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It’s the second month of the year, and you are already giving up on your fitness goals, but that one ray of hope in your heart tells you to keep going. So, you decide to keep going by taking matters into your hands. And that’s what brings you to get a fitness tracker. The preface might be different, but if you are confused about choosing the ideal fitness tracker, you are at the right place. Strava vs. Apple, this blog will help you choose between the two. Strava: “We’re the leading platform for movement.” This is a fitness app built in California, with over 95 million active users, 25% more than the previous year. Popular with the cyclist communities, Strava is an app that lets you sweat with fellow enthusiasts. While Strava does not manufacture watches, the app runs smoothly on other fitness wearables like Apple watches, Samsung’s Galaxy watches, and Google’s Wear OS watch. It can also work on your mobile phones. Labeled as the ‘Network for athletes,’ Strava has created a community that caters to the needs of those segments of sports and fitness enthusiasts, which covers activities like running, hiking, cycling, swimming, and a few others. Strava is free, with a premium version available for Summit upgrades that offer extended analysis, innovative training, or safety. Apple: “It’s the ultimate device for a healthy life.” The Apple Watch has brought the firm to the position of one of the topmost brands of fitness wearables. The built-in app for recording your data is classic. Still, you could also download external third-party apps if you want something else. The Apple Watch has two apps present by default – the Activity App and the Workout App. The former tracks your steps, exercises, and standing goals, while the latter records various activities like running, walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, and even yoga. The Apple Watch will cost anywhere between $399 to $799. Strava vs. Apple: Your perfect match? While both are good choices in their own place, it depends on your use and preference. If you are an Apple fan, you could definitely go for an Apple watch which will even allow you to experience Strava as the two are very compatible. But suppose you are someone not looking specifically for a watch or not a big Apple maniac. In that case, Strava is your best friend, as it works on multiple watches and even on your phone. So, keeping in mind your budget and needs (and, of course, your fanatics), go for the one which suits you best. Strava gives you a fantastic opportunity to join a community where you are encouraged by peers through likes and comments in the form of ‘kudos’ after completing milestones. On the other side, buying an Apple Watch gives you the promise of quality by the brand and works fine for people who like their own company when it comes to working out. Here are some parameters you could consider while choosing your perfect fit: Quality: Before choosing, consider the quality of the workouts, as well as the quality of the app and watch. See what matches better and pick that one. Ease of use: Remember always, you are getting it for yourself. So, it has to be easy for you and not anybody else. Look for an app that is easy to navigate and supports the workout that you most prefer. Reliability: Choose the one that you can place your trust in. For example, the Apple watch will not work for you despite its grandeur if you are not a watch person. Training type: Focus on the one that meets your training type. These are just some parameters that can help you in the end. It is you who needs to decide. And, trust me, I know how hard it might get when asked to choose between the two. So, you do you, buddy, always. Bottom Line Our lifestyle has changed so much that it is essential to keep our bodies fit and healthy to survive. People have less time for themselves and are preoccupied with stress, which makes it more necessary to work out. Physical activity can improve brain health, control weight, reduce disease risk, tone up bones and muscles, and boost the ability to perform daily activities. Adults who engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and are not sedentary may enjoy health benefits. Strava or Apple, in the end, it all boils down to what keeps your body moving without letting your mind convince you to skip that one leg day!

