For a reader, a big part of the appeal of reading a novel are the dialogues.

It's the way the characters in the story interact with each other that keeps a reader captivated throughout the book. Sure, the plot matters too.      

But it’s the dialogues said by the characters that remain in the hearts and minds of the readers long after they finish reading a novel.

So, how to write good dialogues in a novel? The best thing you can do while writing dialogues is make them realistic.

Given below are realistic dialogue tips that would help you in writing your own bestseller.

1. Establish the verbiage the characters use.

Before starting to write the dialogues uttered by a character, you need to consider certain elements of the character.

Those elements include the character’s age, knowledge, education, location, and if the story demands it, familial background.

The dialogues also need to be in-sync with the time and space that the story is based in.

For example, a teenage character living in New York City in the year 2026 will talk very differently than an elderly character living in a small town in Montana in the 1800s.

2. Consider the emotional context of the dialogues being said.

Have you been wondering, how to write more compelling dialogue in fiction? Then this tip is very important for you.

While writing dialogues, the current emotional state of the character needs to be taken into consideration.

When a character is angry, she will speak a bit differently than she usually does.

When she’s extremely happy about something, her happiness will be reflected in her words (the dialogues).

Different emotions such as love, anger, excitement, happiness and sadness need to be conveyed through the dialogues.

Also, take into account the events that lead up to the next chapter. And if the style of writing the dialogues for a particular character needs to stay the same or change.

For example, if a character is excited about something in one chapter, they might be excited about the same thing in the next chapter as well.

Or did something happen to kill their excitement and dampen their mood?

Then the way this character speaks in the next chapter would be a bit different from the previous one.

3. Use direct and indirect dialogues appropriately.

Dialogue writing techniques are of two types— direct dialogues and indirect dialogues.

Direct dialogues are the ones that take place between two or more people. These types of dialogues have a ‘call’ and a ‘response’.

It is where a character says a sentence, then the other character(s) says one or more sentences in response.

For example- Michelle asked, “do you have the keys?”

In indirect dialogues, the narrator basically paraphrases what another character had said without using their exact words.

For example- Michelle asked if I had the keys.

Direct dialogues are very useful in creating tension and ultimately, resolution in a novel.

It is also useful in getting the readers hooked to the story you are telling.

Indirect dialogues are useful in describing an event that is not entirely vital to the story but still, needs to be said to make a particular scene make sense.

4. Exchange information between the characters.

While learning to write dialogues for a novel, an important question to ask is how to write dialogue between two characters?

An important point to remember is that dialogues serve the purpose of exchanging information between characters; not directly to the readers.

These dialogues help in moving the story forward.

You need to keep in mind that the characters need to express their thoughts and reveal details that are relevant to the interactions they are having with another character.

Try to avoid details that are redundant or completely unnecessary.

It will only create confusion in the readers if you put extra information that is just not required in the specific scene being written.  

Here are some good dialogue examples-

Context: Two siblings are discussing their estranged, wealthy father.

The Unrealistic Way: “Ever since Mom died five years ago and left us her vintage car, Dad hasn't spoken a single word to either of us”.  

The Realistic Way: “Five years, Sarah. Five years, and the only time he opens his mouth is to have his lawyer ask about the keys to that damn Mustang”.

5. Avoid information dumping.

One of the best tips for writing dialogues you will ever receive is to avoid information dumping.  

Quite often, when an author is at the beginner level, they tend to drop large amounts of information in a chapter at the same time.

This is known as information dumping. It breaks the flow of the story, which is not a good thing if you want people to read the whole book.

And in most cases, the readers end up losing interest in the story.

More often than not, all the information does not need to be put in the same chapter; especially at the beginning of the book.    

When you reveal the details of a story, you need to do it in a way that feels natural and interesting.

It is best to unravel the details (or information) of the story through your characters.

Let them “discover” and convey the information to the readers through their dialogues.

If it feels too expository to reveal all the info through dialogues, have your characters do it through their actions.

6. Enhance a conversation with details.

If you are starting your writing journey with short stories rather than a novel, then you might be wondering, how to write dialogues in a short story?      

A short story limits the number of words within which you need to tell everything that needs to be said in the story.  

Hence, it is advisable that you give out details through the dialogues.

Also, the details themselves do not even have to be in the dialogues. They can be in the descriptions that follow the dialogues.

For example, when you write, “Yes, I was there”, she said biting her fingernails, you portray a character who was nervous because she has something to hide.

Plus, when you write a long dialogue without any description accompanying that dialogue, it has the tendency to bore the readers.

When you add descriptions to the dialogues, it enriches the narrative and provides context.

Descriptions also help the readers to have a better understanding of the characters, their emotions, motivations and the environments where the scenes are taking place.

7. Give the dialogues a purpose.

When it comes to writing tips, this one often features in lists of top 10 tips for writing dialogues.

Give the dialogues you write for your characters a purpose!

Keep in mind that the dialogues need to work towards the unraveling of the story.

Each conversation between two or more characters should reveal something about the characters themselves or the plot of the book.

If a particular dialogue seems irrelevant or unnecessary to the reader, she may skip over those dialogues.

And that is not something you want as an author.

8. Keep the use of technical language to a minimum.

Have you been thinking, how to write realistic dialogues?

An important point to remember while trying to write realistic dialogues is to keep the use of technical language to a minimum.

As a general rule, every character in your novel should have their own way of talking. They’ll have certain words that only they use.

This helps in identifying the character once their initial introduction has been made. It also helps in making the character believable.

However, remember that not all readers might be familiar with certain industry (legal, medical, investment banking, computer coding or weaponry) jargons.

So, don’t get carried away while using them in your book.

Using too many shorthands or technical words in your dialogues would only confuse the readers. And that is not a good thing.

If you need to explain a technical incident in the book, try to do it in the simplest of terms.    

9. Fix specific plot goals for a scene.

An essential aspect you need to take care of for writing effective fiction dialogues is the specific plot goals of a particular scene or chapter.

If needed, write them down as bullet points before you start writing the dialogues so that you don’t miss any vital detail that needs to be mentioned in that chapter or scene.

For example, are you trying to portray the aftermath of a bad breakup; convey some information that is vital for moving the story forward; or making the character recover after a bad fall?

Before writing, think about the best way to unfurl the information as well as the emotions being felt by the characters at this point of the story.

10. Read the dialogues out loud.

One of the best ways to figure out if the dialogues you have written sound realistic or not is to read them out loud.    

Read them multiple times. Edit them if it does not sound the way you want them to.

Make sure that the dialogues you have written align perfectly with the characters’ specific diction and “behaviour”.

Ask yourself the question, is this how they should speak? Is this how they would speak when they are angry or happy?

Would they say these specific words at this very moment in time (of the story)?

11. Study real people in the real world.

While writing dialogues for your characters, you want to make them sound as authentic as you can.

And for that to happen, you’ll need to know your characters inside out. You would need to know (decide) exactly how they speak and also, how they react to things or situations.

In other words, you would need to have a strong foundation for character development.

And for you to create characters whose words sound super-realistic, you would need to go out into the world and study real people.

Go sit on a park bench, take the metro to a station that’s half an hour from your home (and back), browse the snacks aisle at a department store; just put yourself near people, in a place where you can listen to conversations without coming off as being intrusive.

Listen closely and learn how different people talk differently and react differently to different circumstances.

Once you are done, try to use that knowledge while writing dialogues for your novels.

Writing Realistic Dialogues FAQs

How long should a single stretch of dialogue be?

A cardinal creative writing tip is that while writing sentences, don’t make them too long. The same rule is applicable while writing dialogues.

You need to break up long dialogues with tiny descriptions of action. For example- pouring a drink, pacing the room, or with a crooked smile.

Doing this would help the reader to “see” and understand the story a little better. And hence, follow the sequences of the story easily.

If you keep writing dialogues that are too long, the reader might get lost in the dialogues and forget about the picture or scene you are trying to portray in that chapter.

Also, it is best to avoid long monologues as it might start feeling more like a lecture after a while.

When should I use dialogue tags like ‘he shouted’ or ‘she whispered’?

The truth is that most readers skip over ‘said’, ‘asked’ and other similar words that accompany a dialogue. Many people find them distracting.

Skipping those words helps them stay focused on the dialogues going back and forth between the characters of the book.

So, it is advisable to use such descriptive dialogue tags only when the action or tone is not clear from the context.

For example- You don’t need to add ‘he said angrily’ with a dialogue. If the dialogue is well-written, the anger felt by the character would be obvious.  

Should I include “ums”, “uhs” and filler words to make dialogue sound natural?

As an unwritten but understood rule of writing dialogues in a novel, it is best to avoid filler words such as “um”, “uh” and “hmm” etc.      

When a person is reading a novel, filler words can feel like clutter. It slows down the pace of the story and reduces the beauty or effect of the dialogues.

Writing realistic dialogues in a novel involves imitating real-life conversations and giving it your own touch; not replicating it.

However, if you are writing a scene where the character is super-nervous about something, then you can use a few filler words in order to express her nervousness.

You can also use filler words as a part of a character-quirk.  

Is it okay to use slang or heavy accents?

While writing dialogue for novels, you need to approach the subject of using slang words and heavy accents with caution.

Readers can get tired of decoding heavy phonetic dialogues such as “Whatcha doin’ ‘round here”?

So, how can you convey a certain accent or place of origin of a character?

By using the words used by the people of that particular ethnicity or region.

You don’t need to use the exact shortened words that are used by the people that the character is based on.

What is “on-the-nose” dialogue, and how do I fix it?

When you search for how to write dialogue in a story example, you will find the rule of “on-the-nose” dialogue.    

Under this rule, you need to avoid writing “on-the-nose” dialogues as much as you can.

Basically, have your characters talk about a topic in a way that it insinuates the idea you want to convey instead of telling it directly in a dialogue.

For example- do not write “ “I am very angry at you for forgetting our anniversary”.

Instead of making a character say this directly to another character, you can use subtext in order to put forward the idea that the character is angry.

You can also communicate the character’s anger through the actions carried out by that particular character.

How do I make my characters sound different from one another?

In most realistic dialogue examples, you will see that the author pays close attention to the words being said by the characters.

And this includes the dialect being used by the character.

Doing this helps in giving each of the characters a kind of a ‘linguistic fingerprint’ that helps them in establishing their own place in the story.

For example- A teenager from Boston might use different words, sentence-lengths and rhythm of speech than someone who has spent their whole life in rural England.

They can also have their own specific habits, quirky routines they follow, favourite metaphors they use etc.        
     

Melting cheese dripping from a juicy burger; soft pancakes stacked on a plate with whipped cream, maple syrup and ripe strawberries at the top; a bowl full of salad with fresh tomatoes, avocados, crunchy cucumbers and crispy lettuce; a hot cup of cappuccino with the perfect quantity of foam at the top; and a refreshing glass of mango smoothie with ice-cream and tiny pieces of mangoes at the top.      

Food photographers are able to capture the essence of each food so efficiently that seeing just a photo can make your mouth water.

Whether you are a photographer who’s just starting out or simply someone who wants to document her culinary masterpieces, these food photography tips would help you in your journey.

Seven food photography tips for beginners—    

1. Use appropriate lighting.

The use of proper lighting is the most basic thing you can do in a photoshoot. And yet, it is a chief factor while trying to click great photos of food.

The kind of lighting you use in your food-photoshoot decides the colour accuracy, mood and appeal of the food items you are planning to photograph.

In most cases, it is best to use natural light, from a side-angle. Doing this helps in capturing the textures of the food.

It also helps in creating depth and contrast in the photographs.

The best way to use natural light is to place the food item in a way that the light source is at a 90° angle to the camera.

The result is that one side is illuminated while the other side falls under a shadow.

This photography trick works best while clicking photos of layered foods such as pancakes, burgers and tikkas.

What else?

Make sure to avoid harsh overhead lights or direct flashes while taking photos of food.

It can create glares and make the dish look flattened out. The food items in those photos can end up looking unappetizing.

You can use reflectors in order to redirect the lights being used in the photoshoot.

Doing this would help you to fill-up shadows, control the contrast and highlight the textures of the food to make them look real and uber-delectable.

2. Create a story.

Most food blog photography guides would tell you to create a story in order to make your food photos more engaging.

How can you create a story during a food photography shoot?

Set up the perfect background that goes with the items you are clicking.

While choosing the background for a food photoshoot, make sure that it does not take attention away from the items being photographed.

You also need to see if it goes with the vibe you are trying to portray.

For example, dark stained-wood is perfect for “moody shots” of food items such as luscious red wine, tasty roasted chicken or a soulful stew.

Once the background is done, choosing the props comes next.

Don’t use props just because they are easily available. Look for the props that make sense and compliment the whole set up.

If you don’t find what you need, you can try making them yourself.

You need to check if the props are in-sync with the story you are trying to narrate through the photos.

For example, while using serveware as a prop, you can use matte ceramic bowls and dishes as they look modern and hand-made, giving the food being photographed a sophisticated and homely look.

Try to avoid using shiny cutlery such as vintage silverware as it can create harsh reflections and ruin the photos.

Also, using neutral tones in the background and the props help in keeping the food items in full focus.

Professional food styling tips suggest that you can tell a story using the raw ingredients (scattered herbs, tiny bowls of spices etc.) that have been used in the dish.

Another important element that can be used to tell a story is the use of a person as a prop.

It doesn’t even have to be a whole person.

A hand holding an ice-cream cone; the face of a person with an excited expression, that same person holding a juicy burger in her hand, ready to bite in; another one sipping on a glass of fresh juice wearing a hat that covers her face; is enough to convey the message.

3. Try different angles.

One of the most common tips for food photography with phone and camera is to shoot from different angles.

When you shoot from different angles, you are able to capture different perspectives of the same food item.

When you capture different aspects of the same item, you can produce photos that look very different.

Almost every professional food photographer has a specific angle that they like to shoot in.

Though it’s important to see which angles work best for your kind of photography and to find your own style, try to not get stuck at just one angle.

Make sure that you take lots of photos from different angles. This way, you can see the varied results and choose the ones that look the best.  

Trying out different angles during a food photoshoot also helps in creating the story that needs to be told, and/or meeting the aesthetic and promotional needs of the clients.      

4. Use colours and textures.

One of the best tips for food photography for beginners is the proper utilisation of colours and textures.

A lot of professional food photographers use two or three colours while creating the whole background and foreground during a shoot.

Many use different shades of the same colour; while adding an “opposite colour” from the colour wheel, to create a scintillating contrast effect.

For example, while clicking a photo of a black currant ice cream cone, you can use a mango-flavoured (yellow colour) wafer as a topping.

The purple colour of the black currant ice cream goes beautifully against the yellow colour of the wafer, making the photo pop, and catch the viewer’s eye.

Use of texture is a key element in creating great photos of food. When it’s done right, using texture can breathe life into a photo.

While clicking photos of foods and beverages such as fruit juices, steaks, coffee, pizzas, breads and vegetables etc., texture can be shown in great detail.  

In order to show the texture of these foods, you can highlight components such as drips, crumbs, bubbles, steam, crystals and rough surfaces (of meat or grated food).

Other than showing the textures of the foods themselves, you can also use textured items as props in the background or the foreground of the photograph.

For example, vintage spoons or forks with intricate designs, crinkled pieces of parchment paper, a wrinkled linen-napkin, and plates or bowls with beautiful patterns for placing the food in.          

5. Create depth in the photograph.

A crucial tip for food photography at home or work is— create depth. Depth gives the photo a 3D look that makes the food items look very real, almost touchable!

You can use the Bokeh technique to create a shallow depth of field.

Doing this would help in eliminating any distraction in the frame and make the subject of the photos truly “pop out”.

In accordance with the Bokeh technique, use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) while clicking the photos.

This way, you can blur out the background and put the subject (a bowl of food) in focus.

Creating the perfect depth in photos takes a lot of practice. So, don’t give up hope if you don’t get the desired results at the first few tries.

Common mistakes beginners make while using the Bokeh technique—

a. Overexposure- Wide apertures tend to let in more light, creating unwanted overexposures in the photos.

You can balance out the overexposure and get the desired results by creating a balance with the correct shutter speed and ISO settings.

b. Misplaced focus- While trying to create a shallow depth of field, parts of your subject can get blurred.

So, make sure that you put focus on all the parts that you want to highlight in your photos.

Creating depth is such an indispensable factor of food photography that you can find it in almost all food photography composition guidelines.    

6. Use of aperture and ISO.

If you want to take great photos, you must learn how to use ISO and aperture.

You need to learn the relationship between ISO and aperture; learn how these two elements work together to create great photos.

Aperture (aka f-stop) is responsible for controlling the depth of field in photos.

As mentioned above, a wide aperture helps in creating a shallow focus and blurring out the background.

Doing this makes the textures of foods more apparent. It is especially useful in highlighting specific details of a dish; such as a garnish on top of pasta or bubbles in a cup of coffee.    

A narrow aperture helps in keeping the whole plate of food in sharp focus. It is usually ideal for photos shot from overhead angles that show the whole layout.

ISO is the factor that determines the camera's sensitivity to light.

While setting the ISO during a food-photoshoot, remember that it is best to use a very low ISO; which is between 100 to 200.  

Doing this would help you to reduce or remove all the graininess or noise in the photos and click photos that look almost perfect.

It would make the food in the photos look more appealing and yummy.

However, keep in mind that many restaurants have somewhat dimmed lighting to create a soothing or romantic vibe.

In such restaurants, you may have to increase the ISO values. You would also need to balance the ISO with the aperture and shutter speed properly.  

Only then can you get the desired results while shooting photos in semi-dark environments.

7. Shoot in RAW mode.

One of the most important food photography editing tips is for the shooting stage. And that tip is to shoot in RAW format.

Shooting in RAW is a total gamechanger. When you shoot in RAW, it saves all the image data that is captured by the camera’s sensor.

The photos are not compressed the way they are when you shoot in automatic mode.

Files like JPEGs lock-in properties such as contrast and white balance at a particular level (or value).

But RAW files give you the freedom to adjust those elements at the editing stage.

It is very useful while editing photographs of food that were clicked in places with tricky lighting; such as themed-restaurants and certain aesthetic kitchens.

RAW files will give you the ability to recover details even in bright highlights (sheen on a glaze) and to fix a yellow colour cast (the unwanted warm, yellowish tint seen in some photos).

Though RAW files are bigger in size, at the end, they provide better results than the photos shot in automatic.

Food Photography Tips FAQs

What is the 20-60-20 rule in photography?

The 20-60-20 rule in photography is a type of shooting strategy.

According to this strategy, a photographer is supposed to spend 20% of the shoot clicking basic photos that are considered to be safe shots.

Then, they are to use their creativity while capturing unique photos, and spend 60% of the shoot-time in doing so.

The 20% of the remaining shoot-time is usually left for experimenting and coming up with varied shots.

This is a great shooting strategy as it gives a photographer the chance to obtain the high-quality shots needed for a client, with some spare time left for her to feed the creative bug.

