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News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Why Willpower Fails Against Digital Addiction—And How Yoga Can Help
Last Updated: Yoga offers a three-fold path to fight the digital onslaught: Adopting a Yogic outlook towards priorities and the meaning of life, practices of Yoga, and lifestyle changes You promise yourself you won't check your phone. But five minutes later, you're back to scrolling and checking for notifications. You realise your willpower is no match for the beast of digital addiction. 'The mind cannot be controlled by the mind. Willpower may work only for short durations—and that too, not always," says Yoga guru and scholar Dr N Ganesh Rao, founder of ACT (Authentic, Classical, Traditional) Yoga. In Yoga, stress is seen as the uncontrolled speed of the mind. Since the mind is made of the constantly shifting gunas or qualities—sattva, rajas, and tamas—its instability is natural. If the mind cannot be controlled by itself, what then is the way out? Dr Rao says Yoga offers a threefold path to fight the digital onslaught: 1. Adopting a Yogic outlook towards priorities and the meaning of life, 2. Practices of Yoga, and 3. Lifestyle changes Last week, we examined the dangers posed by digital media through a Yogic lens (read here). 'This already problematic mind, which by its very nature is diseased, is made even more disordered by the deluge of information," said Dr Rao. In this follow-up article, he details the tools Yoga offers to tackle the growing crisis. Here are edited excerpts from an interview. The mind can be advantageously controlled by a) Breathing Practices, and b) Developing Awareness. Through Breathing. There are two ways to do this: • When the mind is disturbed, simply witness your breathing — without interfering with it. Because mind and breathing are linked, any disturbance in the mind disturbs the breathing. Just watching the breathing helps eliminate the disturbance in breathing. When the breathing becomes normal, the mind also regains its calm. • The slower the breathing, the calmer the mind. A few minutes of daily Pranayama, done as slowly as possible—with gradual lengthening of inhalation and exhalation—can go a long way in calming the mind. Through Awareness. This is the most effective way to bring about samatvam (equanimity) in the mind. All Yogic practices, in fact, aim to develop awareness. All of us are wiser in retrospect—'I shouldn't have done that, or said that". The question is: where were you when you were doing or saying it? You're not aware! Awareness means knowing what you're doing—or what's happening within—as it happens. Adopting the sakshi bhav or the witnessing attitude — and, real-time witnessing. PRATYAHARA—TO TURN SENSES INWARDS Pratyahara is, in fact, a product of maturity and experiential wisdom rather than a particular practice. When we realise the external world is not ultimately fulfilling, we turn inward. This is Pratyahara, the beginning of the inward-going process. From living at the body-mind level, we are now on the path of energy and consciousness. Our sense organs are naturally externally oriented—eyes see outside, ears hear outside, nose smells outside, etc. This is why it's easy to get distracted by the external world. In Yoga, Pratyahara is the inward withdrawal of these five jnanendriyas (sense organs). It is the bridge between Bahiranga Yoga or 'Preparatory Yoga' (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara) and Antaranga Yoga (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi). In Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, Samadhi is meditation. Two examples of Pratyahara: • Shanmukhi Mudra — where closing the six doors on the face 'symbolises' Pratyahara. • Pranayamic Pratyahara or Vayu Pratyahara (mentioned in Yoga Yagnavalkya)—where, in the Kumbhaka phase, the breath is held at vital points in the body. Meditation begins with restraining the tamasic (lethargic) and rajasic (restless) tendencies of the mind—thereby increasing its sattvic (concentration) nature. Once the mind attains concentration, we resort to either: • concentrative meditation — where you choose an object to visualise and focus upon, or • mindfulness meditation — where you observe the contents of the mind without reacting or responding. The goal of meditation is to reach the 'No-mind state' and finally to attain Reality, which is beyond the mind. Bahiranga Yoga (lifestyle) prepares the mind by making it free of distractions and disturbances. In Patanjali's Yoga, meditation begins with Dharana or concentration, develops into Dhyana and progresses to various states of Samadhi. During Dharana and Dhyana, the mind gets purified of its suppressions, repressions, conflicts, and conditionings. From being a normal mind, which is like a torch, it now becomes a laser beam. REDUCING RESTLESSNESS In Classical Yoga, Asanas are done as slowly as possible, which curbs restlessness and enhances concentration. Pranayama is the best antidote to stress and anxiety. Mantra japa is also an effective tool against restlessness and anxiety. Use these simple suggestions not just to counter digital urges but also lead a richer life. Could you: 1. Revive the joy of reading — by holding a real book and reading for just 15 minutes a day? 2. Replace passive screen time — with a physical activity like gardening, walking, or cleaning the house? 3. Pick up a sport like badminton or swimming — because sweating is one of the most effective antidotes to mental ill-health? 