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India Today
2 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
EMIs for mental health therapy: The Gen Z route to healing, happiness
If millennials helped mainstream mental health therapy, Gen Z buried the stigma around it for good. For a generation raised on openness and emotional vocabulary, mental health isn't a trend—it's survival. So when it comes to choosing where their money goes, many are saying they'd rather take an EMI to pay for therapy than a loan to, say, make a lifestyle purchase. Jitin Bhasin, founder and CEO of SaveIN, an online healthcare platform, new emergencyadvertisementGen Z doesn't wait for mental breakdowns. They've grown up navigating academic pressure, job market instability and the anxieties of living hyper-connected social media lives. Therapy, for them, is an essential service, not the last resort. If money's tight, they'd rather cut corners elsewhere than skip sessions. An EMI simply makes the decision in therapy rather than gadgets Owning the latest smartphone may not move the needle for many from Gen Z. A good device is enough. What they're more drawn towards is personal growth, clarity and inner peace, all of which therapy promises. They're not chasing dopamine hits from, say, unboxing a phone; they're for long-term are familiarFrom OTT platforms to e-learning apps, Gen Z is the 'subscription generation'. Rs 799 or Rs 999 per month for therapy? Feels just like adding another line item to their lifestyle stack—only this one doesn't fade in three episodes or auto-renew unnoticed. It adds real, measurable value to their mental 'soft lite' eraThe glorification of burnout is officially over. Gen Z is opting for the 'soft life', a conscious slowdown that prioritises wellbeing. Therapy fits squarely into this new value system. It's not indulgence—it's self-preservation. A monthly EMI is just the price of as a long-term investmentWhether it's stronger relationships, clearer decision-making or emotional regulation, the benefits of therapy spill into every area of life. Gen Z knows this. With flexible payment plans, they don't see therapy as an expense but rather an investment in their Z is clearly choosing healing, more than ever backing their mental health with their wallets—smartly and to India Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
How chef Vijaya Kumar is creating a global culinary scene
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated August 4, 2025)Q. What does it mean to win the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York State?It is a recognition not just of my cooking, but of the food I grew up with in Tamil Nadu, the kind of food that's rarely seen in fine dining. We did not tone it down or simplify it. This is also a win for my team and for immigrant cooks How is Indian cuisine evolving on the global culinary scene? It is becoming more regional. There is more focus on real stories and real flavours. Indian food is finally being seen in all its depth, and that shift is long overdue. From day one, our goal at Semma was to move beyond the typical, beyond the small fraction of what Indian food really is.Q. Who are your culinary inspirations?My biggest inspirations are my mother and grandmother. They cooked with instinct, patience and heart, and shaped. Everything I do in the kitchen. I admire chefs who push boundaries without losing their sense of identity. That kind of quiet confidence really resonates with me.Q. What is your most innovative dish?Our nathai pirattal—snails cooked with spices and tamarind—is one I'm especially proud of. This is a dish from my village that you'd never expect to see in a New York restaurant. We kept it traditional, but plated it with intention. The balance of staying rooted while shifting the context is what innovation means to to India Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
23-07-2025
- India Today
Are electronic locks the key to safe homes?
