Tag: Lifestyle

  • Why We Feel Busy but Not Productive

    Why We Feel Busy but Not Productive

    New Delhi [India], July 3: Why do we go to bed exhausted, but can’t say what we actually got done? That’s just daily life for so many of us now. Our calendars are jammed. Our phones won’t leave us alone. Emails multiply like rabbits. Sure, by the end of the day, our bodies are wiped, but our minds won’t stop asking: “Wait, what did I actually accomplish?”

    It isn’t laziness. Far from it. The real issue? We’re pointing our focus in the wrong direction.

    Being busy just means you’re in motion. Productivity, though, is about moving somewhere that matters. On the outside, they sometimes look the same—a blur of meetings, endless emails, a frenzy of little tasks—but what you actually get at the end is totally different. You can keep ticking off boxes—attend five meetings, fire off thirty replies, hop from to-do to to-do—and still dodge the one conversation or real piece of work that counts. Busyness burns calories. Productivity builds something.

    A big reason we feel stuck in this loop is that we confuse what’s urgent with what’s important. Anything pinging you right now—texts, calls, notifications—commands attention, just because it’s loud and right in your face. Trouble is, the important stuff? It whispers. Real progress—thinking, planning, learning, solving deep problems—waits quietly in the background. It easily gets sidelined for things that shout.

    So our days get filled up by just reacting, not really choosing. We get to the end having handled all kinds of inputs but moved almost nothing forward.

    We also crave small wins. Knocking out a bunch of emails, fixing up that random folder, tweaking a doc—these little completions give our brains a quick hit of accomplishment. It feels good in the moment, but after a while, this just becomes a way to look busy. You can hide all day in these tiny tasks and still never tackle the hard stuff that actually matters. Focusing deeply, stumbling through an uncertain project, or risking a tough but important conversation—that’s the stuff that counts, and yeah, it’s uncomfortable.

    You know that itch to tidy up your desk before starting something big? That’s it. It’s just easier to “get ready” than to actually start.

    Then, there’s multitasking. We think it lets us do more, but what it really does is shatter our focus. Every time we bounce between a spreadsheet and Slack, or a call and our inbox, our brains have to keep rebooting. That gets tiring. At the end of the day, we feel drained—but not accomplished.

    Pretty soon, we start mixing up being tired with making real progress. We think, “Man, I must have worked hard—I’m exhausted.” But mostly, it means our attention was all over the place.

    Work culture doesn’t help. Lots of workplaces reward the people who always look busy—the ones who reply in seconds, show up at every meeting, keep their statuses green 24/7. Responsiveness gets treated like effectiveness. But really, being everywhere and always online just means you’re busy. It doesn’t mean you’re making a dent.

    So we end up performing busyness—quick replies, speaking up just to show we’re around, juggling signals, not results. The real question gets lost: did anything I did today actually matter?

    Productivity starts with clarity. Before diving in, the best question isn’t, “What’s on my list?” but, “What actually needs to happen today?” When you shift to thinking about what will move the needle—even if that’s just two or three things—you start caring less about the number of tasks, and more about the impact.

    Another thing: real work needs focus, and focus needs space. That doesn’t mean ignoring your team or slacking on things that have to be handled fast. It just means making real boundaries for work that actually matters. Some things want instant replies. Some need no interruptions. Treating them all the same is a big reason we feel stuck.

    And not everything deserves your best energy. Every time you say yes to something, you’re borrowing from something else—your time, your attention, maybe even your patience. Productivity means choosing. If not, your day just fills up with stuff that matters more to others than to you.

    So, the answer isn’t to do even more. Most people are already running at maximum pace. It’s about doing fewer things, but choosing them on purpose. Some of the most productive days look boring: you finish just one important draft, make a tough decision that’s been hanging, fix a problem that keeps coming back, or have a conversation that saves headaches later.

    We end up busy, not productive, because our days are packed with movement, but nothing gets sorted by what really matters. As soon as we get better at picking out the noise from the things that actually count, work starts to feel different.

