Life & Style

We all know stress isn’t great for us. Sometimes it’s the quietest, sneakiest signs of stress that are the most dangerous. While you might expect big emotional outbursts or sleepless nights to sound the alarm, it’s often the subtle changes, the ones we barely notice, that could silently be shaving years off our lives.

Sure, feeling tired after a late night is normal. But if you wake up exhausted even after 7-8 hours of sleep, stress could be the hidden culprit. Chronic stress messes with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Even when you think you’re “sleeping,” your body may still be running on high alert mode, keeping you from entering deep, restorative sleep. Constant fatigue wears down your immune system, speeds up aging, and increases the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Don’t just “push through” tiredness. Prioritize quality sleep and manage nighttime stress (like limiting screens before bed!).

Neck pain? Random lower back aches? Tight jaw? These aren’t just signs of “getting older.” They could be physical manifestations of chronic stress. When you’re stressed, your muscles tense up — and if the stress sticks around, that tension turns into chronic pain. Most people don’t connect that persistent shoulder ache with stress, but trust me, your body knows when you’re under pressure. Chronic muscle tension can trigger inflammation in the body, which is linked to heart problems, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers over time. Start noticing your body. Daily stretching, yoga, and even a few deep-breathing exercises can do wonders.

We often think of stress as feeling frantic or overwhelmed. But another hidden symptom? Feeling nothing at all. Numbness or emotional flatness is a major, but overlooked, sign of stress overload. It’s like your brain is trying to protect you from the chaos by turning the volume down on your feelings. Emotional numbness can lead to isolation, depression, and unhealthy coping habits like overeating, drinking, or even risky behaviors — all of which can seriously impact longevity. If you find yourself disconnected, don’t ignore it. Journaling, talking to someone you trust, or working with a therapist can help you “tune back in” safely.

Have you been zoning out during conversations or forgetting basic stuff (like why you walked into a room)? Chronic stress isn’t just an emotional thing — it literally changes the structure of your brain, shrinking areas like the hippocampus (the part responsible for memory and learning). Long-term brain changes from stress have been linked to early cognitive decline, dementia, and mental health disorders. Don’t brush off “stress brain.” Daily mindfulness, brain games, or even simply slowing down your multitasking habit can start reversing the trend.

Ever found yourself elbow-deep in a bag of chips after a hard day? You’re not alone — stress ramps up cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods by messing with hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin. Chronic stress eating leads to weight gain (especially dangerous visceral belly fat), metabolic issues, and a higher risk of early mortality. Be kind to yourself, but plan ahead. Keep healthier comfort foods around — think dark chocolate, nuts, or berries — and practice mindful eating.

The scary part about all these hidden stress signs is how easy it is to ignore them. We tell ourselves it’s “just aging,” “just busy season,” “just bad luck.”
Meanwhile, the effects of chronic stress build up quietly inside — raising blood pressure, speeding up aging, damaging the brain, and sabotaging the immune system.
Over time, these “small” signs snowball into big problems like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, depression and dementia. Left unchecked, chronic stress can literally cut years off your life.

Managing stress doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul overnight. Small daily steps make a massive difference.
Breathe deeply for 5 minutes a day. Seriously, even this tiny habit calms your nervous system.
Prioritize movement. Walk, dance, stretch — just move.
Sleep like it’s your job. Deep, regular sleep is your body’s reset button.
Say no. Protect your time and energy.
Connect with real people. Hugs, chats, and laughter are powerful stress medicine.
Do one thing you love every day. Even if it’s just for five minutes.
You deserve to live a full, vibrant life — not one quietly shortened by hidden stress.

All of us fart – flatulence is a normal physiological process where gas is released from the digestive system. It is considered completely normal, and flatulence is in fact, considered healthy for your digestion, though some people fart more than others. Now, a new term called ‘fart walks‘ has been coined, but it does not mean what it sounds like!

What is a fart walk?
A fart walk means taking a gentle stroll right after eating, to help your digestion and overall health. Here’s why fart walks could be a secret to healthy ageing.
Reduces bloating
Walking after a meal gets your digestive system moving. When you sit or lie down after eating, food can sit heavy in your stomach, causing bloating and trapped gas. Moving around gently helps your stomach and intestines contract and push food along, which speeds up digestion and helps release gas naturally.
Can help regulate blood sugar spikes
Fart walks can help you control your blood sugar. After eating, your blood sugar rises as your body breaks down food into glucose. Walking uses your muscles to absorb this glucose for energy, which lowers the spike in blood sugar. This effect is especially helpful for older adults, as insulin production tends to slow down with age. Even a short 10 to 15-minute walk after meals, can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as well.
Good for heart
Walking is a gentle form of exercise that improves heart health by boosting circulation and strengthening the heart. It also helps lower blood pressure and burn calories. This apart, walking is also good for your brain, as it releases endorphins-natural mood lifters, that reduce stress and anxiety.

