Hiking vs Trekking

"Nature has been a solace, inspiration, and a delight" - something that any adventure lover would tell you. 

Use the word hike and trek interchangeably and you can see a hint of aversion on the faces of the adventure enthusiasts. Why though? Don't they mean the same?

Well, not at all! 

Even though both of them provide you with nature's abundance, they are distinct from one another. Let's see how :

HIKING

Hiking is a long walk in the countryside, following man-made trails in nature and it involves spending hours in the wild. 

But the walk isn't like a walk in the park, the minimum time period should be 5 hours.

It is one of the most amiable adventure pursuits and can be performed by people with average fitness level. 

TREKKING

Trekking is a robust and zestful activity, and is more physically challenging than hiking. Trekking can also be done off the manmade trails, in the wild habitat for multiple days.

It gives you an option of exploring multiple terrains, meeting new people, learning about new cultures and more. 

What are the benefits of hiking and trekking?

1. Connect with nature 

Spending time in the wild helps individuals to become more calm and it declutters the mind from all sorts of negative energy. 

2. Burns calories 

Hiking or trekking can burn calories. It can help you lose the extra fat and tone muscles. 

3. A full body crusher 

Hiking as well as trekking build up strength in your thighs, lower leg muscles, hip muscles and hamstrings. They are both weight-bearing exercises, which build up bone density. Trekking also boosts your core strength and endurance as you hike with a heavy backpack.

 

4. Breathe well 

It cleanses your lungs, improves your overall respiratory system and reduces the probability of cardiovascular diseases, heart stroke or any respiratory disorders.

5. Think better 

The mental benefits are magnanimous as it brings you closer to yourself. It acts as an antidepressant and allows you to learn through the captivating rivers, luscious greens and de-stresses your mind. It also improves focus and concentration levels.

Along with the physical and mental benefits, hiking and trekking activities also leads to increased energy because the adrenaline kicks in and improves life skills.

If you haven't been on a hike or trek yet, allow yourself to experience the goodness of nature and indulge in these activities. One such experience can significantly change your mind, body, and lifestyle.

- Komal Makwana (Team SYNC Snippets)

10 Uplifting Songs to Boost Your Mood During Lockdown

This lockdown has most of us feeling blue and low. While the internet is filled with suggestions of ways in which one can boost their mood, let’s talk about the most widely known and easiest way of uplifting our spirits - MUSIC!

If you underestimate the power of music, listen to the following 10 songs and you will be left motivated in no time!

10. Jeete Hain Chal - Kavita Seth

This song from the iconic movie “Neerja”, is a melodious track with lyrics stating that one should forget the pain in their life and that life is beautiful. We should move on and focus on the better things in life.

Check out Jeete Hain Chal on Amazon Music

9. Run For Your Life - The Seige

One of the most inspiring songs with the best lyrics ever! Listen to this song while working out and see the difference on your own!

Check out Run for Your Life on Amazon Music

8. Zinda - Siddharth Mahadevan

This all-time favourite track from the movie “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” is an instant mood booster. The movie, based on the life of the athlete, Milkha Singh, is equally inspiring and worth a watch!

Check out Zinda on Amazon Music

7. Roar - Katy Perry

Katy Perry talks about how she never took a stand for herself and would never overcome her challenges, but now she raises her voice and gets back on her feet - the difference in her life is remarkable!

Check out Roar on Amazon Music

6. Lakshya - Shankar Mahadevan

The song goes like - this is your life, your dreams.  You have to recognize it and work hard towards achieving your goals! Truly a motivational and uplifting track. 

Check out Lakshya on Amazon Music

5. Eye Of The Tiger - The Survivor

This 90s number is one of the most energetic song of all times and you would definitely find yourself air drumming to its beats right from the start! Listening to this song will surely boost your mood instantly. 

Check out Eye of the Tiger on Amazon Music

4. Aashayein - Salim Merchant and KK

This song talks about our aspirations and beliefs, and how one must be unstoppable in the process of achieving them!

Check out Aashayein on Amazon Music

3. Rise Up- Imagine Dragons

The singer talks about how he is ready to face every challenge that his life brings to him, whether it is facing the darkness or getting into difficult situations or relationships. 