    An empty calendar isn’t the point. A meaningful one is. At the end of the day, it’s not about showing you were busy. What counts is whether you moved something important forward. That’s what makes the exhaustion feel worth it.

    PNN Lifestyle

  • Dr. Pranjal Upadhayay Presents Landmark Publication on Tribal Health Research and Public Health Innovation to CM Mohan Yadav

    Dr. Pranjal Upadhayay Presents Landmark Publication on Tribal Health Research and Public Health Innovation to CM Mohan Yadav

    Betul (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 3: During the inauguration of the Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign at Kukru Khamla, Betul, Dr. Pranjal Upadhayay, District Immunization Officer, Betul, presented his book “Literature of Tribal Health” to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav. The occasion also provided an opportunity to discuss key issues related to tribal healthcare, immunization, and evidence-based public health interventions in the state’s tribal regions.

    “Literature of Tribal Health” is a comprehensive compilation that documents the health profile, anthropology, culture, and healthcare practices of tribal communities, with a special focus on the Gond and Korku tribes of Central India. The book explores how traditional beliefs, socio-cultural practices, geographical barriers, nutritional challenges, and health-seeking behaviour influence the health status of tribal populations.

    Beyond anthropological perspectives, the publication presents scientific evidence generated through field-based public health research conducted by Dr. Upadhayay in tribal areas. It includes studies on maternal and child health, immunization, nutrition, communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, and implementation research aimed at addressing persistent health disparities among underserved tribal communities.

    The book further documents several innovative community-based interventions conceptualized and implemented under Dr. Upadhayay’s leadership in remote tribal regions. These include strategies to improve routine immunization coverage, strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare, enhance nutritional services, increase community participation, and develop convergence models involving frontline health workers, local governance, and community institutions. The publication serves as a practical reference for policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, and healthcare administrators working to improve tribal health outcomes through evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches.

    During the interaction, Dr. Upadhayay shared insights from his field experiences and emphasized the importance of integrating tribal anthropology with public health planning to design interventions that are locally acceptable, sustainable, and impactful. He also highlighted the need for continued investment in research, innovation, and community-led healthcare models to reduce inequities in tribal populations.

    Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav appreciated the initiative and acknowledged the significance of documenting tribal health experiences and successful field innovations. He recognized that such evidence-based literature can contribute meaningfully to strengthening public health policy and improving healthcare delivery in tribal areas across Madhya Pradesh.

    The event coincided with the district-level launch of the Pulse Polio Campaign, reaffirming the state’s commitment to ensuring universal immunization and equitable healthcare access for every child, particularly those living in remote and vulnerable tribal communities.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pranjal Upadhayay stated that “Literature of Tribal Health” is dedicated to the tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh and to the thousands of frontline health workers whose dedication and community engagement continue to transform healthcare delivery in some of the country’s most challenging geographical settings.

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  • FDS organizes a symposium on digital dentistry, showcasing modern technical know how

    FDS organizes a symposium on digital dentistry, showcasing modern technical know how

    New Delhi [India], July 01: Following the success of its recent clinical masterclass, Fredna Dental Systems (FDS) successfully organised a specialised symposium on digital dentistry – “CBCT, Surgical Guides and Aligners” on May 31 at GCC club, Mira Road. The event drew 53 practicing dentists and medical professionals from the surrounding Mira-Bhayandar region, marking it as a highly successful educational initiative for the local clinical community.

    This symposium follows a similar high-impact masterclass hosted by the organization on April 25, which highlighted crucial contemporary topics transforming modern dental care: How to read a CBCT scan, Guided implant surgery- an introduction and lastly Aligners in clinical practice. The first one was addressed by Dr Vinayak Shirsekar and Dr Reshma Saju. The two other topics were discussed successively by Dr Ashlesha Marathe Kshirsagar and Dr Sneha Karbelkar Mhatre.

    The technical expertise with Fredna Dental Systems has revolutionized overall dentistry treatment in modern and sophisticated way and opens up a modern outlook for curing problems. 