4. Participate in Nature — by going on treks, hikes, or long walks in jungles? 5. Engage with music — by learning to play an instrument or sing, rather than just listening passively? 6. Help someone else — instead of being addicted to oneself? When going through mental health issues, try helping someone else. Their 'thank you" can shift something inside you and your loneliness, depression often disappear. top videos View all 7. Seek out Satsang — the company of like-minded people? But don't just discuss issues; do things together. The author is a journalist, cancer survivor and certified yoga teacher. She can be reached at swatikamal@ The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 19, 2025, 10:19 IST News lifestyle YogMantra | Why Willpower Fails Against Digital Addiction—And How Yoga Can Help Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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Fashion Network
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Hunter and Represent get together on streetwear-meets-Americana collab
July 2 will see the debut of an interesting collab between two British premium-luxury names with Represent's latest link-up being with heritage brand Hunter. And it's interesting not only because of the two names getting together but also stylistically. Their new mini collection 'blends British tradition with American influence, tapping into Represent's vision to bring a fresh, Americana-inspired edge to the brand's UK streetwear roots'. The collection 'explores Western iconography, focusing on the cowboy boot which has been reimagined onto Hunter's iconic Original Wellington Boot silhouette'. The capsule features two exclusive boot styles — the OG Short Boot and Play Short Boot — 'which draw inspiration from the classic Western aesthetic, redesigning Hunter's Original Wellington with a cut top line, distressed detailing and 3D embossed textures to echo the silhouette and decorative stitching seen on vintage cowboy boots'. But true to Hunter's heritage, both styles are made from 100% rubber. They're available in traditional black and dark brown colourways in unisex sizing. As Represent is involved, there's apparel too with a curated range of co-branded 100% cotton T-shirts and hoodies, with a washed finish 'to give the collection a faded vintage look'. Plus there are accessories, such as a baseball cap and bandana decorated with Western iconography. The range features a unified emblem blending the Hunter logo with Represent's signature 'R' initial. Matthew Salter, executive VP, Partnership – Marketing at Hunter's owner Authentic, said: 'By blending British heritage with an Americana edge, this collection speaks directly to a new generation of style-conscious consumers.' And Represent creative chief and founder George Heaton added: 'A year ago I moved to Los Angeles, California to build the brand from the ground up over here, and as a concept we're digging into American history through design and details. What if British Classics met Americana on a Hunter boot? This is probably my favourite collaboration idea in our history, because it was so natural and didn't come as a pitch or a conversation, it was simply an artistic idea on an existing silhouette.'
Fashion Network
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Hunter and Represent get together on streetwear-meets-Americana collab
July 2 will see the debut of an interesting collab between two British premium-luxury names with Represent's latest link-up being with heritage brand Hunter. And it's interesting not only because of the two names getting together but also stylistically. Their new mini collection 'blends British tradition with American influence, tapping into Represent's vision to bring a fresh, Americana-inspired edge to the brand's UK streetwear roots'. The collection 'explores Western iconography, focusing on the cowboy boot which has been reimagined onto Hunter's iconic Original Wellington Boot silhouette'. The capsule features two exclusive boot styles — the OG Short Boot and Play Short Boot — 'which draw inspiration from the classic Western aesthetic, redesigning Hunter's Original Wellington with a cut top line, distressed detailing and 3D embossed textures to echo the silhouette and decorative stitching seen on vintage cowboy boots'. But true to Hunter's heritage, both styles are made from 100% rubber. They're available in traditional black and dark brown colourways in unisex sizing. As Represent is involved, there's apparel too with a curated range of co-branded 100% cotton T-shirts and hoodies, with a washed finish 'to give the collection a faded vintage look'. Plus there are accessories, such as a baseball cap and bandana decorated with Western iconography. The range features a unified emblem blending the Hunter logo with Represent's signature 'R' initial. Matthew Salter, executive VP, Partnership – Marketing at Hunter's owner Authentic, said: 'By blending British heritage with an Americana edge, this collection speaks directly to a new generation of style-conscious consumers.' And Represent creative chief and founder George Heaton added: 'A year ago I moved to Los Angeles, California to build the brand from the ground up over here, and as a concept we're digging into American history through design and details. What if British Classics met Americana on a Hunter boot? This is probably my favourite collaboration idea in our history, because it was so natural and didn't come as a pitch or a conversation, it was simply an artistic idea on an existing silhouette.'
