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Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity

By
Shubhi Srivastava
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0

If you are not a born procrastinator, then I salute you. Our world is made up of three type of people: one- the procrastinators, two- the sloggers, and three- the achievers. The procrastinators just don’t care about the deadline. They will keep putting the work off for later till they realize that they have run out of time, then it’s all panic and chaos.

The sloggers, however, are very determined to finish their work on time, yet no matter how much they try, they aren’t able to achieve their standards of perfection.

Enter the achievers, who create a buzz everywhere they go. They seem to be able to achieve anything they want. Bosses are always impressed with them, they are all the teachers’ pets. These people seem to get everything done on time without any compromise on quality, no matter how much the workload. They even get extra things done in the same amount of time while we are struggling with our assigned work. But… how?

We are all humans and everyone reading this article has a similar brain structure. IQs may be different, but brains can be trained. If you do the right things and train your brain in the right way, you too can be one of the achievers. So here are a few tips right from the mouths of “achievers” like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates on how to maximize work quality and productivity:

1. Get started


Just, start. Don’t keep putting it away for later because there IS no later. Many people have trouble starting to work. In such situations, pressure is the key. Put pressure on yourself with something you really want. Here is an example.
Suppose you have a power-point presentation to make and you only have 3 days for the task. Like any procrastinator, you will want to put it off for later. But there is a new movie that you really want to watch. Make a plan to watch it on the 3rd day. This means you will now have only 2 days for the job. You will feel pressurized and start early because you don’t have time.
Another way is to give just 5 minutes to your task. Tell yourself, “I’ll just do it for 5 minutes and then watch TV”. Once you start, you won’t want to stop. You will forget about the 5 minute time allotment and end up finishing more than you intended to.

2. Prioritize your tasks

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
The best way to be productive is to assign a priority to all the tasks for the day. Make a to-do list and write everything that you have to do on that day. Write all the tasks like getting groceries, completing your assignment, going for a movie, etc. in this list. Now, prioritize them by need (not want). Assign the highest priority to the most dreaded and the most important task. In my above list, it will be completing your assignment.
Prioritize the list and re-write it in descending order of priorities. Now, stick to it. Check each task off the list one by one from top to bottom. This will help you get things done and give you mental peace. This improves work quality because you give the most amount of time and concentration to the highest priority tasks.

3. Use the pyramid rule

The top entrepreneurs of the world like Elon Musk and Bill Gates swear by this rule. It is what get things done fast, and you also don’t have to compromise on “me” time. These businessmen set their schedules in such a way that Monday is their busiest day, followed by Tuesday, then Wednesday and so on. This makes the weekends very free for them to do anything they want.
You can follow the same principle. Schedule your tasks in a way that you get the bulk of your work done at the start, and later you are left with tiny insignificant tasks to do. This will give you a feeling of relief that you did stuff, and also boost your productivity exponentially. You can also accommodate more tasks in your extra time this way. Win-win!

4. Remove all distractions

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
You can use your Instagram and play Pub-G whenever you want, but not when you are doing your work. When you are doing something important, say studying or working, put all distractions away. Switch your phone and computer off. If you are expecting an important call, switch the internet off and put it somewhere far from your reach. If you are working on your computer, work offline.
Also, don’t ever bring your work in your bedroom. Do your work outside the house, in your office or in a library. If you can’t go out, then go to the room furthest from the TV, the fridge and your bed. This will greatly improve your productivity and also your work quality.

5. Be accountable

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
Being accountable is a great way to boost your productivity. Tell someone about your goals and your work, and ask them to keep checking in with you. Even if those people aren’t concerned with what you have to do, just their “check-ins” will keep you on your toes.
If you are not telling someone else, be accountable to yourself. Make a daily progress journal and write your progress in it every 7-8 hours. You will find yourself doing more work just because you want to write good things in your journal.

6. Multitask the smart way

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
People often say that multitasking hinders with the quality of your work and decreases productivity. That is not true though if you know how to multitask the smart way. Smart multitasking is doing multiple jobs in a way that they do not interfere with each other.
To achieve this, you need to pair up two tasks that can be done together. Say you have to grab the groceries, cook, watch a documentary assigned at school and pick your brother up from work. So multitasking would mean that you pick up the groceries on your way to pick your brother and cook while watching the documentary.
Don’t pair up two hefty or unrelated tasks together. You cannot possibly finish your project while cleaning your backyard, can you? (This situation is a big exaggeration but you get the picture).

7. Pre-plan meals, and eat them

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
Meal prep is not just for the health conscious. Pre-planning meals is a great way to manage time and save energy. Plan your meals for the day in advance (a few hours prior or the day before) and stick to it. Avoid making spontaneous plans when going out, as it may interfere with any other scheduled work.
It is not just important to plan what you are eating. You also actually need to eat. Skipping meals may give you extra time, but you will lose productivity. If you are hungry, you will only think about food and not the task on hand. So take some time out to eat (schedule it) and eat a proper, energizing meal.

8. Take breaks

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
The trouble with sloggers is that they forget that they are humans. So even if they do work with good intentions, their productivity and quality of work are low. You need to breathe and remember that you are not a robot. A human cannot go on for hours working without losing concentration or energy.   
Research says that humans can only concentrate for a maximum of 45 minutes. So after every 45 minutes, take a short break. The break need not be long, 10-15 minutes will suffice. Go for a walk, grab a snack, check your abandoned Instagram or talk to a friend. This will prevent you from getting saturated and improve the quality of your work.