Check out Rise Up on Amazon Music

2. Kar Har Maidaan Fateh - Shreya Ghoshal and Sukhwinder Singh

This song from movie “Sanju” talks about how to ace every task you do no matter what obstacles you will have to face, always aim for success! 

Check out Kar Har Maidaan Fateh on Amazon Music

1. Believer – Imagine Dragons

Probably the most loved song right from the stirring lyrics to the exhilarating beats! This song encourages us to face every problem that comes on our way with utmost confidence. 

Check out Believer on Amazon Music

"Turn up the volume, close your eyes and let the music take over your soul"

- Janvi Vaswani (Team SYNC Snippets)

How to Improve your Eating Habits during Festivals

Festivals and celebrations have always been about enjoying delicious meals and mouth-watering sweets. But all of these food items are best eaten in moderation. Thus, it is necessary to take charge, just as how you would pamper yourself with different self-care routines and tons of workouts to stay fit on any other regular day. 

Here are a few easy steps you can incorporate in your festivities to make sure you stay right on track whilst enjoying the occasions :

Step 1- Switch to a healthier option :

In today's times, we are quickly able to make a switch from a full-of-sugar-sweet and a high-calorie meal to a sugar-free, vegan and no-added artificial sweeteners alternative. Moreover, these alternatives are available in various flavours and they taste just the same. 

Off lately, various restaurants and caterers too have started offering healthier options for the diet conscious. Protien bars, flavoured yogurts, dried dates, dark chocolates, nuts and dry fruits, healthy snack bars, fermented foods like yogurt kombucha etc. are few of the many options easily available today.

Switching to such treats is ideal for a guilt-free celebration without any compromise on taste! For some of you, it may not really taste the same at first, but it is certainly a great way to stay in shape without much exercise during this lockdown period.

Step 2- Take half a serving instead of full :

Eating big portions of your favourite dishes will not only make you feel stuffed but you might also have to miss out on a variety of the other dishes, and nobody wants that! Therefore, it's best to have just half a serving or smaller portions of different dishes in order to get a taste of everything that is prepared. This way you can have more than one serving, especially of the dishes you enjoyed the most. 

Reducing the portion size can also work wonders as you can eat in short intervals. This means that you could eat after every three or four hours, and thus take more charge of your diet. 

Pro tip : In the case of sweet dishes, never eat an entire sweet dish by yourself. Rather, share it with a family member or someone at home. 

Step 3- Count your trips to the kitchen :

Each time you step into the kitchen, you know that it is to eat some food, thus your mind has been trained accordingly. But what your mind doesn't realize is the reason why you entered the kitchen in the first place - it doesn't realize the difference between when you are hungry and when you are bored, and so all it thinks about is food. It doesn't realize whether the body needs the food at that time because of hunger or because the mind and body are at rest and thus it is bored and looking for food. 

Therefore here it's the psychology of the mind and body that plays a major role. You have to train your mind and it will act accordingly. Once your mind is trained it will slowly understand the difference, feel guilty, react accordingly and you will stop going to the kitchen unnecessarily. 

Step 4- Eat something from home 

You would surely be wondering why I'm telling you do so when occasions are meant for eating your favourite dishes from your favourite restaurant with your family and friends. The only reason behind this suggestion is so that you can avoid eating excess when you step out since you are already full from the meal you ate at home! 

This way you can take charge of your eating habits, and even for those who don't work out much, following this step will work wonders. 

PS : This doesn't mean you can't eat food from restaurants, but instead it would help you work on your eating habits, and thus towards your fitness goals. 

                       

Step - 5 Maintain a food journal :

Most of us generally maintain a diary regarding tasks of the day, our general thoughts, any other important information. So why not try to log in your meals of the day too?

Writing down all the key aspects of your meal will help you understand what you've eaten throughout the day and how you can improve on that. The days you don’t work out and eat well should be particularly mentioned. This step can also help you to make changes in your workout schedule so that you stay on track with both of these for a fit lifestyle. 

