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Aerial roots on an Amazonian River. There is something deeply humbling about entering a forest that predates the human civilisation. These are not just a few trees, but ecosystems that have survived ice age, tectonic changes, and the rise and falls of empires. There are a few ancient forests that still stand on different continents. They offer travellers the chance to walk back in time. Daintree RainforestThis is the oldest rainforest on Earth, estimated to be 180 million years old. Its biodiversity is astounding, with primitive plants dating back to dinosaur age. Borneo Lowland Rainforest

This forest, which spans Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, is approximately 130 million years old. Orangutans, pygmy elephans and other animals live in this ecosystem. Taman Negara

Visitors can explore canopy walks and dense jungle trails in this pristine ecosystem. Visitors can explore dense jungle trails and canopy walks in this pristine eco-system. A farm on an island within the Ganges Delta, Sunderban area)a (Photo by Freepik4) Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is the oldest on the list, but it is also the most biodiverse. Yakushima Forest

This magical forest is home to ancient cedars, some of which are over 7,000-years-old, and they’re covered in moss, mist, and a mystical atmosphere that inspired films such as Princess Mononoke. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

This rugged forest, which is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth (over 5,000 years), is a testament to its resilience in extreme climates. Story continues below this advertisement7. Caspian Hyrcanian Forests

These ancient forests are ecological relics. They date back to 25-50 million years ago and once covered most of the Northern Hemisphere. Reunion National Park

The Western Ghats are a unique ancient eco-system. Western Ghats

Dense evergreen stretches of Kerala and Karnataka are among the richest eco-zones, with rare wildlife, medicinal plant species, and unique flora that is found nowhere else on Earth.

What is forest bathing?Story continues below this ad10. Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

The mangrove ecosystem, while younger in geological terms, is older in evolutionary terms. The Sunderbans, one of the oldest mangrove forest in the world is a rare, living, shifting forest that has been shaped by the tides.

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Manoj Bajipayee talks about balancing his professional commitment with his personal relationships (Source: Manoj Bajipayee/Instagram)Balancing your professional commitment with your personal relationships can be a difficult task. In a previous interview, Manoj Bajpayee gave a candid look into this daily tug-of-war. “I am a normal family person. I try to be a good husband and father. In a conversation with ETimes, he admitted that he was scolded by his wife and daughter for being so focused on his work. I listen to them with humility. I try to obey the rules as much as I can. They are my lifelines. They dictate my life completely. When someone is passionate about their work, the line between life and work can easily blur. The constant presence of technology such as watches, phones, and emails makes it difficult for the mind to rest. Baruah says that creating boundaries begins with awareness. You can start by noticing how your attention is often drawn back to work even at dinner. It’s important to have small rituals to help you: putting away your phone during meals, setting aside a time at home where you don’t talk about work, or a mental “switch zone” before entering the home. These are all tiny acts of mindfulness to signal that you’re home. Work is often a source of identity, purpose and self-worth for many people, so criticism can seem personal. It’s better to listen and pause before reacting. If work is taking over everything else in your life, it may be time to re-align, not because of guilt, but out of balance. Honest conversations in which both sides express what they need – time, support, and understanding – can help shift the focus from blame to repair. Baruah says that balance doesn’t mean less ambitious; it means equal regard for your personal and relationship worlds. Story continues below this advertisementIn relationships, where one partner takes the lead on domestic matters, how can couples maintain a balanced power dynamic? Baruah says, “Even if said in a joking manner, it’s true that homes also have hierarchies.” Balance is not achieved by keeping score, but rather through mutual respect – knowing when to take the lead and when it’s time to listen. Shared decisions regarding family routines and chores as well as leisure time help to prevent silent resentment. These moments help to reestablish connections.

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Rahul Vaidya and Disha Parmar perform Griha Pravesh at their new Mumbai home (Image source: @dishaparmar/Instagram)Singer Rahul Vaidya and TV actor Disha Parmar continue to woo their fans years after the couple confessed their love for each other on Bigg Boss season 14. They held on, got married in 2020, and welcomed their child in 2023. The couple bought a house in Mumbai and have begun a new chapter of their lives. They shared a series wholesome photos showing them performing the traditional Griha Pravesh on the auspicious Gudi Padwa. Disha wore a mustard-yellow suit with a sleek ponytail, statement earrings, and a sleek ponytail. Rahul chose a classic look with a white shirt and blue jeans. While the couple kept the majority of their house under wraps the photos revealed some gorgeous details: from a living room with a pastel theme to traditional touches. The apartment has large floor-to ceiling glass windows with excellent views of the outdoors. The front door opens into an expansive, pastel-themed space with ample ambient and overhead lighting. This space connects with a bright hallway that has rooms on either side. The interior design of the home is still in progress, as unpanelled cabinetry can be seen in the background.