9. Sleep twice

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
Working makes people sleepy. Frequent naps waste time. To overcome both these situations, break your daily sleep time into two parts. Take a 1-2 hour nap sometime during the day, and then sleep at night for 6-7 hours. This will ensure sufficient sleep for your body, save time and keep drowsiness at bay.
You should also plan your sleep in your schedule. Keep aside a fixed time for sleeping, and sleep at that time every day. Train your brain and biological clock to follow that sleep schedule, and you will see that you won’t feel sleepy at all during the rest of the day.

10. Use your phone

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
Your phone is not just a distraction, but also a tool to increase your productivity. All you have to do is to use it the right way. There are many apps on Google Play store and iTunes store that can help you be more productive. Make use of those apps judiciously.
There are apps like Offtime and BreakFree which block other apps temporarily so that you cannot access them while working. You can also install apps like Trello and Evernote to organize your tasks and schedule them better. If you want to save your phone’s memory, then just switch the data and Wi-fi off, and use the calendar and your alarm clock for reminders.

11. Exercise

Tips to Improve Work Quality and Productivity
Exercise doesn’t just benefit you physically, but also mentally. It improves concentration, focus and boosts your energy levels. There are proven studies on the effects of exercise on your productivity and work quality.
You don’t have to be an athlete to be productive. Go for a walk or a jog amidst nature and don’t just keep sitting at your desk. If you have the time to, join a class. Yoga and meditation are the best for improving your concentration. Even dancing can boost your energy levels and rejuvenate you. Take up any form of exercise according to your need and your liking, but do it.

Brains are like circus lions, they can both be easily trained. The people with the lowest IQs in the world can become successful if they use the right training technique. So be smart, use these tips, and become an achiever.

Workouts to do when you are on CLEANSE

By
Ayushi Mishra
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0

When you are on cleanse by detoxifying your body, you start having a doubt about whether or not it’s a good idea to do workouts.

Well, by now you probably already cleaned your pantry by getting rid of those tempting sweets. And now comes the task of dealing with the doubts regarding workout. And to that we give a resounding YES. Listening to your body is good while you are on a detox program, but working out does no harm either. A good sweat from workout will help in stimulating lymphatic flow, blood circulation, respiration along with improving the functions of kidneys, digestive tract, lungs and liver, which helps in processing and eliminating toxins released while cleansing.

Workouts to do when you are on CLEANSE

Remember that while you are on cleanse, exercise is not the first priority. The best workout exercises to do on a cleanse are the ones that get your heart rate up slightly and help you break up a little sweat. Doing high-intensity workout should not be considered because you will be taking fewer calories plus your body will be adapting to an entirely new way of functioning for a few days while you are on cleanse. So make sure to be kind and gentle with yourself and do not end up with injuries by doing highly intensified workouts while taking limited calories. Remember the motive and refrain from breaking a lot of sweat and only then you will be able to experience and enjoy the best results of the cleanse

Here are the 6 different workout routines that can be preferred to do during cleanse

Yoga

Yoga is great for working on your flexibility and on your body strength too without doing any harms to the body while being on cleanse. It’s the most preferred workout to be done while one decides to go for detoxifying cleanse. Yoga poses give your muscles the much required stretch and flexibility and also strengthens the small fibers. And thereby stretching, twisting and soothing your body into a lean detoxifying machine.

Foam roll

Foam rollers are the best for the rehab of your injured muscles. While you are on Cleanse, foam rolls would really help you stay in shape by toning it without hurting your muscles. Foam rolls are easy to do and are convenient for those with muscle injuries. It releases the lymphatic fluid in your muscles, and thereby acting as a magnet to pull toxins from your body.

Workouts to do when you are on CLEANSE

Meditate

Yes, meditation is not a physical exercise. You must be wondering why to include this in one of the best workout list. It is not a physical workout but it is the workout for your mental health. Meditation gives your brain the required peace and helping it by improving concentration level. It also rejuvenates the body allowing you to breathe and dispose the fears and anxiety which so often stands in our way to our goals.

Workouts to do when you are on CLEANSE

Light cardio

Light cardio exercise gets your heart pumping and makes your lungs take in the oxygen required for all those detox processes. It ensures the heart rate level that allows for easy recovery. You can go for a walk or jog, cycling or hiking or even a quick interval routine which is of less intensity.

Workouts to do when you are on CLEANSE

Rebounding

This idea might seem crazy but is fun for sure. These light up and down bouncing are of low impact and stimulates the lymphatic system. It boosts up the system, improving circulation and helps in weight loss and also reduces cellulites.

Workouts to do when you are on CLEANSE

Dance

Don’t have a trampoline for rebounding, but you want to have that similar crazy fun? You don’t like hard cardio and find it uselessly expensive to buy those equipments for exercises? Simply turn on the music stereo and dance to the rhythm.

Workouts to do when you are on CLEANSE

Dance, whether you are alone in the room or prefer going to dance classes, just dance and enjoy this low impact cardio which will become the only cardio you cannot hate. Dancing will help you enjoy and break a little sweat. Dance to celebrate yourself that how great it feels to do something good for your body.

These exercise will absolutely help you get the right amount of sweat. Go on! Sweat a bit  and feel good about doing something good for your body.

A Woman’s Battle With PCOS

By
Shubhi Srivastava
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0

PCOS, short for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a condition almost 40-50% of the female population suffers from. The sad truth behind this sudden increase in the number of women suffering from it is our lifestyle. Up until a few decades ago, we lived a healthier lifestyle where we moved more and ate clean, wholesome foods. Today, technology has made everything convenient for us, too convenient in fact. We don’t have to move or walk anymore or worry about cooking our meals.

PCOS is an increasingly growing concern among the women of the world and can be as lethal as obesity in the long run. But although medically there is no cure for the disorder, it can be cured by undoing the damage done by our not-so-wholesome lifestyles.

What exactly is PCOS?

