
BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
7 Ways to Improve Your Relationships
Living in a happy relationship doesn’t mean that there is no scope for improvement. Also, the relationship doesn’t only mean a relationship with your spouse or your partner. It includes the relationships which surround you, be it in the office, home or your friends.

To build construct your own self-confidence you need to make other people feel valued and important.
Thus, below are few behaviours to improve your relationships with others:
Give Attention:
Everyone likes attention. Also, the best way to show someone that you are paying attention to them is by listening to them very carefully. If you start listening to them and asking about things they are talking about they will feel that they are valued. Thus, showing them that they are interesting and you interested in whatever they are saying.
Accepting Them:
In between two people, acceptance is very important. Accepting the other makes the person feel comfortable around you. Especially when the acceptance is genuine. Thus, increasing the self-esteem of the person and feeling safe in your company.

Smile Often:
A simple genuine smile can make anyone happy. It makes you look attractive as well. Hence, when you smile at a person, the person feels valued and feels good from inside. Also, in this process, you raise your own self-esteem as you raise others. Thus, costing you nothing and bringing everyone closer to you.
Show Gratitude:
Gratitude is one of the biggest virtue a person can have. It shows that you respect and appreciate what the other has done. Also, it gives out the message that you value the person and their effort. Hence, increasing their self-worth and self-esteem. Thus, adding a small “thank you” to anyone who is helping you or giving you anything, brings out your positive image and your relationship with everyone around you increases.

Encourage them:
Often more than less, we forget to encourage or praise people for their achievements. We overlook what they have done and continue to do our own work. Thus, making them feel not wanted. Hence, it is important to encourage and appreciate people around you. They will feel that they are a part of your life. Thus, improving your relationships with them.
Compliment them:
Most of the times we waste our energy on criticizing other people. Hence, we forget to compliment them. Complimenting anyone can raise their self-esteem and boost their confidence. Thus, they will start appreciating you and valuing more in their life which will lead to an improvement in your relationships and your surroundings.

Reach out to them:
Most of the time we spend is on keeping tabs on who called us and who hasn’t. Hence, because of this, we lose out most of our relationships. So, instead of keeping tabs on what your close ones have done for you or haven’t, it is always a better option to reach out to them first. Sometimes, it only takes the first step.
The above-mentioned ways will improve your relationship instantly. People around you will find more attractive and would want to spend more time with you. Thus, helping you to better your relationships. But, if you face constant trouble in any of your relationships, you can always reach out for help. Seeking for help is not something to be afraid of. Hence, if you or someone you know is facing trouble in their relationship then please visit a counsellor immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
7 Signs to make A Healthy Marriage
No marriage is perfect, but it takes special work to reach to a healthy and happy married life. A happy marriage doesn’t mean that you avoid fights, but it means to handle the emotions maturely. Most of the couple’s struggle to achieve a healthy marriage, but some are able to achieve them. Below mentioned signs tell about signs of happy marriage. Most of the couples indulge in the practices mentioned below daily in their life.

Hence, if you want your marriage to be happier and stronger, you can try and implement these tips mentioned below:
They Don’t Speak About the Other on Their Backs:
Psychologists have studied that the tone and the manner you speak about your spouse determine your married life. Thus, it is important to not to speak bad things about your partner even when they are present. You should be able to handle the situation in a mature manner, even when the other has done something wrong. Hence, speaking with each other in a respectful manner.

They Prefer Speaking Face to Face more than through Phones:
In the era and time of smartphones, most of our time is spent on the screens. But, couples who have a healthy married life prefer to have eye contact rather than trying to spend most of their time on their screens. Thus, it is about making time for each other and having a healthy discussion.
They Don’t Bring up the Past:
A healthy married couple will always try to bring out the best in each other. The most important thing they will do is, not keep a scorecard. They will always try and understand each other and forgive each other for their mistakes. Also, if somehow the trust is broken between them, they will not keep holding for the reason (unless it’s of an extreme). They will start building their trust again, by letting go of the past.

They Know how to Prioritize:
When couples start having kids, they oversee their own self. Thus, prioritizing their children over everything. It is true that the children want our attention and we need to look after them. But, it is also possible to prioritize one’s own marriage along with the children. Prioritizing one’s marriage will teach them about love and caring, and the children will actually look forward to marriage.
They Express Love Regularly:
Lovemaking is one of the top things which keeps a marriage healthy. Thus, a couple who is happy with each other, will express their love and make love as frequent as possible. Where they both try and satisfy each other as frequently as possible. This way, they are able to keep each other happy and satisfied.