These are a few steps that have helped me over the years with the fitness goals that I set for myself. Please take note that not all of these suggestions may suit your body or lifestyle, so only do what works best for you.

Team SYNC Snippets wishes all its readers a Happy Ganesh Chathurthi. Despite of the lockdown we hope you enjoy this festival to the fullest. Do make sure that you take all the safety precautions mentioned by the government against the virus. 

- Ushma Shah (Team SYNC Snippets)

An Ode to Mahendra Singh Dhoni

"Na koi hai, na koi tha, na koi hoga MS ke jaisa. Players will come and go but there won’t be a calmer man like him” -Virender Sehwag.

No truer words have been said about how the fans have felt ever since Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. With his last run out on 10th July, 2019 and his complete withdrawal from cricket on 15th August, 2020, the world came to a standstill as millions watched with bated breath, only hoping to be told otherwise by the umpire. But as Mr. Dhoni himself said, “Till the full stop doesn’t come, the sentence is not complete.”

Level-headedness and dedication are true virtues of a leader who can possibly take his team to greater heights and victory. Dhoni, during his captainship raised the bar of true sportsmanship for himself as well as his team. Such qualities have inspired younger cricketers in performing seamlessly and have gained appreciation of experienced sportspersons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Ian Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar to name a few.

Hearing something such as “Dhoni hai, sambhal lega”, shows how the whole nation blindly confided in him right until the last ball where winning seemed uncertain. While many cricketers fear being run out by the stump, Dhoni has not only proved iconic in his technique while playing in front of the stump but as well as while wicket keeping behind the stump. 

 

While being held so high in regard increases the fans' expectations, sometimes an unexpected defeat may cause a certain backlash. But Mr. MS Dhoni, being the Captain Cool that he is, took the fans’ heightened emotions gracefully and bounced back despite of being criticised.

Amongst all his achievements, there were many milestones and laureates that he earned such as The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2007), The Padma Shri (2009), The Padma Bhushan (2018). The Indian cricket team, under his captainship won the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Chennai Super Kings won the Indian Premier League titles for the years 2010, 2011 and 2018 with Dhoni as the captain.

 

He was also given an honourary rank, by the title of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Territorial Army in 2011.

Confidence has remained a core aspect of his demeanour. From his DRS’s on field to subtle nuances, he has brought in something new to appreciate each time he has been on field. 

Each person has an untold story, a story that shapes them into the person as we know them. The movie “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story” brought forth that side of him which millions of us weren’t previously aware of. The struggles, the hardships and the events that took place in his life before he began his journey as a cricket player are showcased wonderfully in this movie. This cinematic representation of Dhoni's unknown past made it palatable for the audience to grasp and also portrayed him in a different light. 

 

MS Dhoni announced his retirement on 15th August, 2020 at 7:29 PM IST, which is pretty ironic since he also walked out of the field for the last time that he played in the World Cup Semi-finals at the same time, 7:29 PM IST. 

A man of decisions and discipline, dedicated and dynamic, he has marked his place in Indian cricket and in the hearts of cricket lovers.

We will truly miss the adrenaline rush as we wait for the ball to land at the boundary while Dhoni has already walked towards the stumps to pick one up. 

With a total of 538 appearances, 17,226 runs, 16 centuries, 108 half centuries and 829 dismissals from behind the stumps, he marked a final full stop on his international cricket career. 

The due credits for such interesting and everlasting moments go to the man himself, Mr. Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

 

- Rashi Yadav (Guest Writer | SYNC President 2020-21)

5 Yoga Asanas for Beginners

'Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.'

The art of practicing yoga helps in controlling our mind, body and soul. It brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve a peaceful mind and body.

It helps in reducing stress and anxiety and promotes relaxation. In fact, it helps in decreasing the secretion of cortisol - the primary stress hormone, and also improves flexibility, builds muscle strength and perfects your posture.

Sitting in front of the computer for hours especially these days as we are restricted to our homes and everything has become digital, affects our posture seriously and practicing yoga can certainly benefit us. 

So for all you first timers and beginners, here are a few basic asanas to get you started and hooked on to doing yoga everyday!