Simply put, PCOS is a condition of the uterus where a woman acquires multiple small cysts in her ovaries which affect the normal functioning of her reproductive system.

The main cause of PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. A woman suffering from PCOS starts producing abnormal levels of the male hormone testosterone and her insulin levels go berserk. This causes them to suffer from symptoms like loss of menstrual period, increased hair growth on the body, weight gain and hair loss.

PCOS often doesn’t strike women alone. More often than not it comes in a package with diseases like hypothyroidism and Type-2 diabetes, which are also caused by hormonal imbalances in the body. This makes the entire situation a lot worse. The fact that there is no cure for the disease is only icing on the cake.

How bad is PCOS?

PCOS doesn’t seem like a severe condition, but you should ask the women battling it every day. I myself was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 18. Before that, I had no clue what was going on with my body.

I gained almost 8 kilos in the course of 4 months and I had lost my menstrual period almost completely. When my period did come back, it would go on till months at an end. I was always tired, and my head looked like someone has wrenched whole sections of my hair out. Life was bad, and I couldn’t seem to stop eating or stop feeling anxious. Every time I looked at myself in the mirror I would ask myself, “What is going wrong in my life?”

Any woman suffering from PCOS knows exactly how I was feeling. It sucks when your friends and family don’t know what you are going through and give you endless suggestions about how you should live your life. You have mood swings, you are always tired and you bloat up like a balloon even if your diet is scant.

My Personal Battle with PCOS

My PCOS diagnosis was more like a breath of fresh air, especially when the doctor told me that I was not the only one out there. I didn’t just have PCOS, I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism, borderline type 2 diabetes and anemia. In the course of a few months, I had become a walking disease carrier from a perfectly healthy and happy girl.

The diagnosis proved to be a turning point in my life. I was determined to defeat this incurable disease that had changed my life so drastically.

The first thing I did was examine my lifestyle changes that caused my condition. I had just joined college, and my earlier healthy lifestyle had taken a turn for the worse. All I would eat was junk food because the mess food was so tasteless, and the only exercise I got was walking to and fro from class. Every time I would get homesick, I would binge-eat to cope with it. I was surprised at how unhealthily I had started living and made it a mission to undo the damage.

A Woman's Battle With PCOS

Believe me, it was hard at first, making the changes in my life I needed to. I hated to exercise, but I did. I started practicing portion control and cut ties with all junk. The struggle of giving up my beloved chocolates was real, but I was determined. I started substituting my cravings with water and became more active physically. Even when I couldn’t handle it, I stomached the hostel mess food. And I am not exaggerating when I say, I could visibly see my body transforming every day.

I had no support. My family thought I was on some fad diet and they continuously worried about my reduced food intake. On the other hand, my friends didn’t even know if what I had was real, and kept trying to convince me to get back to my instant-noodle lifestyle. There were times when I would become so tempted it hurt, but I wanted to be healthy, and I wanted to look good.

A Woman's Battle With PCOS

Within 3 months, I lost almost 15 kgs of weight, had healthier hair and glowing skin, and had an improved stamina. I was happier and no longer felt the urge to eat all the time. No, I didn’t entirely give up my favorite foods, but I found that it was harder for me to binge on them now because I liked being healthy so much. The best part, my period came back! And till date, I have managed to sustain my weight and my periods are as regular as any normal woman’s out there.

How can you cure your PCOS?

To all the women struggling with PCOS out there, I know what you are going through. But believe me, when I say, you can end the struggle for good.

Don’t expect anyone to come to your rescue. The medications you take will only keep your disease at bay temporarily. If you want to get rid of it forever, you will have to struggle, and use all your willpower to not give up.

A Woman's Battle With PCOS

Here are a few do’s and don’ts that I would like to share so that you can get started with your journey from sufferer to survivor:

DO:

    1. Be more active


      Exercise is the best thing you can give to your body for its well-being. When you exercise, you don’t just get into shape, but you also release hormones essential for good health. Exercise is a great way to de-stress, and some studies even suggest that it reduces your appetite. Now, exercising doesn’t mean you have to run on the treadmill for hours at an end. There are so many things you can do! You can join a dance class, engage in any sport of your liking, or just take your dog out for a walk every day! Just keep moving around and give your couch a break.

    2. Eat clean foods


      The amount of sugar or fat you are consuming is not the problem, the problem is with how highly processed the foods in our diets are. Fat isn’t your enemy, it is a nutrient, and so is carbohydrate. But when one of these nutrients (in combination with a hundred chemicals) is consumed too often and in a big quantity, your body systems become helter-skelter. Try to limit processed foods as much as you can. The chemicals and preservatives in them are just toxins for your body and of no nutritional value. So stick to natural foods like fruits, vegetables, multi-grains, and fresh meat straight from the poultry farms.

    3. Have someone in the know

      If you see your loved ones trying to change your lifestyle, talk to them. Tell them about your mission, and how adamant you are. Discuss with them your goals, and ask them for help. If they love you, they will do everything to motivate you and help you. Have your mom make healthy food for you, and tell your friends to help you cut junk from your diet. What are loved ones for, if not for support?

    4. Indulge once in a while


      PCOS doesn’t mean you have to go cold turkey on all the pleasures of life. It’s just that the moderation rule becomes a little more strict for you because of your hormonal imbalances. That doesn’t mean you have to entirely give them up. You can still indulge in your favorite foods every once in a while. I personally love chocolates, and throughout my journey from fat to fit, I never gave them up. If you have a secret indulgence like this, don’t give it up. Allow yourself to give in once in a while, just make sure to not overdo it or have these treats too often.