They Don’t Keep any Secrets from Each other:
A happy couple will stay happy as long as they do not keep any secrets from each other. When talking about secrets, it includes any kind of dishonesty. Thus, a happy relationship is sustained by keeping everything opened between each other.
They Prefer to do Things Together and Yet Respect Each Other’s Distance:
As mentioned, they would prefer spending more time together. That is, they will do things like, praying, watching a movie etc. Also, they will give time to each other to let them enjoy the activity the other’s like to do. Hence, it is a balance between the two. Spending time and giving time. Thus, being able to understand each other.
Entering into a happy marriage takes a lot of work, but it is worth it. But, if you or someone you know is suffering from a bad marriage and need help, then please visit a marriage counsellor immediately.
All images courtsey Pixabay

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Back to School After Holidays
It is always very difficult to go back to school after a long break. Most of the times, the breaks are always too short no matter the length of the duration. But, the school has to open one day and you have to go back to school. so how to preparing yourself?
Going back to school needs physical and emotional preparation, as our mind and body get into the comfort zone. Thus, entering school the first day becomes all the more difficult.

Hence, below are few ways to prepare yourself for going back to school:
Unplug:
During the vacations, we start to watch TV or stay on our phones or even play video games late in the night. We are able to do this because at that time we know that the next day we can sleep till late. But, during school days it is not possible. Hence, it is important to unplug yourself from these devices before the school starts and try and get back to your sleeping schedule.
Create a Schedule:
Holidays are mostly chaotic; hence we do not have any schedules. Thus, from our sleep cycle to our eating habits, everything becomes disrupted. Hence, it becomes difficult when you actually get back to school as your schedule is disrupted. So, it is important to create a schedule for yourself and your body to adapt to a school day.

Plan Ahead:
School can start with stressful situations; these can range from arranging yourself and your homework or even meeting a teacher you don’t like. These situations usually occur when we are not prepared, both physically and emotionally. Hence, planning ahead saves us from entering these situations. Planning for the opening of the school will make you feel organized and will give you the confidence of being able to control the situation.
Start Reading Again:
Reading is always a good habit, but during vacations, we only have time to do so many things. But, when the school starts reading about different subjects becomes mandatory. It becomes difficult to start your habit again, and hence you are not able to get hold of what is going on in the class. Thus, it is always advisable that you start reading before the school starts. Hence, you will be able to catch up to the class’s pace.

Get Back to Doing Homework:
Summer holidays are full of fun and also homework. But, we spend most of our time having fun. So, we keep on procrastinating on our homework. Hence, it is important to catch up on our homework also. One of the main reason students are stressed because they haven’t completed their homework. Also, during the break children break away from the habit of doing homework. Hence, it is important that before school starts studying and completing your homework gets in the schedule. Thus, making the adjustment in your school easier.
Going back to school can be fun if you try and focus on the positives of school. It might seem daunting at first, but soon we settle down and get back to routine. The above tips can help you ease up the transition process.

But, if you or your friend are facing serious stresses or mental health issues while going back to school or your personal life due to which the process is seeming difficult; it is advisable for you to talk to your parents about it. Also, if you think you need professional help, do not hesitate.
Read More about Sending Your Children to School Happily.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
7 Ways on How to Become a Better Parent
Being a parent is a hectic task but, it is something which comes as a responsibility for them. Many of them love being a parent. But, they always wonder how can they be better at what they are doing. Also, along with being a parent comes conflicts of emotions and ideas. With all these, the parents start to wonder what they should do.

Hence, below are 7 ways on how to become a better parent:
1. Don’t Compare:
Firstly, it is very important that you shouldn’t compare your kids. That is, you should not point out who is doing better and who is not. Comparison increases the stress on your children. Also, they start to feel that only achievement can win your love for them. Hence, they either start to detach themselves from you or they start to take an excess of pressure.
2. Do What You Say:
Children learn the most from their parents. Hence, it is important you teach them the same. Many times we teach our children something and then we do the opposite in front of them. This way the child learns to lie as well as they do not actually learn what you have taught. Hence, it is very important to do what you tell them to do. Thus, helping them learn the good things.

3. Let Them Make Mistakes:
Our initial reaction towards anything they are doing wrong is to stop them and tell them. For example, if your child is playing with a car and you know that the car will break down, you would immediately go and stop him/her from doing so and explain to him/her. Instead of this, if you allow them to make mistakes they will learn about how to correct the mistakes much faster. But, make sure the mistakes they are making are not harming them. That is, playing with electrical wires or fiddling with any machine which can harm them.
4. Let them be Bored:
Often when we see our child is getting bored, we indulge them in some activity or the other. You might think that this will enhance their skills, but in reality, they do not find the time to be alone with their thoughts. Thus, it is important to let them be bored. If they are bored, they will start indulging in their fantasies and stories. Hence, improving their ability to think and wonder as well as understanding themselves. Sometimes they might need temptations to indulge. So you can keep toys or colouring books or cardboard boxes lying around them. Hence, able to indulge their energy positively.