What tricks do food photographers use?

There are certain food photography tips restaurants and professional food photographers use while clicking photos of food.

a. Cardboard spacers are used to add height to food. It helps in elevating, stacking, and separating the layers of food.

Along with adding a few inches to the food item, it also creates more volume and better definition.

As a result, the food item could be photographed better than it would have been if it was in its previous position.

b. Toothpick is an essential element in styling the products during a food photoshoot.

They are used in elevating, stacking and stabilising various parts of dishes such as pancakes, burgers and sandwiches.

Toothpicks also help in creating a “floating” effect for artistic shots. They can be deleted while editing the photos in post-production.

c. Vegetable oil is added to fried or roasted pieces of meat to make them look juicier than they actually are.

d. Motor oil is dribbled down a stack of pancakes to make them look more appetizing. Motor oil is not absorbed by the pancakes the way honey or maple syrup is.

e. Glue is used in place of milk while photographing bowls of cereal. Glue does not make the cereal soggy.

f. Shaving cream is often used in place of whipped cream as it doesn’t melt.

g. Dish soap is used to create foam while photographing fizzy drinks, as foam created from dish soap lasts longer than the foam that is naturally created by these drinks.            

What are the 7 tips for taking good photographs?

With time and enough practice, it is possible for anyone to click good photos. And what are the tips for taking good photos?

a. The first step is to clean your camera’s lens. Always make sure that the lens is clear of dust, smudges and tiny bugs.

b. Learn the rule of thirds and use it religiously.

c. This one is obvious but needs to be said. Keep the camera stable!

d. Whenever possible, shoot in the ‘golden hour’ to make the best use of soft natural lighting.

e. Shoot from different angles to get different perspectives.

f. Simplify the background. Remove any object that does not serve any purpose in the narrative of the photograph.

g. While photographing humans or animals, keep the subject's eyes on focus.

Is food photography difficult?

Food photography might seem a bit difficult at the beginner stage.

However, with time, practice and proper guidance, you can become an expert at food photography.

One of the most important things to learn in food photography is the use of macro techniques.

Although food photography is not inherently macro photography, quite often, it uses macro techniques, gear and lenses to highlight the ingredients, its textures and other details of the subject.  

How to photograph food like a pro?

A key element of good photography is indirect daylight. The same tip can be found in any and all food photography basics as well.  

Find a semi-shaded spot on a sunny day for the perfect natural lighting conditions for photographing the subject of your choice.

Doing this would give the plate, bowl or glass of food or beverage you are clicking an even glow that can’t really be achieved with artificial indoor lighting.    

What are the 7 C's of photography?

The 7 C’s is an unofficial guideline of photojournalism.

The seven C’s stand for— composition, clarity, contrast, colour, candid, cropping and caption.  

What is the angle for food photography?

Have you been wondering, how to take better food photos? One important detail to pay attention to are the angles that you shoot from.

There are some tried and tested angles used in food photography that help in clicking some stunning photos.

Those angles are— 45° angle for showing the natural perspective of a person who’s eating the food, 90° angle for layouts showing a perspective from the top, and 0° angle for highlighting the layers of the food and showing an eye-level perspective.

The 45° angle is deemed to be the best one for food photography.          

We all get that “gut feeling” from time to time. Have you ever wondered why a gut feeling feels so physical? It is not just a metaphor.

After carrying out various experiments and studies, scientists have found that a complex two-way communication network exists between your gut (digestive system) and your brain.

This network is known as the gut-brain axis. They have also found that your gut and your mind (brain) are “talking” constantly.

These “conversations” come from trillions of microbes that are the residents of the gut microbiome and they are responsible for doing far more than just digesting the food you eat.

The microbes in your gut produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

These neurotransmitters affect your mood, stress levels, emotions and mental clarity.

In other words, the state of your gut determines how happy you are, your brain-function, how you handle stress, the way you think and your whole temperament.

The gut-brain axis links the central nervous system (brain/spinal cord) with the enteric nervous system (gut-brain).

It uses neural (vagus nerve), endocrine (hormones), immune, and metabolic pathways to carry out its functions.

In this blog, the gut-brain axis is explained in detail.

Here, you will discover the science behind the link between your gut-bacterial health and your mood; and the reason why a happy gut is necessary for having a balanced mind.                

Key Elements and Mechanisms of the Gut-Brain Axis

1. Bidirectional Communication: The git-brain axis engages in bidirectional communication. Signals are exchanged between the brain and the gut.

The state that the brain is in determines gut-function (secretions, permeability, motility etc.), while the condition of the gut affects a person’s mood, cognition, and stress-tolerating ability.

2. Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve is the longest, most extensive nerve in the autonomic nervous system that connects the brain to other vital organs (heart, lungs, gut etc.).

Because of this connectivity, direct and rapid signalling is possible between the two systems.

3. Enteric Nervous System (ENS): The Enteric Nervous System is a complex system that has about 200-600 million neurons lining the gastrointestinal tract, right from the esophagus to the rectum.

It is known as the “second brain”. The ENS has the ability to control digestion and immune responses independently.

4. Immune & Endocrine Systems: The gut-brain axis and stress are interrelated.

It is a known fact that about 80% of the immune system resides in the gut. And it responds according to changes in a person’s gut-health.

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is responsible for managing stress and releasing cortisol; both of these factors impact a person’s gut health.

5. Gut Microbiota: Microbes in the gut produce neuroactive compounds, such as neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine) and metabolites (short-chain fatty acids).

These neuroactive compounds are responsible for the state of your brain chemistry.

And that is how a person’s gut-brain axis and mental health are connected.  

How does gut bacteria affect your mood?

1. Neurotransmitter Production: It has already been established that gut bacteria produces neurotransmitters.

In fact, as many as 90% of the body’s serotonin, dopamine and GABA are produced in the gut.

These neurotransmitters are in charge of regulating a person’s mood and sleep. They are also responsible for controlling feelings such as fear and anxiety.

2. Immune System Modulation: When there's a disbalance in the microbiome, it can lead to the inflammation of the gut.

When that happens, the immune system gets triggered and releases compounds that impact brain-signaling and lowers the mood.

3. Metabolite Production: Bacteria in the gut breaks down fibre. As a result, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, are produced.

Butyrate is incredibly important for maintaining the blood-brain barrier and the regulation of neuroinflammation.

A lack of butyrate can cause anxiety and depression in a person.

4. Stress Response (HPA Axis): A person’s gut bacteria influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

The HPA oversees the regulation of stress hormones such as cortisol.

When a person has a healthy microbiome, it helps in stress-management. An unhealthy gut can make a person have a high-stress response.

A high-stress response is the body’s fight or flight response to perceived danger.

When this high-stress response stays in active mode constantly, it can lead to a host of mental health issues.

Those mental health issues include anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, and depression.

Things you can do to support the Gut-Brain Axis

1. Dietary Changes: To make sure that the beneficial bacteria in the gut are thriving, consuming foods with high-fibre, prebiotics and probiotics is necessary.

2. Lifestyle Management: If you want to have a healthy microbiome, you need to follow certain lifestyle habits.

Those habits include getting enough sleep (7-9 hours/night), exercising regularly (walking, swimming, cardio etc.), reducing stress (by meditating).

3. Probiotics: There are certain probiotics that may help alleviate some mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

It can be done by restoring balance to the gut microbiome.

Gut-Brain Axis FAQs

How can I improve my gut-brain axis?

The elements that influence the state of the gut-brain axis might seem simple enough but it is not always easy to adhere to them.

To maintain a healthy gut-brain axis, you need to nourish the gut microbiome and keep your nervous system calm.

To achieve those goals, you would need to follow a certain lifestyle and keep stress at bay.

And what sort of lifestyle should it be?

The kind where you need to eat foods with high-fiber, prebiotics and probiotics in them. For example, yogurt, legumes, fruits, nuts, vegetables and kimchi etc.

In addition to this, you would need to engage in some form of exercise on a daily basis; and get an adequate amount of sleep (7-9 hours/night).

What are the symptoms of gut-brain axis dysfunction?

The symptoms of gut-brain axis dysfunction include constipation, abdominal pain, constant bloating, diarrhea, brain fog, mood swings, fatigue, anxiety and depression.

A dysfunction in the gut-brain axis occurs when there’s a bidirectional breakdown between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.

When there’s a dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, it is manifested as chronic digestive issues along with neurological and/or immune-related distress.      

Is it true that 90% of serotonin is in the gut?

Yes. Almost 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut. It influences gut immunity to a great extent.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that is responsible for transmitting messages among the cells of the body.

Serotonin is vital to the smooth functioning of various bodily processes such as healing of wounds, sleep-regulation, mood-regulation, maintaining bone health, cardiovascular health and the digestive system.

What foods boost the brain-gut axis?

If you want to boost the brain-gut axis, these are the foods you would need to consume fairly frequently— fruits, vegetables, nuts (walnuts etc.), green leafy vegetables, garlic, onion, leeks, yogurt, kimchi, seeds (flaxseeds etc.), and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel etc.)    

What is the 7 day gut reset?

The 7-day gut reset is a short-term plan that is helpful in improving digestion, reducing bloating and increasing energy levels.

It can be achieved through clean eating and making certain lifestyle changes.

If you want to reset and repair your gut, you need to avoid processed foods, reduce sugar and limit your alcohol intake.

And include foods that are rich in fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics in your daily-diet. You would also need to stay properly hydrated throughout the day.

How to heal your gut naturally?

Gut-brain connection research has proved that in order to heal your gut naturally, you need to pay attention to physical as well as mental elements of wellbeing.

Those elements include-

a. A healthy diet.

A healthy diet basically comprises foods rich in fibre, a wide range of plant-based foods (such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, and legumes), and fermented foods (such as yogurt and kimchi).

b. Regular exercise.

Indulge in some type of exercise atleast 4-5 times a week. It needs to be something that raises your heartbeat a few notches.

But it should not be so rigorous that you find it extremely difficult to breathe.

c. Proper sleep.

If you are an adult, you need atleast 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

d. Managing stress.

This can be done through yoga, meditation, art, talking to your loved ones etc. Everyday, spend a few minutes doing things that make you happy and feel relaxed.

e. Avoid junk food.

The kitchen or pantry is filled with processed foods in most homes; ready-to-eat snacks, chips, canned beans, and frozen delicacies that are easy to cook.

As much as you can, avoid consuming these foods that look okay and taste great, but have an adverse effect on your health in the long run.

f. Avoid sugar.

Sugars that are present in foods naturally are mostly okay, unless you are diabetic. Hence, you can eat sweet fruits and vegetables.

But the sugar you consume from processed food is incredibly harmful to your body and mind.

Most processed foods that may seem harmless— cakes, coffees, cookies, donuts, juices, chips, peanut butter, waffles, chocolates etc.— have added sugar in them.

These artificially added sugars create a host of health issues including heart diseases, acne, obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, depression, and cancer.  

What is the 3 to 3 poop rule?

The “3 to 3” poop rule denotes that a healthy bowel movement can range anywhere between three times a day and three times a week.

This is considered to be healthy and normal for adults. As many as 95-98% of healthy adults fall under this range of bowel movements.

When it comes to bowel movements, consistency is more important than a super-strict everyday routine.

What are the 4 R's of gut repair?

The 4 R’s of gut repair is a process that includes four steps. Those steps are—

a. Remove (Elimination of Irritants).

At this step, the goal is to reduce inflammation by removing substances that irritate the gut lining or disrupt the microbiome.

Those substances may include foods such as processed foods, excessive alcohol, foods with added sugars and certain allergens (dairy, gluten etc.)

It also includes reducing chronic stress and environmental toxins that can alter the condition of your gut.

b. Replace (Digestive Support).

This step puts emphasis on replacing those essential elements that are required by your body but are not being produced in the quantity that is needed to break down all the consumed food properly.

Those essential elements include hydrochloric acid (HCl), bile salts and digestive enzymes.

c. Reinoculate (Microbiome Balance).

The steps mentioned above would help in reducing inflammation of the gut interiors.

So, in this step, the focus is turned towards recreating  a diverse and healthy variety of microbes in the gut.

In order to do that, you would need to consume foods that fall under the category of probiotics and prebiotics.

Basically, make foods like curd, kimchi, asparagus, garlic, leeks, cucumbers, bananas, berries, nuts, leafy greens, oats, olive oil, broccoli, sauerkraut and onions a part of your regular diet.

d. Repair (Structural Healing).

At the final stage, you need to provide the specific nutrients that are required for healing the intestinal wall and strengthen structure efficiently.

And for that purpose, you need to consume foods that have Omega-3 Fatty Acids and L-Glutamine.

Make sure that your diet includes eggs, dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk etc.), fish, chicken, nuts, beans, lentils, red cabbage, seeds, chickpeas and corn as these foods contain L-Glutamine.    

Foods you can consume to get the required amount of Omega-3 Fatty Acids are seeds & nuts (Flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds), fatty fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon, herring and hilsa), plant oils (soyabean, canola and flaxseed), yogurt, eggs, and soya milk.

You also need to consume soothing herbs such as aloe vera, slippery elm and marshmallow root for repairing your gut.

How to detox your brain?

In order to detoxify your brain, you need to support its natural waste-removal system (the glymphatic system) by providing the things needed for it to work efficiently.

To optimize the brain’s glymphatic system, you need about 7-9 hours of proper sleep. You would also need to follow a healthy diet, limit alcohol intake, avoid processed foods, reduce stress-factors, reduce screen-time, exercise regularly and meditate.

Doing these things help in reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function and boosting overall brain function.              

In the world of movies and TV series, science fiction is a pretty popular genre. And why is sci-fi so popular amongst the masses?

Maybe because science fiction gives us a glimpse of things that can happen in the future.

Science fiction creates a world with gadgets, vehicles, houses and habitats that are way more interesting than the ones we actually have in the real world.

Are you a lover of all-things-sci-fi?

Then explore these nine best contemporary sci-fi series— a must-read list for any dedicated fan of the genre.    

1. The Expanse. (No. of Seasons-6)

The Expanse is deemed to be one of the most scientifically accurate TV series in contemporary times.

With the backdrop set centuries ahead in the future, the Expanse gives us a taste of what can become of the world if humans started residing on other planets.

They show a future where Mars and space have been populated by humans. There are conflicts taking place between the people residing on Earth, Mars and the Belt.

‘The Belt’ refers to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, where billions of ‘Belters’ live. These humans are exploited by the people of Earth and Mars for valuable resources like minerals and ice.

The people of Mars have their own independent military force, Earth has a functional political system; while the people of the Belt do everything they can to survive.

At the beginning of the show, a spaceship captain and a detective partner up to find a missing young woman.

Soon, this attempt to find the woman turns into a chase across the galaxy, supported by the other crew members running the spaceship, and a U.N. official.

Eventually, as the mystery unfolds, existential threats from mysterious alien technology are revealed.

Actors featured in the Expanse— Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Frankie Adams, Thomas Jane, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Cara Gee, Anna Hopkins, Jared Harris, Athena Karkanis, Vanessa Smythe, Elizabeth Mitchell, Nadine Nicole, Lola Glaudini, Florence Faivre, David Strathairn, Keon Alexander and Nadine Nicole.

Amazing acting by the cast members made the whole story even more interesting.

2. The 100. (No. of Seasons-7)

This is one of those sci-fi series that truly makes you wonder, what if. What if this really happened? What if we can’t cope? What if we can?      

Would we be able to survive in a world like that? The questions this show forces us to ponder over are endless. And that’s what makes this show so great.  

The screenplay is just too interesting. The best part of this show is perhaps the storyline that runs parallelly in space and post-apocalyptic Earth.

And then, there’s the brilliant acting of its vast cast. They make the characters very real and believable.

The 100’s huge cast includes well-known actors such as Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, Thomas McDonell, Marie Avgeropoulos, Lindsey Morgan, Christopher Larkin, Sachin Sahel, Richard Harmon, Tasya Teles, Devon Bostick, Paige Turco, Henry Ian Cusick, Isaiah Washington, JR Bourne, Ricky Whittle, Zach McGowan, Lola Flanery, Eli Goree, Shelby Flannery and Shannon Kook.

The 100 shows the aftermath of a nuclear war. It is set 97 years post-war, when most of humanity lives in a giant space-station.

And they decide to send 100 young prisoners back to Earth to see if it has become habitable in current times.

The plan was for everyone in the space-station to return to Earth once its livability was confirmed.

But due to technical issues, their plans change and so do the lives of the 100 who descended to their home planet.        

3. Star Trek. (No. of Seasons-51)

Star Trek is hands down the best sci-fi series of all time. You may disagree if you want. But, there is a huge number of people who would agree with this.

Originally broadcast in 1966, Star Trek has been running for four generations. Not four years, not four decades but four generations! That’s how great this show is.

Even though there have been other space-related science fiction TV series before, Star Trek is still considered to be a pioneering one.

Star Trek is loved by so many generations because it envisions an optimistic future where humanity as a whole has overcome its shortcomings.

Humans have left behind things like racism, greed, discrimination, sexism and poverty, and spend their days exploring space.

Star Trek shows great unity amongst the people of the show, irrespective of their race, rank or familial background.

The setting of the show is the 23rd and 24th centuries, centering on the United Federation of Planets.

The United Federation of Planets is an interstellar alliance group that is dedicated to a peaceful coexistence, scientific discovery and development of the society as a whole.

The main protagonists of the show are the members of the crew of the USS Enterprise that are on a “five-year mission” to explore deep space.

The crew, led by iconic characters like the charismatic Captain James T. Kirk and the logically driven Vulcan, Mr. Spock, navigates the Milky Way to “boldly go where no man has gone before.”

Their journey is not merely about physical travel but about the moral and philosophical dilemmas encountered while meeting new civilisations.

Should the crew help the people (aliens) of the new civilisation they meet? Or should they let them be, even if these people asked for the Captain’s help?

What could be the consequences of helping people that they have just met? And is the crew ready to face those consequences?

These encounters often serve as allegories for contemporary social issues, including civil rights, inequality and the ethics of technology.

Star Trek has been running for so many decades because people are able to relate to the story-line.

Over the years (from 1966- 2026), the franchise expanded into series like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: The Animated Series, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

From the diplomatic mastery of Captain Jean-Luc Picard to the gritty realities of a space station on the frontier of a galactic war, the show maintains a core belief in human capabilities.

By prioritizing diplomacy and empathy over conquest, Star Trek continues to be a beacon of hope.

It presents the idea that our greatest achievements lie in our ability to understand and embrace the “strange new worlds” both in space and within ourselves.

In addition to the TV series, there are multiple Star Trek movies that were released between 1979 and 2016.

These movies were released in movie theatres. Many of the latest Star Trek movies are available on multiple OTT platforms for your viewing pleasure.

