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Why high achievers are quitting at the top of their game, choosing mental peace over fame

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Zakir Khan’s decision, due to health issues, to postpone the performance of his show until 2030 left his fans around the world unhappy. Arijit Singh, who had spoken about stepping aside a few months earlier, also cited the need to prioritize well-being as a reason for stepping back. These sabbaticals could be indefinite. What remains clear is that mental health is a growing topic of conversation, and that it is important to reclaim your identity beyond performance. This shift is not limited to celebrities. Indianexpress.com spoke with high-achieving professionals from the armed services to corporate boardrooms who revealed that they left their professions not because they could not make a mark but because they felt “something was missing”.So, what does this transition tell us? Is it true that success has little to do with the length of time you spend in a particular profession? Or that external validation can’t define inner fulfillment? The sailors who chose uncertaintyFormer Naval Officer Captain Gaurav Gautam, and his wife Vaidehi Chitnavis, quit their careers when they were at a high level. He had risen through the ranks. She had a successful career in journalism. With Kaeya, their daughter who was in school, life was stable and smooth. But something was wrong. Gautam remembers that “we were three individuals growing, but in three different directions.” Not together. Between desk jobs, school schedules and deadlines, family time was reduced to rushed weekends and calendar coordinated dinners. “There was no trauma,” says he. “Life was good.” “Life was good. But something was lacking.” Gautam says. During the pandemic when boat prices dropped and the world slowed, the idea returned, but this time with urgency. Vaidehi said, “If you have been daydreaming for long enough, then let’s do this.” In 2022, the couple quit their well-paying careers and chose to live permanently on the oceans. The couple say that it took them a few months before they sold everything and got their ducks in order to move onboard their sailboat. Story continues below this advertisement.Today, the family lives full-time aboard a sailboat. They are arguably the only Indian families to make sailing a permanent lifestyle. Their daughter attends a boarding-school in India and joins the family during breaks.Vaidehi & Gaurav on their boat “Reeva” (Photo: Vaidehi Chitnavis).How is life treating these two now? The first year was a real adventure. The second year was stressful due to mechanical failures and visa complications. Family illness, 16-hour days, and financial constraints were also factors. Gautam says, “When it rains in the land, you close the door and go to sleep.” “Here, you can’t. The boat will move if the wind increases. The pressure was overwhelming at one point. He admits that he would smile for the cameras, but “inside I wasn’t OK.” He sought out advice from other sailors and began breathing exercises and structured routines. The inner work was what helped the most. Their lives are harder today than they were before. Gautam says it is more meaningful. Story continues below this advertisementCombating grind cultureAnisha, a former reporter, is currently on a break (Photo: Anisha Rahore)For Anisha, a journalist, the realization came not from adventure but from exhaustion. “I feel that grind culture has completely overtaken India’s corporate sector,” she says. “And not only corporate. Even government offices are adopting a hyper-corporate mentality.” Late nights. Weekend calls. Constant availability. If you don’t answer immediately, you are irresponsible. It’s like asking for their lives if you ask for leave.” “You’re expected sacrifice your personal space, your rest and your mental space. When it comes to compensation or appreciation, this urgency disappears,” she says. The loss of her calling was what she found most disturbing, not the work load. Story continues below this advertisement. The work culture became so toxic, it began to affect my mental health. I was always anxious. Three years ago, she decided to step back. “Not because I was lacking ambition. But I needed peace of mind. It’s not weakness to step back. Indrani and her son (Photo by Indrani Chkraborty). In 2018, Indrani quit her high-paying job in marketing. Her husband Soumya Mukherji had already left his corporate role in 2016. They were well-paid and making steady progress. Story continues below this advertisement”We were always travelling. Indrani says, “Even when we were at home, we talked about work.” “Calls were never-ending.” It was taking its toll on our relationship. “The tipping point occurred after a seven-month project which demanded her full attention. When recognition did not follow, the emotional collapse followed. The next night, her husband said “Let’s get back home.” Today, they run Svanir Ecostay near Bhubaneswar in Odisha. It is a nature-based homestay that is rooted in community tourism. Just before the launch, Cyclone Fani damaged parts of the property. Covid then halted its operations. Savings vanished. “There were breakdowns. Tears. She recalls. Story continues below this adYet, she insists that she would never return to corporate life. “Even if I were given crores of rupees, I would not trade my life… Peace and a good night’s rest are priceless.” They now travel around Odisha, researching crafts, supporting marginal artisans, and raising their son among trees instead of traffic. “When you slow down,” she says, “you start seeing things you otherwise miss.”ALSO READ | Bikini model, weightlifter, and a gym ownerWhy high performers are choosing to pauseDr Rimpa Sarkar, a PhD in clinical psychology and founder of Sentier Wellness, Mumbai, sees this shift as part of a larger psychological recalibration.”High-performing individuals often have strong self-awareness and long-term vision,” she explains. Many are realizing that continuous output without recovery leads to burnout and cognitive fatigue, as well as emotional disengagement. Continue reading below this ad. According to Sarkar, sabbaticals have become more preventive than reactive. “Instead waiting for collapse, people choose to pause sooner to recalibrate energy and priorities.” Sarkar distinguishes between burnout and healthy disengagement. Sarkar says that burnout is emotional exhaustion coupled with cynicism, and reduced effectiveness as a result of prolonged stress without recovery. “The key difference lies within the intention,” Sarkar notes. “Does a pause bring clarity and renewal?” Or a further withdrawal?” She emphasizes that this shift doesn’t mean quitting your ambition.