5. Don’t Comfort or Calm Them with Food:
It is a tendency in parents to reward the child with a food they like. But, it shouldn’t be done. There is a simple reason behind it. If the child is praised every time he/she does something good with food, then your love and attention will be replaced by food. A child only asks for your attention and love. Hence, if you replace that with food then the child would only move towards materialistic gains. You can reward them with food only when it is absolutely necessary, and they will also enjoy that. But, food should not replace hugs and kisses from you, and the love and attention they seek.
6. Teach Them How to Manage their Emotions:
Most of the times we see our children behaving in very aggressive manner. We deem that behaviour as misconduct and punish them all the time. But, most of the time it happens because they are unable to manage their emotions. Hence, it is important to teach them how to manage their emotions. The best way to do so is to have conversations with them and make them realise what they have done how it affects others, in a calm manner.

7. Embrace Change:
One thing which will happen with you and your children is change. They will start disliking the activity they used to love, or they will try and find new and different activities. This is just a normal behaviour. As they grow older, they will change in height, weight as well as in emotions. But, along with it you also need to see that they don’t lose interest in all the activities and start becoming depressed.
All of the above tips can help you learn parenting better. But, it is also important to opt for pre-birth counselling. Especially, if it is your first child. Also, if you think that your child is becoming depressed or appear stressed all the time, you should visit a child counsellor immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Tips for Mental Wellness
There is a lot of stress in our daily life. This stress starts affecting our mental wellbeing. Thus, leading to different mental health issues. As we keep a check on our physical wellness, similarly, it is as important to keep a check on our mental wellness.

Hence, below are few tips for mental wellness:
Valuing Yourself:
It is important to know and understand your own value. You need to stay away from self-criticism. Thus, treating yourself kindly. You can invest your time in the hobbies you like to do or you can try and learn a new hobby.
Taking Care of Your Body:
Body and mind have a direct connection. Hence, it is important to take care of your body. You can do this by exercising regularly, eating healthy, avoiding nicotine, drinking plenty of water as well as getting proper sleep.

Surround Yourself with Good People:
It is important for you to surround yourself with people who are loving and caring. Hence, it is important to build your own support network. Thus, you should always stay in touch with friends and family who are close to you.
Help Others:
Helping others not only make others happy, but it makes you happy as well. Hence, start helping others. There are many ways to help, you can either start volunteering in some NGO or just help a friend in need.

Learning to Deal with Stress:
Experiencing stress is a part of life. It works as a motivator as well as a setback. Hence, it is important to learn how to deal with stress. You can learn relaxation techniques or start exercising or play with your pet or just write journals. Also, it is important to remember the importance of laughter. As someone said, laughter is the best medicine. Hence, look out for things which makes you laugh and happy.
Learn About Inner Peace:
A person is truly happy when he is contempt. Hence, it is important to know how to quite your mind from the everyday hustle bustle. Thus, you can achieve this by learning different meditation techniques or tai-chi or even simple praying.

Have Realistic Goals:
It is important to have goals in life, whether they are professional goals or academic goals. But, along with goals, it is also important to set realistic goals. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t aim high, but it means is you need to take steps which you are able to achieve. Thus, by achieving small steps you are able to enjoy your life more. Also, every time you achieve a goal, you need to realise the achievement. But, don’t overburden yourself with the goals.
Breaking up the Monotony:
Monotony gives us a sense of security and belonging. But, monotony also gives us a sense of depression. Hence, it is necessary to break the monotony. Thus, you can plan a road trip or try a new restaurant or a new meal which will help you break up the monotony.