Over the decades, Star Trek had cast many prolific actors such as Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, George Takei, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, DeForest Kelley, Majel Barrett, Eddie Paskey, Christina Chong, Jess Bush, Ethan Peck, Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Carol Kane, Celia Rose Gooding, Paul Wesley and Melissa Navia.

4. Doctor Who. (No. of Seasons-26)

Doctor Who can easily be ranked within the Top 5 in a sci-fi TV series list.

Its first episode aired in 1963! Hence, it is the longest-running science fiction TV series.

Doctor Who follows the heroic adventures of an alien known as ‘The Doctor’. He’s a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who, time and again, keeps saving humankind.

Doctor Who can travel through time and space in the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space).

The TARDIS is a ship that’s disguised as a 1960s British police box and is much bigger on the inside than it seems to be from the outside.

In each season of Doctor Who, he has a sidekick known as the ‘Companion’. The Companion accompanies him in his adventures and the quest to save humans as well as other species (aliens).

Oftentimes, this Companion comes to the rescue of the Doctor when he needs to be rescued. The Companion also helps and sometimes, challenges Doctor Who.

Together, they face notorious adversaries like the genocidal, tank-like Daleks, the emotionless Cybermen, and the Master (a treacherous Time Lord).

At its core, Doctor Who is a celebration of intellect and empathy over violence.

Armed with a ‘sonic screwdriver’ rather than a weapon, Doctor Who intervenes in galactic crises and historical turning points to protect the innocent.  

Whether visiting the end of the universe or Victorian London, the series remains a whimsical yet profound exploration of humanity’s potential and the infinite possibilities of the cosmos.

The show has been able to go on for this long as it is built around the concept of regeneration.

Every time the Doctor gets mortally wounded or aged, their body goes through a biological transformation.

And when that happens, they end up with a new physical form and personality. However, their memories remain the same.

As a result of this aspect of the plot, a multitude of actors have played the character of Doctor Who over the decades.

And each of them had become quite popular and loved by the audience.

Superb acting by David Tennant, Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper, Matt Smith, Jodie Whittaker, Peter Capaldi, Karen Gillan, Catherine Tate, Jenna Coleman, Ncuti Gatwa, John Barrowman, Noel Clarke, Tosin Cole, Bernard Cribbins, John Simm, Tom Baker, Mandip Gill and Freema Agyeman had made the show even better.

The last episode of Doctor Who was broadcast in 2025. There are plans for making another season of Doctor Who. It has been anticipated that the new season will be broadcast in the year 2027.            

5. The Mandalorian. (No. of Seasons-3)

The Mandalorian is one of the best sci-fi space series you will ever watch. It is a spin-off of the Star Wars franchise.

This uber-entertaining TV series has been set five years after the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi.  

The Mandalorian has been hailed as a space-Western that pretty much revived the whole Star Wars franchise.

They were successful in doing that by shifting the focus from epic Jedi battles to the gritty, lawless edges of the galaxy.

The series follows the adventures (or rather the misadventures) of Din Djarin. He’s a helmet-wearing bounty hunter who’s a member of a group of warriors with strict rules.

One of those rules is that he needs to keep wearing his helmet at all times, even when he’s asleep!

Why, you may ask?

Because he is forbidden from showing his face to anyone.

As the show begins, his life turns upside-down when a well-paying contract to collect a “package” leads him to a mysterious ‘Force-sensitive’ little child.

This child belonged to the same species that Master Yoda is from. His name is Grogu. Throughout the show, Grogu is referred to as “the Child”.

As he interacts with the “package” aka Grogu aka “the Child”, his humanity awakens and he refuses to deliver him to the person who put out the bounty.

Djarin protects the child from the ones who are hunting him. And in the process, turns into a fugitive in front of his own guild.  

As he does everything he can to reunite the Child with his own kind, he navigates the galaxy carefully.

Along the way, he forms alliances with iconic characters such as the legendary Bo-Katan Kryze and the former shock trooper Cara Dune.

The Mandalorian beautifully blends stagecraft visuals (using high-tech) with a grounded, paternal emotional-core to which the audience is able to relate instantly.

This hit TV series explores the themes of redemption, honour and fatherhood.

It’s extremely talented cast includes Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano, Jon Favreau, Emily Swallow, Dave Filoni, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosario Dawson, Nick Nolte, Temuera Morrison, Rosario Dawson, Timothy Olyphant, Omid Abtahi, Taika Waititi and Ming-Na Wen.

The show is going to shift to the big screen in the form of a movie titled 'The Mandalorian & Grogu', set to be released in May, 2026.  

This movie would further strengthen their place in the whole Star Wars legacy.  

6. Westworld. (No. of Seasons-4)

Westworld is counted amongst the best sci-fi T.V. series.

Though the core idea itself is not completely new, the twists and turns in the story make the whole narrative incredibly interesting.  

Created by Jonathan Nolan (also known for creating Interstellar, Memento, Person of Interest etc.) and Lisa Joy (Reminiscence), Westworld has been described as a  mind-bending dystopian odyssey that takes the audience along for an emotional rollercoaster ride.

At the beginning of the series, a technologically advanced, Wild-West-themed amusement park is shown. But it’s an amusement park like no other.

Owned by a big corporation, the park is inhabited by “hosts” who are basically real-looking robots in human form.

The rich pay big-bucks to visit this amusement park and play out their deepest and quite often, darkest fantasies.

Be it playing the role of a hero who saves someone or a villain who gets violent with the hosts of the park.

The visitors know that the hosts are programmed to never retaliate against them.

The show explores the evils of the human mind. It explores how far humans are willing to go in order to fulfill their fantasies if no one is holding them accountable for their actions.

At the beginning, the character of Dolores Abernathy is shown, who plays the role of a “damsel in distress”.

Slowly, she starts to discover that her “reality” is more of a loop constructed meticulously in order to keep a high-paying visitor happy.

As the story unfolds, so does chaos.

Westworld is graced by a well-known cast namely— Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Aaron Paul, Ed Harris, Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Angela Sarafyan, Tessa Thompson, Vincent Cassel, Ben Barnes, Jimmi Simpson, Luke Hemsworth, Rodrigo Santoro, Talulah Riley, Simon Quarterman, Shannon Woodward, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal and Ariana DeBose.

The story eventually evolves into a greater conflict over free will, humanity’s right to survive, and the synthetic robot’s rightful place on Earth.

7. Fringe. (No. of Seasons-5)

The Fringe is definitely one of the best science TV series on OTT platforms. Like the name suggests, Fringe explores the boundaries of “fringe” science.

Fringe science is that section of science that includes unconventional theories such as telepathy, alternative medicine, UFOs etc.

The series follows the cases investigated by an FBI Special Agent (Olivia Dunham), accompanied by Peter Bishop and his “mad scientist” father, Dr. Walter Bishop.

As they investigate more and more cases, the fact that these events are not random is revealed.  

They discover that the cases (shapeshifters, telepathy, genetic mutations etc.) are like mild tremors of a thinning veil between our world and a parallel universe.

As the plot unfolds, it is shown that they are heading into an inter-dimensional conflict.

It is also revealed that Walter’s past attempts to save his son might have played a role in damaging the fabric of reality.

In the later seasons, the story turns complex as a war for survival between two earths arises.

However, at the core, it was really about the lengths a father would go to in order to save his son.

The Fringe TV series was created by a genius trio of filmmakers—  J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci.

The series cast numerous accomplished actors such as Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Anna Torv,  Jasika Nicole, Lance Reddick, Kirk Acevedo, Blair Brown, Mark Valley, Michael Cerveris, Aaron Ashmore, Shawn Ashmore, Gillian Jacobs, Seth Gabel, Ryan McDonald, Jared Harris, Georgina Haig, Kevin Corrigan, Chance Kelly and Michael Kopsa.    

8. Black Mirror. (No. of Seasons-7)

In a list of top 10 sci-fi series on Netflix, Black Mirror has ranked in the 4th position.

This dark and satirical anthology was created by Charlie Brooker. It shows the adverse effects of technology; and all the evils it could bring.

Each episode shows a different technology being used, creating a “what if” kind of situation.

And each episode shows how the use of this specific piece of technology can lead to absolutely devastating consequences.

The name ‘Black Mirror’ itself symbolises the cold, reflective screen of a smartphone, TV, tablet, or monitor (desktop/laptop etc.).

It symbolises the darkness that lurks behind the screens, once the gadgets are turned off (or the screens are locked).

Black Mirror covers a wide range of topics such as police procedurals, political thrillers, existential horror and heartbreaking romance.

However, its recurring themes portray more relatable scenarios such as the effects of social media validation, the slow decline of privacy, and the ethics around digital consciousness.

The episodes that viewers just could not stop watching depict stories where-

a. Social credit systems determine a person’s path in life.

b. Simulated realities where people can live forever.

c. Technology that allows the living to communicate with the dead.

Black Mirror is a show that constantly reinvents itself and almost predicts what might happen in the near-future.

For many viewers, Black Mirror acts as a reminder that while technology may be an important tool in the present world, the true glitch in the system is usually human nature.

After the massive success of Season 7 (in 2025), Black Mirror has been renewed for another season.

Season 8 is expected to be released in late 2026 or early 2027.

Since Black Mirror shows a different story in every episode, it has a huge cast that keeps changing. Many of those cast members are well-known and well-loved faces.

Some of the actors who played a role in Black Mirror— Michaela Coel, Jesse Plemons, Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, Hayley Atwell, Cristin Milioti, Anthony Mackie, Toby Kebbell, Alex Lawther, Aaron Paul, Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Whittaker, Anjana Vasan, Hannah John-Kamen, Domhnall Gleeson, Wyatt Russell, Claire Keelan, Oona Chaplin and Malachi Kirby.

9. Stranger Things. (No. of Seasons-5)

Stranger Things is one of the best contemporary science fiction series. This show has become a cult-favourite like no other.

In the show, “strange things” start happening in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The era shown in Stranger Things is the 1980s.

So, for many people, the show brings feelings of nostalgia.

When it comes to genre, Stranger Things is supernatural, horror, coming-of-age, suspense, crime, investigative drama— all rolled into one.

At the beginning of the series, a boy, Will Byers goes missing. The incident shakes up the sleepy little town as things like these rarely happen here.

After the boy’s disappearance, a group of people get together to solve the mystery. Four best friends, a cynical police chief, a worried mother, and a girl with telekinetic powers known as Eleven.

As the story unfolds, they learn that something much bigger is at work here than a crook kidnapping a child.

Their quest leads them to discover many horrific elements such as the mirror-dimension filled with monsters like the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer.

Though the ‘Dungeons and Dragons-style’ monsters keep the audience entertained, it’s the character growth that keeps people hooked to this series.

The intense romance of Nancy and Jonathan, the endearing mentorship between Steve Harrington and the younger kids, and the friendship amongst the kids; all the portrayed relationships are beautiful and puts emphasis on the fact that family is something that you can create yourself, not just born into.  

In the later seasons, the threat evolves into a major psychological assault on the town, orchestrated by the powerful Vecna.

Vecna is a figure with deep ties to Eleven’s traumatic past.

Stranger Things presented its 5th and final season in 2026. A massive showdown took place between the residents of Hawkins and the encroaching darkness of the Upside Down.

Since the actors were kids when they were first cast in the show, they grew up in front of the audience’s eyes. People can see how they have grown and made their own place in this world.

The incredibly gifted cast of Stranger Things include Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, David Harbour, Natalia Dyer, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Joe Keery, Winona Ryder, Charlie Heaton, Maya Hawke, Dacre Montgomery, Matthew Modine, Jamie Campbell Bower, Priah Ferguson, Joseph Quinn and Brett Gelman.        

Science Fiction T.V. Series FAQs

What is the best sci-fi series currently?

Though the “best” sci-fi series is highly subjective and can differ from person to person, there are a few that are widely popular amongst the masses.

Hence, currently, The Expanse, Stranger Things, Fallout and Star Trek (Strange New World) are considered to be the best sci-fi series.  

Who are the big 3 of sci-fi?

When it comes to science fiction writers, the big three are Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Robert A. Heinlein.

These three prolific authors pretty much dominated the genre of sci-fi story-telling in the 20th century.

Their brilliant imagination and focus on science got generations of people hooked on the genre of science fiction.

Which is the No. 1 sci-fi movie?

There is no one “No. 1” sci-fi movie. The position of a number can be determined from various factors such as box office, influence, popularity, critical acclaim etc.

The Hollywood movie Avatar (2009) dominates the box office till date (2026), with an earning of $2.9 billion in worldwide box office.

However, there are a number of films that have been deemed all-time bests, such as The Matrix, Blade Runner, Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

These movies were able to ignite people’s imagination and entertain them at the same time.  

What is the most binge-worthy series?

Binge-worthy series are highly subjective and depend on a person’s preferences.

A few of the binge-worthy series include Money Heist, Squid Games, The Office, Supernatural, The Crown, Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, Hello Baccho, Parks & Recreation, Bridgerton, Kohrra, The Family Man, Panchayat, and Mirzapur.

Who is the godfather of sci-fi?

Jules Verne (1828-1905) is conventionally considered to be the father of science fiction.  

Is Alien Romulus flop?

Alien: Romulus premiered in the city of Los Angeles in 2024. Later, it was released for regular audiences in the USA by 20th Century Studios, on August 16.

Worldwide, this movie grossed $350.9 million revenue along with a lot of positive reviews. Hence, it can’t be called a flop film.  

What are the 10 most watched series?

In the category of series made by Hollywood, the 10 most watched series are— The 100, The Walking Dead, 13 Reasons Why, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Arrow, Orange Is the New Black, The Flash, Grey’s Anatomy, and Riverdale.

What's a good new sci-fi show?

The Eternaut, Alien: Earth, Murderbot, Cassandra, and Pluribus are five new sci-fi series that are worth your time and attention.  

What are some underrated series worth watching?

These are some underrated series worth watching— Black Mirror, American Gods, The Wire, Show Me a Hero, Mr. Robot, Northern Exposure, The Wonder Years, Southland, and Crime Story.            

When life gets too busy, sleep is the first thing we sacrifice, be it voluntarily or involuntarily. Ironically, proper sleep is also the thing we need the most when we are working hard.  

Even if we are not exerting ourselves on a daily basis, we need sleep.

When a person is sleeping, it may seem like they are doing nothing. But the complete opposite is true.    

The truth is that sleep is a biological need that is vital for the survival of humans. So much so that a person would die if they go without sleep for more than 11 days.

And after just three days without sleep, a person starts suffering from severe mental health issues such as delusions, paranoia, hallucinations and severe emotional dysregulation.

So, why do humans need sleep biologically?

Sleep is a biological ‘maintenance mode’ that is responsible for the upkeep of almost every system in the body.

Let us explore the reasons why sleep is important for humans—  

1. Proper sleep strengthens your immune system.

While you sleep, your body produces cytokines.

Cytokines are proteins (released by immune and non-immune cells) that aid the immune system in fighting off infections and inflammation.

It also helps in the production of red blood cells.

So, when you lose sleep on a regular basis, your immune system becomes weak.

The immune system is a great example of how a person’s sleep and health are related.

2. Sleep is vital for a person’s physical growth and tissue repair.

When you sleep, energy is diverted towards fulfilling inner tasks such as healing and development.

When you enter the non-REM stages of sleep, your body gets into a super-restorative mode that helps the body in healing, growth and muscle recovery.

In other words, the hormones released during sleep helps a person grow physically as well as mentally. They also help repair damaged tissues and cells.

This is why it is very important for kids and teenagers to get their required hours of sleep; which is between 9-12 hours of sleep per day.    

3. Sleep aids in neurological restoration.

It is a known fact that cognitive functions are deeply related to neurology.

Cognitive processes such as memory retention, language, attention span, and executive functions are physical proofs of neural activity.

And sleep plays a major role in the restoration of neurological functions; and by extension, in the maintenance of cognitive functions.

Wondering why the brain needs sleep?

While a person sleeps, the brain gets busy processing all the information it had gathered during the day.

At this step, the brain basically segregates the information from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Sometimes, the brain also discards the memories that are deemed unnecessary or too mundane.

Another important neurological task the brain carries out while a person sleeps is waste clearance.

Which is basically a plumbing system used to flush out toxins and metabolic waste (such as Beta-amyloid) from the central nervous system.

This process is carried out by the glymphatic system, which is a glial-dependent waste clearance pathway in the brain.      

4. Sleep is important for the regulation of the metabolic system.

Leptin, a hormone produced by fat tissues (called adipose) acts as the primary messenger to the brain.

Leptin is responsible for regulating appetite, metabolism and long-term energy of a person.

In other words, leptin sends the message to your brain when your stomach is full. And that is when you usually stop eating.

Ghrelin— the hunger hormone— produced mostly by the stomach, signals the hypothalamus part of the brain to increase appetite and initiate the process of eating.

Sleep is crucial when it comes to controlling the levels of leptin and ghrelin properly.

When a person does not get enough sleep, the level of ghrelin rises while the level of leptin falls.

As a result, hunger and food cravings increase. The person ends up eating more food than actually required by their body.

This leads to a host of other health complications such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.      

5. Sleep helps in keeping the hormones in balance.

It has already been established that sleep is essential in making sure that the hormones in the body stay in balance.

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It helps in regulating blood glucose levels.

When it comes to the way a person’s cells respond to insulin, sleep is a major factor.

Whenever a person suffers from sleep deprivation, it increases insulin resistance and reduces insulin sensitivity; even after just one night of improper sleep.

When a person misses proper sleep consistently (sleeping less than 6–7 hours per night), it disrupts their metabolism and causes liver, muscle, and fat cells to resist insulin.

This in turn increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 28%.  

Proper sleep is important in keeping the cortisol level in check. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone.

A lack of sleep causes the cortisol level to rise, triggering higher stress responses. Eventually, it leads to weight gain and anxiety.

When a person does not get the required amount of sleep, the reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) fall out of balance.

When the reproductive hormones fall out of balance, it leads to numerous reproductive-health related issues such as irregular menstruation, disruption in ovulation, preventing egg-release and embryo implantation.

In other words, it creates problems in conceiving a baby. It also creates problems in carrying a baby to full term.

A lack of sleep leads to improper melatonin production. Melatonin is important for regulating the body’s internal clock known as the Circadian rhythm.

Ironically, the Circadian rhythm is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles in people.    

6. Sleep is crucial for emotional regulation.

One of the most underrated functions of sleep is emotional regulation. However, it is a very important one.

The amygdala, located in the temporal lobes part of the brain, is known as the brain’s emotional centre.

It helps in processing various emotions such as fear, pleasure and anxiety. It helps in retaining memories. It also helps in determining how a person behaves in a social situation.

The amygdala is also vital in initiating the ‘fight or flight’ response to various threats a person may face, be it real or perceived.

A major benefit of sleep is that the amygdala keeps working the way it should. As a result, you react to things the way you should.

Getting the proper amount of sleep enables a person to have better control over their emotions, handle stressful situations efficiently and maintain an overall steady mood.