1. Ardha Chakrasana 

Benefits: 

- This asana tones up the dorsal, calves and lumbar muscles, improves blood flow to chest and neck regions.

- It increases the flexibility of the spine.

- It increases blood supply to the respiratory organs.

- It is very good for treating asthma and lower back pain.

- This asana relaxes cramps in thighs and calves.

Limitations:

Those with vertigo, spondylitis, hypertension and heart problem should avoid this asana.

2. Uttanasana:

Benefits:

- This asana strengthens posterior muscles and ligaments of thighs. Legs are stretched well.

- It helps growth in children. Increased blood circulation to brain, pituitary and pineal glands.

- Good for digestive system, gastric, intestinal problems.

Limitations:

Those suffering from spondylitis and lumbar problems, high blood pressure and heart disease should not attempt this asana. Those suffering from vertigo and migraine should avoid this asana.

3. Vrikshasana

Benefits:

- This asana strengthens leg muscles, groins and inner thigh muscles.

- It also strengthens calf muscles, ankles and spine. It is good for flat foot.

- It improves concentration and sense of balance.

Limitations:

Those suffering from heel pain, knee pain and sciatica problems should avoid this asana.

4. Virabhadrasana

Benefits:

- This asana strengthens and stretches leg muscles, ankles, groin, chest, lungs and shoulders.

- It relieves cramps in calf and thigh muscles, and relieves backaches.

- Therapeutic for carpal tunnel syndrome, flat foot, infertility, osteoporosis and sciatica.

Limitations:

Those with knee problems should not bend the knee completely but can practice under expert guidance.

5. Vajrasana

Benefits:

- This asana makes people look younger and energetic. It makes the body strong.

- Loosens the joints and muscles of the legs. Increases blood circulation to the lower abdominal region.

- Aids in digestion, good for hypertension, sciatica, varicose veins and gastro intestinal disorders.

- Strengthens psycho-psychological system.

Limitations:

- Those with severe knee pain should not attempt this asana.

So these are the top five basic asanas to get you started!

- Meghana Saripalli (Team SYNC Snippets)

5 Patriotic Movies to Watch this Independence Day

Independence Day Special

15th August. As the tricolour is hoisted up high, as groups of children sing patriotic songs and as we relive the story of our independence through plays and skits, we can't help but feel utmost pride for our nation's freedom fighters and martyrs who lead our country towards freedom. 

While most of us will miss out on the opportunity to witness these beautiful acts today, we've curated a list of patriotic movies that you must watch this Independence Day!

1. Airlift

Bollywood often blurs peripheries between fiction and reality when it comes to narrating real life stories. However, Airlift is an exception with exceptional execution and no overly dramatized plots.

Airlift depicts one of the most tremendous events in the history of Indian civil aviation. The plot dates back to the year 1990 when Kuwait was invaded by Saddam Hussein's Iraqi Republican Guard. The protagonist Ranjit Katyal (Akshay Kumar) is a wealthy, politically connected entrepreneur. Katyal, with his family consisting of his wife (Nimrat Kaur) and daughter, had an option of fleeing to London during the tense situation post-invasion. But instead he chose to stay and rescue other Indian refugees in distress, against the counsel of his wife even though Katyal is not a spotless India lover as proved by his derogatory remarks for his birth place. He arranged for a refugee site and food for all the Indian refugees. The event took place in the pre-satellite era and thus holds a significant position with 488 rescue flights set for evacuation. 

As for the rest, barring a scene in which the tricolor is hoisted on the top of Amman airport, he abstains melodrama and presents an irreproachable re-enactment of the insolent rescue operation.

Airlift is a film that every Indian, and every Bollywood buff that longs for a good story telling, must watch.

2. Gold

This film, featuring actors Akshay Kumar and Mouni Roy, was released exactly two years ago. It tells us the story of India’s first Olympic gold win as an independent nation.

We all know that Akshay Kumar is known for making patriotic movies. There are so many elements in the film which have been included to evoke feelings of patriotism, like the manager of the team making all ends meet just to get the Indian hockey team to qualify for the England Olympics of 1948, and the players keeping their differences aside and playing as a team to achieve one objective - getting the 'Gold' for independent India's first Olympic hockey game. 