    The modern technical know-how involves reading a dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan which requires analysing the volume in three dimensions using Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR). The process involves orienting the scan, evaluating three distinct anatomical views – axial, coronal, and sagittal – and looking for signs of disease, symmetry, and structural integrity.

    Guided implant surgery is an advanced dental procedure that uses 3D imaging and computer software to digitally plan the exact placement, angle, and depth of an implant. A custom 3D-printed surgical guide is then used to ensure the implant is placed flawlessly with minimal invasion and faster cure.

    Aligners are alternative solutions to braces for orthodontic alignment of teeth. They are made up of clear material and are invisible. They can be removed while eating, do not hurt the mucosa and maintains good oral hygiene.

    About Fredna Dental Systems:

    Fredna Dental Systems is a dental technology company focused on advancing digital dentistry through innovative solutions, modern imaging systems, and streamlined digital workflows. The company supports dental professionals with cutting-edge technology, training, and expertise to enhance patient care and clinical efficiency.

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  • From Udgir to the Himalayas: Dr. Kiran Vemuri Conquers Mera Peak Against All Odds

    From Udgir to the Himalayas: Dr. Kiran Vemuri Conquers Mera Peak Against All Odds

    Latur (Maharashtra) [India], July 1: In an inspiring story of grit, determination, and resilience, Dubai-based Indian doctor Dr. Kiran Vemuri has successfully summited Mera Peak (6,476 metres) in Nepal, one of the highest trekking peaks in the Himalayas.

    Originally from Udgir in Maharashtra’s Latur district, Dr. Kiran Vemuri’s achievement is far more significant than a mountaineering milestone. It is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and pursue ambitious goals regardless of age or circumstance.

    An alumnus of the prestigious Government Medical College, Nagpur, Dr. Kiran has spent her life balancing a demanding medical career, family responsibilities, and an enduring passion for adventure. Her successful ascent of Mera Peak comes barely a year after she conquered Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe.

    What Makes This Achievement Truly Extraordinary

    What makes this achievement truly extraordinary is what happened after her Elbrus expedition.

    In September last year, Dr. Kiran underwent ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) surgery, a procedure that often sidelines people from physically demanding activities for extended periods. Many individuals would have viewed the surgery as a reason to slow down or abandon high-altitude trekking altogether.

    Dr. Kiran Vemuri chose otherwise.

    With unwavering determination, she committed herself to rehabilitation and recovery. Through months of disciplined training and perseverance, she rebuilt her strength and prepared for an even greater challenge—the Himalayas.

    Training Against the Odds

    Living in Dubai, away from mountains and trekking trails, she devised her own training strategy. She repeatedly climbed the stairs of her 41-floor residential tower, often covering the equivalent of more than 100 floors in a single session. The unconventional regimen helped her regain stamina and prepare for the extreme demands of high-altitude climbing.

    The Challenge of Mera Peak

    Located in Nepal’s remote Hinku Valley, Mera Peak presents climbers with freezing temperatures, rugged terrain, and thin air that tests both physical endurance and mental strength. Successfully reaching the summit requires months of preparation, resilience, and an indomitable mindset.

    An Inspiration Beyond Mountaineering

    For young women across India, Dr. Kiran’s journey carries an important message: dreams are not limited by geography, age, or setbacks. From a small town in Maharashtra to the towering peaks of the Himalayas, her story proves that obstacles are temporary, but determination can take you to extraordinary heights.

    As Dr. Kiran stood atop Mera Peak, she wasn’t just celebrating a personal triumph—she was inspiring countless others to keep climbing, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

  • DPS Bharuch Creates History as the District’s First School to Implement The Mind Sync – India’s First Mental Health Education Program

    DPS Bharuch Creates History as the District’s First School to Implement The Mind Sync – India’s First Mental Health Education Program

    Bharuch (Gujarat) [India], July 1: In the current time, where academic stress frequently overpowers the emotional needs of young learners, Delhi Public School, Bharuch has taken a historic step by becoming the first school in the district to implement The Mind Sync- India’s First Mental Health Education Program. This pioneering initiative places emotional intelligence, resilience, and student well-being alongside academic excellence, setting a new benchmark for holistic education in Bharuch.