Fashion Network
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Hunter and Represent get together on streetwear-meets-Americana collab
July 2 will see the debut of an interesting collab between two British premium-luxury names with Represent's latest link-up being with heritage brand Hunter. And it's interesting not only because of the two names getting together but also stylistically. Their new mini collection 'blends British tradition with American influence, tapping into Represent's vision to bring a fresh, Americana-inspired edge to the brand's UK streetwear roots'. The collection 'explores Western iconography, focusing on the cowboy boot which has been reimagined onto Hunter's iconic Original Wellington Boot silhouette'. The capsule features two exclusive boot styles — the OG Short Boot and Play Short Boot — 'which draw inspiration from the classic Western aesthetic, redesigning Hunter's Original Wellington with a cut top line, distressed detailing and 3D embossed textures to echo the silhouette and decorative stitching seen on vintage cowboy boots'. But true to Hunter's heritage, both styles are made from 100% rubber. They're available in traditional black and dark brown colourways in unisex sizing. As Represent is involved, there's apparel too with a curated range of co-branded 100% cotton T-shirts and hoodies, with a washed finish 'to give the collection a faded vintage look'. Plus there are accessories, such as a baseball cap and bandana decorated with Western iconography. The range features a unified emblem blending the Hunter logo with Represent's signature 'R' initial. Matthew Salter, executive VP, Partnership – Marketing at Hunter's owner Authentic, said: 'By blending British heritage with an Americana edge, this collection speaks directly to a new generation of style-conscious consumers.' And Represent creative chief and founder George Heaton added: 'A year ago I moved to Los Angeles, California to build the brand from the ground up over here, and as a concept we're digging into American history through design and details. What if British Classics met Americana on a Hunter boot? This is probably my favourite collaboration idea in our history, because it was so natural and didn't come as a pitch or a conversation, it was simply an artistic idea on an existing silhouette.'
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Authentic reinforces global strategy with APAC headquarters in Shanghai
Fashion Network: Over the past few years, the performance of many brands in China's market has not been that competitive. Why has Authentic still chosen to set up its APAC center in Shanghai instead of other cities? Jamie Salter: We believe in the long-term potential of the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific market, and Shanghai is at the heart of that vision. Shanghai is a dynamic city and is the right home for our APAC headquarters, with China presenting great growth opportunities. The opening of our Shanghai office reflects our confidence in the region and commitment to building strong, localized partnerships that unlock the full potential of our brands. This city also provides a complete ecosystem that supports the acceleration and localization of our portfolio brands. It is our long-term commitment to this market. FN: What key brands will Authentic focus on developing in the Greater China/APAC area? Matt Maddox: Our strategic partnerships are driving significant success across our brand portfolio. Nautica is thriving through our collaboration with Tristate, whose deep expertise in China's apparel market and understanding of the brand have proven invaluable. For Hunter, our partnership with Baozun leverages their robust digital, logistics, and supply chain capabilities, perfectly suiting a brand focused on quality, performance and storytelling. Brooks Brothers is gaining renewed momentum thanks to ImagineX, a leading partner in building premium local brands. Finally, Champion 's explosive growth is a direct result of our collaboration with Belle Fashion, which has expertly positioned the brand in key retail channels and effectively connected with the right consumers. FN: What are the criteria for choosing these local partners? Matt Maddox: With nearly 1,800 global partners, our primary focus consistently centers on the product. We prioritize collaborations that effectively represent the brands and yield products genuinely valued by regional customers. This emphasis on product and quality naturally leads to considerations of operational synergy and collaborative methodologies. We are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable relationships built over many years. Our aspiration is for our global brands to also achieve local relevance, both here and in other markets, thereby significantly broadening our partnership footprint worldwide. FN: How do you manage brands with different cultural backgrounds across regional markets? Jamie Salter: Our core business model remains consistent globally; however, cultural adaptation is paramount. While product is key, we recognize the importance of localization: approximately 50% of our product line is global, with the remaining 50% tailored to local preferences. The world is shrinking due to social media and influencers, leading to increasingly similar styles worldwide. The time lag for trends to travel, once six months from Europe to America, has significantly shortened in the digital age. Therefore, our strategy is firmly 'Think Global, Act Local,' a practice we will continue to refine. We're observing a significant shift with products from Japan, Korea, and China, like the highly sought-after Champion Japan collection, now influencing the American market. Our asset-light business model facilitates this global collaboration, ensuring all partners can access diverse products. FN: How do you manage different teams that have varying cultural dynamics? Matt Maddox: From a cultural standpoint, we deeply value listening to our local teams and understanding that operational approaches and team dynamics vary significantly by region. This philosophy extends to our regional companies, each operating almost autonomously rather than receiving top-down directives from Europe, North America, or China, ensuring they effectively cater to their respective local cultures. FN: Aside from brand management, Authentic also operates a sports and entertainment business. Are there plans to expand this business locally? Jamie Salter: Our playbook remains centered on building out sports and entertainment, encompassing live events, experiences and media, much of which is already in motion. With Sports Illustrated, for example, we have live events in Singapore, and we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. With figures like David Beckham present and Sports Illustrated established, alongside live events in Singapore, we are continuously expanding our footprint to replicate our execution model from Europe and America. This expansion will involve both existing brands and the integration of new local celebrities and athletes, with a critical focus on their global appeal. Our 'Think Global, Act Local' strategy dictates that while we adapt to local markets, any engagement—particularly brand acquisitions—must have international travel potential. We believe that what resonates in one market, such as China, can indeed find success back in America. As a global company, we may engage in collaborations for purely local ventures, but our acquisitions prioritize brands with global reach.