A person’s sleep schedule and sleeping habits are determined by their Circadian rhythm.

Click here to learn all about the Circadian rhythm.

Need for Sleep FAQs

How many hours of sleep do humans need?

A minimum of seven hours of sleep is recommended for adults. But the amount of sleep needed by humans can vary from person to person.

Other than age itself, factors like health status and activity level also determine how much sleep a person requires in a 24-hr time period.

According to science, the number of hours of sleep a person needs according to their age falls within a specific range.

This specific sleep-requirement has been mentioned in the table below.

What causes humans to need sleep?

When a person does not get enough sleep, it is very hard for them to maintain and strengthen the neural pathways in their brain.

These pathways are important for storing new information. Hence, it is crucial for memory consolidation and brain detoxification.

A lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration and slowed down responses.

The quantity and quality of sleep also determines how efficiently a person’s neurons (nerve cells) communicate with each other.

If the neurons in the brain don’t work well, then many physical and mental aspects of a person get affected.

So, why do we need sleep scientifically? To be the best we can be, physically, as well as mentally.  

What are the stages of sleep?

Just because you are asleep does not mean that you are totally inactive. Yes, you are less aware of what’s happening around you when you are asleep.

But, there are a number of things happening in your brain while you are asleep. So much so that there is detectable brain activity during a person’s sleep.

Brain activity during sleep follows a certain pattern. Those patterns have been categorized into two main stages— (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep.

REM stands for rapid eye movement.

NREM has three stages of its own. When a person falls asleep, they usually enter NREM Stage 1. Then they shuffle between NREM Stages 2 and 3.

Once these stages of sleep are complete, they go into the REM Stage of sleep. This is where all the dreams and nightmares are “seen” by the person.

Once the first REM cycle is complete, they start the sleep cycle again from either NREM Stage 1 or 2.

One whole sleep cycle with all the stages takes about 90-120 minutes, before another begins.

People who get atleast 8 hours of sleep regularly, go through four or five sleep cycles every night.

What are the effects of a lack of sleep?

Missing sleep on just one night can cause poor focus, low energy and reduced decision-making power. It can also leave you irritated.

If you face sleep deprivation for a long period of time, it can lead to a wide range of physical as well as mental health issues.  

Effects of sleep deprivation on the brain and body include—

a. A compromised immune system that does not do its job efficiently. Hence, you fall sick more often than considered normal.

b. Increased chances of having depression, anxiety and other similar mental health issues.

c. Affects how your body’s metabolism works. Therefore, it increases the risk of you becoming obese.

d. Puts you at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

e. Elevates the chances of you developing heart diseases.

f. Affects your mood, making you more irritated and impatient. This moodiness can affect your personal and professional life negatively.

g. Causes low energy; which can ultimately affect your productivity, causing problems at work.

Do I have to get all my sleep at once?

No. It is not necessary to complete all the hours of required sleep at once.

It is okay for you to take a nap during the day to fulfill your sleep-requirements if you have not been able to do so during the night.

Sleep customs vary by culture as well as time-period.

In many parts of the world, it is perfectly acceptable for people to take a nap in the afternoon; even if they are at work.

Many communities have their own sweet word for it. For example, ‘siesta’ in Spanish-speaking countries and ‘inemuri’ in Japan.

Historically, it was normal in some parts of the world for people to split up nighttime sleep into two different parts.

They slept for four hours, got up, did some work for a while and then slept for another four hours till it was time for them to get up for another day.

What are sleep disorders and which of them are more common?

Conditions that cause disruption in sleep and/or wakefulness are called sleep disorders.

There are six known types of sleep disorders in the main category. They are—

a. Insomnia.

b. Parasomnias.

c. Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (such as jet lag or shift-work sleep   disorder).

d. Sleep-disordered breathing disorders (such as sleep apnea).

e. Central disorders of hypersomnolence (like narcolepsy).

f. Sleep-related movement disorders (like restless leg syndrome).

There are various sorts of Parasomnias. They are classified on the basis of REM and NREM stages of sleep.

REM Sleep

a. REM sleep behavior disorder.

b. Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations.

c. Nightmare disorders.

NREM Sleep (Stages 1 and 2)

a. Teeth grinding (bruxism).

b. Exploding head syndrome.

c. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

d. Sleep starts or twitches (sleep myoclonus).

NREM Sleep (Stages 3)

a. Sleepwalking (somnambulism).

b. Sleep-related eating disorder.

c. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

d. Confusional arousals (partial waking with sleep inertia).

e. Night terrors.    

Don’t we all deserve a treat every now and then? A respite from the food we eat everyday is what we need in order to break the monotony life brings.

The same goes for our pets as well.

So, what’s stopping you from making delicious homemade treats for your furbabies?

If you are not familiar with dog-friendly recipes, do not fret.

We bring you easy dog treat recipes that would make it incredibly easy for you to give healthy treats to your dogs whenever you want.

However, make sure that you don’t use any ingredient that your dog may be allergic to.

Also, consider your dog’s dietary needs and her size. It is best to give them treats in moderation. Do not give them treats everyday or in large quantities.

Given below are six homemade dog treat recipes—                    

I. Apple Cinnamon Cookies.

Very few flavours are as luscious as cinnamon. When apple and cinnamon are put together, they have the capacity to create magic.

Along with these two ingredients, honey, egg, greek yogurt, flour, water and applesauce can be used in order to churn out mouth-watering apple cinnamon cookies.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                    Bake Time- 25 minutes.                                                                                                 Yield- About 24 cookies.          

Steps for making Apple Cinnamon Cookies:

1. Prep the station: Crank your oven to 175°C and prep a baking sheet with a layer of parchment paper.

2. Mix dry goods: In a large bowl, toss together the whole wheat flour, chopped dried apples, and cinnamon until well-combined.

3. Whisk wet goods: Use a separate container to beat the egg with 1/2 cup of applesauce and honey (if you're using it).

4. Form the dough: Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry, stirring until a dough forms; splash in a little water if it feels too crumbly.

5. Roll it out: Dust your counter with flour and roll the dough until it’s smooth and ¼ inch thick.

6. Shape the cookies: Press out your favorite shapes with cookie cutters and arrange them neatly on your prepared tray.

7. Glaze them up: Stir the rest of the applesauce with a hint of water to create a thin glaze, then brush it over the top of each cookie.

8. Bake to perfection: Slide them into the oven for about 25 minutes, or until they feel firm and show a light golden-brown tint.

9. Cool down: Transfer your treats to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.    

II. Pumpkin Pupcakes.

Does your dog love cakes but can’t really eat cakes meant for human-consumption?

Then this Pumpkin Pupcakes recipe is one of the best dog friendly recipes for cake you would find online.

All you need to do is combine whole wheat flour, eggs, a bit of cinnamon and canned (or fresh) pumpkin, bake the mixture and voila! The pupcakes are ready.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                             Bake Time- 25 minutes.                                                                                                           Yield- 12 pupcakes.

Steps for making Pumpkin Pupcakes:

1. Prep the oven and muffin tins: Preheat the oven to 175° C. While the oven is doing its job, pop in some cupcake liners (AKA baking liners) into a muffin tin.

If you don’t want to use liners, you can coat the inside of the muffin tin with butter or baking grease.

2. Whisk the dry base: In a large bowl, toss together your whole wheat flour, baking powder, rolled oats, and cinnamon powder until they're evenly mixed.

3. Blend the wet ingredients: Grab a separate bowl to combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey, water, and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth.

4. Combine the mixtures: Empty the wet ingredients into the dry bowl. Stir everything together until you have a consistent batter without any dry pockets.

5. Add the veggies: Gently add the shredded carrots and zucchini into the mix.

6. Portion the batter: Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup roughly two-thirds of the way up.

7. Bake to perfection: Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake it for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they're done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool it down: Let the pupcakes sit until they are completely cool before letting your dog have a taste test.          

III.  Peanut Butter Banana Bites.

Looking for a super-yummy treat recipe for your dog? Give this recipe of Peanut Butter Banana Bites a go.

Along with being easy-to-make treats, they are also incredibly healthy for your pup.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                  Freeze Time- 1 Hour.                                                                                                        Yield- About 20 pieces.

Steps for making Peanut Butter Banana Bites:

1. Prep the fruit: Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl, working them until the texture is nice and smooth.

2. Combine the wet base: Add the peanut butter, honey and Greek yogurt into the mashed bananas, stirring until the mixture is completely uniform.

3. Mix in the textures: In the same bowl, stir in the rolled oats until a dough forms. If you're using carrots and blueberries for an extra nutritional boost, stir those in as well.

4. Set up your tray: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a piece of butter paper to prevent sticking.

5. Shape the treats: Scoop out small, bite-sized portions with a teaspoon or your hands and set them on the baking sheet. For a little extra flair, you can roll the bites in unsweetened shredded coconut before placing them down.

6. Freeze to set: Slide the baking sheet into the freezer for 1 - 2 hours, or until the treats feel solid and firm to the touch.

7. Store and serve: Move the frozen bites into an airtight container or freezer bag. Keep them in the freezer and serve them chilled for a cool, soothing reward for your dog.

IV. Liver Popsicles.

When your dog’s health is of utmost importance to you, you try to give her the healthiest foods on a daily basis.

So, why should her treats be any different? To bring some culinary excitement into your pupper’s life, you can try this healthy dog treat recipe.

Prep Time- 10 minutes.                                                                                                 Freeze Time- 4 hours.                                                                                                     Yield- About 7 popsicles.

Steps for making Liver Popsicles:

1. Simmer the protein: Place your choice of liver (chicken or mutton) into a medium-sized saucepan and add the water.

2. Cook thoroughly: Bring the water to a boil, then put the heat on low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for roughly 10 minutes or until the liver is cooked all the way through.

3. Cool it down: Take the liver out of the pan and set it aside to cool completely.

4. Prep for blending: Once the liver is no longer hot, dice it into small, manageable chunks.

5. Create the puree: Toss the liver pieces, Greek yogurt, and peas into a food processor or blender. Keep blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.

6. Fill the molds: Carefully pour the liver blend into popsicle molds or an empty ice cube tray.

7. Add the handles: Place a popsicle stick into each individual compartment or mold.

8. Freeze solid: Put the tray or mold in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours, ensuring they are frozen completely solid.

9. Serve and enjoy: Pop the liver treats out of the molds and offer one to your dog as a cooling, savory reward.

10. Keep them fresh: Keep any remaining popsicles in a sealed, airtight container in the freezer for the next time your pup needs a snack.

V. Coconut Oil Delights.

Coconut Oil Delights are easy homemade dog treats that do not require that many ingredients.

They are basically a type of cookie that takes about 35 minutes to make.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                    Bake Time- 20 minutes.                                                                                                 Yield- About 20 pieces.

Steps for making Coconut Oil Delights:

1. Get the oven ready: Set your oven to 175°C so it’s nice and hot by the time you're finished prepping.

2. Liquefy the oil: Place the coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish or bowl and heat it for roughly 30 seconds until it has completely melted.

No need to follow this step if the coconut oil you are using is already in liquid form.

3. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, stir together the coconut oil, whole wheat flour, water, peanut butter, rolled oats, and egg. Work the mixture until a dough forms, adding a splash of extra water if it feels too crumbly.

4. Flatten the mixture: Dust your counter with a little flour and roll the dough out until it is approximately ¼ inch thick.

5. Punch out shapes: Use your favorite cookie cutters— bone shapes are always a hit— to cut out the treats. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake until crisp: Pop them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown finish.

7. Patience is key: Let the biscuits cool down completely on a wire rack or the counter before letting your pup have a crunch.

8. Keep them chilled: Place these Coconut Oil Delights in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks.  

VI. Carrot Crunchies.

If you are looking for easy dog treat recipes without peanut butter, then Carrot Crunchies is the right recipe for you to try.

This nutrition-high treat is not only scrumptious but also filling.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                    Bake Time- 30 minutes.                                                                                                 Yield- About 30 pieces.

Steps for making Carrot Crunchies:

1. Heat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 175°C and prepping a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

2. Combine the base: Toss the whole wheat flour and shredded carrots together in a large bowl until they are well mixed.

3. Prepare the liquids: In another bowl, whisk the applesauce, broth (chicken or veggie), and egg until combined.

4. Form the dough: Pour your wet mix into the flour and carrots, stirring until a dough is formed. Feel free to splash in a bit more broth if the texture seems too crumbly.

5. Add texture and herbs: Work the rolled oats into the dough. If you want to freshen your dog's breath, this is the perfect time to mix in some chopped parsley.

6. Roll it out: Dust your workspace with flour and roll the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.

7. Create your shapes: Use a knife or your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out individual treats.

8. Arrange the treats: Lay your cutouts onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

9. Bake until crisp: Bake the treats for about 30 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they feel firm and have a light golden-brown tint.

10. Cool down: Give the Carrot Crunchies plenty of time to cool completely before offering them to your pup.    

Dog Treat Recipes FAQs

Is it OK to cook for my dog every day?

Yes. It is okay for dogs to eat homemade food everyday. Just keep in mind that not all foods are safe for your dog to eat.

So, make sure that the food you cook for your dog does not contain any ingredient that is toxic for dogs.

In the homemade dog food you cook for your dog, you should include all the ingredients that are needed to provide nutritionally-balanced meals.      

What is the 90/10 rule for dogs?

Depending on the size, age and activity level of your dog, there is a specific amount of calories that they need to consume in a day.

And according to the 90/10 rule for dogs, 90% of those calories need to come from a healthy diet and the remaining 10% from treats.

Can dogs eat yogurt?

It is ok for dogs to consume plain, unsweetened yogurt. In fact, it is great for their gut and overall health.

Also, when you include plain yogurt in your dog’s diet, provide it in moderation. Do not give yogurt to your dog everyday.    

But you would need to make sure that you don’t give any yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners, added sugars or certain fruits that can be pretty harmful to dogs.

You can provide the plain yogurt as it is or mix it with fruits that are safe for dogs to eat.

During hot summer days, you can give your dog homemade yogurt smoothies and popsicles.          

What is good homemade food for dogs?

Any meal that is nutritionally well-balanced and does not contain any ingredient that is toxic for dogs, can be considered to be good homemade food for dogs.    

Example- 10% Protein (chicken, fish, mutton, turkey, lean beef), 5% fibre (carrots, green beans, peas), 5% fat (vegetable oil), and 50% carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potatoes).

If you want more options, there are many homemade dog food recipes online.

Can dogs eat bananas?

Yes, it is okay for dogs to eat bananas.

When consumed in moderation, bananas can provide various health benefits as they contain several vital nutrients.

Bananas are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Fibre and Potassium. So, your pupper can enjoy good health along with the great taste of the bananas.

Just make sure that you peel the skin of the banana before giving it to your little darling as it can be hard for dogs to digest.

It can also cause bowel obstruction and create health issues.

Also, bananas contain starches and sugars. Having it everyday can make your dog overweight. She can also get diarrhea if she eats too many bananas.

Can dogs eat coconut?

Yes, it is okay for dogs to eat coconuts. In fact, coconuts are great for dogs’ health.

When consumed in moderation, raw coconut as well as coconut oil can provide certain health benefits, including a strong immune system.  

What is the best vegetable for dogs?

These are considered to be the best vegetables for dogs— Carrots, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Kale, Spinach, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini and Brussels Sprouts.  

Is oatmeal good for dogs?

Yes, plain oatmeal, when cooked properly, is good for dogs. Be sure to offer it in moderation; quantity and frequency both.

It is best not to add any salt, sugar or artificial sweeteners to the oatmeal you prepare for your four-legged family member.

If you want to add fruits to her oatmeal, make sure to use the fruits that are safe for dogs to consume.

Oatmeal can provide fibre, minerals and Vitamin B that contributes to the overall good health of your dog.

Can dogs have cucumbers?

Cucumbers have low-calories, are hydrating and contain vitamins & minerals. So, it is quite good for dogs’ health.

You can provide plain cucumbers to your dog, occasionally as a treat, by cutting it into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking.            

Pickled or seasoned cucumbers can be harmful to your dog so it is best not to give them to your dog.                      

Circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that is responsible for regulating  a person’s sleep cycles, alertness, digestive system, hormones and body temperature.

Primarily run by the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the Circadian rhythm responds to the amount of light and darkness it receives from the environment.

The Circadian rhythm is disturbed when your eyes are exposed to a lot of artificial light.

It is also negatively affected by irregular schedules where bedtime and wake-up times are not maintained properly.

In this blog, let us learn more about the Circadian rhythm clock.

Things that dominate the Circadian rhythm—

1. Light Exposure- Light is the chief signal that tells the internal clock what to do and keeps the mind & body in-sync with the external environment.

2. Melatonin and Cortisol- Melatonin is a hormone that helps a person fall asleep. Every night, from about 9 PM, the body starts producing melatonin in preparation for sleep.

Every morning at about 7-8 AM, the body starts suppressing melatonin production.

Around the same time, it also starts the production of cortisol. An increase in cortisol helps your mind and body to gain alertness and get ready for the day.

3. The Master Clock- The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the hypothalamus part of the brain has been nicknamed as the Master Clock.

This part of the brain largely governs the Circadian rhythm by receiving light signals and darkness signals from the eyes.

4. Other influences- In addition to the above-mentioned factors, things that influence a person’s Circadian rhythm include physical activity level, food intake, and social interactions.

What happens when circadian rhythms are disrupted?

When the Circadian rhythm is disrupted, the body's internal clock falls out of balance. And with it, a number of other bodily systems fall out of balance as well.

As a result, numerous physical health and mental health issues start to occur.

1. Sleep Disorders- Sleep related health conditions like chronic insomnia, jet lag, excessive daytime sleepiness, shift work disorder, and delayed/advanced sleep phases are seen in people whose Circadian rhythm is not working properly.

2. Mental health issues- People who consistently find it hard to get their required hours of sleep also suffer from some form of mental health conditions.

Those conditions include depression, SAD (seasonal affective disorder), anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.  

3. Chronic diseases- Regular disturbances in a sleep schedule often lead to a host of chronic diseases that have an adverse affect on a person’s health.

Those diseases include obesity, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), cancer and cardiovascular disease.

How to maintain a healthy Circadian rhythm?

If you want to avoid all the Circadian rhythm disorders, then it is important for you to maintain a healthy Circadian rhythm.

Here’s how you can maintain a healthy Circadian rhythm—

1. Regular exposure to light- Make sure that every morning you soak-in some sunlight.

Though morning time is ideal to get some sunlight, most times during the day is fine for exposure to natural light.

However, it is best to avoid the sun during midday and early afternoon as the sun gets too strong at that time.

2. Adhere to a sleep schedule- It is important for you to go to bed at a specific time every night and wake up at a specific time every morning if you want your sleep-wake cycles to keep running smoothly.

3. Exercise- Engage in some sort of physical activity (walking, jogging, strength training, swimming, yoga etc.) on a regular basis in order to support your Circadian rhythm.