Life can be difficult sometimes. We all deal with things that take a toll on us. Stress and anxiety have become a part and parcel of life. Whether it is heart break, work stress or family issues, we often tend to put others before us and forget to take care of ourselves. When this happens, it can also adversely affect your physical health.   Healthy living starts with taking utmost care of yourself. This doesn’t just mean that you should eat on time and get proper sleep, but also taking care of yourself when you are mentally exhausted. Practicing self-care frequently helps you to deal with situations in a calmer manner, promotes good-decision making and help to improve your overall mental and physical health.  Here are 8 self-care activities that you can implement to stay on top of your game.  Reading and Writing If you are a bookworm or like to play with words, this is the perfect activity for you. Reading not only helps you become knowledgeable but also helps you take your mind off stress and help you calm down.   One of the best ways to reduce stress is Journalling. You can maintain an everyday journal or write down your frustrations on a piece of paper whenever you feel anxious or stressed to avoid impulsive behavior.   Be Artsy Art has proven to be a great form of expressing one’s emotions and feelings. Be it painting, doodling, sketching, drawing, digital art, or even crafts, engaging in artistic activities not only helps you to concentrate on the present but also helps you to express your emotions effectively.   Exercise Time and again, fitness has proven to be great for self-care. What better way to take care of yourself than taking care of your body? May it be sports, a simple walk or a jog, working out at the gym, or any other form of workout, it helps to release your stress and frustrations. Frequent exercising not only helps you de-stress but also keeps you physically healthy. Moreover, having a fit body also helps to boost self-confidence.  Try cooking Cooking can be highly therapeutic, especially if you are a foodie or like to cook. This therapeutic took combines practice, technique, and creativity at the same time. This helps to increase your sensory awareness. It requires you to concentrate on multiple aspects at the same time which helps you to concentrate better. As it requires you to compartmentalize your thoughts, it helps your mind to focus on the present. Moreover, if you are a person who expresses your love through acts of service, cooking is a great way to cook for your loved ones and enjoy the fruits of your labor! This helps to achieve a sense of productivity and the compliments you get will definitely help you feel better.  Movie Marathons! Whether it was a bad day at work or an argument with your loved one, entertainment is always your buddy. So, grab your popcorn and snacks, wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket and enjoy the next two hours of action, drama, thrill, comedy, and romance. Whatever your mood, there is always a movie for you!  Talk Talk it all out and get it off your chest! Talking to your friends or loved ones about your struggles helps a lot. Knowing that there are people who support you and listen to you, and moreover, empathize with your situation may help you feel a lot more supported and heard.  The Sound of Music When you reach of complete frustration, just put on your earphones and listen to music. It can be sad, happy, hip-hop, or even death metal. Whatever you feel like. In fact, Music Therapy is a field in Psychology that uses music-based experiences to focus on the client’s problems and needs.   Meditation Meditation has proven to be a great tool that can help you to de-stress. Just 5 to 10 minutes of meditation a day helps you to calm yourself down, gather, compartmentalize your thoughts and refocus.  Last but not the least, make sure to set healthy boundaries. Know when to stop and prioritize your mental health during stressful situations. Give your mind and body the support, encouragement, and love it needs. 

Seems like we are back in the era of homemade remedies. Why spend your money on allopathic medicines when you can take proper precautions at home? This article talks about the versatility and benefits of ginger shots and how it is a great boost to your immune system. Common household ingredients like turmeric, cloves, garlic, etc., are widely used for their anti-inflammatory properties. And one such root vegetable that is used since ancient times is ginger. Whether you have a cold, cough or you are feeling a bit under the weather, the medicinal properties of ginger have got you covered. As flavorsome as it is, it contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 and iron which is great for your health. Shots! – But it is made of ginger When you come across the word ‘shots’, you may automatically think of Vodka or Tequila shots. But have you ever heard of a shot that is anti-inflammatory, prevents cold and cough and is good for your gut? Ginger shots are next big thing! They are a great way to promote good health along with their spicy, almost refreshing taste. As mentioned earlier, in the olden days, ginger was highly used to recover from a cold or cough, or to restore your gut health. Later, due to its refreshing taste, it started being used in soups, cocktails, mocktails, and juices. Such is the versatility of ginger. With the boom of TikTok, the aesthetic of having a healthy lifestyle is back. And it asks a very important question- Why spend money on expensive medicines and health care when you can take care of yourself at home? Ginger shots are basically concentrated ginger juice along with some other type of juice. As concentrated ginger has an unpleasant and strong taste, it is mixed in with other liquids. It is usually taken in very small quantities, usually about 10ml to 40ml and is usually consumed first thing in the morning after you wake up, preferably with an empty stomach. How can you make ginger shots are home? You can find ginger shots or concentrated ginger juice in your local grocery store or at any supermarket. Usually, such packed juices have added sugar and preservatives to maintain a longer shelf life and may not be as fresh. But worry not my friend as its very easy, healthy, and pocket friendly to make it in your kitchen. All you will need is some -root ginger (depending upon the quantity you want to make it) -some additional lemon or orange juice (if needed) -honey (if needed) This recipe can be made with a juicer/blender or without one. If you’re making it in a juicer or blender- Thoroughly wash and chop up the ginger roots and add it in your juicer or blender. Once you get the concentrated ginger juice, you can even run it through a muslin cloth or strainer to get rid of any unpleasant bits. You can then add some lemon juice or orange juice for some additional citrus flavor and vitamin C along with some honey. You can also add some water to dilute it a bit. If you’re making it without a juicer- Thoroughly wash and peel the ginger roots. Once peeled, finely grate them. Now, take a bowl and place a muslin cloth on the bowl. Take the grated ginger and strain