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Home issue dated July 2025)If you ask me, the simple act of not misplacing house keys deserves its own Nobel Prize. After all, forget aesthetics and architectural elegance—home security often boils down to thick doors, a series of locks, and iron bars. So naturally, when I got the chance to upgrade from fumbling keys to a smart lock, I leaped at the opportunity. Here's my hands-on experience with the Godrej Advantis FEATURES, SMARTER LIVINGThe Advantis IoT9 isn't your ordinary lock, it opens remotely from practically anywhere on the planet. It speaks multiple languages—English, Hindi, and regional dialects—making it both smart and culturally inclusive. Integration with Alexa and Google Home means you can boss your lock around with your voice. Need to let someone in temporarily? Generate one-time passwords via the app. Plus, with nine access modes, ranging from wearables and biometric scans to old-school mechanical override, it practically begs you to ditch traditional keys. INSTALLATION, A MINOR SAGAGetting the Advantis IoT9 installed is straightforward, thanks to Godrej's helpful expert who arrives at your doorstep. However, if you have a vintage door, brace yourself for potential breakage, carpenter visits, and cosmetic touch-ups. I encountered some hiccups during installation, but thankfully, they were swiftly handled by the THE LEARNING CURVELet's be honest, many of us aren't exactly tech wizards, and initially, the Advantis IoT9 felt like deciphering alien technology. Every user must download an app, verify their email, and input a pin—a process that even our household's resident tech guru found slightly puzzling. But after the initial learning phase, operating the lock became a lot easier.I personally opted for fingerprint access, numeric pin, and smartphone unlocking. Each method begins with a gentle touch on the keypad to awaken the system—sometimes it accepts your fingerprint instantly; other times, patience is key (pun intended). For numeric entry, remember the sacred ritual: gentle graze, enter your pin and press '#'. Constant pin updates via the app can be annoying. And if your lock is slightly low on battery expect a 'ping' from the app every 20 minutes. Though Godrej promises improvements are on the SECURE, AND SLIGHTLY QUIRKYWith its made-in-India tag and a host of interesting features, such as temporary unrestricted access, an anti-prank alarm triggered after five incorrect attempts, and a break-in alert, the Advantis IoT9 offers substantial peace of mind. Sure, there are more than a few quirks to iron out, but has it made key-fumbling a thing of the past? to India Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
23-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Overactive bladder? Five lifestyle changes that promise big relief
Overactive bladder affects millions of Indians, manifesting as sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate, frequent trips to the washroom and sometimes embarrassing leakage. While medication and bladder-training remain mainstays of the treatment, research shows that a few key lifestyle adjustments can significantly ease the symptoms. Dr Mahesh Babu, consultant urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Secunderabad, explains five evidence-backed changes that really work:Mind your fluids: Many people with overactive bladder instinctively cut down on all fluids, but severe restriction can irritate the bladder and worsen urgency. Instead, aim for a balanced fluid intake of about 1.5-2 litres daily, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Avoid drinking large quantities all at once, especially before bedtime. Distribute fluids evenly through the day to reduce nighttime trips to the bladder irritants: Certain foods and drinks are notorious for triggering urgency. Caffeine, found in tea, coffee and many soft drinks, is a well-known culprit. Alcohol can irritate the bladder lining and increase urine production. Spicy foods, artificial sweeteners and acidic (citrus) items can also worsen the symptoms for some. Keep a food diary to pinpoint your personal triggers and eliminate or reduce them healthy weight: Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, putting extra stress on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Several studies have shown that even modest weight-loss (5-10 per cent of body weight) can decrease urinary frequency and urgency episodes. Incorporate regular exercise, such as brisk walking, yoga or swimming, to support both weight management and pelvic muscle strength. Train the bladder: Bladder retraining is an effective behavioural technique. Start by scheduling bathroom visits every hour, regardless of urge. Over time, increase the interval between voids by 15-30 minutes each week. This helps the bladder hold more urine comfortably and reduces signals of over-activity. While progress can take weeks, consistent practice yields lasting your pelvic floor: Strong pelvic floor muscles provide crucial support to the bladder and help control sudden urges. Kegel exercises—contracting and relaxing the muscles that stop urine flow—are proven to reduce leakage and urgency. Aim for at least three sets of 10 contractions daily. If you're unsure whether you're doing them correctly, a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic floor health can guide to India Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
I'm OK not having a release every six months: Kajol
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 28, 2025)Q. In Sarzameen, you have worked with two newcomers—one behind the camera (Kayoze Irani) and one in front (Ibrahim Ali Khan). What was the energy on set like?Ibrahim is on the quieter side. He was into the character, given it is intense. I loved how Kayoze commanded the ship. We had long conversations about what the film should be saying and the subtext of its Do you think newcomers now have it easier than you did when you made your debut in 1992 I think it is easier for this generation, at least in the beginning. We were just thrown into the water, so it was sink or swim. That I feel is our strong point. Now, they have months of preparation—be it a dialogue coach or personal trainer or stylist, what to say or not to say.Q. You return to the Dharma banner after a decade. Sarzameen must have been compellingIt was really the script. I loved that it's an emotional film about three people who are thrown into different circumstances and how they all have to grow and adapt. Working on a Dharma film is very comfortable. On the first day, everyonewas like, 'Welcomeback, Ma'am.'Q. Three decades and still going strong. What's your magic potion? How have you adapted to the changing industry?You have to sip the potion slowly, and give it time to digest before taking the second sip. I've done selective work. I don't put unnecessary pressure on myself. I am OK not having a release every six to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
