The Overconfidence Paradox: Why Professional Success Doesn't Mean Marital Success

    We often celebrate the overconfident — the quick deciders, the assertive voices, the ones who climb the career ladder with unmatched self-belief. Society rewards them. Promotions come easier. Opportunities knock louder. And yes, they often find partners quickly, too — admired for their success, their certainty, and their achievements.

But behind closed doors, that same overconfidence can quietly unravel the very fabric of a relationship.

Overconfidence doesn’t just mean self-assurance. It often means:

• Jumping to conclusions about a partner’s intentions without listening.
• Impatience with emotional processes that can’t be “fixed” like a work problem.
• An inability to sit with doubt, vulnerability, or the need for compromise.
• Seeing disagreement as defiance, not dialogue.

In the boardroom, decisiveness is power. In marriage, it can become dismissal.

The tragedy? Our social metrics confuse professional progress with personal maturity. We match people based on salary slips and job titles, not on humility, empathy, or the willingness to grow together.

A successful marriage isn’t built on who’s right the fastest. It’s built on who’s willing to listen the longest.

Maybe it’s time we stopped applauding only the confident, and started valuing the kind, the patient, the reflective — those who may not have all the answers, but know how to hold space for the questions.

Because love isn’t a deal to close. It’s a bond to nurture.

Remaining open about various types of treatments

 After working in a pharmacy for over a decade—reading lakhs of prescriptions and often accompanying friends to doctor visits—I've gained some insights that many physicians might not want you to hear.

Much of modern medicine is rooted in dogma. It's like a tribal belief system: intensely held convictions that certain treatments are absolute truths, even though most scientific evidence is actually quite grey and nuanced. Yet doctors—especially specialists—often present it as black-and-white fact, implying you're foolish for questioning it.

This has always struck me as odd. When did medicine become so political and dogmatic? Why are those practicing alternative approaches demonized for challenging standardized treatments?

I'm sharing this to empower you: Your doctor isn't God. They're human, susceptible to long-held biases, and the desire for their practices to be "right" after years of experience.

For instance, many physicians fail to adequately inform their patients about the potential side effects of certain medications. Moreover, they often do not fully recognize conditions such as anxiety, back pain, high cholesterol, chronic stress, constipation, fatty liver, hypertension, neck and shoulder pain, PCOS, postural issues, and Type 2 diabetes as primarily lifestyle-related disorders—many of which are largely preventable and reversible through improvements in diet, exercise, and daily habits, rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical pills.

This isn't limited to one group; most of the people in the medical community often treat complex biology as if it's straightforward and factual, when it's not.

Stay informed, learn how your body works, question the common narrative, and use your critical thinking. Physicians are humans too—just like us—and we all fall into these patterns sometimes.

China’s push to protect teens mental health from social media addiction

In the past decade, social media has evolved from a simple communication tool into a full-blown environment where teens spend hours scrolling, streaming, chatting, and chasing the next dopamine hit. Around the world, parents and educators have been increasingly worried about how much time young people spend online.

In a world where the average teen scrolls through social media for hours a day, China is drawing a firm line. It has rolled out some of the toughest regulations to combat the dark side of digital life. From curbing addiction to ensuring a good night's sleep and carving out space for family dinners, these measures aren't just rules; they're a blueprint for healthier young minds. As of late 2025, with the launch of "Minor Mode" and fresh judicial pushes, China's approach is evolving fast. Let's dive into how it's working—and why it matters.

1. “Juvenile Mode”: A Device-Level Lock for Online Time

One of China’s most talked-about initiatives is the mandatory “juvenile mode” on smartphones, tablets, and many apps.

This mode isn’t just a simple parental control setting—it’s an ecosystem-wide framework designed to limit what minors can see and how long they can stay online.

Key features include:

• Automatic activation for minors when the device detects a child user.
• Strict time caps based on age groups.
• Age-appropriate content filtering to prevent exposure to violent, sexual, or harmful material.
• Centralized parental controls, letting parents supervise all devices linked to the child.

The goal is to make “healthy digital habits” the default, not an optional setting.

2. Social Media Time Limits: Age-Based and Strict

China’s regulators have introduced clear daily screen-time limits for minors across most online platforms:

• Under 8 years: About 40 minutes per day
• Ages 8–15: Roughly 1 hour per day
• Ages 16–17: Up to 2 hours per day

On top of that, most apps lock minors out entirely between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

This means teenagers cannot legally scroll through late-night content or binge short-videos until sunrise. China argues this is essential for sleep quality, mental health, and academic balance.

3. The Famous “Anti-Addiction System” That Started with Gaming

Before tackling social media, China had already experimented with controlling digital addiction through online gaming curfews.