    5. Be patient

      Contrary to popular belief, miracles do not happen overnight. Give your body time to adjust to the new changes in your lifestyle. Once it does, it will start adapting on its own and you will not just see, but feel the change in your body. Don’t give up in the middle just because you cannot see progress. Just make sure that you are consistent, and everything else will take care of itself.

Also read 12 Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills


DON’T:

    1. Go on a fad diet


      There are hundreds of fad diets on the internet, and each one will guaranty you instant weight loss results. Fad diets are unsustainable, and although you will lose weight fast, you will gain it all back again. Weight-loss is not the actual problem, the actual problem is your hormones. Fad diets won’t regulate your hormones, they will just depress you. So don’t, just don’t.

    2. Compare yourself to your peers

      Women suffering from PCOS need to be extra careful about their lifestyle, so don’t compare yourself to your “normal” peers. They can live an unhealthy lifestyle and still have normal hormone levels, but that doesn’t mean you can too. You should also consider the fact that their unhealthy lifestyle will affect their future health if it is not affecting them now.
      You are being healthy for yourself, not for anyone else. So don’t think about others, think about what you want to be.

    3. Deprive yourself
      This is as bad as going on a fad diet. No food in this world is good or bad. But too much of anything is where you go wrong. Junk food is bad for you because it doesn’t have a lot of nutritional value. However, that is no reason to give up all your favorite treats. As a general rule, sugar is a PCOS patient’s worst enemy, so you DO need to reduce your processed sugar intake a little. But this doesn’t mean that you cannot indulge in a piece of chocolate or a mini donut every now and then. Moderation, girls, moderation!

    4. Give up

      Do not give up. This is a battle you have started to achieve something you have always wished you had. Every time you feel like giving up, think of the end result of your struggle. What will you achieve from this new lifestyle? You will start looking better, feel more energetic, you will be happier overall and gain a lot of self-esteem. It is difficult to make changes, but changes are what make you grow as a person and make your life better.

Being a PCOS patient is tough, and sometimes really painful, especially when it comes to your self-esteem. But if you want to achieve something then only you can help yourself. And once you make up your mind to do so, you will see that it isn’t really as difficult as you thought it would be. So go girl!

Benefits of tracking Macro-nutrients instead of Calories.

By
Ayushi Mishra
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A Beginners guide to tracking Macro-nutrients

You must be wondering why this talk of counting macro-nutrients when for any fitness regime counting calories is the basic step?
Well that is why we are here to tell you about the major benefits of switching the habit of calories count by macro-nutrients count.

What are macro-nutrients anyway?

Macro-nutrients are chemical compounds comprising major part of the human diet and provide energy in bulks. The main macros are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Everything a person eats in their diet gets broken down to these three macro-nutrient categories. Micro-nutrients are required considerably in smaller proportions, when a person’s diet includes sufficient amount of macro-nutrient, the required need of micro-nutrients of the body also gets full filled. Many dietitians advise about keeping a good balance of macros and micro-nutrients in the diet. Which will in turn help the body to perform with better energy level. When a diet is well balanced with macros and micros the body reciprocates with better physical energy and sharp mental focus.

The major macros to be tracked are:

Protein

Proteins are large biomolecules or macromolecules that are made of amino acids which are the building blocks of the body. It performs various functions within the human body starting from helping in repair all tissue like muscle, skin, bone, etc.. Building essential hormones and enzymes and ending with providing energy during adverse conditions to the body, when it requires the most because of depletion or insufficient intake of carbohydrates and fats.

Benefits of tracking Macro-nutrients instead of Calories.

Carbohydrates

We often get to hear the tag of “cut the carbs” which have obviously created a negative image of it in our minds. Well, carbs which is the short form for carbohydrates are macromolecules, which when included in proper balanced proportion in a diet gives the healthiest results. Carbs are mainly required in huge amount comprising about 50 to 60 percent for a well-balanced diet for a body to perform at optimum levels. When eaten and broken down they provide energy which is the fuel of the body to keep working at its best state. Amount of carbs in the diet should be adjusted according to the body’s fitness goals.

Benefits of tracking Macro-nutrients instead of Calories.

Fats

Apart from what fat is in its most basics form, it is more of a well known and feared word by those who want slim figure and fit bodies. Well just as applying oil on the skin does not actually makes your skin oily. Similarly eating fats does not actually make your body retain fat. Well obviously for that you must know about the good and bad fat. Bad fats are saturated fat (meat, butter, cream) and trans fat (pre-packaged foods, fast food, etc.) Good fats are the healthy fats that provide texture and flavor to the foods we love. Fats are really essential for the body to function properly. So, make sure to include healthier plant based unsaturated fats in your diet by including foods like nuts, avocados, etc.

Benefits of tracking Macro-nutrients instead of Calories.

Macro-nutrients are better than tracking calories

Calorie is a unit of measurement that represents the amount of energy your body gains upon consumption. They are not all the same. Different food source provides different amount of macros. So its more important to look into the source of calorie because two foods that are similar in aspects of calorie content may differ in aspects of macros and micros breakdown. Something made of simple carbs and fats like chocolates and pastries may get absorb quickly but will get stored as fat. Whereas a more even balance of macros in the diet along with the micros will act as fuel for an active and healthy body. And the plus point is that you will stay satiated longer and your immune system can get boosted up.
You can lose weight by tracking and balancing calories but it is more important to pay attention to the macros in your diet. If you want to make healthier choices for your body to perform at its best levels.

Set your macro numbers

Its important that you understand and decide your health and fitness goals much clearly. According to your fitness regime, the macros numbers must differ and present in adequate supplies to meet the body’s nutrition needs. So that the body will not be experiencing any loss of health or fatigue. Your shift of macros numbers will be helpful for bouncing back and making progress in your desired fitness routine. Learn more about what a macro-nutrient balance diet look like and adapt to the one that suits your body the most. From there you can just adjust your carbs, fat and proteins amount based on your personal needs. Decide on the macros number to be includes in your diet i.e., set your macro numbers.