Since the Olympics are held in England, there are a lot of expectations from the hockey team, and we see them living up to these expectations.

Towards the end of the film we see the Indian flag waving high and the national anthem playing in the background during the award ceremony, like a cherry on the top. Certainly a proud moment for every Indian!

Watch Gold on Amazon Prime now!

3. Chak De! India

Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chak De! India is based on the real-life story of Mir Ranjan Negi, the coach of women’s hockey team of India. 

With the aim of seeing the national flag raise to new heights, the team along with their coach works day and night in order to win the women’s hockey World Cup. Against all odds and with utmost hard work, the team manages to win the finals! 

The movie highlights discrimination faced by the women players, the lack of support by the management and the society at large, while it also promotes women empowerment and nationalism. It is hard to miss out on an inspirational movie like this one!

Watch Chak De! India on Amazon Prime now!

4. Raazi 

Our next recommendation is the movie Raazi, an adaption of the book 'Calling Sehmat'. The film stars Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt in the lead. Sehmat is an undercover RAW agent, who gets married into a Pakistani family by her father to keep eye on the nation's enemy.

This is one of the few patriotic movies where the lead character is a strong and bold woman who keeps the needs of the nation before her own. 

Viewers see an interesting story line with some intense acting by the talented cast. The film is thought provoking, gripping and touching. Apart from the patriotic side of the film, viewers are also able to gauge an emotional yet beautiful father-daughter relationship as well as a husband-wife relationship between two people from enemy countries.

Sehmat balanced out the roles of an innocent daughter, a caring bride and a patriot who watches her loved ones breathe their last one after the other, as well as a proud spy who is content with her role, no matter all that she suffered.

Watch Raazi on Amazon Prime now!

5. Lakshya 

A movie that in my opinion instills more pride and patriotism in you like no other! Lakshya is a film from 2004 featuring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta in the lead. 

Hrithik Roshan plays the character of Karan Shergill, a young and aimless man in Delhi who comes from an affluent and rich family whereas Preity Zinta plays the character of Romila Dutta, a motivated and determined woman who didn’t ever back down from standing up for what she believed in. 

In the movie, there comes a point when Karan realizes he has to find his Lakshya (objective in life) and thus decides to apply to the Indian Military Academy. After initially not being serious and disciplined, Karan decides to turn his life around and work hard towards finding his true Lakshya. He eventually finds this Lakshya when he gets posted to the 3rd battalion of the Punjab Regiment where he, along with his other comrades have to fight off Pakistani intruders to reclaim our territory. 

The best moment comes at the end of the movie when Capt. Karan Shergill, the last man standing hoists the Tiranga on Peak 5179 which had just then been recaptured. That moment makes you want to stand up from your chair and salute as if the Indian Flag were soaring high up in front of you! Truly one of the most inspiring films of this century. Watching this film will definitely instill in you that fire to want to do something for your country, and if it already exists then it will only make it burn more! 

Watch Lakshya on Netflix now!

Do give these movies a watch this Independence Day and feel the pride, honour and patriotism towards our country bubble inside of you!

- Team SYNC Snippets

Top 5 Social Media Influencers You Must Follow

It is often said that you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with. Now, 50 years ago that statement was probably true. Without getting into the accuracy of that statement, let’s talk about how the same theory isn’t really valid in today's times. 

Back in the day, if you admired someone / were their fan, you would at the most see them in newspapers and magazines. You wouldn’t be able to know what they’re doing at every moment of their life. 

Today however, with the advent of the Internet & Social Media, we can easily follow any person that we admire or look upto just by the click of a button. The average time spent by a person on social media was estimated to be 2 hours and 24 minutes in 2019, and that number has only increased ever since, especially after the coronavirus pandemic brought the whole world to a standstill. Having said that, it would be fair to assume that we are not only like people we spend most of our time with but also like those who we follow the most on social media. And I believe that that’s a fair estimation to make considering the amount of time we spend on our phones just scrolling through our Instagram feeds. 