Helps in weight management
Regular fart walks can help maintain a healthy weight. While not intense exercise, these walks add up as consistent movement that burns calories and supports metabolism. This is helpful for those trying to lose weight, and prevents weight gain, contributing to overall health and longevity.

Better sleep quality
Taking a walk after dinner can also promote better sleep. By helping regulate blood sugar and improving circulation, fart walks encourage relaxation and prepare your body for restful sleep. Good sleep is essential for repairing the body and maintaining health as you age.
The best way to do a fart walk
The best time to take a fart walk is about 10 to 20 minutes after eating. It doesn’t have to be brisk or long – just a gentle stroll around your home or neighborhood is enough. The goal is to move your body enough to stimulate digestion and help gas pass naturally.

Somewhere between the structural symmetry and textural harmony, which define the obvious creative arch of Mumbai-based fashion designer Payal Khandwala’s latest spring-summer collection, there lies the quiet world of subtle details. Released under the designer’s eponymous label, the untitled collection has been assigned to the chronological number of the edits that Payal has curated till date — 13. It champions handwoven silk and a modified, more muted version of brocade, while making a modest attempt at solving the wardrobe crisis for occasions that are neither too formal, nor too casual.

The collection champions silk and a modified, more muted version of brocade 
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Payal, who pursued a degree in fine arts at the Parsons School of Design in New York, before launching her debut collection in 2012, explains the intent that dictates her recent work. “I consciously refrain from naming collections in general unless there is a very specific starting point. Even when I’d paint, I titled my canvases untitled. I prefer this because otherwise it spoon-feeds the viewer to have a response. Also, if the inspiration is too abstract or esoteric, then naming it becomes an exercise in retrofitting,” she says.

Payal’s collection also pivots on reverse engineering
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

The collection, she says, has been in the making for the past seven to eight months. And though she admits to silk and brocade being unusual fabrics to opt for a summer edit, she elaborates on the techniques that add value to its design language. “What I wanted to do this time was to continue using brocade as a craft, even though it’s not festive season. While we typically associate brocade with gold and silver thread I replaced it with silk so that, whilst still a woven detail and it using all the technical aspects of brocade, the outcome is a bit more subtle. I love pushing back things, as much as possible, without losing the intricacy. Ours, I guess, is quieter luxury,” she says, adding that she purposely kept linens and cotton at bay. Like most of her collections, this release is also limited to a few pieces.

Fashion designer Payal Khandwala
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

“The mood board of most of my collections, you could say, depends on my own. I only make clothes that I wear. A lot of my clothes are designed for mini special occasions, from birthdays to dinner dates. I was looking to make something that women could wear to elevated prêt occasions. So, I figured the customer that wears the garments for a dinner or a cocktail or a gallery opening are going to be in an air-conditioned environment for the most part. In that case, silk doesn’t become a big hindrance also because we make several lighter silks and silk regulates body temp as well. Also, functionality takes centre stage in my garments. I make clothes that are easy to wear, pack and travel with,” she says.

Payal gets the fabrics woven by craft clusters in Varanasi and Phulia in West Bengal
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

As an example, she lists a long black jacket, which works well as a layer. “We also have a mustard, free sized jacket; relaxed and like most of my garments, it is very comfortable and fuss free when it’s cooler indoors. There’s also an olive green jacket for the women that are more comfortable being a bit more creative with silhouettes. I try to solve wardrobe problems for women; I started the label for this reason, because when I was looking for clothes the options were mostly coordinates that were too formal or that felt too traditional, and whilst travelling felt rather costume like. I wanted to create separates that were luxurious but also versatile,” she shares.

Payal focusses on the construction of the garment, with respect to pleats and drapes
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Payal says that she strictly focusses on the construction of the garment, with respect to pleats and drapes. “If I’m making a jacket, I will rethink the lapel, add a belt or an architectural element or detail like our signature asymmetrical cuffs. Sometimes it will be a contrast lining, like the red lining I used in the olive-green jacket,” she says. Payal’s collection also pivots on reverse engineering. “For instance, if I want the trouser hem to have nine inches of black, then shift to four inches of yellow and six of silver at the waist, then the fabric is woven in that weight for that particular trouser, with the colour blocking at the loom stage. It’s not cut and sewn or patched onto the garment. You may also spot a border where the texture changes to satin, but it’s not sewn it’s woven. I like my garments to be pared down; they neither have embellishments nor embroidery. The weave is always the hero,” she adds.