Benefits of tracking Macro-nutrients instead of Calories.

Get a track of your macros

There are many applications that can help you find a diet routine, help you in making progress with your regime by counting the calories intake and macros intake. It will help you in making progress with a suitable diet for your body. Which can done by calculating and showing your macros intake everyday on the basis of food you eat. So, these applications will guide you throughout your diet for you to meet your fitness goals.

Doing this will ensure a healthy change in your fitness results. Make this change now and see for yourself.

Say I Do at These Best Destination Wedding Locations in India

By
Trudy Seeger
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1
The biggest decision that comes after you have decided to get married is the wedding planning and most importantly choosing the best destination wedding location in India.  While the trend these days is to go abroad for a hush-hush wedding, India is home to some of the finest destinations that are equally gorgeous and serve as the perfect backdrop for weddings.

Weddings in India are a larger-than-life affair and to celebrate it with perfection one needs a location that stands out and makes this day memorable for a lifetime. So, if you also fancy having a destination wedding, but the plethora of options are making you confused, you are at the right place. Whether you like sandy beaches, snowy mountains or beautiful architecture, India has them all to make your joyful occasion a cherished one. Choose from any of these breathtaking destinations to make your big day even more special

Udaipur

Say I Do at These Best Destination Wedding Locations in India(Image Source: Shutterstock)

The lakes, palaces and castles are an embodiment of sheer luxury while the aura of this city makes it one of the most dreamy destinations of India. Loved by foreigners and Indians alike, Udaipur plays hosts to a number of weddings every year. Fateh Prakash Palace, Oberoi Udaivilas, Devi Garh, Manek Chowk and Durbar Hall are some of the places to choose from for the perfect dream wedding.

Goa

Say I Do at These Best Destination Wedding Locations in India(Image Source: Shutterstock)

There is something so extravagant about weddings that happen close to water. Goa serves as the perfect backdrop for easy-breezy weddings. The charm, vibe and the gleaming blue water are all that you need to make your dream of having a fairytale marriage come true. Leela, Taj, Park Hyatt Goa and Radisson Resorts are some of the most popular places that couples and families pick to make the occasion all-the-more special and memorable.

Mussoorie

Say I Do at These Best Destination Wedding Locations in India(Image Source: Shutterstock)

If you are someone who is in awe with the hills, not the beaches, Mussorie should be your destination choice for your big day. The tree-covered hills looking down the Doon valley, view of the Himalayas and the clear skies make Mussoorie an ideal setup for romantic weddings. What more? The breathtaking sunsets serve as the perfect backdrop for those early evening functions and pre-wedding shoots.

Kovalam

Say I Do at These Best Destination Wedding Locations in India(Image Source: Shutterstock)

Kovalam is a calm and affable destination in Kerala. This South-Indian beauty is for those who wish to have quiet and scenic ceremonies instead of a huge and jam-packed event with guests everywhere. Without a doubt, the backwaters of Kovalam are pretty, serene and put forth a view that is enough to instil the required magic in a wedding ceremony. Just imagine taking the vows amidst the coconut palm trees, houseboats and water off course. Heavenly!

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Say I Do at These Best Destination Wedding Locations in India(Image Source: Shutterstock)

Serving as one of the most charming places to tie the knot, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an ideal beach wedding destination. This coastal paradise residing in the Bay of Bengal is home to lush green forests, idyllic beaches and a climate that is loved by all. Ross and Havelock Island are two of the most perfect beaches for a wedding.

Jaisalmer

Say I Do at These Best Destination Wedding Locations in India(Image Source: Shutterstock)

If you have always dreamt of a marriage that is infused with Indian culture and tradition, Jaisalmer should be your location preference. The aura of this sandy destination is just about perfect while the hospitality offered at the wedding locations is what you and your guests deserve. Whether you choose the sand dunes to host the wedding or any of the luxurious heritage properties like the Rajwada Fort or Narayan Niwas, the excellence with which the ceremony will be executed will leave you in awe.

How to Go About with The Budgeting?

A destination wedding will easily cost you triple than the typical banquet hall one. But, sacrificing on your dreams due to budget constraints is the last thing to do when getting married. So, do we have a solution here? Well, yes! A personal loan can quickly help your destination wedding dream happen. A personal loan from any of the financial institutions is the best bet for short-term cash requirements. Flexible tenure, hassle-free application process, online approval within 30 minutes and quick disbursals are some of the key features of personal loan offered by financial institutions like ABFL Direct. So, don’t let budget come between you and your destination wedding dream. A personal loan is all that you need to make the big day full of glitz and gleam.

Final Words

The best thing about a destination wedding is that you not only invite guests to be a part of your big day but also treat them with a holiday. Measure the budget and climatic conditions well before finalising the location.

Have a Happy Wedlock!

Know About the 5 Important Changes Introduced in NEET 2019

By
kellybrown
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National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is the gateway to MBBS, BDS or AYUSH courses for medical aspirants in the country. NEET is taken by more than six lakhs candidates every year for admission to some of the best medical colleges in India. NEET 2019 is scheduled to be held on May 5, 2019. The Admit Card for the same will be released on April 15th, 2019. The registration for NEET 2019 has started from November 1st, 2018 and will continue till November 30th, 2018.

In the earlier part of 2018, it was announced that NEET 2019 will be held bi-annually and in an online mode, unlike before. However, the decision was later cancelled as the authorities thought that it will be difficult for candidates to handle two examinations in one year. So, in most part, the NEET 2019 examination does not differ much from the previous year. The test will be in pen and paper mode and the syllabus will remain unchanged. It will be held in eight languages and the pattern also remains the same.