Minors can play online games only:

• 1 hour per day
• Only on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays
• Only between 8–9 p.m.

This system uses real-name verification to enforce the limits. Once the teen hits the quota, the game simply locks them out.

After this gaming policy showed measurable reductions in youth playtime, similar restrictions spread to video apps, live-stream platforms, and social apps.

4. Content Moderation Focused on “Healthy Values”

China’s regulators require platforms to actively promote content considered beneficial for minors—such as:

• mental-health education
• scientific learning
• civic and cultural programs

Meanwhile, platforms must suppress content deemed harmful or distracting, like:

• celebrity gossip
• violent challenges
• cyberbullying
• sensationalized trends

The idea is not just to limit time but also to shape what kids actually encounter online.

5. Data Protection for Minors

China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) gives minors under 14 an extra layer of privacy protection:

• Apps must obtain parental consent before collecting or using children’s data.
• Platforms must minimize data collection and avoid “tracking” minors for targeted ads.

This aims to prevent algorithms from exploiting vulnerability or manipulating behaviours through tailored addiction loops.

Why China Says These Measures Are Necessary

According to Chinese regulators, the core motivations include:

• Protecting mental health
• Ensuring kids get proper sleep
• Reducing addiction-related problems like anxiety and poor academic performance
• Supporting family life by encouraging offline bonding
• Promoting a healthier digital environment for the next generation

Whether one sees these rules as protective or restrictive, they undeniably represent one of the world’s boldest attempts to tackle the teen social-media addiction crisis.

Final Thoughts

China’s approach to teen digital health is ambitious, strict, and deeply structured. While many countries are still debating how to tackle social-media addiction, China has already built a nationwide regulatory system that touches every part of the online experience—from device hardware to platform algorithms.

Whether other nations will adopt similar measures remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: the conversation around protecting young people from excessive screen time is becoming more important worldwide, and China is treating it like a top-level public issue rather than just a parenting problem.

How to Protect Yourself from Cancer by Supporting Mitochondrial Health

 Cancer development is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Healthy mitochondria regulate energy production, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and oxidative balance — all of which are critical in preventing uncontrolled cell growth. Below are scientifically supported ways to protect mitochondrial function and reduce cancer risk:

• Maintain optimal Vitamin D levels

  • Vitamin D regulates cell growth, differentiation, and immune response.

  • Studies show that sufficient Vitamin D helps reduce oxidative stress in mitochondria and lowers cancer risk in several populations.

• Incorporate intermittent fasting

  • Intermittent fasting stimulates autophagy, a cellular “cleanup” process that removes damaged mitochondria (mitophagy).

  • It also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces oxidative stress, both protective against cancer.

• Limit processed foods

  • Processed foods are high in refined sugars, oils, trans-fats and additives that increase chronic inflammation and mitochondrial damage.

  • A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect cells.

• Consume cruciferous and sulfur-rich vegetables

  • Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, bok choy, cabbage, arugula, collard greens, garlic, and onions are rich in sulforaphane and organosulfur compounds.

  • Sulforaphane activates Nrf2, a transcription factor that enhances antioxidant defenses, detoxification enzymes, and mitochondrial resilience.

• Avoid excess iron intake

  • While iron is essential, too much iron promotes the Fenton reaction, generating free radicals that damage mitochondrial DNA and membranes.

  • Managing iron levels (through diet or blood donation if medically appropriate) helps reduce oxidative stress.

• Practice daily breathing exercises

• Deep breathing improves oxygen delivery and mitochondrial respiration.

• Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pranayama also lower stress hormones (cortisol), which otherwise impair mitochondrial function.

By protecting your mitochondria through nutrition, lifestyle, and mindful practices, you strengthen your body’s natural defenses against cancer.

To overcome PCOD holistically

1. Eliminate Dietary Toxins & Endocrine Disruptors:

• Avoid processed, packaged, and fast foods, which often contain unhealthy fats, preservatives, and additives linked to inflammation and hormonal imbalance.
• Minimize use of plastic containers and bottles to reduce exposure to micro-plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
• Avoid foods containing added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can impair insulin sensitivity and disrupt metabolic function.
• Refrain from cooking in aluminum vessels, as aluminum exposure has been associated with oxidative stress.

2. Adopt a Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet:

• Prioritize fruits rich in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients: apples, avocados, bananas, blueberries, cherries, grapes, kiwis, lemons, mangoes, melons, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelons.
• Increase intake of fiber- and micronutrient-rich vegetables: beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, green peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
• Include raw salads with ingredients such as carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions for digestive enzymes and fiber.
• Avoid most grains; instead, use amaranth and quinoa, which are gluten-free, high-protein pseudo-grains with favourable nutrient profiles.