Avoid any Kind of Drugs:
Drugs or Alcohol or any kind of substance effects the brain a lot. It creates a dependency and increases mental health problems. Hence, it is important to not use any kind of drugs. Also, be vary not to self-medicate. Self-medication enhances the problem. Thus, it is advisable to always visit a doctor whenever necessary.
Seek Help if Needed:
Lastly, seek help. The daily stress and tension wear us out. Hence, seeking help doesn’t mean that we are weak. It is like keeping a routine check. Also, if you think you are suffering from anything you shouldn’t be afraid to take help and get better. Counselling can help you deal with a lot of problems and get out victorious.
In conclusion, as we take care of our physical health, it is also important to take care of our mental health as well. Hence, if you feel that you are not able to handle the daily stress then please visit a mental health professional immediately.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
7 Tips on How to Become a Better Father
Blessed are those children who have an active and participative father. After the mother, the father’s role is the most important in the upbringing of the child.
Fathers play a very important role in in the lives of their children. They are there when we need someone the most, as well they are there to bring us to track if we are moving away from it. But, every father also needs to understand these feelings and structures.
Whether you have just become a father, or you have been a father for a long time. There is always a scope for improvement or learning.

Hence, below are 7 tips on how to become a better father:
Spend Quality Time:
There is always a thin line of difference between spending time and spending quality time. In an age of smartphones, we need to take out time to spend quality one on one time with our children. Thus, you can do this by reading a story to your child or playing a sport or game with your child.
Discipline them Without Being Harsh:
To be disciplined in life is very important and a child learns this from their parents. Hence, it is important to teach your child about right or wrong. But, do not punish them. Instead, you should teach them about consequences and handle the situations with love and care. Thus, you can reward their positive behaviours by teaching them what’s right and instead of punishing the negative behaviours you need to make them understand what they did wrong without scolding.
Listen to them:
Listening to your child is as important as talking to them. If you start listening to their ideas and problems from a very young age, in future it will be easier for them to talk to you about difficult topics. Also, listening should be done with empathy and understanding, instead of judging them about their ideas.

Be the Role Model:
Consciously or Unconsciously a father does become a role model for their children. If you have a girl child and you become their role model, then they would understand the respect they deserve and what to look for in a guy. Similarly, if you have a boy child, the boy will learn how to treat women with respect. Hence, it is important to show humility, honesty, love and caring for your children and becoming their role model.
Read to them:
As mentioned earlier it is important to read to them. Firstly, it ensures quality time spent with them. Secondly, reading them from a very young age teaches them the importance of literacy. When they start growing up, you also need to encourage them to read. Reading helps in a lot of things, including a personal and professional growth of the child.

Respect your Partner:
It is important to show love and respect to your partner. From there, the child learns to understand to respect each other in loving relationship. Also, if you show love and respect to your partner, the child will feel safe in the environment. Thus, they will understand that the relationship with their father is something of love and respect.
Being with them:
Most importantly, you need to be with them. No matter what age they are. You need to be with them. The bonding between the father and child should begin during pregnancy. Through touch, love, care. Thus, giving our signals to the child that you want them and love them.
All the above tips can and will help you become a better father.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet
Benefits of owning a pet are coming to the forefront, as more and more research is being dedicated to this line of thought.
Following are the benefits that will hopefully motivate you to get a pet for yourself:
- They love you unconditionally, and are a great source of support.
- Pets provide you constant companionship and prevent against isolation. They make you feel needed.
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks about 8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet - They act as great listeners, and thus, provide a vent for your feelings.
- Some pets need to be taken out for walks. As a result, they act as motivators for you to step out, exercise and interact with people. Thus, acting as protective factors against heart diseases and depression.
- They help children with developmental disorders. For example, in case of autism, pets help improve their social interaction; in case of ADHD, they help children release their excess energy. They also help reduce the anxiety and stress that these children experience as a result of their daily life challenges.
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks about 8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet - A snuggle with your pet will help you calm down and get rid of your anxiety and stress.
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks about 8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet - By giving you a reason to wake up every morning, they provide your life with a sense of purpose.
- Pets help provide some structure and routine to your day-to-day life.
It is because of the recognition of these mental health benefits that pets serve, that animals now are being used for therapy in the form of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Ways Music Helps with Mental Health Issues

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain!” ~Bob Marley
No matter what your emotional state is, I’m sure you must have observed that there is always some kind of music that just perfectly blends with your mood.
Various researchers too now provide a scientific backing to the positive effects of music on mental health that people claim. Not only does music help ease our pain, it has several other mental and physical health benefits as well. Read on to discover them –
- Music helps reduce the perceived intensity of pain.
- Fast and upbeat music increases your workout motivation and endurance. That is probably why a lot of gyms have music playing in them.
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks about Ways Music Helps with Mental Health Issues - Helps the body recover faster after a session of workout.
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Playing soft music in the background while having a meal reduces your speed of eating.
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Consequently, this reduces the amount of food you consume. This can probably be attribued to the fact that when eating slow, one is more mindful of what and how much they eat.
- It makes you feel happier by enhancing the blood flow in your vessels.