it thoroughly through the muslin cloth. Once strained, you can now add some additional juice, honey, or water as per your taste. And here you go! Now you can make ginger shots at home with ease. What are the benefits of ginger shots? It is no surprise that ginger is great for your overall health and has numerous benefits. In an interview (Carpool Karaoke) with talk show host James Corden, singer and actor Selena Gomez said that she takes ginger shots every day in the morning to sooth her throat and prevent getting sick. Well, apart from such celebrity advocations, here are a few reasons why you should befriend ginger shots: It is versatile Time and again, ginger has proven to be highly versatile when it comes to cooking. You put it in a hot soup or a cold beverage, you can consume it raw or cooked and you can add it in sweet as well as savory dishes. It is there for you in sickness and in health. And the best part is that it is a natural anti-oxidant! A buddy for your gut Ginger is great for your gut. You can have ginger shots when you have nausea, acidity, gas or general indigestion. Having a shot of ginger first thing in the morning can also increase your metabolism- and with addition to daily exercise, it can aid you lose weight more efficiently. It can also help to improve your overall gut health. A warm hug for when you are feeling a bit under the weather Since ancient times, the healing properties of ginger, along with honey, has been used to prevent cold and cough. A combination of honey and ginger shots is best when you have a cold as it soothes your throat and helps with inflammation when your body is sore and tired. Improves circulation Ginger shots help you to improve your blood circulation and is great for your heart. It helps to regulate blood pressure. For folks who suffer from Type 2 diabetes, regular consumption of ginger shots are a great way to regulate your sugar levels. Signing out With the popularization of ginger shots, it has proven to be a great home-made remedy time and again. A regular dose of ginger shots is a powerful boost to your health and another great thing which comes with that is that you can customize it according to your liking and enjoy!

Great leaders always dress like it. First impressions are important. Whether it is a client meeting, an office conference, or just another typical weekday, business formal wear has become a great medium through which you can express your office personality. Gone are the days when men used to be the only breadwinners. With renowned women like Michelle Obama, Jacinda Ardern, Kamala Harris, and many more, women’s formal wear has a whole new market. It can clearly be seen that in order to make your stand, you need to dress like it. You can’t go to the office in your pajamas, except, of course, it’s pajama day in your office. Nowadays, formal wear is an excellent approach through which you can evince your professionalism and authority. When you have so many options, choosing the right one can be a gruesome task. Instead of rummaging through your closet, trying to pick an attire that would do the deed for the time being, having a few of these outfits would make your mornings much easier. And if you are on a budget, worry not my friend- online shopping is here to rescue you from this disaster! To save you from an impending calamity, we present to you: Wardrobe must-haves for the corporate woman Skirts One can never go wrong with a well-fitted skirt. A-line and pencil skirts are a great option to showcase yourself as a fierce and assertive woman. The right skirt would not only highlight your femininity but simultaneously help you in presenting yourself as a strong leader. You can opt for a high-waist pencil skirt to accentuate your curves. If you have a rectangular body shape, a mid-waist pencil skirt would be perfect for you. If you have an inverted triangle or an hourglass body type, a midi would be a great fit. Just make sure that the skirt is not too short or too tight as it might cause discomfort throughout the day, affecting your work. Trousers A major key to confidence is comfort. Gone is the era when only the men of the house wore pants. A nice, comfortable pair of trousers can definitely help to bring out your ‘A’ game. Wide-leg, straight fit, palazzos, bell bottoms, cropped or ankle-length trousers, khakis, jumpsuits- the options are endless! If you have a curvy or hourglass figure, bell bottoms or cropped trousers would be a great fit for you. Whereas, if you have a rectangular body type you can go for a palazzo or straight-fit pants. These are great options when you know you’re going to have a long day at work! Shirts, Blouses and Tops Once you know what skirt or trouser you’re going to wear, the next step is to pair it with a well-fitted blouse, top, or a shirt. If you are wearing a skirt, you should probably opt for a well-fitting blouse or a top. If you have narrow shoulder, you can wear a puff-sleeved or a bottle-neck top or blouse. If you have an hourglass body type, you can opt for a wrap-around top. When it comes to trousers, you can go for a well-suited shirt or a button up. It can be plain, striped or even checkered. Just make sure that you wear non-printed trousers along with a striped or checkered shirt to avoid a mis-matched outfit. If you want to take it up a notch, you can wear a blazer and suit it up! A nice blazer will give your outfit a more formal and domineering look. Dress It Up! If you are done with your boring old trousers and skirts, you can always pick a formal dress to wear at the office. You can choose from an A-lined or X-lined dress, a long-sleeved Seath dress, pegged dress, or pleated midis. These dresses are not only comfortable, but emphasize your body type as well. Once again, make sure that your dress isn’t too short or tight as it may be uncomfortable. Color and Fabric When it comes to business formal wear, you need to make sure that you don’t wear clothes that are too brightly-colored or gaudy. Keep it smart and simple. Always opt for pastels or dark colored clothes such as a pastel blue or green, or dark colors such as black, navy blue, maroon, etc. As you are in a formal setting, wearing loud clothes may be inappropriate. Moreover, make sure you buy clothes that are of comfortable fabric, especially cotton. Having a very thin or uncomfortable fabric can be a distress. Shoes Finally, to tie the outfit together, a nice pair of formal footwear is a must! There are endless options to choose from. If you are wearing a dress or skirt, you can go for formal, heeled sandals. You can opt for an open toe, platform, pencil, or block heels, according to your preference. If you are wearing trousers or a suit, you can go for formal loafers or shoes. You can also opt for a faux-leather pair of boots. When it comes to trousers or pants, you can wear sandals as well. The choice is yours to make. If you are not a heel person, you can always wear a pair of bellies or flat boots. Wrapping It Up Bring the outfit together by accessorizing it with a great watch, pendant or a bracelet. And hey! Don’t forget to wear the matching pair of earrings! You are now all set to steal the deal!

