdays with Morrie- Very inspiring and teaches you to possess a never say die attitude even when one lies on his death bed. It makes one that self pity can be replaced with philanthropy and humanity making time for those surround you even as your clock ticks away.


Mahabharata- Mythology is nevertheless intriguing. It’s more than just an epic as it consists of lessons one can incorporate in different facets of life. It emphasizes on what not to do and present interesting sketches of its various characters.


Couple of Short stories that lingers in my mind today:

The Gift of the Magi- O’Henry’s wistful story makes one realize the essence of a gift which spells irony all over.

The Leopard by Ruskin Bond- Love the Author for his vivid description in his writings about the lush green valley of Dehradoon. This particular story is a touching one. It depicts friendship and trust which is attained in a subtle yet powerful way. And makes the author wistful and attain responsibility for its devastating end brought about by mankind. One can relate to it if they are nature or animal lovers.

Written for www.msn.co.in

Moms are the best

-By Swetha Amit

http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=625610c6-1ae7-48d4-b40e-6657c0876674

Many may dispute about the concept of Mothers’ day. Their arguments categorically state as to why only the second Sunday in May should many express their unconditional love to their mothers. And why not every day in the year. While they aren’t entirely wrong, it does take one special occasion or the other to make one feel how much they are cherished in another’s life. If going by the same argument, one can apply the same logic to birthdays and anniversaries and celebrate the entire year. Yet it wouldn’t be the same.

This can also be looked upon as a break from the mundane routine one is accustomed to. What with scurrying around from pillar to post and professional demands round the clock, it tends to leave one hard pressed for time for near and dear ones. At times like these, one longs for that particular day to unwind and do something unique to make it up to their loved ones. When such an opportunity is given on a day like this, why not seize an opportunity to make the most while you can? And while given a chance to celebrate who should complain?

I often contemplated on the factor of motherhood which has intrigued me further on hearing my mom’s encounters with me all through. From nursing me in her womb with acute sufferings in her biological clock to rendering sleepless nights with my continuous wailings; trying times during my adolescence and eventually a friend all through which has enhanced even more as I got married and moved away to a different city. To sum it all it’s been nothing less than a roller coaster probably worse than that in a Disneyland considering this one had no time limit.

So what does motherhood mean to me? The prospect intimidates me to a large extent. Going by several experiences heard and keen observations, it denotes sacrifice, patience, endurance, empathy and understanding. While these form essential ingredients, going by the contemporary times, I realize that it also needs a great deal of flexibility. The ability to accept your kith and kin as who they are despite the fact of both individuals being different as chalk and cheese is a vital factor. Unconditional acceptance all through is a must along with the time factor.

At the same time, motherhood also retains its respect as one learns the art of letting go at the right time. Clinging on dearly and refusing to see your child as a ‘grown up’ only evokes a sense of resentment in the latter. It’s about adapting to changes and growing along with your children in their several stages. From being bound to them 24/7 to meet their dependence and demands on you, it sure does require great skill to accept their independence and allow yourself to be a child to them in their twilight years.

Yes motherhood is a cycle of redemption. One always marvels at the fact of how much moms have done for us and whether we would get our chance to ever repay them. Yet the very golden opportunity is discarded with contempt as one gradually views the twilight years setting in. Such is the brutal irony of life when one hears of old age homes and inhuman tortures inflicted upon those whom we once considered our gateways to the world. Very few are blessed with the opportunity to grab this chance to their hearts content and ease their cognitive space with guilt and regret later on.

Mother’s day may be a special occasion for a mother daughter bonding with flowers, lunches, movies and a short getaway. Yet what enhances its speciality of its continuous occurrence is that of ensuring that one is always there for the other. It needn’t mean calling each other on a daily basis, smothering with mushy messages or telling each other every single detail. Providing the very security of being there during trying times even where a long gap of communication through busy schedules exists.

No explanations for not calling often, giving each other space and respecting one another’s independence is what denotes my relationship with mom. It’s her attitude that has made me the person I am today which makes me truly say that moms are the best.

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