    In today’s rapidly changing world, where academic pressure, digital exposure, and emotional challenges are becoming increasingly common among children, DPS Bharuch has chosen to proactively address student well-being through a structured mental health education curriculum integrated into everyday learning. By adopting this innovative approach, the school is helping students develop essential life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

    Conceptualized by Dr. Shivam Dubey, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and led by Mr. Manas Dubey, Founder of The Mind Sync, India’s First Mental Health Education Curriculum is built on the belief that emotional skills must be taught with the same importance as academic subjects. Designed for Grades 1–10, the curriculum is a thoughtful blend of neuroscience, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and positive psychology, meticulously validated by leading mental health professionals.

    A major milestone in this journey was celebrated on June 18, 2026, during an inspiring Teacher Certification Ceremony held at the school campus, marking the successful completion of an intensive teacher training programme. The event marked the successful completion of an intensive training program, certifying 32 DPS Bharuch teachers as Mental Health Educators.

    The ceremony was attended by the leadership team of The Mind Sync, including the Founder Mr Manas Dubey, Senior Program Manager Ms Mayuri Godbole, and Program Coordinator Ms Navya Shivani, alongside renowned psychiatrist Dr. Khyati Mevada.

    Addressing the educators, Mr. Manas Dubey highlighted the evolving role of teachers in today’s world. Drawing a powerful analogy from history, he emphasized that while previous generations fought battles on the borders, today’s children are facing a silent battle against stress, anxiety, emotional challenges, and mental health concerns. In this changing landscape, teachers emerge as the first line of support and the true frontline soldiers in today’s mental health epidemic.

    Dr. Khyati Mevada echoed this sentiment and encouraged teachers to bring emotional learning alive within classrooms. She emphasized that by fostering emotional awareness and introducing simple coping tools, educators possess the power to create lasting and meaningful change in a child’s life.

    During the event, the school’s Principal, Mr. K. Sunil Kumar, was honoured with the ‘Visionary Educator Award’ in recognition of his progressive leadership and his commitment to bringing this transformative initiative to the Bharuch region.

    Reflecting on the achievement, Mr. K. Sunil Kumar shared:

    “At Delhi Public School Bharuch, we firmly believe that education extends beyond academic achievement to nurture emotionally resilient, self-aware, and responsible individuals. The implementation of The Mind Sync Program reflects our commitment to holistic student development by strengthening emotional well-being, building essential life skills, and empowering students with confidence and purpose. We appreciate The Mind Sync initiative for reinforcing the belief that when young minds are nurtured with care and understanding, they are empowered to realize their fullest potential.”

    He added that the personal honor of being named a Visionary Educator only strengthens the school’s resolve to keep innovating for student well-being.

    The landmark afternoon concluded on a celebratory note with educators, school leaders, stakeholders, and the Mind Sync team coming together to mark the beginning of a meaningful journey. The shared enthusiasm in the room reflected that this was far more than the completion of a teacher training programme; it marked the foundation of a healthier, more emotionally aware school environment.

    By prioritizing emotional intelligence alongside Intelligence Quotient, DPS Bharuch is not only preparing students to excel in examinations but also equipping them with the resilience, confidence, and life skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. As the first school in the district to adopt India’s First Mental Health Education Program, DPS Bharuch is setting an inspiring example for schools across the region to place student well-being at the heart of education.

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  • Living With AI: The New Human Lifestyle in 2026

    Living With AI: The New Human Lifestyle in 2026

    New Delhi [India], July 1: Back in the day, AI felt like something distant—something only the tech crowd obsessed over, or showed up in sci-fi movies. Fast forward to 2026, and that line has disappeared. AI isn’t waiting in the wings anymore; it’s quietly threaded right through everyday life. It shapes how we work, learn, shop, talk, move, even how we think—usually without us even noticing.

    What’s different this time is the direction of change. People used to have to change for technology. Now, it’s technology adapting to us. AI has stopped being just a glorified productivity tool and started acting more like a companion.