3. Therapeutic Spices:

Incorporate spices with clinically studied anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits:

• Cumin, coriander, and fennel for digestive support and mild detoxification.
• Black pepper (enhances nutrient absorption), ginger, garlic, turmeric (anti-inflammatory), green chili, and cinnamon (supports glucose metabolism).

4. Natural Detoxification Support:

Environmental pollutants and micro-plastics may contribute to thyroid dysfunction and hormonal imbalance.

• Prepare a herbal infusion by soaking coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds overnight. Boil in the morning and consume 3–4 glasses throughout the day. These seeds are known for diuretic, digestive, and mild detoxifying properties.

5. Correct Nutritional Deficiencies:

• Vitamin B12: Deficiency is common and can affect energy, cognition, and nerve function. Use methylcobalamin sublingual supplements for better absorption.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Critical for reducing inflammation and supporting thyroid and hormonal health. Obtain from soaked chia seeds, basil seeds, flaxseeds, or walnuts.
• Ensure Vitamin D levels are optimum.

6. Targeted Lifestyle Interventions:

• Practice Reclining Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) for 20 minutes daily to stimulate parasympathetic nervous system activity and improve pelvic circulation.
• Aim for 7–8 hours of deep sleep per night. Sleep is essential for hormonal regulation, immune function, and tissue repair.
• Maintain a consistent circadian rhythm by aligning sleep-wake cycles with natural light patterns.

7. Evidence-Supported Herbal Interventions:

• Herbs such as Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress and thyroid), Shatavari (female reproductive tonic), and Safed Musli (general vitality) may support endocrine balance. These can be taken together in warm buffalo milk after dinner to enhance absorption.

• Limit saturated fat intake to less than 10 grams per day to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

• Topical application of sesame oil to the navel (per Ayurvedic tradition) is believed to aid digestive and reproductive health.

• Ayurvedic formulations such as Ashokarishta and Shatapushpadi Ghanavati may also be considered for reproductive health.

Pancreatitis

 At times, acute pancreatitis happens due to problems in other organs, for example, gallbladder stones. As per a study conducted by Pace Hospital, around 40% of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis had gallbladder stones. So the first step is to investigate if a person suffers from gallbladder stones or not. If a person suffers from gallbladder stones, then that person must detoxify their liver.

The gallbladder is a muscular sac attached to the liver. It stores bile. On any holiday, Epsom salt and lemon water are to be consumed in the morning, and nothing else must be consumed except water. Later, after 3 hours, Epsom salt with olive oil must be consumed, and again, after 3 hours, Epsom salt with olive oil must be consumed. Relaxation must be done on a bed, ensuring the right body side faces the bed so that the gallbladder gets stimulated, or some pressure must be applied to the gallbladder to stimulate it. This will help excrete any waste that has accumulated in the gallbladder.

Other causes of acute pancreatitis include the use of alcohol, cigarettes; constipation, diabetes, heredity, hormonal changes, obesity, etc.

If a person suffers from acute pancreatitis and consumes cigarettes, alcohol, or is overweight, they must stop consuming alcohol, cigarettes, reduce weight, and include lots of fibrous foods to prevent constipation.

If acute pancreatitis is due to heredity, hormonal issues, or stress, then pranayam and yog will help. Pranayam reduces stress, strengthens the lungs, purifies the blood, and enhances the flow of energy. The best yog asanas for pancreatitis are Kandharasana, Naukasana, Padangusthasana, Pawanmuktasana, Uttanpadasana.

If a person suffers from pancreatitis and the cause is diabetes, then diabetes must be controlled.

In simple terms, pancreatitis means inflammation in the pancreas. Inflammation generally happens due to excess heat in the body, or in terms of Ayurved, due to excess Pitta in the body. In Sanskrit, the pancreas is termed "Agnashya". Agnashya is a combination of 2 words: "Agni" means fire and "Ashay" means storehouse. Thus, the pancreas is a storehouse of fire as it is connected to metabolism. If Pitta increases in the body, then it causes pancreatitis. So the most essential thing is to prevent acidity. The best medicines that prevent Pitta from rising in the body are Avipattikar Churna, Kamdudha and Punarnava Mandur. All these 3 items are to be consumed 1 hour after dinner.

All foods that increase Pitta must be avoided, especially non-vegetarian foods, alcohol, coffee, tea, etc.

All foods that reduce Pitta in the body must be consumed in high quantity. For example, aloe-vera and wheatgrass juice mixed together and consumed early in the morning effectively reduce Pitta.

Diet must consist of lots of salads & cooling foods like carrot, celery, coriander, cucumber, melon, mint, onion, parsley, watermelon, zucchini, etc.

