Minimalism has gained traction in recent years, fueled by a growing awareness of the psychological toll of excessive materialism. Social media, documentaries, and books have played a crucial role in spreading the message of simple living for greater happiness. Additionally, the movement aligns with broader cultural shifts toward sustainability, mindfulness, and prioritizing experiences over material wealth.

Research suggests that decluttering and simplifying one's environment can have profound effects on mental health. The psychological benefits of minimalism extend far beyond aesthetics—they influence emotional stability, cognitive clarity, and overall well-being.

Mental Health Benefits of Minimalism

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Cluttered spaces can overwhelm the senses, contributing to feelings of chaos and instability. A clutter-free, organized environment minimizes sensory overload, promoting a sense of order and serenity. With fewer distractions, the mind can function more efficiently, leading to clearer thinking and emotional balance.

2. Enhanced Focus and Productivity

Minimalism eliminates unnecessary distractions, allowing for greater concentration and efficiency. A clean, well-organized environment fosters productivity by reducing cognitive overload. With fewer items vying for attention, individuals can devote more energy to meaningful tasks, ultimately leading to a greater sense of accomplishment.

3. Improved Mindfulness

Living minimally encourages conscious decision-making about possessions, fostering a deeper awareness of daily habits. This extends beyond material belongings to influence how individuals engage with experiences, relationships, and responsibilities. Practicing minimalism cultivates mindfulness, enabling individuals to be fully present in their surroundings and daily interactions.

4. Greater Self-Sufficiency

The modern world often promotes dependence on external validation and material comforts for happiness. Minimalism, by contrast, emphasizes self-sufficiency and inner contentment. By focusing on essential needs rather than external possessions, individuals can develop a sense of personal empowerment, reducing anxiety and emotional reliance on consumerism.

How To Embrace Minimalism

Transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple, practical steps can make the process easier:

Start Small: Begin by decluttering a single room or area, keeping only items that serve a clear purpose.

Mindful Shopping: Avoid impulsive purchases by asking, "Do I truly need this?" before buying anything.

Declutter Regularly: Set aside time to reassess belongings and let go of anything unnecessary.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Invest in well-made, durable items rather than accumulating excessive possessions.

Limit Digital Clutter: Organize files, delete unnecessary emails, and reduce screen time to declutter the mind.

Essentials vs. Extras: The Key to Conscious Consumption

A core principle of minimalism is distinguishing between essentials and luxuries. Essentials contribute to well-being, while luxuries offer little lasting value. By focusing on efficiency and purpose, minimalists create a richer, more meaningful life experience. Conscious consumption—buying only what is truly needed—helps avoid impulsive purchases, leading to financial benefits and greater appreciation for existing possessions.

Minimalism is more than just a trend—it is a powerful approach to living with intentionality and clarity. By simplifying life, individuals can experience reduced stress, improved focus, and a stronger sense of self-sufficiency. As more people embrace minimalism, it becomes clear that sometimes, less truly is more.

A symptom that most people associate with a common cold could actually indicate long Covid. Typically, individuals recover from a coronavirus infection within a few weeks after symptoms begin. However, NHS guidance points out that some people can develop a more persistent illness, with symptoms lasting far longer.

Long Covid, also called post-COVID syndrome, is usually diagnosed when COVID-19 symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks. Keep reading to learn which common symptom might actually be a sign of long Covid.

One Nose Symptom That Can Also Be Long Covid

Long Covid symptoms can vary widely, and many may be mistaken for a regular cold or flu. For instance, a sore throat or a runny nose could suggest either a common cold or long Covid, depending on how long the symptom has been present.

What Are Common Symptoms Of Long Covid

Other symptoms may include:

• Memory or concentration difficulties, often referred to as brain fog
• Shortness of breath
• Joint aches and muscle pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Hair loss or skin rashes such as hives
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose
• Headaches, dizziness, or vertigo
• Pins and needles or widespread body aches
• Persistent cough
• Abdominal pain or diarrhoea
• Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and reduced appetite
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Elevated temperature
• Changes in senses, including vision issues, earaches, tinnitus, or altered taste and smell
• Anxiety and depression
• Sore throat
• Sudden confusion (delirium), especially in older adults
• Chest pain or tightness, and noticeable heart palpitations

How To Know If You Have Long Covid Or Common Cold?

Telling the difference between a common cold and COVID-19 can be tricky, as many symptoms overlap. You can look for clues such as when the symptoms started, the intensity of fatigue, and whether you have experienced loss of taste or smell, a hallmark of earlier COVID variants. The only way to be sure is to take a COVID-19 test.

Long Covid stands apart from both a cold and acute COVID-19 because its symptoms, like fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive difficulties, persist for weeks or months after the initial infection.

Long Covid Complications

Some people, particularly those who had severe COVID-19, may experience effects on multiple organs or develop autoimmune conditions lasting weeks, months, or even years. These multi-organ effects can involve the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain. Many of these complications share symptoms with commonly reported long Covid issues. Consequently, people who have had COVID-19 may be at higher risk of developing or worsening conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Blood clots
• Neurological disorders

If you suspect you have long Covid, your GP may run several tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms, including blood tests. They might also monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels.

In some cases, further investigations such as an ECG or X-ray may be required. Some patients may be referred to a team of specialists at a post-COVID syndrome clinic for comprehensive evaluation.