The collection also features a toned-down colour palette
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Payal gets her textiles woven by craft clusters in Varanasi and Phulia in West Bengal. She also has three workshops and two studios in Colaba, along with two outlets, one in Kala Ghoda and another in New Delhi. With textured brocade and silk at its core, the collection also features a toned-down colour palette. Oscillating between murky yellow and indigo, it tickles the eyes with spicy reds and soft olive green.

A garment from Payal’s new collection
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

She says, “I’m more interested in colour as intellect vs ornament. I made, with paint, a shade of yellow that I loved. It was the perfect dirty shade of mustard with just a hint of green. I found a deep red that paired well with it and then picked the olive as neutral to push back the two string colours. A cool toned blue to contrast completed the palette. All the colours in my collection have to work as one unit. I also included black and ivory, for the days when you don’t want to make another decision about what you want to wear. Then you just put your white shirt on.”

The collection starts at ₹27,800 on payalkhandwala.com and the brand’s stores in Mumbai and Delhi.

The sudden passing of creator Misha Agrawal on April 24, just two days before her 25th birthday, has left the internet in shock. Known for her witty and relatable content, Misha had built a loyal community of over 347,000 followers. Her family announced the heartbreaking news through a post on her Instagram handle, though the cause of her death has not been disclosed.

Misha Agrawal’s death

Since the announcement, an old video of Misha has gone viral where she spoke about how terrible the year 2025 had already been and joked about cancelling it altogether. While it was initially perceived as light-hearted humour, the video has taken on a different tone for many fans in the light of recent events. Several followers have commented that the clip now feels like a genuine reflection of her emotional state at the time.

Netizens react to Misha Agrawal’s death

Many internet users have pointed out that Misha had not posted anything after April 4, an unusual gap for someone known for her frequent online presence. This prolonged silence, combined with the resurfaced video, has fuelled widespread speculation that she might have been silently battling depression. Her last video was a funny video, again, with a fellow content creator Priyank Tiwari.

Misha Agrawal’s friend hints at deeper struggles

A close friend Meenakshi Bherwani also shared an emotional tribute, noting that Misha’s extended absence from social media was a sign of deeper struggles. Meenakshi expressed that if Misha had seen the overwhelming love and support pouring in after her passing, she might have realised how deeply valued she was by her community.

Reason behind Misha Agrawal’s demise still unclear | Credit: Instagram

Was Misha Agrawal battling depression?

Comments on her final Instagram post reflect the collective grief and confusion of her followers. Some users expressed disbelief, while others wished that the situation was somehow not real, clinging to the idea that she could still be celebrating her birthday in spirit.

Misha’s content had always focused on turning everyday moments into relatable sketches, resonating deeply with a generation that found comfort in her honesty and humour. Her passing has sparked broader conversations online about the importance of recognising mental health struggles, even among those who seem to have it all together on the surface.

Misha Agrawal’s viral video

As the internet continues to mourn her loss, Misha Agrawal’s viral video has become a painful reminder that humour can sometimes mask deeper pain.

When it comes to healthy eating, yogurt is a staple in many vegetarian diets. Among the popular choices are traditional Indian dahi and Greek yogurt, both packed with probiotics, protein, and essential nutrients. However, each offers unique benefits depending on your dietary goals and preferences. Indian dahi, made with natural fermentation, is lighter and easily digestible, while Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier, and higher in protein. For vegetarians seeking optimal nutrition, understanding the differences between the two can help in making a better, more informed choice.

The gym dedicated to women with disabilities in Nungambakkam, Chennai.
| Photo Credit: M. Srinath

M. Nathiya swiftly pulls one side of the cable crossover machine weighing over six kg and proceeds to pull the other, grunting with each effort. Seated in her wheelchair, in the gym for women with disabilities, she soon falls into the rhythm of her training.

The seasoned para powerlifter is required to spend six hours at the gym, three in the morning and three in the evening as training for powerlifting. As a para powerlifter, she is required to train every muscle in the upper body including the back muscles, shoulders and arms apart from targeted spinal stability. As each set also requires rest, time factored to move around in a wheelchair, it takes a total of three hours.

However, with no accessible gym in the city, Nathiya was forced to complete her entire routine in one and half hours.

“I would require someone to help me get my weights or dumbbells at a gym designed for normal people. I’d require more time because I have to shift from my wheelchair to the equipment and most others would request that they finish first. I couldn’t train at ease,” said the seven-time national winner in powerlifting.

But the scene has changed in the last two months with the setting up of the gym dedicated to women with disabilities in Nungambakkam thanks to the Better World Shelter and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).