Changes in NEET 2019

The most important change that has happened with NEET 2019 is the change of the examination authority. Until 2018, NEET was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education. From 2019 onwards, the exam will be conducted by the National Testing Agency or NTA. Also, the examination timing for the exam has been changed. Unlike 2018 when NEET was held in the morning, NEET 2019 will be held in the afternoon, from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The NTA has also decided to increase the number of test centres for NEET exam. While earlier examinations were held across 136 centres, NEET 2019 will be held in 154 exam centres, including rural areas.

There have been a few other significant changes that have been introduced in NEET exam this time. Here we will discuss the top five changes that have been announced for NEET 2019.

Aadhar Not Mandatory Anymore

According to Supreme Court rule, students registering for NEET 2019 will not be needed to enter their Aadhar Card details as before. Any Government issued identity proof like Passport, Voter Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, and Driving License will be valid for NEET 2019 registrations.

Mock Tests and Free Tuition for Candidates

The NTA has announced to provide free coaching to NEET aspirants from the next year along with providing access to practice tests and mock tests. 2697 mock test centers have been set up for NEET 2019 aspirants. The same centers will be converted into free coaching centers.

Visually Impaired Candidates are Allowed for NEET 2019

Abiding by the Supreme Court ruling on August 25, 2018, students with low vision and suffering from other forms of visual disability will be able to appear for and qualify in NEET 2019. Such students will be able to avail the 5% reservation for disabled candidates.

Candidates can Apply for Medicine Courses Abroad After Qualifying NEET 2019

The Medical Council of India (MCI) has decided to allow students who have not registered for NEET 2018 to enroll for MBBS courses abroad, as a one-time exemption. But students who plan to pursue MBBS outside India in 2019 should qualify NEET 2019.

Video lectures by IIT experts on the NTA website

The NTA has also provided special study materials for the NEET 2019 aspirants on their official websites nta.nic.in. Students will be able to access video lectures by IIT experts on subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology for free of cost. The video lectures cover all the topics in the syllabus and students can access them without any prior registration.

Apart from all these changes, few other changes have also been introduced for NEET 2019. Ayush aspirants from Karnataka will not need to qualify NEET 2019. The states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will be participating in the All India Counselling from 2019, so students will not need to submit self-declaration forms. Also, to evaluate both the practice tests and the final tests. The conducting authorities will be using standardization techniques and psychometric methods. The psychometric tests will be set by experts and will be scientifically prepared.

 

VITEEE 2019 likely to clash with JEE Main 2019; Check details

By
kellybrown
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Well, all you engineering aspirants who are preparing for entrance exams that are lined up next year are in a scare. The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has announced the dates of its Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) which are expected to clash with JEE Main 2019 April session.

JEE Main 2019 which would take place twice a year from 2019 under NTA is all set to take place from April 6 to April 20 next year. The April schedule of the JEE Main exam would be the second one post the January slot which is scheduled for January 6 to January 20, 2019. The VIT has decided to schedule its VITEEE from April 10 to April 21, 2019. Thus, there are high chances of clashing of VITEEE with JEE Main exam for most of the students.

However, there is a sigh of relief for students in face of slot booking option which VITEEE offers (and JEE Main does not). So, it’s better to wait for JEE Main 2019 dates to come out before you take a call on slot booking for VITEEE 2019.

 

Important dates for VITEEE

Candidates who are willing to undertake VITEEE 2019 exam should note the important dates related to the exam cycle. Knowing the important dates would help you in avoiding the clash between your JEE Main and VITEEE by aiding you in choosing the slots accordingly.

For reference of the candidates, we have tabled below exam dates table. Please, have a look:

Events Dates
Availability of Application form October 28, 2018
Mode of application Online/Offline both
Mode of Examination Online
Last date for making an application February 28, 2019
Last date of registration February 28, 2019
Commencement of Slot booking March 2019
Availability of Admit cards for VITEEE 2019 March 2019
Date of  VITEEE 2019 Exam April 10 to 21, 2019
Declaration or VITEEE 2019 results April-May, 2019
Date of release of VITEEE 2019 scorecard Fourth week of April- 1st week of May 2019

Candidates must also note that the above-mentioned exam schedule is tentative in nature and can be changed on the discretion of VITEEE 2019 conducting authorities. Candidates are hence advised to visit the official website regularly to keep themselves updated about the process.

Clash with SRMJEEE 2019 is also possible

To make things worse there is a possibility of the two engineering entrance exams namely JEE Main 2019 and VITEEE 2019 clashing with the SRMJEEE 2019. SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination (SRMJEEE) 2019 is national level engineering entrance test that SRM university conduct’s for admission into B.tech course offered by its 4 campuses.

Online applications for SRMJEEE 2019 have begun from October 27, 2018, and the exam would be conducted in the month of April. The exam schedule for SRMJEEE 2019 is tabled below for your reference:

 

Events Dates
Availability of Application form October 27, 2018
Mode of application Online/Offline both
Mode of Examination Online
Last date for making an application Online March 31, 2019
Last date for making an application Offline (For remote area candidates only) First week of March 2019
Commencement of Slot booking April 2019
Availability of Admit cards for SRMJEEE 2019 Second-third week of April 2019
Date of  SRMJEEE 2019 Exam April 15 to 25, 2019
Declaration or SRMJEEE 2019 results May 2019
Date of release of VITEEE 2019 scorecard May 2019

 

Wait for JEE Main exam dates to come

Since there is a chance for triple clash of this engineering entrance exams and you as a candidate can’t afford to miss any (to keep your chances open) it is advised to wait till the exam dates for JEE Main 2019 are announced to book the slots for other two exams.