As the crisp autumn air settles in, flu season returns, bringing the familiar symptoms of fever, and cough. Each year, influenza , commonly known as the flu, impacts millions of people. For most, it causes a mild to moderate illness, but for some, it can be serious, potentially leading to hospitalization or even death.

Even though the onset of flu season may feel routine, it is crucial to remember that the virus evolves annually, making yearly vaccination an essential measure for staying healthy. That said, the NHS has advised delaying your autumn vaccination if you experience one specific symptom. The health service advises that you should “wait until you’re feeling better” before getting the flu jab.

NHS Flu Vaccination

The flu shot is offered on the NHS every year during autumn or early winter for individuals at higher risk of severe flu complications. Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, as well as those with certain long-term medical conditions. According to the NHS website, the vaccine protects against the “most common types” of flu strains each year. While it’s still possible to catch the flu after vaccination, symptoms are generally milder and shorter in duration.

One Symptom That Means You Should Postpone Your Flu Jab

This year’s autumn and winter vaccination program is underway, with appointments available through GP practices, the NHS app, and select pharmacies. However, there are circumstances in which vaccination should be delayed. The NHS recommends: “If you have a high temperature, wait until you’re feeling better before having your flu vaccine.”

Some individuals may also be at risk of allergic reactions to the injection. “Most people eligible for the flu vaccine can receive it,” the NHS confirmed, adding: “You should not get the vaccine only if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or to an ingredient in the vaccine.” Some flu vaccines in the UK contain egg protein, so anyone with an egg allergy should inform the healthcare professional administering the shot.

Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine

The NHS notes that side effects are typically mild and usually resolve within one to two days. These can include:

• Pain or soreness at the injection site
• A slightly raised temperature
• Aching muscles or body

The NHS clarifies: “The injected flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live viruses. They cannot give you flu.”

Flu shots can generally be given alongside other vaccines, such as COVID-19 or shingles vaccines. They are not usually administered with the RSV vaccine, though simultaneous vaccination may be advised if a doctor or nurse deems it appropriate.

Eligibility For Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older, with a focus on high-risk groups such as children under five, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Individuals who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine should consult a healthcare provider before receiving the shot.

Recent updates to vaccine policies, particularly around COVID-19 vaccines, have caused some confusion. Many wonder if getting the flu jab has become more complicated. The good news is that flu vaccines remain widely accessible. Pharmacies, GP offices, public health clinics, and many workplaces continue to offer the seasonal injection, often at little or no cost.

Kerala is on high alert as chickenpox cases are rising quickly in Kollam district. Over the past week alone, health authorities have confirmed more than 100 new cases, with numbers continuing to climb. This sudden spike has prompted officials to take swift action to prevent further spread. But why is chickenpox, often considered a seasonal illness, circulating now? And what early signs should you watch for to know if you or someone around you might have it?

Chickenpox Cases Surge Rapidly In Kollam

While chickenpox usually appears more often during the summer months, health officials say unpredictable weather during the rainy season is also playing a role in this surge. Authorities warn that the disease can lead to serious complications in children, teens, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Residents are being urged to follow preventive measures and seek medical attention promptly to contain the outbreak.

What Is Chickenpox And How Does It Spread?

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is extremely contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with someone who is infected. In children, it often starts as a mild rash accompanied by fever, but it can spread quickly in crowded areas.

The virus can also be transmitted through coughing or sneezing, and it is most infectious a day or two before the rash appears and in the early days of the rash. In individuals with weak immunity, the dormant virus may reactivate later in life, causing shingles (herpes zoster).

Why Is Kollam Facing A Chickenpox Outbreak?

The varicella-zoster virus spreads very easily through coughs, sneezes, or close contact with an infected person. Kollam’s warm, humid post-monsoon climate creates ideal conditions for the virus to multiply. While the first wave of cases was mostly among children, doctors now warn that adults are also increasingly vulnerable, according to The New Indian Express.

How To Detect Chickenpox Symptoms Early?

Spotting chickenpox early means looking for general warning signs like fever, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite, which usually appear one to two days before the rash. The rash itself starts as tiny red spots that later form fluid-filled blisters and eventually scab over. Paying attention to these early symptoms—especially after known exposure—can help identify the infection sooner.

How To Spot The Chickenpox Rash

The first rash usually shows up as small red bumps on the face, chest, or back. These bumps quickly turn into blisters filled with fluid, which are contagious. Over a few days, the blisters break and crust over, forming scabs. It’s common to see spots, blisters, and scabs all at the same time, according to the CDC.

Stages Of Chickenpox

The Mayo Clinic explains that chickenpox progresses in three main stages:

• Incubation Stage (10–21 days): After exposure, the virus remains inactive. Infected individuals typically show no symptoms during this period.
• Prodromal Stage (1–2 days): Early signs include fever, tiredness, headache, loss of appetite, and body aches. This is also when the virus can start spreading to others.
• Rash Stage (5–10 days): Red, itchy spots appear first on the face and chest, spreading across the body. These spots develop into fluid-filled blisters that scab over within a few days. Mild fever, itching, and discomfort are common during this stage.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, complications are uncommon but can include pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and bacterial skin infections. Vulnerable groups, such as infants, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immunity are at higher risk of severe illness.