  

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‘Isse bolte hai chaunke huye chawal’: Aaryamann Sethi reveals fiancée Yogita Bihani’s morning routine; she shares her ‘comfort food’ recipe

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Aaryamann had a cute exchange with his fiancee Yogita Bihani on his YouTube vlog, where he shared her tips for maintaining a fit body. He said that she begins her mornings by eating a spoonful ghee with an empty stomach. “This does not contribute to fat. It’s a great help. She eats the ghee with an empty stomach. I think that’s what she does. She eats less. It seems she eats quite a bit…she eats variety, but eats less,” Sethi said as Yogita nodded happily. During the vlog Yogita is also seen enjoying her favorite “comfort” food after a long break. When asked about it, Yogita replied, “Isse Bolte Hai Chaunke Huye Chawal.” Yeh simple chawal hai (This rice is called Chaunke Huye Chawal. This is just plain rice. It contains a little oil, cumin, a small amount of chopped onion, red chillies, turmeric, and salt. Once the rice is cooked, add it to the roasted vegetables. This is a very simple recipe. This is my family’s comfort food. I was craving it. I haven’t eaten this for a long time. Mumma, I miss you. I love you,” said the 30-year old as she ate a plateful. This article is based off information that was in the public domain or from experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. “Ghee is essentially clarified butter, and is high in saturated fats. Dr Mule said that while small amounts of ghee can be included in a healthy diet, treating it like a “morning routine” to detox or boost metabolism is more of a trend than a medically recommended practice. Good digestion depends on the quality of your overall diet. Fiber intake, hydration and regular meal patterns matter more than any single ingredient. Ghee is high-calorie and saturated fats which may cause weight gain over time or higher cholesterol, especially for people with sedentary lives or metabolic Dr Mule cautioned those with heart disease, diabetes or lipid disorders to be cautious. Continue reading below this ad. It can provide energy and enhance the taste of foods, which can indirectly increase appetite and satisfaction. It’s not a vital health fix, and it is not necessary to consume on an empty stomach. ‘You are actually going to make it worse’: Nutritionist says intermittent fasting is not a ‘stopgap’ arrangement to lose 5kgsIf someone enjoys ghee and their body handles it well, small amounts as part of meals are just fine. “But there is no compelling reason to consume it on an empty tummy for added health benefits. As with most nutrition trends, moderation and context are important.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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‘What is the reason for giving Metformin to pre-diabetic patients? Can I stop taking it when my glucose levels are normal?’

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Why is metformin prescribed to pre-diabetic people? Dr Pranav Ghody explained in response to this Quora question that pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are above normal but not enough to be classified diabetes. “At this point, the body is showing signs of insulin resistance. Metformin reduces the liver’s production of extra glucose and helps the body to use insulin more efficiently. It can help prevent type 2 diabetes in people at high risk, like those who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dr Ghody responded to this “common” question by saying that normal readings are often the result of a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. “Stopping metformin abruptly without medical advice can cause blood glucose levels to rise again. The decision to reduce the dose or stop taking the drug is based on how well you are doing, your weight, and your overall risk profile. Dr Ghody said that it should always be done with regular monitoring under medical supervision. No, the drug does not cure the condition. It helps control blood glucose and improves insulin sensitivities, but the underlying tendency towards insulin resistance may still be present. Lifestyle changes are important (Photo: Freepik).Are there long-term concerns about taking Metformin.Metformin is generally well tolerated and considered safe when prescribed correctly. Some people may initially experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, but they usually subside over time. Can you stop taking your medication? (Photo: Quora)What else should someone with pre-diabetes focus on besides medication?Medication is just one part of the approach. “Building sustainable behaviors, such as regular physical activity and eating balanced meals with controlled portions is more important than anything else in preventing diabetes progression.” Regular health checks can help you stay on track.”DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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‘What is a good HbA1c level for type 2 diabetes?’