  • Since JEE Main 2019 doesn’t allow the slot booking option hence waiting for it is logical
  • JEE Main has a large number of colleges accepting its score and not giving JEE Main 2019 would not be apt
  • SRMJEEE 2019 and VITEEE 2019 exam are university specific exams whose scores are accepted by their own campuses only so, in case of clashing one can be avoided
  • If you don’t take VITEEE 2019 or SRMJEEE 2019 then also you can get admissions in these universities based on your JEE Main 2019

So, it’s clear that you should wait and watch till the dates of your JEE Main 2019 exams are announced and then go for VITEEE 2019 and SRMJEEE 2019 accordingly. The general advice is to keep JEE Main 2019 at priority.

 

Know these 5 things to apply for MUOET 2019

By
kellybrown
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MUOET 2019
Image source Jagranjosh

MU OET entrance test is a gateway to get admission in the top-ranked University of India i.e. “Manipal University”. It is an online entrance exam by clearing which students will get admission in the various Bachelor and Master programs such as MBBS, MS, M.Phil, BA, B.Sc, M.Sc, MA and others.

To appear in the examination, all the interested students have to fill the application form by entering personal, academic and others details. The university has released the MUOET application form on October 10, 2018. Those who have submitted the form successfully are only allowed to appear for the exam.

But, before applying for the MUOET exam students need to know the following 5 important things:

Fulfillment of the eligibility criteria

Students should satisfy the eligibility criteria before start filling the details in the application form because if a student found ineligible then, his/ her candidature will be canceled. The university has defined the course-wise eligibility criteria. But, following is the list of some of the most common eligibility standards:

  • Students must be of Indian nationality
  • Must have completed senior secondary or equivalent education from the recognized university.
  • Scored at least 50% marks in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English
  • There is no minimum age requirement
  • For getting admission in the PG courses, the student should clear UG degree with minimum 45% marks

Change in the application process

As compared to the last year there is a slight change in the MUOET 2019 application process. Previously students need to elaborate the details but now the application process has been simplified a lot. But now, by following four steps students can successfully submit the application form:

  • Registration: Enter the details such as Email, Mobile number and password in order to register for the exam
  • Personal Details: Enter the address and upload their photograph as well as signature.
  • Course Selection: Select the course, exam centre, category along with their details.
  • Confirmation & Submission: After completing the application form students are required to take the printout for the reference.

Uploading of Photograph & Signature

While filling the application form it is important to upload the correct images of Photograph & Signature in the form. The uploaded images must not be a month old. Following are some points that students need to take care before uploading the images:

  • Upload a passport size photograph with a light background, preferably white
  • Photograph size should be minimum 35×45 mm
  • Student’s features should be clearly visible in the photo.
  • Use Black/ blue ink pen for the signing the white paper
  • Don’t do signature in “Capital Letters”

About the Application Fee

At the time of submitting the application form students have to pay the application fee and examination fee. The amount of application fee students need to pay is the same as the last year. The fee criteria that students need to pay is as follows:

  • Indian students have to pay the application fee of amount INR 600/- (for all courses)
  • Foreign/ International/ NRI/ NRI Sponsored category candidates the application fee of amount INR 2500/-
  • For some selected courses the students need to pay the examination fee of amount INR 1400/-
  • The application fee must be pay through Credit Card/ Debit Card/ Net banking
  • The examination fee will not be accepted if paid through Cash/ Cheque/ Demand Draft or any other medium except for Online

Submission of Application form

Students are advised to carefully check the details mentioned in the application form before finally submitting it because the university will not provide the facility of application form correction. And once the form is submitted, students should take the print out of filled in application form and keep it safe till the admission process ends.

Know the Cost and Requirements to Study in Sweden

By
kellybrown
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0
Study in Sweden

Regardless of its comparatively little populace, Sweden has an extensive and proud account of scholastic distinction and some of the top universities of the world are located here. Quite a lot of Swedish universities are ranked by the Academic Ranking of World Universities and the Times Higher Education as being amongst best in the world. The whole Swedish higher education structure is positioned as one of the finest in the world as well. The reason for the surge of international students in the country is that almost all of the Swedish universities are well-modified to the requirements of intercontinental students. Added to that, because of the priority of English proficiency, students do not need to face the problem of learning and understanding Swedish. As a consequence of these reasons, more than a few students from different corners of the world visit in order to study in Sweden and pursue higher education courses here.

Programs and courses offered

The higher education system in Sweden is not unlike that of any other European country. The European standard is followed in each of the universities here while imparting knowledge in the graduation, post-graduation, and research levels. Following are the details of these programs in brief:

  • Bachelor’s programs or the undergraduate programs are to be pursued after upper secondary school or high school; three years are taken to complete it
  • Master’s programs or the graduate programs are to be pursued after bachelors-level studies; one/two years are taken to complete it
  • Ph.D. programs or the doctoral programs are research degrees that require quite a few years of work culminating in a thesis; the extent and arrangement of Ph.D. programs in Sweden differ according to the universities

Planning your budget

Making a plan of your financial statement is an essential element of arranging to study in Sweden. Here we are providing you with an outline of the diverse expenses you are supposed to incorporate in your budget:

The application fee for international students:

All the candidates who are not residents of an EU/EEA/Nordic country or Switzerland are required to pay the application fee of SEK 900 as a part of their online applications at universityadmissions.se

Tuition fee for international students

Tuition costs in Sweden are different according to the subject while the standard charge for the master’s program is SEK 129,000 per year. The bachelor’s programs are usually less costly.