But at the same time, avoid any intense workouts late in the evening.

4. Screen time- Stop looking at screens at least an hour before bedtime.

Blue light from electronic devices (cellphone, tablet, T.V. etc.) hinder the production of melatonin, a hormone which is important for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.

5. Bedtime routine- Prepare your body to go to bed and take rest for the night. In order to do that, create a bedtime routine that you find relaxing.

Your bedtime routine can include anything from washing your face and putting on moisturiser to taking a warm bath and reading a book.

Circadian Rhythm FAQs

What is a normal circadian rhythm?

Humans have a built-in 24-hour biological clock that is crucial for regulating their sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, hormones and body temperature.

This biological clock is known as the circadian rhythm.

It is responsible for keeping a person alert during the day and making her fall asleep and stay asleep during the night.

The circadian rhythm is controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)— a part of the brain.

It is done mostly by regulating the levels of cortisol and melatonin (on the basis of light-exposure) as and when needed.    

What is the 10, 3, 2, 1, 0 rule for sleep?

This  rule helps you in enhancing and sticking to a steady sleep-awake routine.

According to the 10, 3, 2, 1, 0 rule, you need to eliminate caffeine 10 hours before sleep, cut off alcohol 3 hours before bed, stop working 2 hours before bed, stop looking at screens 1 hour before bed and hit the snooze button 0 times in the morning.  

Why do older people wake up at 3:00 am?

It has been found that older people often wake up around 3 AM due to shifts in their sleep cycles. These shifts have made them stay longer in lighter sleep stages than deemed normal.

The shifts in sleep cycles are mostly caused due to various age-related factors.

The main factors include increased cortisol levels, advanced circadian rhythms (earlier bedtimes), and hormonal changes such as reduced melatonin.

Another major factor is the need to urinate more frequently.

How many hours of sleep should I get each night?

Most adults need to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

However, the exact amount of sleep required by a person depends on certain elements such as their activity level, age and the condition of health.

One of the most important factors while trying to get proper sleep is to adhere to a specific sleep schedule.

A person needs to go to bed at night at the same time and wake up at the same time everyday in order to maintain a sleep schedule efficiently.

Which organ controls circadian rhythm?

The prime structure that determines the workings of the circadian rhythm in mammals (including humans) is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is located in the hypothalamus part of the brain. It is considered to be a master clock containing as many as 20,000 nerve cells.

These nerve cells receive direct input from the eyes and help in synchronising various bodily functions within the 24-hour light-dark cycle.

What vitamin deficiency causes you to wake up at 3 AM?

Studies have shown that a Vitamin D deficiency in the body can cause a person to wake up at 3 AM.  

Certain health conditions such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism can also lead to circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

These sleep disorders can often leave a person feeling exhausted and sick.

Who sleeps for 90% of the day?

Koalas spend 90% of the day sleeping. That’s 22 hours of sleep in a 24-hour time period. Natives of Australia, Koalas live and hence, feed mainly on eucalyptus trees.

These cute little thickset arboreal marsupials spend about 10% of their day eating and sitting around.      

What hormone is released at 3AM?

Scientists have found that the level of the stress hormone, Cortisol, starts increasing between 2 to 3 AM in preparation of your body’s wake-up process.

However, in case you are already stressed about something, or anxious, then the natural rise in cortisol can make you fully awake in an instant.

What does Chinese medicine say about waking up at 3 AM?

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), when a person wakes up between 1 AM and 3 AM on a regular basis, it means that there is an imbalance in the Liver meridian.

Liver meridian (a key energetic pathway in TCM) is responsible for regulating blood, detoxifying the body and processing the emotions of a person.

When a person is waking up in the above-mentioned hours, it is a sign that that person might be suffering from severe stress, anger and/or frustration.

So much so that it is creating a hindrance in that person’s sleep cycle and preventing her from entering a stage of deep rest.          

Humans are biological machines that run on energy. This energy comes from nutritious food, water, the Sun, proper sleep, regular exercise and a stress free life.

Some of these factors are within our control, while others are not.      

Whether you’re struggling to stay focused at a meeting, hitting the wall at the gym or getting tired easily while running after your kids; that sudden and severe feeling of fatigue is a sign of low stamina.

The good news is that stamina is not a static trait that we are born with. With time, patience and proper steps, stamina can be built.

Given below are nine effective ways to increase your stamina—  

1. Maintain a healthy diet.

For great stamina, it is important to include healthy foods in your diet.

Foods like iron-rich leafy greens, high-quality proteins (eggs, chicken, yogurt), fruits (banana etc.), healthy fats (nuts, seeds, peanut butter etc.) boost your stamina, help with muscle recovery and improve oxygen-circulation.

Also, simple sugars can cause mid-afternoon crashes. So, go for complex carbohydrates instead.

Make foods like lentils, oats, sweet potatoes, brown rice and quinoa a part of your regular diet.

These foods would release you from the ‘spike and sink’ cycle that makes you feel exhausted; even when you have no reason to feel so.

How to increase stamina by food? Simply take heed of the information mentioned above.    

 
2. Stay hydrated.

It is a well known fact that dehydration causes fatigue. In other words, fatigue is hidden dehydration.

When the water in the human body drops by even 2%, it can make a person feel sapped. This ‘perceived depletion’ of energy can make doing a simple task twice as hard.

When you feel super-tired but have no real reason to feel so, the first thing you can do is hydrate yourself.

You can drink water, lemon juice, unsweetened fruit-juice etc. for hydration.

Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, keeping a bottle of water nearby and sipping from it throughout the day is helpful in keeping yourself hydrated.

Staying well-hydrated is a great way to boost energy levels.

3. Get enough sleep.

Humans need sleep. Sleep is super-important for proper functioning of the human body.

Various aspects of a person’s health and well-being depend on the quality of sleep they get on a regular basis. One of those aspects is stamina.

Did you know that stamina is not built by your body when you are moving. It is built while you are sleeping.

When you are asleep, your body is busy repairing tissues and balancing the hormones that are responsible for regulating energy.

When you are constantly sleep-deprived, your mental and physical ‘energy cup’ never gets filled properly.

Hence, you remain tired and end up with a low stamina.

For a grown adult to maintain their physical and mental health, around 7-9 hours of sleep is required every night.

If the sleep requirement is not completed during the night, taking a nap during the day should suffice.

Wondering how to increase stamina naturally? Taking a daytime nap is a good step in that direction.  

4. Manage your stress.

It is a known fact that stress drains energy— physical and mental, both. As a consequence, stress can reduce your stamina to a great extent.

It is also a fact that stress can make a person lose focus on the task at hand. But having a high stamina (mental as well as physical) can help a person perform well under pressure.

You can follow various stress-management techniques that eventually help in raising your energy levels, improving resilience and elevating the ability to sustain effort.

Stress-management techniques include proper diet, exercise and appropriate amount of sleep.

So, how to increase stamina at home?

Manage your stress!  

5. Get moving.

You don’t need to join a gym and train like a professional athlete in order to build endurance. One of the best ways to increase your stamina at home is by exercising regularly.

You can try ‘zone-2’ exercises such as a brisk 30-minute walk or a steady bike ride 3-4 times a week. These exercises train your body to burn energy more efficiently.

They are called zone-2 exercises as you can still hold a conversation without gasping while performing these exercises.

Once you have successfully incorporated these stamina building exercises into your daily routine and feel strong enough; you can change your regimen and exercises to take your stamina to greater heights.

Under the new exercise plan, you can move on to strength-training exercises such as squats, push-ups, lunges, resistance bands and dumbbells.

These exercises aid in building good muscle mass, improves your metabolism and hence, upgrades your stamina.

When you have a strong body, it feels lighter. Also, you would be able to control your movement more efficiently, ultimately using less oxygen.

Consequently, you acquire better stamina.

What’s more?

Exercising also helps in reducing the cortisol levels in your body.

Low levels of cortisol means more energy for you to carry out the tasks that you need to on a daily basis, and then some.

6. Quit smoking and drinking.

Smoking and drinking has negative effects on health.

People who drink and smoke frequently have decreased lung capacity, improper blood circulation and a low physical endurance.

They also have low levels of energy.

Have you been wondering how to increase stamina and build physical endurance? Avoiding smoking and drinking is an important step of achieving that goal.  

7. Follow the 10% rule.

To improve your stamina, you need to slowly escalate the time and intensity of your exercise regimen.

However, in order to avoid burnout and injury, it is important that you increase your workout duration and intensity gradually.

It is often advised that you should never increase your workout time and intensity by more than 10% per week.

A slow progression of things is necessary for your cardiovascular system to adapt to the activity level-changes safely.

When you read blogs on stamina building for beginners, you would find the 10% rule in almost all of them.    

8. Take frequent breaks.

If you have a sedentary job that requires more sitting than actual physical activity, then your stamina tends to decrease due to lack of use.

So, to counter that, you can get up from your seat every hour and walk around (or stretch) for two minutes.

Doing this would help with blood circulation and prevention of that lethargic feeling you get after sitting at the same spot for hours.

Have you been thinking, how to stay active longer?

Take short breaks frequently!          

9. Push yourself.

When you are trying to achieve something worthwhile, it is important to push yourself.

And when it is about increasing your stamina and making yourself stronger, you absolutely need to push yourself to reach your goals.

It does not matter if you are not trying to improve athletic performance, but simply need to improve your stamina for regular work; you still need to push yourself to work harder and continue your workout routine.

Sometimes, you may feel like quitting. However, don’t lose sight of your goals. Keep going. Stick to your routine unless a doctor has advised not to.

You can push yourself by setting up micro-goals.

Which basically means giving yourself the strength to go on by setting little goals that seem achievable.

Tell yourself, “I’ll run for five more minutes”, “climb up and down these flights of stairs twice more”.

Set-up these mini-goals and watch yourself reach them.

But at the same time, know your limits.

If you feel too much discomfort or pain that seems unusual, you need to stop exercising.

Also, before starting any rigorous exercise regimen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional or a doctor to make sure that you are physically fit enough to carry out those exercises; especially if you are in the beginner phase.    

Low Stamina FAQs

Why is my stamina very low?

There are various reasons why you may have low stamina.

And more often than not, low stamina is caused by a combination of these reasons. Just one of the factors is not responsible for low stamina.

Those reasons are poor sleep, a sedentary lifestyle, improper food habits, a lack of regular strength training, not drinking enough water and certain lifestyle habits (heavy smoking, drinking etc.).

Address whichever factor is responsible for your stamina issues and you’ll be able to upgrade your stamina-level.

Cardio workouts for endurance are great if you want to take your stamina and physical strength even further.  

What destroys stamina?

There is a wide range of things that can destroy or decrease your stamina.

Health problems such as heart diseases and asthma, weak bones, weak muscles and certain medications can have a negative effect on the stamina of a person.

Also, certain environmental factors such as high humidity, high temperature and a high elevation level can also decrease a person’s stamina for some time.

How to increase stamina fast?

When you want to build up your stamina fast, you can incorporate HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) into your regular exercise regimen.

HIIT includes sprinting for 30 seconds followed by 60 seconds of jogging, to maximize your heart rate and increase oxygen efficiency.

Also, continuing with your long-duration, lower-intensity workouts ( jogging or brisk walking) would help you in building endurance.

Don’t forget to give yourself time for proper recovery in between your exercise routine.

In case you have been thinking how to increase stamina in 2 days? It is not really possible to see any significant change in stamina in just two days.

However, slowly and surely, you can reach your stamina goals.

How to increase stamina naturally?

Increasing stamina naturally is related to multiple factors that a person needs to pay attention to.

First and foremost, they need to follow a diet that is rich in nutrition. Secondly, they need to exercise regularly (cardiovascular as well as strength training). And last but not least, they absolutely need an adequate amount of rest (7-9 hours of sleep).

In addition to the above-mentioned factors, if they are really serious about improving their stamina, they need to make certain lifestyle changes.

These lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, staying well-hydrated, and managing stress through yoga and meditation.

And how long does it take to increase stamina?

Building a stamina that helps you live the life you want to, takes time.

When you are able to maintain consistency and train regularly, you can start noticing improvements in about 4-6 weeks.

It takes about 2-3 months to see significant changes.

At what age do you lose stamina?

A study was conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

For about 47 years scientists studied the way that a person’s strength, fitness and muscle endurance develop and change during childhood, and in the later years.

It was found that under normal circumstances, a person’s physical ability starts to decline as early as at 35 years old.

But there’s no need to lose hope.

With proper diet, exercise and lifestyle, a person can maintain their desired level of physical fitness.

What are the signs of low stamina?

Muscle weakness, persistent fatigue, low energy, and feeling exhausted after minor physical activity or mental work are the common signs of low stamina.

Many people also experience poor concentration, breathlessness during simple physical tasks and muscle pains when they have low stamina.

These symptoms and low stamina are often caused by lifestyle factors such as a lack of exercise, stress and inadequate sleep.  

What vitamins help boost stamina?

Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 boost your stamina and provide energy.

Vitamin D helps in energy metabolism and fighting off fatigue. Vitamin B12 supports metabolism in red blood and nerve cells.

Why is my stamina weak?

A weak or low stamina is often the result of multiple factors, not just one.

Those factors can be anything from poor-quality/quantiy of sleep and improper diet to a lack of cardio exercises and sedentary lifestyle.

Which food has the highest stamina?

One of the best ways to increase your stamina at home is by following a nutritious diet.

Foods that increase stamina include high-quality proteins, healthy fats and complex carbs which provide a steady flow of energy.

Energy-giving foods include bananas, eggs, oats, sweet potatoes, quinoa, nut butters, fatty fish, and beetroot etc.

In addition to providing energy, these foods also aid in muscle-recovery and keep fatigue at bay.        

Important Note: Please remember that it is necessary to consult a doctor for the assessment of your fitness-level before you start any rigorous exercise regimen.  

Foxes have always been a personal favorite of mine. Arctic Fox, Fennec Fox, Red Fox, Corsac Fox— I love them all. I find them cute and funny.

In fact, I love foxes so much that I named one of our dogs ‘Foxy’.

Foxes are not just cute and funny. They are also incredibly intelligent, resourceful and charming. And these qualities are the reasons why they have survived for centuries.

The physical and mental traits of a fox have often been regarded as “cat-software running on dog-hardware”.

Whether you're a fox enthusiast or simply someone who likes to learn facts about animals, this list is for you.  

Here are nine interesting facts about foxes—

1. Foxes have multi-purpose tails.

A fox has a tail that looks like a ‘brush’. Along with looking gorgeous, their tail serves multiple purposes.

The tail of a fox helps them with their balance when they run and sprint. It acts as a flag while communicating with other foxes.

Also, foxes use their thick tails as a blanket during the winter season.

2. Foxes are super adaptable.

When it comes to foxes, evolution did its job efficiently. Hence, foxes are incredibly adaptable creatures.

And this adaptability has helped them thrive in varied environments such as the Sahara desert and the Arctic; which are completely opposite types of environments.

And not just that, when humans started cutting down forests and built cities, the foxes learnt to coexist with humans.

London is famous for this. Many people report seeing foxes in their backyards, even if their houses are located right in the city.

The foxes explore backyards and garbage cans for food, eating everything from crickets to leftover pizzas. Some even eat dog food that is kept outside for pets.

Many kind people feed the foxes that visit their property. Some foxes even play with their pet dogs, forming bonds transcending the divide between wild and domestic.

3. Foxes are solitary creatures.

One of the most well-known facts of foxes is that they do not run in packs. They prefer to travel, sleep, run and hunt alone.

However, during the mating season and the kit-raising season, foxes tend to forge a strong bond with their mates and younglings.

More often than not, foxes mate for life, raising their kits together, living together as a family unit.

They also share a territory with their mates and defend it together as partners that ‘work and play’ together.

4. Foxes giggle.

A fun fact about foxes for kids is that foxes can giggle, in a way. There are many fun videos of this online that you can look up.

They make a sound that is called ‘gekkering’. And gekkering sounds a lot like laughing.

It is basically a high-pitched noise that foxes make when they are excited. Their teeth chatter while making that noise.

The same vocalisation is made by foxes during aggressive encounters and territorial disputes as well.

5. Foxes can climb trees.

Grey foxes have strong semi-retractable claws and rotating wrists that give them the ability to climb trees efficiently.

Sometimes, while trying to catch a prey or escape a predator, Grey foxes can climb upto a height of over 10 meters.

6. Foxes have vertical pupils.

Most canines have round pupils.

And even though foxes belong to the Canidae family and hence, are canines, they have vertical slits for pupils; just like cats do.

Foxes’ vertical pupils give them great night vision, making them excellent hunters even at nighttime.

It’s one of the reasons why people find foxes’ gaze so piercing and totally feline.

7. Foxes are an important part of folklore.

Kitsune (shapeshifting fox spirits) in Japanese folktales, clever foxes in Aesop’s Fables, Huli Jing in Chinese folktales— foxes have always been an important part of intriguing storytelling.

In addition to these, foxes also feature in European, Russian, African-American and Native American folklore.

Folktales often portray foxes as intelligent beings who use their knowledge and cleverness to ‘trick’ and defeat their adversaries.

An interesting fact about foxes in folktales is that they tend to help the less fortunate and the ones who have a good heart.  

8. The “Vixen” and the “Dog”.

In the animal kingdom, the male and female of a particular species have specific names.

A female fox is called a vixen, while a male fox is called a dog.

9. Foxes use the Earth’s magnetic field to hunt.

It may sound like a line from some mystical story, but some foxes have the ability to see the planet’s magnetic field.

To be precise, Red foxes can see the Earth’s magnetic field. It appears as a ‘ring of shadow’ in their vision.

And when that shadow lines up with the sound of an animal they are preying on, especially when prey is hidden under snow or vegetation, they pounce.

And as they can sense the magnetic north, foxes prefer to attack in that direction. They either jump toward the North or the Northeast to catch their prey.

Fox Facts FAQs

What is a fox's worst enemy?

Coyotes are foxes’ worst enemy. Even though scientifically classified in the same group, they are not friendly at all.

In fact, coyotes and foxes get into a fight whenever they see each other. Coyotes kill foxes in order to reduce competition for food resources in their territory.

So, the clever foxes try their best to avoid coyote territories.

Do foxes have 42 teeth?

Yes. A lot of foxes (Red fox etc.) have 42 teeth throughout their adult life.

What is a fox's biggest fear?

Foxes are scared of loud noises (sudden high-pitched sounds), bright lights (intense headlights in a dark night), and large predators (huge birds of prey, coyote, bears etc.).

Even though a lot of fox species are wary of humans, there are a few fox species that have learnt to coexist with humans.

They get very close to human settlement (homes etc.) when they are very hungry and smell food in people's backyards.

There are many people who feed foxes on a daily basis. Some foxes even come to play with pet dogs in the yard.

Can foxes fall in love?

For all intents and purposes, many fox species display ‘signs of being in love’ with their mates.

