Neuroplasticity, also known as brain or neural plasticity, is the remarkable ability of the brain to reconfigure its neural connections throughout life. This phenomenon underlines the brain's capacity to adapt, learn, and reshape itself in response to experiences and stimuli. It plays a critical role in learning new concepts, honing skills, and recovering from brain injuries, significantly boosting productivity. Let's explore some effective methods for enhancing your brain's neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity Techniques for Everyday Life to Enhance Brain Productivity Juggling as a Brain Exercise Ever tried juggling with balls? It's not just entertaining; it's a brain booster! Juggling engages multiple brain areas, improving multitasking abilities and spatial perception. Regularly practicing juggling, even for just 10 minutes a day, can develop new neural pathways. It's a delightful approach to enhance hand-eye coordination and your brain's flexibility. The Power of Reading Aloud Reading aloud isn't just for kids; it's beneficial for adults too! This activity stimulates the brain's language centers, involving both auditory and speech processing. Regularly reading aloud can strengthen language comprehension and communication abilities. It's an easy yet powerful way to activate and improve your brain's language functions. Read more: 10 Ways to Boost Team Productivity in Workplace Musical Instrument Mastery Ever considered learning an instrument like the guitar? It's a fantastic way to foster creativity and fine motor skills. Research indicates that musicians often have more neuroplastic brains. Playing an instrument enhances memory, coordination, and overall brain adaptability. As you progress, you'll notice improvements in focus, memory, and creative thinking. It's enjoyable and beneficial for your brain. Embracing Mindful Moments Consider incorporating mindful walks in nature or familiar environments into your routine. Mindfulness promotes concentration and mental clarity. Regular mindful breaks, and focusing on breathing with closed eyes, can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall brain function.

Nowadays everyone is talking about the goal to get a stress-free life. Stress is a familiar term in today's busy world. We often associate it with negative effects on our mental and physical health. But actually, not all stress is detrimental. There is a positive side to moderate stress. This is known as good stress and this can be beneficial for us. What is Positive Stress or Eustress? Good stress, known as eustress, is the kind of stress that makes people feel excited and motivated. It is like a little challenge that helps one do one’s best.  Eustress can encourage an individual to try a new hobby, learn a new language or skill, and even step outside one’s comfort zone. For instance, a school student, Mina, had to participate in a spelling competition. She felt a bit nervous but also eager to do her best. The stress motivated her to study hard and concentrate. During the competition, her heart was racing, but she remembered the words and won! The good stress she felt had pushed her to succeed. Another example, giving a speech at a seminar might make an individual nervous, but it is also exciting for him or her.  This mix of feelings is good stress or eustress. It pushes people to prepare and focus. Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators Difference between Good Stress and Bad Stress Good stress, like starting a new job or preparing for a race, is like a little push that makes you excited. It helps you to focus and do your best. It is like a friend cheering you on! Bad stress, on the other hand, is like a big heavy weight on one’s shoulders. It is when things feel tough and overwhelming, like money troubles, anxiety regarding academic performance or worrying about career issues, etc. Such stresses are also called negative stress or distress. Distress can make one feel tired and worried all the time. Therefore, the difference between good stress and bad stress is obvious. Eustress is like a friendly nudge that helps you, while distress is like a big rock that's hard to carry. It is important to manage bad stress, maybe by talking to someone, getting counselling, finding ways to relax, doing yoga, or similar stress-relieving activities. It should be ensured that negative stress does not weigh anyone down too much. Read more: 10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy

Who doesn’t love a head full of healthy, smooth, and shiny hair? Losing a few strands of hair every day is normal, but many experience severe hair loss. People of different age groups and genders can go through hair fall problems for diverse reasons. Excessive hair fall may lead to thinning hair, bald patches, and even baldness. Thanks to advancements in medical science, those suffering from baldness can now regain their hairline. Let’s take a look at the causes of hair loss and effective hair transplant solutions.  Common Causes of Hair Fall An individual can experience excessive hair fall for different reasons. Here are the most common ones: Genetics Family history plays a crucial role in determining hair health. If one’s parents or grandparents experienced hair loss, one may be genetically predisposed to the same condition. Read More: 10 Energy Healing Methods: Which One is Right for You? Hormonal changes Hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, or other health conditions can cause hair fall. Hormonal changes can cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinner hair or bald patches. Stress Chronic stress can cause an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin D, or biotin, can lead to hair loss. Medications Certain medications used to treat health conditions like cancer, depression, arthritis, or high blood pressure can cause hair fall as a side effect. Read More: Best Foods for Hair Growth: What to Eat, Drink and Avoid Excessive use of hairstyling products Frequent use of heat styling tools, tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails, and chemical treatments like coloring or perming can damage the hair shaft and cause hair fall. Medical conditions Health conditions like scalp psoriasis, alopecia areata, or fungal infections can cause hair loss. What is Hair Transplant? Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body, typically the back or sides of the scalp, to a balding or thinning area. The procedure is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, but it can also be used to restore hair loss due to injury or burns. The transplanted hair follicles are usually harvested in groups of one to four hairs and transplanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area. Over time, the transplanted hairs grow and blend in with the existing hair, creating a natural-looking hairline. Read More: Summer Skin Care Guide For Men

Pain and discomfort are a part of life, but finding ways to manage and alleviate them is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health. Traditional medical treatments are often effective, but some people turn to complementary and alternative therapies to supplement their care. One such therapy is Reiki, a Japanese healing practice that involves a practitioner placing their hands on or near the body to promote relaxation, balance, and healing. What is Reiki? Reiki is a holistic healing practice rooted in ancient Eastern beliefs about energy flow in living beings. Its name derives from the Japanese words "rei" and "ki", which translate to "universal" and "vital life force energy", respectively. Some practitioners compare it to acupuncture without needles. At the core of Reiki is the concept of energy fields that support our health and well-being. Practitioners use their hands to sense and treat energy blocks that can impede the natural flow of energy in the body. They believe that these blocks not only cause physical ailments but can also manifest as negative life circumstances like financial struggles or relationship problems. Read More: Happiness Hormone: Ways to Boost Dopamine Reiki is not limited to humans; some practitioners also work on animals and plants. By focusing on moving energy for the greater good of the client, Reiki aims to improve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As a complementary health approach, it is often used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. How does Reiki Work? Reiki is based on the belief that all living beings have a vital life force energy that flows through them, known as "ki" or "qi". When this energy is blocked or out of balance, it can manifest as physical, emotional, or spiritual issues. Reiki practitioners aim to restore balance and promote healing by working with this energy. During a Reiki session, the client lies down fully clothed while the practitioner places their hands on or near different areas of the body. The practitioner uses their hands to sense the client's energy flow and move any blocks or imbalances. This is done through a series of hand placements and can include techniques such as light touch, tapping, or visualization. Read More: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention

Regardless of the level of education and professional knowledge, interviews are stressful experiences for most job seekers. Stressed candidates often discover that they cannot articulate their responses to the interview questions properly despite having extensive knowledge or training. Though advanced preparation can make you confident, some tips can help you overcome interview anxieties. Reasons behind Severe Interview Anxiety Humans have ventured their way up from a lowly dull-headed origin to the pinnacle of civilization. But when people strip away their sophisticated technology and trendy clothing, they reveal a fragile, insecure creature that still lies dormant beneath. These creatures are still driven by crude animal instincts that determine how they behave. When considering stressful circumstances, giving in to those impulses is tempting and allowing them to run the show. A job interview may bring forth the most robust stream of emotions, throwing the most level-headed people off balance. Read Best Job Searching Websites in Bangladesh It is the brain's approach to strengthening the body for defense against unexpected occurrences. The adrenaline produced by the nerve raises the body's blood pressure. While preparing for an uncertain event, this might seem like nervousness. Feelings of uncertainty, self-doubt, worry and fear might leave you with the impression that you will botch the whole situation. Knowing the fundamental reasons your nerves take over enables you to regain control and use your nerves as positive and productive energy. The trick to easing your pre-interview anxiety is approaching the interview with a confident attitude. Practical Interview Anxiety Tips to Deal with the Fear of Interviews Prepare Yourself for the Worst-Case Scenario Whatever your scariest fear is, there must be a solution.  Before the interview, silly fears might appear in your mind, such as, "do I have lettuce in your teeth?" To avoid such stress, you can carry a tiny mirror and dental floss in your bag. Read Considering a Career Change? 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Are you afraid of not having a solid answer to a challenging question? It can happen to anybody. Learn how to conceal your discomfort and reply smartly when you do not know the answer. By planning, you can be confident that even if the worst-case scenario occurs, you are more than equipped to manage it. Be More Organized Studying is pointless if you arrive too late to take the exam. Therefore, one of the most straightforward and efficient strategies to reduce anxiety is to be organized. Read Perfect Resume: 12 Effective Tips for writing a professional CV Being organized means doing some necessary actions to ensure that your interview goes successfully. These actions include preparing your suitcase or certificate file, arranging your attire for attaining the interview, knowing your precise route to the interview place, obtaining sufficient sleep the night before, getting up early on the interview day, eating a decent meal, and reaching the place on time. Rehearse Yourself Find a place in your home or room, where you won't be disturbed by anybody. Now, conduct an interview with yourself. While rehearsing for the interview, you may come across subjects or questions you can’t remember. In this situation, don’t get anxious, keep notes and study later. Thus, with the cooperation of your physical self, you can get mentally prepared for an interview. If the area where you practice includes a mirror, then stand in front of it to notice your own expressions. Try to notice your facial expressions carefully in order to identify any expressions that are out of place. Some expressions might give the interviewer the impression that you are not maintaining your composure.  Read Effective tips for hunting jobs during pandemic Eat Properly You can hardly provide convincing replies during an interview with an empty stomach. Therefore, make sure you have eaten properly before attaining the interview.  A good meal is a perfect way to kick off a successful interview. It would be wise to choose the healthier options, which are often high in antioxidants known to enhance energy levels. However, some people may indulge in their favorite comfort foods.  All that matters is finding one that works for you. Try to avoid oily and spicy foods. Avoid drinking too much water or beverages before entering the interview room.  Read How to be a Confident English Speaker? Train Your Mind to Handle Stress Not all aspects of human nerves are negative. The spike of adrenaline you experience when you are frightened before a job interview might assist you in being aware and engaged throughout the process. When you feel nervous during or before an interview, you should tell yourself that you are excited rather than telling yourself that you need to calm down. This is because telling yourself that you must calm down only worsens your nerves. Try to channel all that extra adrenaline towards getting you excited and bringing out your passion for the character you're playing. Watch Your Body Language You may display more tension than you would want to express during a job interview. Now, how to prevent it?  Read How to ace a Job Interview? It is essential to ensure that you will be able to finish the interview without unnatural movement. Try to convey an impression of self-assurance and vitality by sitting in a way that is both comfortable and attentive.  During the interview, it is not acceptable to sit in a reclined position, nor should you perch on the edge of your seat. Instead, it would be the most effective if you work toward striking a balance between the two places by maintaining an upright and engaged posture while avoiding the appearance of being flighty. Conclusion The people conducting the interview are aware that job seekers stay nervous during the interviews. Still, you need to learn to minimize interview stress. Severe anxieties during the interview can hamper your power of thinking clearly and make you forget many known answers. To avoid such situations, prepare your mind, body, and nerves to handle the stress. Read Psychometric Tests in Recruitment: How to prepare for it So far, we have discussed some efficient and practical tips to handle your pre-interview anxiety and stay calm during the interview session. Hope it helps!