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Experts say that light, space and colour palette are important elements in creating a warm, welcoming home. They also influence moods. Dr Murali Krishna of Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore explained that these elements are fundamental to the emotional atmosphere and visual appeal of a house. Story continues below this ad. Warm, layered lighting that combines ambient, task and accent sources can make a room feel welcoming and comfortable. However, harsh or overly bright light can create a feeling of sterility. Inside Sanya Malhotra’s new sea-facing Mumbai home: ‘Har Har Mahadev. Iss Ghar ki Har Deewar Mujhe …’ While space planning helps to make the house look and feel uncluttered, choosing a colour palette is equally important. The colour palette can influence how a space will be perceived and experienced. He said that colours should be matched to the function of each space. A well-planned layout will promote comfort, interaction, and ease of movement. When furniture placement, flow and proportions are carefully considered, the home feels more inviting and lived in. “The process requires partners to express their preferences, negotiate differences and reach shared decisions. It doesn’t matter if it’s about aesthetics, functionality, or layout. These conversations reveal more about each other’s personalities and habits,” he said. “More importantly though, co-creating an interior space fosters a shared ownership and emotional commitment,” he added.

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Learn how ‘delulu’ dating helps singles remain open to love. (Source: AI Generated).Trends of modern dating are often shaped and influenced by emotional fatigue that many people experience following repeated disappointments. Ghosting, unclear intentions and short-lived relationships are some of the most common reasons, especially as people spend more time online and use dating apps. According to a study titled Emotional Numbing: Is Dating Frustration a Subclinical Response?’ published by IRE Journals “The dating practices in today’s society are rapidly changing due to digital platforms. This leads to dating fatigue, which causes emotional exhaustion, disengagement from relationships, and decreased interest in date.” In response, new mindsets have emerged that attempt to make the dating process feel a bit less draining and a bit more hopeful. Online dating is becoming more popular. One trend is delulu dating. ‘Delulu,’ which is derived from the word “delusional,” is used with a light and humorous tone. The idea is to choose optimism, even if past experiences suggest caution. The phrase ‘delulu, is the solulu!’ originated in online fan communities where it was used to encourage optimistic thinking. This mindset has now found its way into the dating culture. It loosely translates as believing that something good, or even magical, could happen, even when things seem messy, complex, or uncertain. But how can people use this mindset to stay emotionally resilient during modern dating? Gurleen Baruah is an existential psychotherapist with That Culture Thing. She told indianexpress.com: “Optimism works, but blind optimism does not.” As BoJack Horseman said, “When you wear rose-tinted lenses, red flags look like flags.” The idea is to remain hopeful and aware, not to ignore reality. Balanced optimism can give you hope, resilience and the ability to move on after disappointment. It keeps you open to possibilities, rather than getting stuck in fear and cynicism.” But it must be grounded: seeing the good as well as the bad. The real resilience comes from hope with clarity and not illusion. It’s also a sign if you are overly positive and dismiss concerns (yours or other people’s). “Healthy optimism is calm and grounded. You can like someone but still see their flaws. You don’t dismiss them as a ‘bad’ person or idolise their goodness. There is nuance. You are open but not blinded. This balance is crucial. “Story continues below the adMaintaining hope and openness, while setting realistic expectations According Baruah it begins with not idolising others. No one is good or bad 100% of the time. Try to see people for who they are and not as potentials or fantasies. This requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and knowing your own patterns, needs, and limitations. “When you know yourself better, it’s easier to assess others realistically. Keep your eyes open, but keep your feet firmly planted. Do not become cynical, but do not ignore reality. Real hope is balanced. It allows for connection while still protecting your emotional well-being,” says the expert.

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Archana Puran Singh opens up about her new routine (Photo: Archana Puran Singh/Instagram)Archana Puran Singh, 63, who is back from a 15-day Ayurvedic retreat in Bengaluru, revealed her new routine, which she has been advised to follow. “Mera Sab Bandh Hai (For me, Everything is Curbed). No maida. No maida. No fried. Sleep between 10-11 pm. No fun (laughs). I have to eat at 7 pm. She told her family that she couldn’t …” because of her age. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. “Reducing added sugar, refined wheat flour, and fried food helps reduce inflammation, improve digestion and stabilise your blood sugar levels. Dt Amreen Sheikh is the chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals in Thane. “An early dinner allows the body to digest food prior to sleep, which improves sleep and metabolism,” she said. Sheikh said that a short retreat can help people become more conscious of their eating habits and lifestyle habits. “Completely avoiding some foods can sometimes lead cravings or make you find it difficult to stick to your routine. Moderation is more practical. Maintaining consistency can be achieved by using naturally sweet foods such as fruits, whole grains rather than refined flour, and healthier methods of cooking, like grilling, steameding, or sautéing. The goal should be to build a pattern that fits daily life without feeling overly restrictive,” said Sheikh.Have whole foods (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)According to Sheikh, eating earlier in the evening supports better digestion and lowers the risk of acidity, bloating, and disturbed sleep. It also gives the body enough time to switch into repair mode during the night, which is important for metabolism, immunity and weight management. Sleeping by 10 pm also helps regulate hormones, including those that affect hunger and fullness. This routine can improve your energy levels, mood and overall well-being over time. “What works on retreats may need to be adjusted in daily life.” Gradual changes are easier to maintain than sudden restrictions and more beneficial over the long term.