Fox couples form a strong bond with their partners during the breeding and rearing season. They work together as a team to ensure the survival of their offspring.

Many of these family-oriented partnerships continue beyond the breeding and rearing season. A lot of foxes mate for life.

Would a fox bite a human?

Under normal circumstances, foxes do not bite humans.

In rare cases, when foxes get rabies, they might attack humans. Sometimes, when a human is trying to capture a fox, the fox might try to bite or scratch that person.      

What's the friendliest fox?

Gray foxes are known to be the friendliest and calmest ones.

Unlike other fox species, they are quite friendly with people; specially the ones that were bred in captivity. However, they can never be fully housebroken.

Please take heed that wild animals are dangerous and should not be approached unless you are officially qualified to do so.

Do foxes cry?

Foxes make a sound that is similar to a human scream. Hence, in a way, foxes do cry.

But they do not scream out of fear. Foxes use their cry as a form of communication over long distances.

Plus, during the mating season, the piercing, high-pitched screams are made by  females (vixen) to attract mates. It is also made by the males to mark their territory.              

Should you touch a fox?

It is best to avoid touching any wild animal, including a fox.  

But if you must touch a fox for rescue efforts and such, you need to wear thick gloves and other protective gear before handling one.

Like most mammals, foxes might carry certain parasites (ticks, ringworms, fleas etc.) and diseases (rabies etc.).

Hence, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after handling or touching a fox.  

Do foxes have a high IQ?

In the animal kingdom, foxes are known to have a high IQ. It has been found that in general, foxes are more intelligent than dogs.

It has been seen that a dog usually solves a problem using a straightforward way, usually by brute force.

But a fox might try to solve the same problem using a wide range of ideas, not just physical strength.

Foxes’ memory, spatial reasoning and understanding of repeated gestures are above average compared to countless other animals.

So, how smart are foxes? The answer is, very smart.          

Skin is the largest organ in the human body. And yet, we tend to neglect it quite often.

Too tired after a long day, we don’t remove our makeup. Running late for work, we don’t apply sunscreen. The weather gets a bit cool and we end up taking a nice hot shower.

All these things are quite harmful for our skin.

Not just these everyday practices, there are other things we do or don’t do that affect the state of our skin.

If we want healthy and glowing skin, then we need to do everything we can to take care of it; especially in the summer season.

Given below are six skin care tips for the summer season.  

1. Protect your skin from the sun.

One of the best ways to get beautiful skin is by protecting it from the harsh effects of the sun.

Though a little bit of soft sunshine— during the early morning hours— is necessary for good health, too much sunlight can be quite harmful for the skin.

Excessive sunlight can cause your skin to burn, bring about premature ageing (wrinkles) and even lead to skin cancer.

So, once the sun starts to climb the horizon, you need to minimise sun exposure.

As simple as this summer skincare tip is, it is quite an effective one.

If you need to spend a lot of time outdoors, be it for work or play, seek out some shade and make sure to stay in shade as much as possible.

Apply sunscreen regularly. If you are outdoors all day in sunny weather, make sure that you keep reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours.

Or use the kind of sunscreen that does not flow away with your sweat or water, especially if you are having fun at a beach or poolside.

And, if you don’t want to do much else, at the very least, use an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.          

2. Keep yourself well-hydrated.

When it comes to summer skin care tips, this one should be obvious but it rarely crosses our minds.  

If you want healthy skin, you absolutely need to keep yourself hydrated. It means that you need to drink plenty of water.

If you find it difficult to drink plain water as much as you should, then you can mix it up with fruit juices.

But either way, it is important to keep your body well-hydrated. If your body gets enough hydration, so would your skin.

And a well-hydrated skin is a healthy and beautiful skin.

3. Bathe with cool water.

You may not think twice about the kind of water you use to bathe but it is something that is crucial for healthy skin.

Admittedly, there are not too many people who use hot water to take a shower or bath, in the summer season.

But there are some people who just cannot live without their hot showers or hot baths.

If you are one of those people, then you need to know that hot water can be very harmful for your skin.

So, while following other skincare tips for summer season, don’t forget to follow this one.  

As much as you can, bathe or shower only with cool water. You can use lukewarm water if needed.

But never bathe with hot water; unless you have other health issues that demand the use of hot water while bathing.

Hot water can make your skin dry. And dry skin does not look healthy.

There are other causes of dry skin as well. But bathing with hot water is a major one.    

4. Use the right products for your skin.

The idea of using the right skin products often comes up while discussing summer skin care tips for oily skin or any kind of skin for that matter.

So, what kind of products are right for your skin?

There are countless skin products available for you in the market. So, which ones should you choose? Which ones would suit your skin the best?

These questions can make people confused.    

The easiest way to choose good products for our skin is to choose the ones that help us keep our skin hydrated.

While purchasing moisturisers, choose the ones that are lightweight and gel-based. If possible, find the ones with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.

It would help you maintain good moisture on your skin without clogging your pores.

While choosing a sunscreen, look for one with SPF 50 or above.

5. Take care of your diet.

Make a healthy diet an important part of your summer skin care routine for dry skin, or any other type of skin you may have.

What you eat and drink affects your skin greatly. But most of us tend to forget that.

If you want gorgeous skin, do not ignore what you consume on a daily basis.

In the summer season, you can eat seasonal fruits such as watermelons, muskmelons, litchis and cucumbers etc.

These fruits will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Along with fruits, eating vegetables with Vitamin C would help your body fight free radicals. This in turn would keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

Other than the ones already mentioned, there are other best foods for healthy skin that you can include in your diet.      

6. Exfoliate twice a week.

A key factor of a summer skin care routine is exfoliation.

During the summer months, you may sweat more than usual. As a result, the skin on your face produces more oil.

Hence, it is not unusual for your face to look grimy in the summer season. The best way to fight this problem is by exfoliating the skin atleast twice a week.

Exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells that accumulate on the outer layer of your skin over a period of time.

It also helps in removing the dirt and other pollutants that get embedded in the pores of your skin.    

These pollutants usually come from the environment. Especially if you live in the city where there are too many cars, factories and other polluting agents.

When you exfoliate your skin, you get a cleaner, fresher and brighter-looking skin. Removing all the grime from your skin also helps in keeping it healthy and beautiful.            

Summer Skin Care FAQs

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 skincare rule is a Korean beauty deep-cleansing method.

This method denotes that a person needs to engage in 4 minutes of massaging the skin with an oil-based cleanser and 2 minutes with a water-based cleanser.

Then, the person needs to spend 4 minutes rinsing their skin. Two minutes with warm water and another two minutes with cold water.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

A 7-step skincare routine basically involves double cleansing, toning, applying skin serum, moisturizing, putting on eye cream, and finally, applying sunscreen (during the day) or a richer night cream (at bedtime).

During this skincare routine, it is advisable to use the products from the thinnest (serum, gel etc.) to the thickest (moisturiser, nightcream etc.).

Doing this helps in maximum absorption of the skincare products, which ultimately helps in solving skin issues such as skin dehydration, signs of ageing and skin damage (from sun and pollution).        

How to get skin glow in 7 days?

For you to get a glowing skin in just 7 days, you need to make sure to follow a specific skincare routine.

This routine includes cleansing, exfoliating, deep hydration with skin serums or masks, and regular use of sunscreens.

In addition to this, you would need to drink plenty of water, eat foods (fruits, vegetables, healthy fats) with antioxidants, get enough sleep and reduce your stress in order to make your skin glow.

Though each person’s skin is different and hence, the time taken to make their skin glow would differ; doing these things would eventually give you a glowing skin.  

What skincare to avoid in summer?

Even though it is good for the skin, it is best to minimise the use of skincare products such as exfoliants and peels during the summer season.

You don’t need to avoid its use completely, but keep it to a limit of using them once a week.

Why, you may ask?

You need to do this because during the summer season your skin produces more oil. It is done in order to keep your skin hydrated.

Exfoliating your skin too much in the summer would make it dry. Using peels too frequently would also have the same result.  

How to get 100% clear skin?

While living on a planet where pollution is quite common, achieving a skin that is 100% clear can be quite tough.

However, it can be done with a proper skincare routine of cleansing, moisturising, sun-protection (30+ SPF), adequate hydration, stress management, a balanced diet and enough sleep.            

What are the 5 basics of skin care?

Cleansing, toning, treatment (with serum), moisturising and protection (with sunscreen) are the 5 basic skincare steps.

These skincare steps are essential in keeping your skin clean, hydrated, healthy and protected from damage.        

Gardening is a skill that is disappearing at a fast rate. Mostly because a lot of people live in apartment buildings with not much space to grow plants.

If you are one of those people who get to spend a few hours every week tending to their own garden, taking care of plants, soaking in the serenity of nature, then consider yourself lucky.

And if you have kids, they are even luckier that they get to spend their time connecting with nature.

Some kids may find basic gardening activities somewhat boring.

If you want them to understand the significance of nature and plants in general, you can get them busy with a gardening project every now and then.

Given below are seven gardening projects for kids—  

1. Construct a Bird House or Bird Perch.

One of the many joys of having a garden is that you can enjoy watching all the birds and butterflies that visit the garden everyday.

They look for food in the flowers and the ground of the garden.

You can make them feel welcome by building a birdhouse or a bird-perch where they can sit, eat, take rest and get shelter when it’s raining.

And since building a birdhouse is not that easy of a task, you will have to take the lead here; especially if your child is young.

If you have a teenager who has experience in building wooden objects for school projects, then you can do this project together without too much guidance.

When it comes to building a birdhouse with a child, it is best to ‘go old school’ and use a hammer to fix the nails into the joints of the birdhouse.

Remember one important thing, do not let your child handle any kind of power-tools.  

And if your kid is young, it is best to do the actual constructing part by yourself while letting them watch. Then, involve them in the later stages.

If you want to construct the birdhouse from scratch, you would need about five pieces of wood or plywood.

You can also recycle an old drawer or wine box with a sliding door and turn it into a birdhouse.

If you feel like your kid is too young to work with a hammer and nails, you can simply use super-glue instead of nails for this project.

Though the best material for a birdhouse are wood or plywood, you can also build one with recycled styrofoam or repurposed plastic containers.

Once the house itself is ready, ask the kids to paint it in beautiful colours.

Then comes the part where you need to hang-up the birdhouse.

Make sure that you put it at a place that is easily accessible to the birds and away from direct sunlight.

The birdhouse also needs to be put in a spot where predators (cats, kites etc.) can’t get in easily.

2. Make Rock Seed Markers.

This particular project is especially useful if you plan on taking up a vegetable gardening project for kids.

Once you plant the seeds for your vegetable garden, you would need markers that indicate the location at which specific seeds have been planted or sowed.

The materials you need for this project— quick-drying acrylic paints, paintbrushes and 6-7 pieces of small smooth rocks.

The 1st step is to make sure that the rocks you pick for painting are smooth surfaced and clean.

If they are not, then wash the rocks thoroughly and put them under the sun to dry.

Once they are completely dry, paint the rocks with a coat of white acrylic paint to make the base.

When the coat of paint is completely dry, paint a different vegetable on each of the rocks in correspondence with the vegetables that will be planted in your garden.

Alternatively, you can paint flowers or fruits on the rocks if that is what you are planning to plant in your home garden.

When the painting is done, set the rocks aside and let the paint dry completely.

Once the rocks are ready, you can plant the seeds and place the rocks about 2–3 cm in front of the seeds.

Remember that you must never place the seed markers on top of the spot where you plant the seeds as this may hinder its growth.          

3. Build a Bug Hotel.

With kids’ natural curiosity comes a curiosity for things that are a part of the natural world.

Young kids love to play outside. They love to jump in puddles, climb trees, pluck fruits and flowers from trees when they see one.

Many of you might remember overturning rocks to watch the bugs living underneath them. A lot of kids love bugs.

And that is why building a ‘hotel for bugs’ is one of the most exciting garden activities for 10 year olds and younger kids.

Materials needed for building a bug hotel— a wooden crate, a piece of plywood small enough to fit into the crate, four bricks, a big rock with a smooth surface, one ceramic dish/saucer, a bunch of ‘bug friendly’ material for filling the bug hotel, paint brushes and quick-dry paints.

The first step is to make sure that the crate, piece of plywood and the rock are clean. If they are not, clean these items thoroughly.

Once they are clean, paint these things in bright and beautiful colours. Apply multiple coats and give atleast two hours for each of the coats to paint to dry properly.

Paint the words ‘Bug Hotel’ onto the big smooth rock.

Then, find a quiet and shady spot in your garden to place your bug hotel at. Position the crate in such a way that it is not wobbly.

Put two bricks inside the crate at both sides. Next, stack the remaining two bricks on top of the ones already placed inside.

After that is done, you need to place the piece of plywood on top of the bricks and make another ‘floor’ of the bug hotel.

Then, you need to place the ‘Bug Hotel’ sign on the ground floor. Put the ceramic dish/saucer on top of the bug hotel.

Stuff both the floors of the bug hotel with all the ‘bug friendly’ material you have collected for this project.

These materials can include small pieces of wood, twigs, cardboard pieces, small flower pots and pebbles.

The final step is to fill up the ceramic dish/saucer with fresh water for the bugs to drink from. And your ‘bug hotel’ project is complete.

Leave it alone for a few days. Then check it carefully and you’ll see a variety of bugs taking refuge in the tiny hotel you built together with your child.  

4. Paint a Planter Box.

This is perhaps one of the most simple gardening projects for kids.

Things you will need for this project— paints, paint brushes and an old wooden drawer with some holes at the bottom (for water drainage).

First, you are required to clean the drawer, making sure that it’s ready to be painted on.

Then, apply a coat of fresh paint. Wait for it to dry. When it dries completely, paint another layer of the same colour on the box, and wait for it to dry.

After that, paint small designs (flowers, bugs, rainbows etc.) of your choice. Once again, give it some time to dry.

And voila! Your beautiful planter box is ready for use.

5. Create a Terrarium.

This can be a satisfying gardening activity for adults as well as children. You and your child can create a terrarium together.

Terrariums are tiny gardens housed in transparent (glass) containers. They are somewhat easy to make and maintain.

Hence, they are the perfect project for kids.

Items you will need for creating a terrarium— a clean and clear glass container, moss or charcoal, small pieces of rocks, succulents or other small plants, and potting soil.

Lay down the small pieces of rocks at the bottom of the container. This layer of rocks acts as the terrarium’s drainage system.

Above the rocks, add a layer of moss or charcoal. This layer helps in keeping the terrarium fresh.

After that, put a generous quantity of soil in the container. Then plant the flora species you’ve chosen for your terrarium.

Once that is done, ask your child to decorate the terrarium as she wants to. She can add painted wood pieces, stones or tiny figurines to the terrarium decor.

6. Identify Flowers.

Finding free gardening projects for kids is not really that hard. There are various things kids can do in a garden without spending a penny.

Identifying flowers is one of those projects. It can be a great educational tool that is fun at the same time.

Identifying various flowers is an interesting way to expand your kids’ knowledge about plants and the flora kingdom.

Compared to the other projects mentioned here, this is a fairly simple and easy one.

The first step is to print out photos or pictures of a variety of flowers that is native to the country you are living in.      

Then, go out to your garden or local park and match the real flowers with the ones in the photos.

You can also talk about the features (colour, shape, size etc.) of each of the flowers.

If your child likes art projects, both of you can create a scrapbook together with pictures of the flowers with a little bit of details written below each of the flowers.

7. Plant Some Seeds.

When you search for examples of gardening activities, you would see that this is possibly the easiest one.

Gaining an understanding of seeds and how to nurture them is the foundation of gardening.

And the most basic knowledge about seeds pertains to how to plant them.

Items you would need for this project— a wide range of seeds (flowers, vegetables, herbs etc.), pots, potting soil and water.

Introduce the seeds you choose for the project to your child. Then, explain how those seeds grow.

After that, fill the pots up with soil, or ask your child to do it. Then, plant the seeds carefully, as instructed in the packets of those seeds.

Make sure that you place the pots at a sunny spot. Water the seeds as required. Track the plants’ progress as they sprout and begin to grow.      

Gardening Projects for Kids FAQs

How to choose a gardening project for my child?

While choosing outdoor gardening projects for kids, the first thing you need to consider is your child’s interests.    

If your kid loves building things, then you can build a bird house together. If your kid loves painting, then you can paint a birdhouse, rocks or flowerpots together.

Also, if your child is unusually clumsy and tends to get injured easily, it is best to stick to gardening projects that mostly involve painting objects rather than building them.

Do all kids like gardening?

Just like not all adults enjoy gardening, every kid doesn’t like gardening either.

So, in case you have a child that does not prefer playing in the mud or soil, it is best not to force them to engage in gardening projects with you.

Gardening can be a fun activity for you and your child, but only when you both enjoy doing it.      

Who should avoid gardening?

Kids (and adults) who are allergic to certain types of plants, bugs or soil need to avoid gardening as it may pose a risk to their health and well-being.                        

Also, it is best for people with asthma and other respiratory issues to avoid gardening as it can trigger their condition and make things worse for them.    

Pasta is a versatile dish that can be cooked in multiple ways. Different recipes call for different ingredients including a wide range of herbs and seasonings.

The kind of sauce (Alfredo, Pesto, Carbonara, Bolognese, Arrabiata) you make for your pasta depends on your flavour preferences.

Whichever sauce you decide to make for your pasta, herbs are indispensable to the recipe.

Now the question is, which herbs to put in pasta sauces (for vegetarian and non-vegetarian pasta)?  

Given below are the names of the most commonly used herbs for pasta dishes—      

1. Basil.

Basil is often called the king of herbs. Why? Because basil is a popular herb in various communities and cultures around the world.

Another reason is that along with being an important ingredient in countless recipes (not just pasta), Basil has medicinal as well as aromatic uses.

Basil is the main ingredient in pesto pasta— a mouth-watering pasta dish that makes your tastebuds happy.

Other than pesto, basil is mainly used in pastas and pasta sauces that have tomatoes as the main ingredient.

Basil enhances the natural flavour of tomatoes with its refreshing and somewhat peppery aroma.

Basil is an important part of Italian cuisine.

You can use basil as a dried herb for tomato pasta sauce or add a few fresh leaves towards the end of the cooking process.

Remember that dried basil can be added earlier in the cooking process in order to develop flavour slowly.

In addition to tomatoes, basil works well in pasta dishes containing extra virgin olive oil, garlic  and/or parmesan cheese.

What’s more?

Basil can easily be grown at home in your herb garden. So, you will have a steady supply of fresh basil for your culinary adventures.

2. Oregano.

Oregano provides an earthy and robust flavour to a dish. It is also slightly bitter in taste and hence, perfect to be added to tomato-based pasta sauces.  

Additionally, oregano goes well with sauces that have olive oil, garlic and/or red wine as ingredients.

It is important that you use oregano in moderation. If you put too much oregano in a pasta sauce, it can reduce the influence of other flavours in the dish.