    Most days kick off with AI. Your assistant sums up what you missed overnight and suggests tweaks to your schedule. It might flag emails, offer up a breakfast—maybe something healthier if you’re up for it—track how you slept, and even tell you whether to go hard at the gym or take it easy. Your commute? AI checks the roads and picks the best route before you’ve even finished your coffee. All of this just happens, trimming away those tiny daily decisions that used to drain us.

    That constant “decision fatigue” everyone complained about? Now, AI sorts it out in the background.

    Work life looks completely different, too. No more grinding away at routine reports, endless formatting, or hunting for months-old spreadsheets. AI covers those chores, leaving people to focus on judgment calls, creative work, or just talking to other humans. It’s less about humans being phased out, more about amplifying what people already do well.

    Look at the creator economy. Designers bounce ideas off image generators, writers team up with language models, editors let AI tackle the boring stuff, and musicians use it to spark new melodies before layering in their own style. Everything’s faster, but now, what’s really rare—and valuable—is genuine originality.

    Education is getting personal. Picture AI tutors that won’t quit until you get it; if you don’t catch on one way, they find another until it sticks. Learning moves at your pace, nobody’s falling behind just to keep up. Language is less of a barrier, too, thanks to instant translation. Lifelong learning isn’t a buzzword anymore—it’s how people actually keep up.

    Healthcare’s flipped to prevention mode. You wear small trackers that monitor your sleep, stress, heart, and activity. AI sifts through all that data, picking up on warning signs early and nudging you before something turns serious. Personalized tips, daily reminders—problems don’t sneak up on you like they used to.

    Even food shopping has changed. AI meal planners take your allergies, fitness goals, budget, and even what’s left in the fridge, then suggest what to buy—and what to make. Less wandering the aisles. You shop intentional now, instead of grabbing what catches your eye.

    Shopping in general feels less overwhelming. Instead of scrolling for hours, you describe what you want, and AI boils it down to a few smart picks. It saves you time—the one thing nobody has extra of.

    Booking travel? You talk, it listens. Your itinerary folds in weather, events, crowds, diet, your past trips—so vacations start off feeling like they already “get” you.

    Communication? That’s probably the most obvious change. AI translates languages on the fly, so working with people around the globe is simple. Meetings get auto summaries, email is shorter, and big blocks of information become way easier to digest. Info overload still exists, but it’s manageable.

    But here’s the real shift—it’s not all about tech.

    It’s about how we think.

    People are redefining productivity. Long hours aren’t the endgame now. Focus matters more. So does creativity, flexibility, having time to actually live. AI brings more efficiency, but it also makes you ask: What’s all that saved time for?

    Some spend it with family. Others dive into hobbies. Sometimes people just disconnect and do nothing—which might be the healthiest thing of all.

    Of course, there’s a catch. With AI handling so much personal data, privacy is huge. Understanding what you share, how algorithms shape your feed, and when to trust your own judgment over what a machine recommends—all that matters more. Digital literacy isn’t optional anymore.

    Critical thinking is gold now. The future of work relies on it. With more tasks automated, the edge comes from staying curious, adapting, leading, and navigating the gray zones only people really get. We prize empathy, creativity, and trust—qualities you can’t just program.

    Going forward, AI will feel even less noticeable. It’ll just be there, smoothing out the rough edges, anticipating needs, personalizing everything, letting you focus more on living. Like electricity or Wi-Fi—it fades into the background. You forget it’s there until you really need it.

    So, by 2026, “living with AI” isn’t even a question—it’s reality. The bigger question is: Are we using all this technology just to cram more tasks into less time, or are we actually making life better? That answer will shape not only the future of tech—but the future of how we live.

    PNN Lifestyle

  • Food, Heritage and Hope: Why Our Vegetarian Wisdom Matters More Than Ever

    Food, Heritage and Hope: Why Our Vegetarian Wisdom Matters More Than Ever

    Chef Gunjan Goela

    New Delhi [India], June 30: Food has always been much more than nourishment. It is memory, culture, history, identity and perhaps the most powerful way in which people connect with one another. For me, food has been a lifelong journey of discovery—one that spans nearly four decades and continues to unfold through research, storytelling and the preservation of our extraordinary culinary traditions.