The cracking noise from the half-opened door, that eerie whooshing wind, a cat crying somewhere far off, and distant foot-steps on the top-floor of a huge, abandoned mansion. Cliché, right? All of this was good when we were children and these things made us crawl into our parents’ bedrooms. Now, we need some real thrill in our lives. So, here are some places you could go backpacking this spooky season to get your kick from some actual creepy places. 1. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland This is castle is here since the Iron Age. So, you know how old castle and spirits go right? But it’s not just the old historical walls that give it the creeps, in fact during the day this is a great tourist attraction. The real spookiness happens at night when a spectral dog, a headless drummer, and a phantom piper roam the castle at night. Even researchers found ghost-sightings in the castle and since then people have only been scared of the place. 2. Island of Dolls, Mexico If the movie Annabelle didn’t scare, this place surely will. It is that little girl drowned in the Mexican Canal and when somebody moved to this island later, he was haunted by the girl’s spirit. To please the little girl’s spirit this man hung several dolls on trees and even might have sacrificed his nephew to give her a playmate in the afterlife. People report that they can hear laughing and whispering voices and observed that the eyes of the dolls follow them. 3. Screaming Tunnel, Canada Located in Ontario, this tunnel is right beneath the railway track Toronto to New York via Niagara Falls. Legends say a house burned on one end of the tunnel and a young girl from the house came running towards the tunnel for burning and screaming for help. It is said that if you try to light anything in the tunnel you hear screaming of voices of the girl and the it turns out the fire. 4. Bhangarh Fort, India Over 200 miles from Delhi, this fort stands tall in Rajasthan. It is said that a sorcerer tried to lure Princess Ratnavatil through magic and when she became aware of his evil plans, she ordered to get him killed. Before dying, the sorcerer cursed the town to be roofless and its people to die. Since then, every time a roof is built it collapses. It is one of the scariest places in India and the world and nobody is allowed to visit it after dark. 5. Aradale Lunatic Asylum, Australia Admit it, there is something strange about the mental asylums or at least the ones that are shown in tv shows. This one in in Victoria, is one of the largest mental hospitals. It is said that the ghost of Nurse Kerry haunts the women’s wing. Another ghost of a patient, who was forced to leave the asylum when it was shut down, is sighted in various parts of the asylum. The asylum was said to be the home of many lunatics. 6. Tao Dan Park, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam The beautiful garden during day, turns different in the night. It is said that the ghost of a man killed in one of the attacks still wanders there in search of his love. 7. The Catacombs of Paris, France Do I need to say anything else apart from the fact that the remains of more than 6 million people lie there in the undergrounds of the tunnel. You may take a tour as some parts of the tunnel is open for tourists, see for yourself and experience the horror. 8. Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada This Gothic-style is filled with corridors and secret pathways, and of course creepy stories. There have been sightings of ghosts all around the mansion, which is also open for tourists. And because the builders knew that hunger could make even the sanest people mad and scary, there are also two restaurants open for the visitors.