So, If we’re picky about the people we become friends with, then why not be picky about the kind of people we follow on Instagram! The kind of people you choose to follow really impacts your thoughts and your behaviour without you even realising it. So, if we follow the right kind of people, imagine the amount of value it can add to our lives!

Having said all this, here’s my list of the Top 5 Social Media Influencers a millennial like you and me should follow without a doubt!

1. BeerBiceps - The first influencer I’d like to talk about is Mr. BeerBiceps aka Ranveer Allahabadia (actual name). He started out as a Fitness Youtuber making content about diets, workouts, etc. But as the years went by, he slowly arrayed into the world of fashion, self care, and self growth / development content. Today, he not only talks about Fitness, Lifestyle and Self growth, but he also has his own podcast called The Ranveer Show where he talks about a wide range of topics from Education to Yoga to Spirituality to Business to Indian History/Culture, and this list could go on and on. He invites experts in their respective fields to come and discuss these topics with him and share their knowledge with the audience. He is one of the biggest names in the YouTube world today, and his audience is only going to grow more and more and that’s why he is the first influencer I’d recommend you to follow. He also runs his own businesses along with his business partner Viraj Sheth who also happens to be his manager. Their primary business is a Talent Management company called Monk Entertainment where they acquire and manage new talents from Youtube/Instagram and other such platforms. In my opinion there isn’t any other content creator making more holistic and value adding content than Ranveer. So, I’d say that if you had to binge watch something during this lockdown, my top recommendation would be The Ranveer Show, which is his podcast. It’s available on Youtube as well as on Spotify. You can also find him on Instagram where he shares written content pieces such as stories and lessons through posts.

Click here to check out BeerBiceps' YouTube channel

Click here to check out BeerBiceps' Instagram account

2. Tanmay Bhat - The second influencer I’d like to talk about is popular Stand Up comedian, writer, and most famously known as the co-founder of AIB, Mr. Tanmay Bhat. He made a name for himself in the Entertainment space after joining hands with Rohan Joshi, Gursimran Khamba & Ashish Shakya to form AIB through which they pretty much ran the YouTube/Comedy scene in Mumbai (and all over India) from 2013 till about 2015 (post which other creators also joined in). Today, Tanmay Bhat runs his own YouTube channel where he primarily produces gaming content. However Tanmay has always actively made content which is value adding and always has something which you can learn from, even during his AIB days. He recently started another channel for his podcasts called ‘Honestly by Tanmay Bhat’. On this channel he talks about a plethora of topics through different podcast series ranging from Finance to Science and to simply fun and unfiltered conversations. Now, there are a few reasons as to why I’d recommend you to follow him. The first is that Tanmay has a very likeable personality. Having a natural knack to make people laugh, he can make anything entertaining. Without diving too much into his AIB days, my second reason would be that he uses his ability to speak and converse to his advantage by creating content that is not only entertaining and fun to watch but also value adding and fruitful. So, sometimes when you need to watch something light hearted and funny, you can watch his videos, and at the same time learn a thing or two out of them as well! And, just like The Ranveer Show, his podcasts are a treat to watch. Thus if i had to recommend the second best thing to binge watch, it would be Tanmay Bhat’s podcasts.

Click here to check out Tanmay Bhatt's YouTube channel

Click here to check out Honestly by Tanmay Bhat

3. Sadhguru - Where do I even begin about Sadhguru. There is so much to learn from this man. I consider him to be one of my Gurus. Sadhguru is a Yogi from the Southern part of India who started the Isha Foundation which is a non-profit organisation which conducts programs on Yoga & Spirituality. The reason I look upto to Sadhguru is because there’s something that’s different about him from the other ‘preachers’ or ‘Gurus’. He never imposes his teaching’s on anyone and nor does he expect anyone to blindly follow what he says. He simply tells you to experience everything on your own, and I think that is what separates him from the rest! Because he also practices what he preaches himself. He encourages people to live life to the fullest, and to be the only factor responsible in being joyful. And through his programs on Yoga & Spirituality, this is exactly what he teaches you to do. Following a personality like him will truly help you enhance your experience of life and will help realise what a blessing life really is! If you are looking to dive deeper into what life is really about and want to do some soul searching, I’d highly recommend you follow Sadhguru and have a look at the programs the Isha Foundation offers. Even if you don’t have an inclination towards Yoga or Spirituality, but just want some life advice, check out Sadhguru’s Youtube channel! It has an archive of videos on the same.