    Food entered my life long before it became my profession. One of my earliest and most cherished memories dates back to the age of nine, when India’s former President, Dr. Zakir Husain, visited my school. Knowing my love for cooking, my teacher entrusted me with the responsibility of preparing kheer for the President. I still remember serving it in a humble clay sakora—a simple gesture that remains one of my most treasured memories. At that age, I could never have imagined that decades later I would have the honour of serving Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Between those two moments lies a professional journey of nearly four decades, including a distinguished twenty-nine-year career with ITC Hotels.

    My work has taken me across the country and to culinary showcases in Dubai, Spain, Italy, London and the United States, where I have had the privilege of presenting our vegetarian cuisine to international audiences. These experiences have strengthened my conviction that our food is not merely a collection of recipes—it is a philosophy of living in harmony with nature, respecting biodiversity and celebrating wellness.

    Today, sustainability is one of the defining conversations of our time. Yet our traditional kitchens embraced its principles centuries ago through seasonal eating, mindful consumption, local ingredients and kitchens where almost nothing was wasted. Long before sustainability became a global movement, it was simply a way of life.

    Our vegetarian culinary tradition remains one of the world’s finest examples of sustainable living. It celebrates nature’s bounty through grains, lentils, legumes, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, nuts and seeds, creating meals that are balanced, nourishing and deeply satisfying. Every ingredient has a purpose, every spice contributes not only flavour but also well-being, and every traditional recipe reflects generations of wisdom.

    For me, sustainability is not about limitation but abundance. Nature provides everything required for good health if we respect its rhythms. When we eat seasonally, value indigenous ingredients, support local farmers and minimise waste, we nourish both ourselves and the environment. Good food should sustain people without exhausting the planet that sustains us.

    One of our greatest strengths lies in the remarkable diversity of our food culture. Every few hundred kilometres, the landscape, climate, language and cuisine change. Each region has evolved according to its geography, crops and customs. Every dish tells the story of a people, their resilience and their celebrations. To understand our food traditions is, in many ways, to understand our civilisation.

    This belief inspired one of the most meaningful chapters of my career—an extensive research project on the food traditions of Old Delhi’s Bania community. Years of fieldwork, conversations with families and archival research culminated in my book, Baniya Legacy of Old Delhi: Culture and Cuisine, documenting one of the country’s richest yet least explored vegetarian culinary traditions. More than a collection of recipes, the book preserves a community’s philosophy, festivals, customs and food wisdom, reaffirming my belief that recipes are living archives of culture and identity.

    Beyond the kitchen, I have been fortunate to learn from farmers, home cooks, artisans, scholars, entrepreneurs, industrialists, public leaders and fellow chefs. These experiences have strengthened my belief that food remains humanity’s greatest cultural connector, bringing people together across generations, geographies and traditions.

    As a trained international culinary judge and a member of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs), I remain actively engaged with the global culinary fraternity through judging, professional forums and educational initiatives. These experiences continually reaffirm that while techniques evolve, authenticity, integrity and respect for ingredients remain timeless.

    As a chef, culinary historian, author and international culinary judge, I believe my responsibility extends beyond preserving recipes. It is about preserving the values they represent—respect for nature, gratitude to our farmers, mindful consumption and the understanding that food is one of humanity’s greatest cultural inheritances.

    The future of gastronomy will be shaped not by extravagance but by responsibility. Our vegetarian traditions offer a remarkable blueprint because they have quietly championed sustainability, balance and respect for nature for centuries. My mission remains simple: to tell our story through food. Whether through research, writing, international presentations, heritage dining experiences, judging culinary excellence or mentoring young professionals, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation of the wisdom that resides in our kitchens.

    When we preserve our culinary traditions, we preserve our identity. When we celebrate this timeless vegetarian wisdom, we celebrate one of the world’s greatest living food cultures. And when we choose food that respects nature, we leave behind not merely recipes, but a legacy of health, sustainability and hope for generations to come.

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