This way, a disharmony in different ingredients and flavours might arise, and completely ruin the dish you are making.

It has already been mentioned that oregano can taste a bit bitter. It happens when oregano is cooked for too long.

So if you don’t want the pasta sauce to taste bitter, you need to add the oregano at the end of the cooking process; either after the heat is turned off or in the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.        

3. Thyme.

Thyme is a flavoursome herb that brings a minty, woodsy and slightly sweet taste to pasta sauces.

Thyme is one of those dried herbs for pasta sauces that enriches the taste of a variety of pastas; be it creamy, tomato-based or garlic-butter sauces.

Though a lot of people use dried thyme to flavour their pasta sauces, you can use fresh thyme leaves to make your pasta sauce extra-delicious.

The best time to add thyme to your dish is while the pasta sauce is simmering. Doing this would allow its flavours to infuse into the sauce.

Thyme can be used together with other herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes; without the aroma of each of these herbs clashing with the others’.

Thyme can also be used as a seasoning and garnishing, not just as an ingredient.

4. Rosemary.

Rosemary is an excellent choice when it comes to fresh herbs for pasta sauce. However, some people do use dried rosemary leaves as well.  

You can use rosemary while making pasta sauces with ingredients like mushrooms, tomato, garlic, lemon, butter and cream.

Remember that rosemary has a strong taste. So, leaves from 1-2 sprigs are enough for a full pot of sauce.

Also, always remove the leaves from the woody sprigs before adding them to the pasta sauce.

The best way to incorporate rosemary into a pasta sauce is by cooking the rosemary leaves in butter or oil for 1-2 minutes.

Then, you can add the tomatoes or other ingredients to the pot. This way, the rosemary leaves would release its fragrance smoothly, seeping into the contents of the pot.

5. Parsley.

In a lot of Italian herb pasta recipes, parsley exudes ‘main character energy’. Parsley shows up at the last minute and makes the pasta sauce incredibly yummy.

In other words, you need to add fresh parsley to the pot at the final 60 seconds of cooking or right after removing the pot full of pasta sauce from the stove.

This way, the leaves won’t lose its subtle flavour and would be able to work its magic on the dish.

Parsley goes well with pasta sauce recipes that contain components such as parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, tomatoes and walnuts.

Cooks who use parsley in their pasta sauces on a regular basis prefer to use flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) for cooking as its flavour is more luscious and palpable than curly parsley.

6. Tarragon.

A versatile herb with a heavenly aroma— tarragon is used in all sorts of pasta sauces.

It does not matter if the recipe calls for mushrooms, seafood, chicken, cream, lemon, wine or mustard; tarragon pairs well with anything and everything.

This is perhaps the reason why tarragon is one of the major white sauce pasta recipe ingredients in many cuisines around the world.

Cooks usually use fresh tarragon for pasta sauces. However, dried tarragon can also be used if fresh ones are not available.

Just remember that dried tarragon has a much stronger smell and needs to be used sparingly.        

7. Sage.

Sage is a classic pasta sauce herb that can be found in most Italian kitchens. In fact, it is an essential part of Northern Italian cuisine.

It is advisable to use fresh sage leaves for cooking instead of dried ones.

The best way to use sage in a pasta recipe is to sauté it. This process allows the fresh sage leaves to release their flavour slowly and blend nicely with the other ingredients.

Sage is used in pasta sauce recipes that consist of butter, cream, garlic, almond, tomato, pumpkin olive oil and/or chicken broth.    

Pasta Sauce Herbs FAQs

What herbs go well with pasta sauce?

Depending on the type of pasta you are making and the other ingredients being used, there are a number of herbs that go well with pasta sauce.

Those herbs include oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, tarragon and chives.

What herbs do Italians put in pasta?

Italians use a wide range of herbs such as basil, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, sage, parsley, rosemary and marjoram.

Which herb is the king of all herbs?

Basil is known as the king of all herbs. It has an intoxicating scent that enhances the flavour of pasta sauces instantly.

What are the best seasonings for pasta?

Cloves, sumac, black pepper, oregano and crushed chilies are some of the best seasonings for pasta.

What herb is similar to oregano?

There are various substitute herbs you can use depending on the recipe you are using for making the pasta sauce.

Marjoram is deemed to be the best substitute for Mexican oregano. In place of Mediterranean or Greek oregano, you can use parsley, basil or tarragon.    

Which basil is best for pasta?

Sweet basil is thought to be the best type of basil for pasta.  

In many Italian soups and sauces, Genovese basil (a sub-species of sweet basil) is the main ingredient.

Genovese basil is comparatively somewhat easy to grow in a kitchen garden. Hence, you can grow it and have access to plenty of leaves for cooking.

What is the queen of all herbs?

Basil is the queen of all herbs. It is recognised by its refreshing fragrance and beautiful leaves.

It is known as the queen of all herbs due to its healing properties.

Basil is so delicious that it is included in a number of white sauce pasta recipes with cream. Basil instantly increases the savouriness of a pasta dish.          

A good suit can make you look elegant. Wearing a good suit can uplift your mood instantly and make you feel like a million bucks.  

Many workplaces require their employees to wear suits to work everyday.

It is important to choose your suits carefully if you want to make a good impression at your office.

And not just at your work-place, a suit can make you look dapper anywhere you go.

You can use this blog as a suit-fabric guide to upgrade your wardrobe. Choose the ones you like and make your own style statement.

Nine types of fabrics for making suits for men and women—      

1. Wool.

Wool is versatile, refined and chic. So much so that amongst the different types of suit fabrics and weaves, wool is known as the king of fabrics.

Wool is a natural material that can be worn comfortably in various types of weather.

From lightweight tropicals to heavyweight flannels, different types of woollen suit fabrics can be used in different climatic conditions and occasions.

Also, wool’s insulating and moisture-wicking properties make it quite popular amongst people who wear suits frequently.

The most common wool-variants that are used by suit-wearers of the world are flannel, tweed, merino and cashmere.  

What’s more? Wool is wrinkle-resistant to a great extent.

2. Cotton.

Cotton is deemed to be one of the best types of fabrics for making suits. It ranks high in the breathability factor and is incredibly versatile.

Twill, poplin, regular cotton, chino, heavy cotton, corduroy and seersucker— you will have endless options while selecting a cotton suit.

You can choose according to your needs and occasions; and also based on the cotton-variant’s texture, weight and comfortability.  

It is advisable to go for lightweight options for the summer season and heavier options (corduroy etc.) for the cooler months.

The only downside of cotton as a fabric is that it creases. So, you would need to spend some time in the maintenance (pressing) of cotton suits.  

3. Linen.

Linen as a fabric goes hand-in-hand with the summer season. Hence, it is one of the most commonly found unstitched fabrics for suits.

Linen’s natural fibers are lightweight and highly breathable.

It also has moisture-wicking properties making it the perfect fabric for suits to be worn in hot and humid weather.    

If you like to wear suits when you are on vacation, linen suits are perfect as they can be worn comfortably even at tropical destinations.

However, keep in mind that linen is a fabric that gets creased easily. So, you would need to invest some time in its maintenance.      

4. Mohair.

Mohair suits may look somewhat stiff compared to cotton or woollen suits, but it is a breathable fabric. This quality makes it suitable for daily wear.

One of the best things about the mohair fabric is that it is crease-resistant.

This particular attribute makes mohair suits attractive to people looking for low-maintenance suit fabrics.

Mohair also has a beautiful lustre making it the perfect fabric for women’s suits as well as men’s.

100% mohair is stiffer than blended mohair. Hence, it is best to make suits out of blended mohair.

Blended mohair suits are luxurious, breathable and resilient.    

5. Silk.

As a fabric, silk exudes sophistication. Silk suits are luxurious suits that are perfect for formal events as well as boardroom meetings.

This gorgeous fabric is breathable, lightweight, has a subtle sheen and drapes around beautifully.

In fact, silk suits are great for summer as well as the winter season.

Amongst the types of fabrics for making suits in India, silk is one of the favourites.

One thing to keep in mind before choosing silk for your next suit is that silk suits often require more care than suits made out of wool or polyester.

So, if you are looking for suits that are practical but also look and feel elegant, you can choose silk-blend suits.  

6. Velvet.

On a suit fabric names list, velvet is one of those that feels the most luxurious. It is super-soft to touch and eye-catching at the same time.

Even though a suit that is made entirely out of velvet may not be that common, many people wear it to express their own personal style.

If you are someone who shies away from making bold fashion statements but wants to wear velvet anyway, there are ways through which you can do so.

You can wear a velvet blazer or jacket with your suit and glam up your whole look.

Velvet is perfect for formal and semi-formal events like weddings, parties and other events (piano recitals etc.) taking place in the evening.

Velvet suits are not something you ought to wear to the office.

7. Synthetics.

Synthetics (nylon, polyester, viscose etc.) as fabrics are crease-resistant, durable and easy to maintain.

These qualities make synthetics the perfect suit fabrics for ladies and gentlemen.

Also, synthetic suits are lower in price compared to woollen, cashmere and mohair suits.

Hence, if you need to wear suits at work all the time, then synthetic suits are an economical option for you.

In order to make blended-synthetic suits, synthetic fabrics (nylon etc.) are often blended with other materials such as cotton and wool.

This mixing of materials (fabrics) increases the comfortability factor of synthetic suits making it suitable for daily-wear. It also elevates the suits’ breathability.

Though there are pure synthetic suits available in the market, not everyone can carry them well.

For a more subtle look, it is best to avoid pure polyester suits.

8. Corduroy.

Corduroy fabric looks like a piece of ridged velvet. And since velvet is made out of cotton, corduroy is another form of cotton as well.

In the world of fashion, corduroy is thought to be more apt as a fabric for men’s suits and not women’s.

Still, if you are a woman and want to wear a corduroy suit, please do so.

You should feel free to always express your own style and not follow every trend that the fashion industry presents.

So, why choose corduroy?

Corduroy is a soft fabric. Hence, it is very comfortable to wear.

Compared to regular cotton, corduroy is its heavier version. Therefore, corduroy suits are perfect for use during the cooler months of the fall and winter season.

And if you live in a place where the temperatures stay on the lower side all year round, then you absolutely need a few corduroy suits in your wardrobe.

Even though corduroy suits are deemed casual, you can definitely wear them to work without any worry; especially on casual Fridays.

9. Cashmere.

Cashmere is a fabric that all luxury suit fabric brands have in their collection.

Cashmere is a type of wool that is super soft and hence, a member of the ‘luxury fabric club’. It has its own fan-base scattered all across the world.

Along with being extremely soft, cashmere also has a subtle shine that makes it a favorite among suit-wearers.

As beautiful and comfortable as cashmere suits are, they are best for informal and semi-formal occasions.

Cashmere suits are not really appropriate for the work-day.

However, you can still wear a cashmere suit to the office every now and then; especially if you like making subtle style statements at work.

Best Suit Fabrics FAQs

What does thread count mean?

‘Thread count’ refers to the quality of cotton. The higher the thread count, the softer and better the piece of fabric.

Thread count is the number of threads per square inch. When a piece of cotton has a really high tread count, it becomes wrinkle-resistant.

Hence, a high tread count is much sought after when people are choosing fabric for making suits.    

Which type of fabric is best for suits?

The best suit fabrics for men and women depend on the occasion and the weather in which they plan to wear their suits.

However, wool is the most versatile fabric you can use for making a suit.

Wool is rated high on breathability and durability. Hence, it can be worn in all seasons, no matter the temperature.

Woolen suits are perfect for formal occasions as well as casual ones. Textured woolen or lightweight woollen suits are suitable for wearing at casual outings.

Cotton and linen suits are other great options for warm summer days and evenings.

When affordability is a factor, polyester-wool and polyester-cotton are some good alternatives you can look into.

The best thing about polyester-wool and polyester-cotton suits is that they are wrinkle-resistant; hence, easy to maintain.  

What is the 5 suit rule?

The ‘5 suit rule’ is a kind of guideline for people who wear suits frequently.

Under this womenswear and menswear guideline, all a person needs to own are five suits of different colours— black, navy blue, brown, tan and grey.

Then they can simply mix and match the jackets and pants to create different outfits. There are 75 possible combinations for them to explore.

For a person to expand their wardrobe and have more options of creating their desired look, they can own a minimum of 5-7 shirts with a range of colours such as white, cream, powder blue, navy blue and baby pink.  

What is linen?

Linen is a luxury fabric that is made from the fibres of the flax plant.

Linen is used in making a wide range of products such as napkins, tablecloths, aprons, towels and bags.

However, making clothes from linen is perhaps the best use of this beautiful fabric.

What fabric do you need to make a suit?

The absolute champion of suit materials is wool. Wool’s natural texture makes it ideal for tailoring suits that look beautiful and feels super comfortable.

For making suits, along with wool, pure cotton, cotton blends, velvet, silk and linen are also offered by top 10 suit fabric brands.

What is silk?

Silk is a type of fabric that is extracted from the cocoons of the mulberry silkworm larvae.

Mulberry silkworms are bred and reared in captivity for the specific purpose of churning out silk for making fabric.

Silk refracts light at different angles and hence, it has a shimmering appearance that many people find alluring.

What are the 4 types of cotton?

When you explore the best suit fabric brands, you would see that all of them have cotton suits in their collection.

Though there are about 50 different species of cotton, only four are cultivated for commercial purposes.

Those four types of cotton are Egyptian cotton, tree cotton, upland cotton and levant cotton.

For making suits, cotton can be used in its pure form, such as Egyptian cotton.

For making suits according to different seasons, cotton is also used in blended forms such as seersucker, chino, twill, corduroy, brushed cotton and poplin.  

Is 60% cotton 40% polyester good for summer?

In most countries, during the summer season, the temperature can rise pretty high.    

When a suit is made with blended fabric that contains 60% cotton and 40% polyester, it provides cotton’s comfort and quick-drying properties, and polyester’s durability as well as wrinkle-resistant properties.

Which means that it is the perfect wear for the summer season.

What is corduroy?

Corduroy is a form of velvet with a ridged texture. So, it falls under the cotton category of fabrics.

Since corduroy is a thick material, it is best to wear corduroy suits in the fall and winter seasons.

Also, corduroy is suitable for casual occasions rather than formal ones.

What is the best luxury fabric for suits?

Almost all over the world, fabrics like vicuna, cashmere, wool, linen and premium cotton are considered to be luxury suit fabrics.  

Is a 100% cotton suit good?

Obtained from the cotton plant, cotton as a fabric happens to be the most breathable fabric available on the market these days.

So, cotton suits are the most comfortable suits you can wear, especially in warm weather.

And depending on the tailor you hire to make your suits, or the brand you choose to buy them from, you can find countless gorgeous and elegant looking suits for formal as well as casual occasions.

In other words, suits made out of 100% cotton are great; for comfort as well as fashion.          

What are expensive suits made of?

The most expensive suits for men and women are made of fabrics such as vicuna, cashmere, silk and fine wool.

These materials are well-known for offering comfort, durability and a feeling of luxury.

What is in a 7 piece suit?

A 7-piece suit is a suit that includes a dress shirt, tie or bow tie, jacket, trousers, waistcoat, cufflinks and pocket square.      

We can’t ignore the fact that most of us treat our dogs the way we treat our own kids. The same love, the same care and concern.

We want the best for our furbabies. Hence, we take great care of their diet, making sure that all their dietary needs are met.

However, there are times that we may loosen the rules a bit pertaining to their food habits; especially during the holiday season.

After all, who doesn’t like a little treat every now and then? It is okay to give some of the yummy goodies you eat during the holidays.

However there are some foods that you must absolutely not allow your little darling to consume, no matter how much they want to.

Stated below are nine foods your dog should never eat—

1. Chocolate.

Almost all chocolates contain stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine. Dogs do not possess the metabolism to process these compounds efficiently.

And so, if a dog consumes chocolate, it can cause severe reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache and dehydration.

If a small or medium-sized dog ingests a large piece of chocolate, it can cause adverse effects such as internal bleeding, heart attacks, seizures, muscle tremors and even death.

Hence, when it comes to human foods that can be fatal to dogs, chocolate stands at the top of the list.

The severity of the side effects of chocolate depends on the size of the dog and the type and amount of chocolate the dog eats.

Remember, the darker and less sweet the chocolate is, the more toxic it is to your dog.

2. Grapes and raisins.

Unfortunately, not many people know this; grapes and raisins (dried grapes) are extremely toxic to dogs.  

So much so that just a few raisins can potentially harm dogs of any size or breed. So, ingestion of any quantity needs to be taken very seriously.

Within a timeframe of 24-72 hours, the dog who consumes raisins can face total kidney failure and eventually, die.

So, if your dog ingests raisins or grapes accidentally, it is best to rush her to the emergency room at the vet.

Remember that any type of grapes and raisins are harmful foods for dogs; whether it has been consumed raw or as an ingredient (in cakes, cookies and other snacks).

If you suspect that your dog has eaten grapes or raisins by mistake, you can keep an eye out for the following symptoms— fatigue, excessive thirst, vomiting, reduction in urination, diarrhea and depression.

3. Avocado.

In a list of poisonous foods for dogs, avocado is a BIG one. As healthy as it is for you, it is equally bad for your dog.

Avocados contain a toxin called persin which is safe for humans to ingest but extremely poisonous to dogs.

In fact, no matter which part of avocado your dog consumes— the fruit, leaves, seed or bark— each and every part of the avocado plant is poisonous to your dog.

It can lead to such adverse effects in dogs that it could be very hard for you to save them.

If a dog consumes a piece of avocado, fluid may get accumulated in various organs (lungs, chest, abdomen and heart) and ultimately cause her death.

And if a dog swallows an avocado seed accidentally, it can make the dog choke and die.

It can also create a blockage in the digestive system and lead to further health complications.

4. Caffeine.

Caffeine is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs.

Caffeine can be found naturally in tea, coffee, cocoa and guarana. Artificially, it is added to soft drinks, energy drinks and certain medications.

Caffeine is very dangerous to dogs as a dog’s body absorbs caffeine super quickly.

If a dog consumes as little caffeine as 20 mg per kg of her weight, it can lead to mild side effects.

However, if a dog consumes about 60 mg per kg of her weight (or more), it can lead to horrible seizures.

Other severe side effects of caffeine are vomiting, abnormally high heart rate, diarrhea, losing bladder control, excessive thirst and lung failure.

There have been numerous cases where dogs have died after (accidentally) consuming drinks with caffeine in them.

One cup of brewed coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.

Hence, it is no surprise that within a short time (2-4 hrs.) of consuming anything with caffeine, dogs start showing the negative health effects she faces.

But there’s a little hope left.

If you are able to get your dog to a veterinary doctor for immediate medical treatment, then you may be able to save your dog from the adverse effects of caffeine poisoning.            

5. Xylitol.

A lot of people don’t worry much about sweet stuff (candy, baked goods, chewing gum etc.) when it comes to foods that can be poisonous to dogs.