- It improves your sleep quality and helps reduce symptoms of insomnia.
- By releasing biochemicals that are meant for stress reduction, music helps you relieve your stress and also deal with symptoms of anxiety.
- Slow rhythmic music can alter brainwave patterns in a manner that produces a state similar to that while meditating.
- While heavy metal music might have an adverse effect on your depression, the right kind of music can uplift your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Not only does listening to music make you more aware and in touch with your feelings, but it also promotes mood regulation.
- It helps improve your performance on cognitive tasks by increasing your ability to concentrate.
- Music helps you stay cool in high-pressure situations by decreasing your respiratory and heart rate. Thus, when stuck in traffic, or when going to play a game under a lot of pressure, turn up the music to calm yourself down.
- Music therapy is used to treat a lot of mental disorders such as Schizophrenia, Alzheimer, Dementia, Autism, Depression, Anxiety etc.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
6 Ways to Appear More Intelligent
Everyone wants to be more intelligent. All of us want to charm our bosses and peers by appearing more intelligent than them. In a scientific research, it is shown that our way of speaking and how we appear, increases the perception of others and finds the person intelligent. here some tips to increase intelligence

Thus, below are few ways to appear more intelligent:
The First Impression:
The first impression is very important. A study shows that people most of the time making assumptions about the other within first 11 seconds of meeting. Thus, it is important to pay attention to how you look. The more clothes you wear the more it is easier for the other person to notice your mind rather than your body. Thus, appearance plays a very big role in the first impression.
Maintaining Eye Contact:
It’s very important to maintain eye contact when you are talking to someone. When you maintain eye contact with the other person, you are able to listen to them and thus respond in an intelligent manner. It also shows that you are confident and ready to listen to them.

Having the Right Posture:
To appear increase intelligent, it is important to maintain your posture. Studies show that people who tend to slouch present themselves as less confident and intelligent. Thus, having a straight and right posture presents you as confident and intelligent. Also, it helps you improve your appearance in general.
Getting Proper Sleep:
It’s important to get proper sleep to appear to increase intelligence. A well-rested person is able to listen and learn new things much faster than a person who is sleep deprived. Also, having proper sleep will remove a frown from the face and the eyes will appear wider. Thus, you becoming more attractive and appearing increase intelligent.
Speaking Slowly and Clearly:
Expressing yourself is very important, thus the best way to express is to speak slowly. Slow and clear speech creates an impression of what you are saying, you are confident about it. It makes you appear more intelligent as you present yourself well sorted out. A research proves that people who speak slowly and clearly appear to be increase intelligent than someone who speaks very fast and unclear.
Broadening Your Mind:
To appear and be increas intelligent, the best way is to be open to new ideas. Broadening your mind and horizon helps you to grasp and learn what you didn’t know. It also gives you the ability to understand and look at a situation in a very different perspective. Also, it enhances your listening skills.
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BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli
Psychological Benefits of Playing Holi
Holi, the festival of colors, is just around the corner. It channelizes our emotions and expresses our feelings through colors. The place becomes an expression of rainbows, and we enjoy spraying colors and water on each other. Playing Holi itself becomes an enjoyable event.

Thus, below are few of the psychological benefits of playing Holi:
Colours Bring Emotions:
Playing with different bright colors brings our emotions outside. It brings a certain kind of liveliness in our lives. Also, it influences our behavior and the feeling of joy represented by colors, outside is reflected inside.
Colours and relation to Brain:
When we see bright colors, it becomes a catalyst. The brain is fed with happy emotions. Bright colors represent our inner brightness and happiness, thus making us happier.

Food as Happiness:
During the Holi season, we make and serve a lot of sweets. Sweets add to our emotions and feelings, making a person feel happy. There is always a relationship between good carbs and mood, hence consumption of sweets releases happy chemicals in our brain. Good food makes a person be more relaxed and keep them in a good mood.
Social Gatherings:
During this season, we are meeting with our friends and families. Meeting and playing with our friends creates an environment of opening up. The social gatherings bring out joy and playfulness in us. Thus, making this season more enjoyable.

A lot of Exercises:
We all know doing exercise keeps the body healthy and the mind at peace. During this festive season, there is a lot of running, jumping, falling etc, which counts as a lot of exercises. All this exercise keeps you fresh and active, which in general keeps the body and mind healthy. Also, when your body is tired, a good sleep after all the activity makes you ready for next morning.
Holi is a season of joy and harmony. Dr. Prerna Kohli wishes everyone a Happy and prosperous Holi. In this season, play, have fun and be careful. Stay happy and enjoy!