Click here to check out Sadhguru's website

Click here to check out Sadhguru's YouTube channel

Click here to check out Sadhguru's Instagram account

4. FitTuber - Fourthly, I’d like to talk about this Youtuber known as FitTuber. His real name is Vivek Mittal and he runs a Health and Fitness channel where he talks about these topics from an Indian perspective and shares Ayurvedic remedies/diets that one can follow to lead a healthy lifestyle. The reason I’d recommend you to follow him is that the knowledge he shares is very unique. There aren’t many content creators that are putting out the kind of information that he is. Thus, instead of following lifestyle/fitness influencers from the west, I realised that it is far more beneficial for me to follow an Indian influencer because the information that he puts out is directly relevant to the society we live in. Not saying that all the content creators from the west don’t put out helpful content, but I’ve realised that following someone who is from the same culture as you makes a huge difference. I also believe that Ayurveda is an age old scientific practice and the lifestyle/dietary habits that it recommends are the best kind to follow. And this is my opinion because I’ve consciously tried to follow the way of living Ayurveda recommends and it has had a largely positive impact on my day to day productivity and overall health, and isn’t that what we all want at the end of the day? Watch his videos and try the Ayurvedic lifestyle yourself, and you will see similar benefits if done correctly with consistency!

Click here to check out FitTuber's YouTube channel

 

5. YesTheory - "In the summer of 2015, four strangers met in Montreal, Canada. Ammar from Egypt, Thomas from France, Matt from the US and Derin from Turkey. Together, we bonded over the idea that life is best lived outside of your comfort zone. So with a total of $500 to our name, we moved into our friend’s 1 bedroom apartment and started making videos attacking some of our biggest fears and seeking discomfort. Since then we’ve had a show on Snapchat Discover, moved to Los Angeles, and had countless life altering experiences and new incredible friendships along the way." (Excerpts taken directly from their official website www.yestheory.com).

The last creators I want to tell you about is this group called YesTheory whose story you just read. Today they run a YouTube channel under the same name where their motto is to ‘Seek Discomfort’ and to say yes to crazy life experiences which we would normally say no to. Their message in a way encapsulates the one motto that everyone should follow and that is to keep seeking discomfort! Because growth and learning only happens when you’re uncomfortable, and so in a way this tells you to keep learning and allowing growth to happen because there’s no end to what you can learn. The only thing you have to have is the willingness to do so. Now, I’m not trying to preach anything here because I’m just as young as you probably are, but all I’m saying is that it is 100% true, that there is no end to what we can learn. The only thing is that it is upto us how we choose to live. Do we choose to live as learners or as knowers?

Click here to check out YesTheory's YouTube channel

Click here to check out YesTheory's Instagram account

On that note, I hope that you do check out all of these influencers! Following them has really added a lot of value to my life, so I’m sure that it will add value to yours too!

- Anvay Dixit (Team SYNC Snippets)

Book Review: The Test of My Life, an Autobiography of Yuvraj Singh (Cricketer)

My favourite genre of books is autobiographies and therefore my favourite book happens to be 'The Test of My Life' an autobiography of Yuvraj Singh (Cricketer), among the others that I have read.

About the book:

The book is written by Nishant Jeet Arora, Sharda Ugra and the cricketer himself. It focuses mainly on the most important aspects of Singh’s life - Cricket and Cancer. 

These two, in the real sense, years ago were the Test Of His Life - therefore this is the title of his autobiography which was written in 2013 after he successfully defeated cancer.  

Why do I recommend only this autobiography? 

I have read a few autobiographies before this one and their main focus revolves deeply on the person's achievements, successes and everything that brought glory and fame to him/her. Honestly, I am not a fan of reading just success. I believe in reading books that discuss in detail both the ups and downs of a person’s life. This book is the perfect example of exactly this. It talks about the fair share of problems that Singh faced in both Cricket and Cancer. Similarly it talks about all of his successes, big or small, which brings about a balance.