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Experts explain that the target varies from person to person based on a mix of health, genetics, and lifestyle factors. This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or from experts we interviewed. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dr Pranav Ghody is a consultant endocrinologist at Wockhardt hospitals in Mumbai Central. He explained that HbA1c represents the average blood sugar level over a period of 12 weeks. “Most people who have type 2 diabetes are healthy when their HbA1c is between 6.5 and 7 percent. Aiming lower isn’t always safer. Dr Ghody said that aiming for a number below 7% for most adults is the best option. This is because it reflects well-controlled blood glucose levels and is linked to a reduced risk of long-term complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye problems. However, for older patients or those with multiple health problems or at higher risk for low blood sugar, experts may relax targets to around 7.5 to 8%. HbA1c doesn’t show how much glucose fluctuates from day to day. It’s important to tailor the plan, combining HbA1c with regular blood sugar monitoring. What is the real goal? ‘How do you control type 2 diabetes with diet?’Consistency is also crucial. “Sudden fluctuations or frequent lows are just as harmful as consistently high levels of sugar. HbA1c is always a good indicator of overall health, daily glucose readings and symptoms. The goal is to maintain stable, safe blood sugar control which fits into the patient’s life style sustainably,” said Dr Negalur. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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Sonali Bendre opens up about cancer journey, says: ‘Steroids ki wajah se, I had weight on’; oncologist shares best practices to adopt

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Sonali Bendre recently spoke candidly about the physical changes that she experienced following childbirth and cancer treatments. She said, “Mere cancer treatment ke baad steroid ki wajah sa, I gained weight …” Her statement resonated strongly with many cancer survivors struggling with sudden weight gain after or during treatment. Do steroids cause sudden weight gain? This article is based upon information that we obtained from public sources and/or experts. How steroids cause weight gain? “Steroids commonly prescribed during cancer treatment can increase appetite, making people crave high-calorie food,” explains Dr Malhotra. These medications also affect the body’s energy processing. He says that steroids can cause fluid retention and slow metabolism. They also change the way your body stores fat around the face, neck, and stomach. Dr Malhotra says that steroids can cause water retention in many cases. This makes weight gain more apparent. He explains that weight gain, bloating or hair loss can have a significant impact on self-confidence. Story continues below this advertisement. According to Dr Malhotra many patients feel emotional distress as the recovery process is unpredictable and overwhelming. He says that stress, anxiety, and frustration can be common during this phase.
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Should cancer survivors try losing weight immediately?Dr Malhotra cautions against aggressive weight-loss attempts soon after treatment.”Cancer survivors should avoid rapid or extreme weight-loss methods immediately after treatment because the body needs time to heal and regain strength,” he explains.”Weight-loss plans should ideally be guided by a doctor or nutrition expert depending on the patient’s recovery stage and overall health,” Dr Malhotra advises.ALSO READ | Sonali Bendre just shared her favourite khichdi recipeHealthy ways to manage steroid-related weight gainAccording to Dr Malhotra, the goal during recovery should not be quick weight loss but overall healing and long-term wellness.Story continues below this ad”The best approach is balanced meals, portion control, and gentle physical activity like walking or yoga,” he says.He recommends focusing on protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and fiber to help regulate appetite and support recovery. He says that staying hydrated, managing stress, and sleeping well are all equally important. Most importantly, Dr Malhotra emphasizes patience. “Instead of quick fixes, gradual and sustainable habits are much safer and more effective during recovery.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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Celina Jaitly says her skin is glowing after eating gond katira for 21 days nonstop: ‘A little bit of my Indian grandmother’s wisdom’

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Celina Jaitly’s Instagram account recently posted a picture in which she is glowing. Reason? A traditional Indian ingredient, along with exercise, clean eating and self-care. In an Instagram post, No Entry actor revealed she had been eating “gond katira”, continuously for 21 consecutive days as part her wellness routine. “21 days of eating Gond Katira, workouts, of course, & healthy diet… and my skin is glowing where stress once lived,” wrote.Calling gond Katira part of her “Indian grandma’s wisdom,” Celina referred to it as a “natural, edible tree gum” which has quietly existed for generations in Indian households. Let’s find our.DISCLAIMER : This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. What is Gond Katira exactly?
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According to Dr Garima Tiwari, Head – Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, ShardaCare-Healthcity, gond katira is known for its cooling and hydrating properties and has long been used in traditional Indian diets, especially during summer.”It contains soluble fiber, which may help improve digestion, support gut health, and keep the body hydrated, especially during hot weather.”She adds that many people also consume it for improved energy levels and skin health. It can also increase fullness when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Experts say that only a small amount is needed. Beyond plain water: Why Banita Sandhu swears by consuming electrolytes, ‘especially before my period’Can you really see visible changes in 21 days?Dr Tiwari stresses that it is important not to treat any single ingredient as a miracle solution. While gond Katira can support hydration and digestion, as well as overall wellness, the best results are usually achieved by combining consistent lifestyle habits, rather than just one food item. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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