“Today, I can train for three hours, every piece of equipment is spaced with a wheelchair in mind, nobody is hurrying me to finish the set, I can access the dumbbells and weights myself. The independence to train by myself has been liberating,” said Nathiya.

Like Nathiya, other women with disabilities recall the hardship in trying to find an accessible gym in the city Most gyms in the city are situated either on the first or upper floors with no accessibility via lift. People had no space to maneuver their wheelchair in the area and the gym constrained their training to about one and a half hours.

“When we did finally find a gym that accepted and fit our requirement, it was on open ground. The sand and stones made it difficult to travel between equipment. It added to the difficulties,” said Matilda Fonceca, international para basketball winner.

Spread over 500 sq ft space at the Better World Shelter, the gym for women with disability is equipped with all the essential equipment. Inaugurated in March, the gym will soon begin non-resident enrollment. It does not have any fee, and is open all days.

“Tamil Nadu is very ready for innovating in sports especially in needs of para sports. Sports is not just about personal fitness, its also a good contender as a source of livelihood. For women with disabilities it has given them a lot of exposure to the world and independence,” said Aishwarya Rao, Founder of Better World Shelter for Women with Disabilities.

Stating that the gym was completely designed by the NGO, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran said, “We lent our support to the initiative. Since, the announcement of the gym, we have been receiving requests to set up more such gyms for persons with disabilities. We are also mulling the possibility of opening such gyms in the city.”

M. Nathiya swiftly pulls one side of the cable crossover machine weighing over six kg and proceeds to pull the other, grunting with each effort. Seated in her wheelchair, in the gym for women with disabilities, she soon falls into the rhythm of her training.

The seasoned para powerlifter is required to spend six hours at the gym, three in the morning and three in the evening as training for powerlifting. As a para powerlifter, she is required to train every muscle in the upper body including the back muscles, shoulders and arms apart from targeted spinal stability. As each set also requires rest, time factored to move around in a wheelchair, it takes a total of three hours.

However, with no accessible gym in the city, Nathiya was forced to complete her entire routine in one and half hours.

“I would require someone to help me get my weights or dumbbells at a gym designed for normal people. I’d require more time because I have to shift from my wheelchair to the equipment and most others would request that they finish first. I couldn’t train at ease,” said the seven-time national winner in powerlifting.

But the scene has changed in the last two months with the setting up of the gym dedicated to women with disabilities in Nungambakkam thanks to the Better World Shelter and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).

“Today, I can train for three hours, every piece of equipment is spaced with a wheelchair in mind, nobody is hurrying me to finish the set, I can access the dumbbells and weights myself. The independence to train by myself has been liberating,” said Nathiya.

Like Nathiya, other women with disabilities recall the hardship in trying to find an accessible gym in the city Most gyms in the city are situated either on the first or upper floors with no accessibility via lift. People had no space to maneuver their wheelchair in the area and the gym constrained their training to about one and a half hours.

“When we did finally find a gym that accepted and fit our requirement, it was on open ground. The sand and stones made it difficult to travel between equipment. It added to the difficulties,” said Matilda Fonceca, international para basketball winner.

Spread over 500 sq ft space at the Better World Shelter, the gym for women with disability is equipped with all the essential equipment. Inaugurated in March, the gym will soon begin non-resident enrollment. It does not have any fee, and is open all days.

“Tamil Nadu is very ready for innovating in sports especially in needs of para sports. Sports is not just about personal fitness, its also a good contender as a source of livelihood. For women with disabilities it has given them a lot of exposure to the world and independence,” said Aishwarya Rao, Founder of Better World Shelter for Women with Disabilities.

Stating that the gym was completely designed by the NGO, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran said, “We lent our support to the initiative. Since, the announcement of the gym, we have been receiving requests to set up more such gyms for persons with disabilities. We are also mulling the possibility of opening such gyms in the city.”

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was married to Ayesha Mukherjee from 2012 to 2021, and they also had a son named Zoravar together. However, in 2021, Shikhar Dhawan was granted a divorce on the grounds of mental cruelty by Ayesha. Since then, Ayesha and Zoravar have moved to Australia, while Shikhar Dhawan alleged that he was kept away from his son. Meanwhile, looks like after the bitter divorce, Shikhar has finally moved on in life as rumours are rife that he is dating Sophie Shine, a product consultant in Abu Dhabi. While the duo haven’t confirmed their relationship, Shikhar did reveal that he is in love again. Also, both Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine are often spotted together and more recently, Shikhar even posted a video with Sophie on Instagram– adding more fuel to the fire.