Wheat and brown rice must be avoided. Jowar (Sorghum), finger millet, Foxtail millet, pearl millet, and white rice must be consumed.

Amongst daals, except for moong dal, all other daals must be avoided.

Fruits and foods in their true form are best. Industrially produced, packed, and fried foods must be avoided.

Instead of normal water, coriander and fennel must be soaked in water at night, and in the morning it must be boiled and then cooled, and this water must be consumed. This will reduce pitta and enhance digestion, and reduce the chances of pancreatitis.

Thyroid problems and its cure

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and growth, and due to improper metabolism, a person can suffer due to problems like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc. Thus, the proper functioning of the thyroid gland is essential.

Thyroid problems start when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough T3, which causes hypothyroidism or overproduces T3, which causes hyperthyroidism.

 

Symptoms: - Bulging eyes, depression, fatigue, hair fall, infertility, irritability, menstrual disorders, mood swings, sudden decrease in weight, a sudden increase in weight, suicidal thoughts, vitamin D deficiency, etc.

 

Causes: - Consuming unhealthy foods, sedentary life, stress, heavy metal poisoning due to consuming sweets that have aluminium coating on them and also due to air and water pollution.

 

Thyroid problems are more common amongst women than men. Majority of these women are unaware of it & those that even suffer the above-mentioned symptoms are unable to cure it due to financial reasons or due to lack of clinics in villages.

 

Cure:- As the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, the functioning of the pituitary gland has to be improved. The best way to enhance the functioning of the pituitary gland is by performing pranayama and sungazing. Dietary supplements like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, soaked overnight and consumed daily in the morning, help to regulate the proper functioning of the pituitary gland. Putting almond oil or Jyotishmati oil before sleeping at night also helps. Tratak kriya also helps in the functioning of the pituitary gland. Foods that detoxify the body like garlic, onions, papayas, and pineapples also help in the functioning of the pituitary gland.

 

Awareness about heavy metal poisoning in India is rare. Unfortunately, doctors don’t want to discuss this as they don’t want to demean and disparage the Government responsible for pollution-related problems. Majority of Indians are fond of sweets and most of the sweets in India contain aluminum foil. Clean water is not used to produce sweets. This affects the functioning of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland. Those that consume fish are unaware of the fact that fish live in polluted lakes and rivers. Most of the rivers in India contain industrial waste such as mercury. Majority of Indians who consume fish also ingest mercury and other heavy metals. This impacts the body glands negatively. Thus, for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, one must start with detoxification of the body. Regarding detoxification, one must detoxify the body as per his/her body type. For Kapha body types, they must prefer to detoxify their body’s upper and lower parts, so they have to perform vomit and also use enemas. Those that have vata body may not need to vomit and only rely on enemas. After detoxification, one must consume coriander water instead of normal water. Coriander water can be prepared by soaking coriander seeds overnight, boiling the water in the morning, letting it cool, and consuming this water for at least 3 months. Lemon juice can be put in this water to enhance its taste and benefits. Coriander is excellent for the detoxification of heavy metals from the body. Also, if coriander is put in most of the foods, then it helps. Also, one must increase consumption of salads, and in salads they must have cilantro, cumin, dill, and parsley.

 

Foods for thyroid: - Fennel saag sabzi and cumin rice. Lentils, cottage cheese, butter, ghee, bananas, carrots, are good for overall hormonal functioning. Cruciferous vegetables like Arugula, Bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, daikon, kale, kohlrabi, watercress etc. help to detoxify the body. Coconut chutney and avial are also good for thyroid problems. Chia seeds soaked overnight and consumed in the morning also helps.

 

One must also avoid all industrially processed foods, packed foods, and fried and baked foods. Packed foods are mostly unhealthy as they are loaded with preservatives and industrialised salt and sugar. Excess pitta in the body also aggravates thyroid problems. Those suffering due to pitta problems may consume aloe vera frequently and coriander, cumin, and fennel soaked in water at night and then boil the water in the morning, letting it cool, and then consuming it. Those that have a pitta body composition must avoid foods that increase body heat, like spices.

 

Anyone suffering due to thyroid problems must perform bhamri pranayama, ujjayai pranayama, Jalandhar bandh & Roar like a lion, daily in the morning after cleaning their bowels & sit in vajrasan after meals.

 

Those suffering from hyperthyroidism must avoid iodised salt & industrialised salt & have rock salt or saindha salt instead.

 

People suffering from thyroid problems must avoid soy products, refrigerated products, and water stored in plastic bottles. Instead, water stored in earthen pots must be consumed and, preferably, foods must also be prepared in earthen pots instead of aluminium vessels. Tea and coffee must also be avoided as ssthey interfere with the functioning of the pituitary gland.