A few years ago, a star athlete dropping out of a major tennis tournament over mental health issues might have been seen as a sign of weakness. Today, at least for Naomi Osaka’s corporate sponsors, it is being hailed as refreshingly honest. That would explain why so many of them have stuck by Osaka after the four-time Grand Slam champion announced Monday that she was withdrawing from the French Open because she didn’t want to appear for the requisite news conferences that caused her “huge waves of anxiety.” Osaka, who also acknowledged suffering “long bouts of depression,” received criticism by some who say the media events are just “ part of the job. ” But Nike, Sweetgreen and other sponsors put out statements in support of the 23-year-old star after she revealed her struggles. Read: Naomi Osaka wins 2nd US Open title “Our thoughts are with Naomi,” Nike said in a statement. “We support her and recognize her courage in sharing her own mental health experience.” Sweetgreen tweeted that its partnership with Osaka “is rooted in wellness in all its forms.” And Mastercard tweeted: “Naomi Osaka’s decision reminds us all how important it is to prioritize personal health and well-being.” Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce, said that Osaka’s disclosure has made her a more authentic spokesperson — and more valuable to corporate sponsors. “Every athlete gets a sports sponsorship because they win games or perform well,” he said. “But the best ones become true brand ambassadors when they have a broader persona. The best brand ambassadors are real people. (Osaka) is talking about an issue that is relevant to many people. Mental health is a bigger issue than winning or losing tennis.” Reilly Opelka, a 23-year-old American tennis player seeded 32nd at the French Open who plays his third-round match Friday, told The Associated Press he’s glad Osaka “is taking time to get better.” “She’s one of the best players in the world — she’s very influential,” Opelka said. “The sport needs her. She’s an icon. It’s bad for the sport to have one of the main attractions not around.” Osaka, who was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and Haitian father, moved to the United States with her family when she was 3, and now lives in Los Angeles. She has taken a leading role in protesting the deaths last year of George Floyd and other Black people who died at the hands of the police, wearing a mask with a different victim’s name on each match day at the 2020 U.S. Open. She was named the 2020 AP Female Athlete of the Year. Read: Naomi Osaka wins 1st-round match at Brisbane International According to Forbes, Osaka is the world’s highest-paid woman athlete, earning $37 million in 2020 from blue-chip sponsors such as Tag Heuer, AirBnB, and Louis Vuitton in addition to Mastercard and Nike. Nike has stood by sports stars after other controversies, including Tiger Woods after his 2009 sex scandal and former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick after he knelt during games to protest police brutality against Black people. But it recently dropped Brazilian soccer star Neymar after he refused to cooperate with an internal investigation into sexual assault allegations from a Nike staffer. Osaka’s disclosure comes as celebrities and other public figures openly address their own issues with depression and anxiety. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, shared their experiences in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey and have since teamed with her to create a mental health focused series called “The Me You Can’t See,” in which Prince Harry talks about working through anxiety and grief. Osaka also joins a growing list of top-tier athletes speaking out about mental health. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, NBA players Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan, and the WNBA’s A’ja Wilson have all spoken very publicly about their bouts with depression, sharing both the successes and setbacks. The four Grand Slam tournaments reacted to Osaka’s withdrawal by pledging to do more to address players’ mental health issues. The episode also could serve as a tipping point for the professional tennis tours — and leagues in other sports — to safeguard athletes’ mental, and not just physical, health, said Windy Dees, professor of sport administration at the University of Miami. “It’s absolutely a growth opportunity for the (Women’s Tennis Association) and all leagues, there’s a lot of work to be done,” Dees said. Marketing consultant Adamson believes Osaka’s decision to come forward will encourage many more athletes to divulge their own mental health battles. He noted that if Osaka had revealed her bouts with depression 10 years ago, her corporate sponsors likely would have stayed on the sidelines because the issue had been taboo. But, he noted, the pandemic has raised awareness around mental illness. Read: Naomi Osaka's knee injury brings uncertainty to US Open From August 2020 to February, the percentage of adults with recent symptoms of an anxiety or a depressive disorder increased from 36.4% to 41.5%, according to a survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Census Bureau. The survey also found the percentage of those reporting they didn’t get the help they needed increased from 9.2% to 11.7%. Increases were largest among adults aged 18–29 years and those with less than a high school education. Ken Duckworth, chief medical officer for the National Alliance On Mental Illness, said Osaka’s decision to go public is a positive development for all people who feel isolated. “We are moving from mental health and mental illness as a ‘they” thing to a ‘we’ thing,” he said. “These are ordinary common human problems. And I firmly believe that isolation and shame directly contributes to people not getting help. I look at a great athlete, an exceptional athlete, as one potential role model.”

 

Previous studies showed that depression, the most prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide, is linked to areas of the brain shrinking in size.

Amid all the fears, quarantines and stockpiling of food, it has been easy to ignore the fact that more than 60,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus spreading around the globe.

Face masks sold out and temperature checks at airports and train stations became the new norm as China strove Tuesday to control the outbreak of a new coronavirus that has reached three other countries and threatens to spread further during the Lunar New Year travel rush.