However, sweet foods such as candies, chewing gum, certain cookies and cakes contain a substance called xylitol, which is a natural sugar alcohol.

The foods that claim to be sugar-free or low-calorie are especially dangerous for your dogs; as these are mostly the ones that contain xylitol.

Though food products with xylitol are thought to be safe for humans to consume, it can cause death in dogs.

If a dog consumes any food with xylitol in it, it can lead to a sudden drop in the dog’s blood sugar levels.

In fact, this drop in blood sugar levels can be so extreme that it can cause instant death of the dog, without giving much time to save her.

Xylitol can also cause liver damage which can lead to the dog’s death.

The negative effects of xylitol are so severe that the symptoms start showing as soon as 30 minutes after consumption and cause death soon after.

The symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include weakness, vomiting, depression, seizures, difficulty moving and coma.  

6. Cooked bones.

Cooked bones are number 1 hazardous foods for dogs. But most pet-parents are not aware of this fact.

Cooked bones are brittle. They can break and splinter off into sharp shards when a dog tries to eat them.

These splinters can cause various health complications such as choking and blockages.

The splinters can also cause internal injuries to a dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, esophagus and intestines.

If not treated on time, these injuries and health complications can prove to be deadly.

There have been countless cases where consuming cooked bones have ended in the dogs needing life-saving surgeries.

7. Garlic.

When it comes to foods poisonous to dogs, garlic may not be the most harmful one. But, garlic is still quite toxic to dogs.

Eating a small amount of garlic (raw or cooked) one time might not be that dangerous to your doggo.

However, if that same small amount of garlic is being consumed frequently, over a period of time, it can prove to be toxic to your dog.

Also, if your pet consumes a large quantity of garlic at once, even when consumed just one time, it can be super toxic to her.

Garlic toxicity can cause red blood cell damage and gastrointestinal irritation in your dogs.

8. Alcohol.

Alcohol is one of the most poisonous foods for dogs.

Alcohol is used as raw material for a number of different products such as paint, perfumes, varnish, mouthwash, several cleaning products and various alcoholic beverages.

Even though alcohol is deemed safe for consumption by humans, it is extremely poisonous to dogs.

Dogs cannot tolerate alcohol even in small quantities.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs start appearing as soon as within an hour of consumption.

The symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs include tiredness, difficulty in breathing, depression, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination, diarrhea and abnormally low body temperature.

In instances where a dog had consumed too much alcohol, it had led to seizures, lung failure, coma, and eventually, death.

No responsible pet parent allows their dog to consume alcohol.

Hence, most cases of alcohol poisoning in dogs have been accidental; where the dog consumes an alcoholic beverage without the pet parent’s knowledge or permission.

9.  Onions and leeks.

Onions and leeks are from a group of plants called alliums, which are toxic to dogs and other pet animals. In fact, they fall under the most common toxic foods for dogs.

Alliums contain toxins named thiosulfinates and disulphides. These are known to cause significant damage to red blood cells, which can ultimately lead to anaemia.

In some cases, consumption of onions and leeks has caused the death of dogs.

Symptoms of poisoning caused by onions and leeks include reduced appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Toxic Foods for Dogs FAQs

What is the most toxic fruit to dogs?

Grape is the most toxic fruit to dogs. Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid. Dogs’ bodies are not able to process tartaric acid.

As a result, exposure to tartaric acid (by consuming grapes) can lead to kidney damage in dogs.

So, make sure that you never let your dog eat any grapes or raisins.

Why can't dogs have cooked carrots?

It is okay for dogs to have cooked carrots in most forms— boiled, steamed and baked. Dogs can also have raw carrots.

However, it is not safe for dogs to eat canned carrots as they may have added salt.

Too much salt is very bad for dogs. It causes salt toxicity. The symptoms of salt toxicity include vomiting, severe dehydration, diarrhea, shivering, seizures and coma.

Salt toxicity can even cause death in some dogs.

Also, don’t give your dog high-sugar and high-fat treats such as carrot cakes and muffins as consuming these can lead to a host of health complications.

Those health complications include diabetes, dental problems, pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea.

Additionally, the raisins and spices in carrot cakes can lead to other health issues in dogs such as kidney failure, choking and gastrointestinal upset.      

Why can't dogs eat apples?

Apple cores, especially the seeds contain cyanide. Cyanide is super toxic to dogs (and humans).

If your dog chews or eats a large number of apple seeds, it can kill her or make her severely sick.

If your dog eats a large piece of apple without chewing it properly, it can get stuck in her throat and lead to death by choking.  

Why can't dogs eat blueberries?

Blueberries are usually not bad for dogs. In fact, blueberries are considered to be a healthy treat for dogs when consumed occasionally.

However, if too many blueberries are had too often, blueberries can lead to digestive upset in dogs.

Blueberries are also a choking hazard for some dogs.

What is the healthiest vegetable for a dog?

Spinach is the healthiest vegetable for dogs. Packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium.

Spinach also contains fibre and antioxidants. It provides protection from cancer. It is also good for your dog’s bones, eyes, heart and skin.

What is the #1 cause of death in dogs?

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs.  

It has been found that as many as 1 out of 3 domestic dogs get cancer; with more than 50% of dogs over the age of 10 yrs developing it.

The most common types of cancers in dogs are melanomas, lymphomas, mast cell tumors, bone cancers (osteosarcoma) and mammary tumors.

What disease kills dogs fast?

The top 5 dangerous dog diseases include distemper, rabies, parvovirus, lyme disease and leptospirosis.

If your dog is vomiting, having diarrhea, sleeping more than usual, having a fever, or behaving differently than usual, you need to take your dog to the vet immediately.

Any or all of these symptoms can be a sign of your dog’s deteriorating health.

What is most poisonous to a dog?

Antifreeze (Ethylene glycol) is very toxic to dogs. It has a sweet taste. Which means that most dogs won’t think twice before drinking it.

All it takes is about 2 ½ teaspoon of antifreeze to kill a medium-sized dog. Also, it is a slow painful death that takes about 2-3 days.

So, if you see your dog consuming any antifreeze, take them to the vet immediately.

As toxic as antifreeze is, timely medical intervention can potentially save your dog.

In most cases, dogs who die from consuming antifreeze is because their owners (read pawrents) did not know that their dog had drunk antifreeze.

What are common household poisons for dogs?

Other than antifreeze, there are many chemicals in households that can be poisonous to dogs; in most cases, even fatal.

Products such as pesticides, fertilisers, nicotine, dryer sheets, essential oils, laundry detergents and human medicines are very toxic for dogs.              

All around the world, most mothers cosleep with their babies. Cosleeping is something that comes naturally to a mother and a child.

Hence, in most communities, it is nothing unusual for babies to cosleep with their mothers until they are weaned.

For many people all across the globe, cosleeping continues well beyond the newborn and toddler stages of a child.

Cosleeping is the norm in most countries in Asia, Central America, South America, Africa and Southern Europe.  

So, what is cosleeping?        

When a baby or a child sleeps together with their primary caretaker— most often the mother— it is known as cosleeping.

The baby or child can cosleep with other members of the family as well; be it the father, the grandparents or someone else who’s responsible for their well-being.

Cosleeping is not just about the convenience of baby care. It has a plethora of benefits for both mother and child.

Stated below are nine benefits of cosleeping with a baby—

1. Cosleeping helps in fulfilling a baby's needs without getting up from the bed.

Almost all newborns need to be fed and have their diapers changed around the clock. Babies also need to be soothed whenever they are fussy or sick.

Hence, a mother (or primary caretaker) needs to tend to a baby’s needs throughout the night.

When the baby is right next to the mother, she can take care of the baby without actually getting out of bed. This helps her in staying in a restful state.

She doesn’t have to go through the hassle of getting out of bed, walking to her baby’s room, picking up the baby, putting her on the changing table to change her diaper and sitting on the feeding chair to feed her.

She can simply sit on the bed, reach for the diapers or feeding bottle next to the bed and do the needful.

If she breastfeeds, she can simply feed her baby without getting up. This way she can rest and feed the baby at the same time.

As the mother attends to the baby’s needs quickly, the baby cries less and doesn’t reach a state of complete alertness.

So even for the baby, it is easier to fall back asleep after a night-time wake up if she’s in the same bed with her mother.

Also, for almost a month after birth, the mother might be experiencing pain and weakness due to the whole process of childbirth and everything that happens thereafter.

Having the baby close to them makes it somewhat easier to tend to their needs; especially in the middle of the night, when mother and baby both need to get rest.

This is perhaps one of the biggest benefits of cosleeping with a baby girl or boy.

2. Cosleeping creates a secure attachment between mother and child.

You might have come across the term ‘secure attachment’.

Secure attachment is the bond between a baby and a mother (or any other primary caregiver) that makes the baby feel safe and cared for.

A secure attachment is formed when the primary caregiver (often the mother) is able to consistently meet the physiological as well as the emotional needs of a baby or a child.    

Cosleeping allows a mother to take care of the baby’s needs quickly. Cosleeping also helps release oxytocin, which is known as the ‘love hormone’.

Cosleeping also means that before bed, your little one gets undivided attention from you, which may not be possible during the day.    

All these elements are important factors in creating a secure attachment between mother and baby.

Having a secure attachment with your child is important for her or his overall development.

Secure attachment is also helpful for a child in developing good cognitive, stress management and social skills.

Forming a secure attachment is a major psychological benefit of cosleeping.

3. Cosleeping helps in creating and maintaining enough milk supply.

For babies, upto the age of six months, milk is the only source of food and nutrition.

So, they drink milk frequently, even at night. Cosleeping allows the mother to breastfeed the baby on demand.

When the frequency of nighttime feedings increase, the total number of breastfeeding sessions increase as well.

The more the mother breastfeeds the baby, the more prolactin (a hormone) gets produced.

Cosleeping also creates an opportunity for a lot of skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby.

The extended skin-to-skin contact that occurs naturally while cosleeping can increase prolactin levels as well.

Having an appropriate level of prolactin helps the mother’s body make a steady supply of milk that is enough to feed her baby.

Another positive side effect is that, when the baby gets breastfed on demand during the night, the mother doesn’t need to face engorgement in the morning; which can be quite painful.    

4. Cosleeping helps the baby remain calmer.

When you see photos or pictures of safe cosleeping, you might have noticed that both the mother and the baby always look happy.

In the cosleeping photos the baby and the mother seem to be sleeping very peacefully. It is because they do.

Staying close to their mama, the baby feels safe. And when they feel safe, babies sleep better.

Also, cosleeping makes the mother attuned to their baby’s needs (hunger, diaper changes etc.).

They can start fulfilling those needs the moment the baby starts to fuss, before they actually start crying.

And after the baby’s needs are met, you can simply lay her down with you to go back to sleep.

Which means that there’s no struggle or stress to try and make them sleep in their own bed or crib.

All of these factors make for a calmer and happier baby. And as a consequence, a calmer and happier mama.                

5. Cosleeping promotes physiological regulation.

There are various physiological benefits of cosleeping that are not talked about enough.

These physiological benefits play a major role in maintaining a baby’s health and happiness.

As cosleeping allows a mother and child to stay physically close throughout the night, it hugely promotes physiological regulation.

Which basically means that cosleeping is helpful in stabilising a baby’s breathing, which consequently, stabilises her heart beat.

It also helps a baby maintain her body temperature at a level that is deemed safe and healthy.

Other physiological regulation factors include reduced stress, healthy cortisol levels and a strong immune system.

Cosleeping also creates a good physiological synchrony between mother and baby.

This is a significant element when it comes to stable and appropriate sleep-wake cycles for the baby.

Newborns often tend to mix up their days and nights. They sleep well during the day and wake up from their sleep frequently during the night.

Cosleeping can teach a baby to sleep long hours during the night.

But remember that it is quite normal for babies to wake up multiple times in the night upto about 18 months of age.    

6. Cosleeping helps in providing more care to the baby.

An obvious benefit of cosleeping with a baby is that it helps in providing more care to the baby.

Research has shown that mothers who cosleep with their baby breastfeed twice as long as mothers who don’t cosleep with their babies.

What’s more?

A baby needs more care than just feeding and diaper changes.

They can’t adjust a blanket on their own. Upto a certain age, they can’t reposition themselves when they roll into an unsafe sleeping-position.

When a mother cosleeps with the baby, they get additional protective care and attention.

The mother is always there to adjust their clothes or blankets. The mother also makes sure that the baby is sleeping in a safe position.

Also, when a baby cosleeps with a mother or a father or any other primary caregiver, they get extra cuddles.

And cuddling is something that is great for a baby and a young child’s psychological growth and well-being.          

7. Cosleeping minimises bedtime struggles.

Anyone who’s ever put a baby to bed knows how hard it can get sometimes.

This tiny battle doesn’t really go away once the baby becomes a toddler; or even older for that matter.

When a baby is sleeping in the same bed or even the same room as their parents, they know that there’s no reason for them to be afraid of bedtime.

They learn that the bed and the bedroom is a safe space for them to lie down, relax and go to sleep.

This is a huge benefit of co-sleeping with 5 year-olds or even babies for that matter.

Because when they get a little bit older and move into their own bedrooms and sleep in their own beds, they would associate that same feeling of security and calmness with their bedrooms and be able to sleep on their own.      

8. Cosleeping can potentially save a baby’s life.

There is no real proof that cosleeping is inherently dangerous.

When done correctly, in accordance with the provided guidelines for cosleeping, it can be a very rewarding and joyful experience.

In fact, cosleeping can potentially save your baby’s life. And it is a big benefit of cosleeping with 1 year old and younger babies.      

Young babies tend to get too hot or too cold during the night, depending on the weather.

When a baby is sleeping alone, the parents may not be aware of the changes in the baby’s body temperature.

If the changes in body temperature are too great, it may prove to be fatal for the baby.

When a baby co-sleeps with a parent, the parent would be aware of the changes in body temperature and take action to do the needful and keep the baby safe.

There have also been various stories where a cosleeping mother had been woken up to the sound and movement of their baby choking on their own vomit.

The mothers were able to take action quickly and stop the baby from choking to death.

This would not have been possible to do if the baby was sleeping alone in their own room.

Some young babies tend to just stop breathing when they are sick, or sometimes without any medical reason, without the parents knowing what’s happening.

This is super dangerous when a baby sleeps alone in a room.

And that is why SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is quite common in places where babies sleep in their own rooms.

However, there have been many cases where the parents co-sleeping with a baby have become aware of the child’s condition and helped them to breathe again.    

9. Cosleeping lets the mother get better sleep and more rest.

It’s not just the babies. Even the mothers’ brains are “wired” for closeness. Their minds are at ease when their little one is close to them, even while sleeping.

The hormonal changes that occur after the baby’s delivery makes a mother super-protective of her baby. She is there to nurture and protect her child.

So, the mother is able to put her mind at ease when her baby is right next to her or atleast in the same room.    

This way, she can see the baby at all times and know that the baby is doing fine.

When her mind’s satisfied about the baby’s safety and well-being, she’s able to sleep better. And get the rest she needs.

Also, when mothers are sleeping next to their babies, they release oxytocin— the love hormone.

Oxytocin is also known to improve the quality of sleep and help in milk-production.

Now that you are familiar with the benefits of cosleeping with a baby, you need to learn how to cosleep safely.

Check out these tips for cosleeping safely with a baby.  

Benefits of Cosleeping FAQs

Do babies benefit from co-sleeping?

Babies benefit greatly from cosleeping. Babies simply sleep better when they are sleeping next to their parents.

When babies sleep well, they grow well. Sleep is crucial for the physical, emotional and physiological development of babies.      

At what age should you stop co-sleeping with your baby?

Though there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it is often suggested that when a child reaches prepubescent age (ages 9-13) or about to step into teenagehood, it is a good time to stop cosleeping with your child.

As they may want to have some privacy at those age brackets, it is best to provide them with their own room at that age.

However, many kids show signs of wanting more independence at a much younger age. Those kids may be ready to have their own room as well.

In any case, no need to force anything. Do what’s best for your kids and your family.

How long you want to cosleep with your children needs to be your and your kids’ decision, no one else’s.  

Does co-sleeping create a bond?

One of the best benefits of cosleeping with a 3 year old, a younger or an older child is that it helps in creating a deep bond with your child.

Studies have found that the close proximity to their parents or primary caretakers create a sense of security in babies and kids.

This sense of security goes on to create a secure attachment between the parent and child.  

Also, the child knows that their needs will be met by the parent or the caretaker as soon as they arise.

It further strengthens the secure attachment already formed.

Cosleeping also allows a mother or any other primary caretaker to spend more quality time with the child compared to people who don’t cosleep.

You can read a book, sing songs or cuddle till the child falls asleep.

These things can be done with non-cosleeping kids as well, but it's less tiring when you are cosleeping with your little one.      

You actually enjoy bedtime rituals with cosleeping kids.        

Which cultures co-sleep?

A majority of parents and primary caretakers cosleep with their babies and kids, all around the world.

Mostly, people from Asia, Europe, Africa, South America and Central America are known to cosleep with their kids.              

What are the psychological effects of cosleeping?

Psychological effects of a child cosleeping with parents include a sense of security and closeness.

Children who cosleep also feel more calm and comfortable at bedtime.

It leads to emotional fulfillment in the child as well as the parent who is cosleeping.

All of this helps in creating a secure attachment between the child and parents.

Why do babies sleep better in your bed?

Babies feel safe when they are close to you. And when they feel safe, they sleep better.

And even though they may wake up multiple times during the night for various reasons, their needs are met quickly.

Quite often, especially in cases of newborns, those needs are met even before the baby wakes up completely or with full alertness.

As a result, it is easier to put them back to sleep. And since you are right there, they fall asleep quickly.

Hence, they simply sleep better when they are lying next to you.  

Is cosleeping common in India?

Yes. A majority of the population in India cosleeps with their kids.

And not just babies, parents cosleep with kids until they reach teenagehood; sometimes even longer.

Cosleeping is the norm in India.

What is attachment parenting?

Attachment parenting is the type of parenting style or philosophy that encourages the emotional as well as physical attachment of mother and child.

Attachment parenting is carried out by always being responsive to a child’s needs and great empathy. It is also carried out by actual physical closeness.

Which basically means that attachment parenting method includes things like cosleeping, baby-carrying (while doing chores etc.), and staying attuned and responding to the baby’s needs.                          
 

Why do babies sleep longer next to their mom?

One of the biggest benefits of cosleeping with 2 year old or younger babies is that they simply sleep better when they are sleeping next to their mom or a primary caregiver.

The presence of a mother or a nurturing figure at bedtime brings along a sense of warmth, comfort and safety.

All of these elements play an important role when it comes to good sleep in babies.

Also, sleeping next to the mother allows her to take care of the baby’s needs quicker, cutting short any crying that may happen.

Less crying equals more sleep as it is easier to put a calm baby to sleep than an agitated one.