Veganism actually became popular way back in the 1960s. People started realizing the cruelty that non-vegetarianism caused to the animals. As a result, people looked for more guilt-free options. With the wave of TikTok, veganism has resurfaced and has become a part of many people’s daily life. A vegan is a person who does not eat any meat nor consumes any by-product produced by an animal, such as milk, cheese, eggs, etc. People prefer to indulge in plant-based replacements of these products such as tofu, almond or soy milk, vegan butter, and much more. You can also see meat being replaced with vegan alternatives such as jackfruit, mushrooms, carrots, chickpeas, etc. As TikTok became the new worldwide sensation, veganism came back in the limelight. People started posting their own interpretation and ways of dishes. Cooking hacks became trends that everyone was testing and reviewing. With this came the wave of vegan dishes. Dishes that were healthy and tasty, dishes that any non-cook or a busy bee can make. So, without any further ado, here are 7 TikTok vegan dishes that took up the internet by a storm. 7 TikTok vegan dishes that took over the internet: DALGONA COFFEE Some say, they cannot start the day without a good cup of coffee. Introducing from the land of K-Pop- Dalgona Coffee. This coffee drink was trending all over TikTok in 2020. All one needs is some coffee powder, water, milk and sweetener. You whip up some ground coffee with the sweetener of your choice in a little bit of hot water, for about 10 minutes, till it becomes a nice paste like consistency, almost till its doubled. You can either use a milk frother or give your forearms and biceps a good exercise by whipping it by hand. All you need to do after is add some cold or hot milk. Some use full fat milk and sugar but you can add your preferred plant-based milk and some honey instead. Believe me, it does taste as good as it looks! OVERNIGHT OATS Well, if it were up to me, I’d have breakfast in bed every day. Who has the energy to wake up and make breakfast? Waking up is difficult as it is. On a serious note, what if I told you that you do not have to wake up and make breakfast in the in the morning but still eat a home-made, healthy breakfast every day? This might sound like it is too good to be true, but my friend, it is true. Presenting to you- overnight oats. Though oatmeal is supposed to be eaten warm, this dish is cool as a breeze, and easy too! All you have to do is take a container, add some oats and some plant-based milk of our choice with some honey. Mix it well and keep it in the fridge. Over the night, the oats are going to soak up all the milk and become soft and sweet- just like you. Before you eat in the morning, just top it up with seasonal fruits or nuts of your choice and enjoy a home-made, healthy breakfast. This is a perfect recipe for all the busy bees, especially if you are not a morning person. AVOCADO TOASTS This fancy, wholesome dish will surely entice you. All you need is a couple of slices of bread, avocadoes, olive oil, salt and pepper, onion and garlic powder, couple of drops of lemon juice and a few additional ingredients of your preference. Once you peel and pit your avocado, smash the avocado and add your seasonings. Toast your slices of bread on the pan or in your toaster. Spread your avocado mix on your toast with a few drops of lemon juice and olive oil and enjoy! And if you are fancy like me, you can customize it by using a French baguette or adding some cherry or heirloom tomatoes and few herbs and olives as toppings. Devour this dish as a nice Sunday brunch or a mid-day snack- the ball is in your court. SMOOTHIE BOWLS This post-workout dish is definitely the most wholesome and healthy move to get energized the right way. Take your blender, put fruits and veggies of your choice. Strawberries, bananas, mangoes, melons, you name it! You can also add some cashews, almonds or even avocados. Add some honey or maple syrup to make it sweet like you, add in your choice of plant-based milk and blend it all till it becomes a thick paste-like consistency. Top it up with some additional nuts for some crunch and gobble it all up without any guilt! And darling, don’t forget your protein powder! FETA PASTA Looking for a hassle-free, heavenly dish that takes you over a tour of Italy? I gotchu. This feta pasta dish is definitely a game-changer. Simply take a baking or pasta dish, add a block of vegan feta cheese along with some cherry tomatoes, basil, herbs, chili flakes, minced garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Bake it in the oven till the tomatoes are completely cooked and the cheese is melted. You’ll know when it’s done when your kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant. Take it out and add some cooked pasta of your choice. The melted feta and cooked tomatoes along with the seasonings will create a perfect sauce, lusciously coating the pasta. Voila! It is all ready to be devoured. CARROT BACON Yes, you heard it right. Bacon that is actually a carrot. I was as surprised as you probably are until I looked it up. If you are a recently-turned vegan and miss your sweet, crispy bacon, I got the perfect and healthy dish for you. Wash and peel a carrot. Cut it into thin, long strips with the help of a y-peeler. In a bowl, add some oil, tahini, maple syrup or honey, salt and pepper, paprika, soy sauce and herbs of your choice. Make sure to pre-heat your oven. As your oven pre-heats, add the carrot