Why do I relate to this book? 

Now most of you may think what’s the big deal to read in a book that talks about Cancer and Cricket when both these things could mean nothing to you?

For me, although I enjoy cricket, the cancer could have been omitted. But only after I read the book did I understand that this book is what I resonate to despite not having a connection to any of them. 

More than being an autobiography this book is also a self help book to me. After knowing Yuvraj’s journey with cancer the book has taught me to stay positive, calm and how to be less hyper in most situations. The book has allowed me to believe in the little things of life and clinging on to one thing that you connect to the most, even when you feel like you have lost everything you ever had. I didn’t in believe this for a very long time until I discovered my hobby - running, and have got back to it after about 6 years. 

Why do I recommend you to read about an eminent personality who has achieved so much?

I recommend you to read about specifically just Yuvraj Singh because of the simplicity this book has. I knew this book would have moments where I would feel at my best - happy and amazing, and some moments where I would feel empathetic and painful to read all about his journey. 

Now I strongly believe the saying Leave Footprints on the Sand - this book lets you effectively believe it. By reading Singh’s journey who is a successful cricketer today I understand that it was written to let people believe in themselves way before any unwanted guest enters. It motivates you for a better tomorrow, with or without Cancer and Cricket both. 

- Ushma Shah (Team SYNC Snippets)

                              

How to Add Fitness into your Routine

Many people believe that maintaining a fit lifestyle is a difficult task but that's not entirely true. If you look around, a healthy lifestyle lies around you! All you need to do is make a little effort and add a few changes to your routine. So to help you out, here are a few ways in which you can add fitness into your daily routine: 

 

1. Hi tea! 

The most basic thing you can do is replace your regular tea or coffee with green tea. You might not like its taste in the beginning but adding honey or lemon to it will surely work wonders.

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that has many health benefits like improved brain function, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, and more. 

Thus, I can safely say that this can be your first and easiest step towards leading a healthy lifestyle. 

 

2. Switching from social apps to workout apps 

Spending hours and hours on social media is problematic to both your physical and mental health. While you are also hurting your eyes and back, let's face it, watching others make Dalgona Coffee or Reels the entire day is going to motivate you in absolutely no way.

Here's is a thing you can do: 

Take time off from social media and give that time to yourself. Download a few workout apps such as Nike Training Club (NTC), Workout for Women, 21 Days Challenge, etc. 

These days there are various free apps available on Google Play Store and App Store providing you with workout routines as short as 7 to 10 mins to as extensive as a 30-day workout program. 

It’s a great thing to begin with. Start working out from now!

  

3. Healthy snacks while binge watching 

Instead of munching on chips, replace it with a healthier alternative such as fruits or salads. There are various healthy and easy recipes available on the internet which can be made within no time and with much ease. In fact, eating something healthy while spending hours in front of a screen will make you feel less tired. So while you are binge watching next time, make sure to switch your bowl of popcorn with a bowl of something much more healthier. 

4. Music and Meditation 

It’s common to feel low during this lockdown. One of the easiest ways to lift up your mood is put on your earphones, play some calming music, close your eyes and lie down on the bed for a while. This will help you release stress and eventually make you feel much better.  

Another suggestion is to start meditating on daily basis. You will surely see and feel the difference in yourself in no time! 

  

 5. Walking and Talking

Next time you call your friends, don’t forget to get out of your bed and walk while talking. Here's hoping you remember Shraddha Kapoor’s advice from a green tea advertisement!  

With relaxations in the lockdown coming into place, going for a morning or an evening walk is an ideal thing to do.  

There are many more things you can do to maintain a fit lifestyle, some of which I have mentioned, and more of which you can figure out for yourself, according to your body type and what suits you the best. But don’t forget to do your bit for your own body on a daily basis. After all, it’s the most valuable asset you have got! 

 

Note : This content including the advice is based on the writer’s views. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Consulting a specialist is advisable.  

- Janvi Vaswani (Team SYNC Snippets)