A normal range of tuition costs for different subjects is given below although the accurate level possibly will differ.

Stream of study Expense (per year)
Social sciences and humanities SEK 80,000 – 110,000
Natural sciences and technical programs SEK 120,000 – 145,000
Architecture and design SEK 190,000 – 270,000

Additional expenses

The following table shows the additional expenses you are required to keep in your mind while preparing the budget plan when you wish to study in Sweden:

Living expenses SEK 8,000 per month (may vary according to the place of living and individual preferences)
Student union fees SEK 50-350 per semester
Textbooks SEK 750 per month

Requirements to Study in Sweden

In order to study in Sweden, you are required to execute common admission requisites as well as program-specific entrance requirements. To get the details of the accurate requirement of your chosen courses or the universities, you should visit the respective websites. Here we are providing you with a general idea of the requirements to study in Sweden according to the programs so that you can prepare yourself likewise:

Bachelor’s degree requirements

In order to get admitted to the bachelor’s degree programs in any Swedish university, the applicants are required to:

Master’s degree requirements

In order to get admitted to the master’s degree programs in any Swedish university, the applicants are required to:

  • Present the proof of a high school education certificate
  • Present the proof of graduation certificate obtained from a recognized university
  • Demonstrate suitable proficiency in English

Ph.D. degree requirements

In order to get admitted to the Ph.D. degree programs in any Swedish university, the applicants are required to:

  • Present the proof of high school education certificate
  • Present the proof of graduation certificate obtained from a recognized university
  • Present the proof of post-graduation certificate obtained from a recognized university
  • Present a degree thesis carrying the results of independent research
  • Demonstrate suitable proficiency in English

For verifying English language proficiency, most universities accept the scores of the internationally recognized tests like TOEFL, IELTS etc.

To know more, please visit the official websites of the universities of your choice and read the online brochures carefully.

How many CAT mock test a candidate should attempt?

By
kellybrown
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0
CAT 2018

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a competitive entrance online test taken by aspirant of MBA. The eligibility criterion for CAT 2018 aspirant is minimum 50% marks in aggregate in the Bachelor’s degree. The score of CAT 2018 exam is valid for one year.

It is very well said that Practice makes man perfect. This saying goes well when it comes to preparing for any competitive exam like CAT 2018. Before appearing for CAT 2018 exam, candidates are advised to take mock tests. This will give a better understanding of the actual CAT 2018 exam. A brief detail about CAT 2018 exam and how to prepare is discussed below –

Facts on CAT 2018 Exam

  • Online Entrance Test for management programs
  • Scheduled to be conducted on 25th November 2018
  • The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes i.e. 3 hours
  • The exam consists of 3 sections namely Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal, and Reading Comprehension

CAT 2018 Exam Pattern

CAT 2018 pattern consist following sections –

  1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
  2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
  3. Quantitative Aptitude

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension has questions based on vocabulary, Sentence correction, grammar, analogies, Passages, fill in the blanks and so on.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning includes topics like tables, graphs, number and letter series, basic reasoning questions and many more.

Quantitative Ability section include questions on topics like Percentages, Time and work, Averages, Profit and Loss, Probability and so on.

The questions per section will be a combination of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-Multiple-Choice Questions.

How to prepare for CAT 2018?

Candidates aspiring to take CAT 2018 are advised to practice well before the exam. The best way to prepare is to practice it through Mock tests. By practicing mock test, the candidate gets familiar with the exam pattern, type of questions, marking schemes and time management for each section. It gives an idea about what approach has to be taken, how much time needed to solve the question, what is the weak and strong area and so on.

It is usually advised to solve the past years question papers of CAT. This will increase the chances to crack the exam and scoring good percentile. The candidate should analyse their performance in each mock test they take. This will help them understand the strengths and the weaknesses in each section. It will also help to manage the time while solving the questions. Mock tests will help determine how much time to put on any specific question and which question to skip for attempting.

Mock is the best tool for preparation of CAT 2018 exam. Whether a candidate has joined any coaching centre or not, mock will support the candidate in scoring good percentile in the exam.

When to take CAT 2018 Mock Test?

Taking mock test is an important step while preparing for CAT 2018. The candidates are advised to start taking mock test 2 months prior to the actual CAT exam.

During 8-10 week prior to CAT 2018, the candidate has plenty of time to prepare and start working on the basic topics which they have covered. They should invest time in the topics which they are not confident about. This will give them enough time to prepare for the topic in which they are weak.

During 5-7 weeks prior to CAT 2018, the candidate should evaluate the performance by practicing the mock tests. It will help the candidate in analysing their mistakes and weaknesses.

During 2-4 weeks prior to CAT 2018, the candidate should take at least 2 mock tests in 10 days. These will help in building strategy of solving questions.

During the last week to CAT 2018, the candidate should have taken ample number of mock tests. By now candidate should be confident and comfortable with all the topics and sections.

It is advised the candidate to take at least 8 to 12 mock tests before the actual CAT 2018 exam.

How to take CAT 2018 Mock Test?

The essential purpose of taking a mock test is to determine the strong and weak area. Once the candidate has taken a mock test, it will help them know which section they are weak in. It will help to determine which section to solve first and give more priority.

Focus on the sectional areas – Each section in CAT 2018 exam is allotted 60 minutes. While taking a mock test, the candidate can focus on each section separately.

Figure out the weak and strong areas – It is important to figure the weakness and strength areas in each section. Candidate should focus on the weak areas. This will help them determine which question to attempt first and which one to leave or not attempt.

Maintain and keep buffer time – It is advisable for the candidate to keep a buffer time of 20 minutes before finishing the test. Practicing buffer time in the mock test will help in time management in the final CAT exam.

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