Emotional Wellbeing

Riding the Wave of Inflation: A Guide to Investments

November 11, 2022
Usha Mallya
Riding the Wave of Inflation: A Guide to Investments

Inflation is a long-term pattern of rising prices across the economy yearly. Inflation rates indicate the rate of erosion of the value of an investment over time as well as the loss of purchasing power. Investing in assets requires a return on investment consistent with their living standard. 

To overcome the effects of inflation on your investment, you must have financial planning and knowledge. Here are a few things you should know. 

Inflation: What Causes It?

Inflation occurs when the demand for an item or service exceeds the supply of that good or service. This is referred to as demand-pull inflation, and it causes price increases. 

Inflation is also caused by a rise in the cost of producing products and services. As the cost of manufacturing an item rises, manufacturers raise the selling price in order to achieve or maintain a specified profit. This is referred to as cost-pull inflation.

Here's a chart demonstrating how a lakh's value decreases over time to help you comprehend this better.

‍Inflation: What Causes It?

Financial vs Physical Investment

Physical assets can be felt, seen, touched, or held, such as real estate, precious metals, jewellery, plant and machinery, vehicles, tools, etc. These assets must be maintained, repaired, and upgraded, which can lead to expenses.

An intangible asset, such as shares, bonds, deposits in banks, accounts receivables, goodwill, copyrights, patents, etc., cannot be seen or touched, except for the records proving ownership of the asset, for example, shares, bonds, deposits in banks. The value of financial support does not depreciate or diminish with time. Nevertheless, depending on market conditions, the value of a financial asset can appreciate or depreciate.

Asset Classes and Inflation

The value of liquid assets tends to rise less over time than the value of other types of assets since inflation affects them similarly. Because of this, liquid assets are more susceptible to inflation's effects. The larger economy tends to retain fewer liquid assets when inflation rates are high.

Although illiquid assets can generate interest and grow in value, inflation also affects them. Investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds is one of the best ways to protect savings against inflation. In times of high inflation, people often spend their liquid assets on consumer goods or invest them in interest-paying assets.

Systematic Investment in Equity Mutual Funds

Mutual Funds offer a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), a means of investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, say once a month or once a quarter, instead of making a lump-sum investment. Instalments could be as low as INR 500 per month and are similar to recurring deposits. Moreover, it is convenient since your bank can give you standing instructions to deduct the monthly amount.  

Here are some examples of the power of compounding

‍Systematic Investment in Equity Mutual Funds

Three Golden Rules of Investment

Start Early

It is recommended that you start early in order to gain greater financial wellbeing and to maximise your returns on investment. If you allow your investment portfolio to generate returns over time, your returns will essentially create more returns. In technical terms, this is called compounding, proving that even small investments can accumulate into large sums over time.

Invest Regularly

Regularly investing rather than attempting to time a lump sum investment can help you become a more disciplined investor. Ultimately, you must invest no matter how high or low the price is. As a result, investing becomes less emotional, and you can put your money to work more quickly.

Invest for Long Term

The relationship between volatility and time is an advantage of long-term investing. The volatility of investments held for a more extended period tends to be lower than the volatility of assets held for a shorter period. The longer you invest, the more likely you will survive market downturns.

Investments with their risk vs return potential

Three Golden Rules of Investment

Conclusion

If the returns on an investor's assets are less than the rate of inflation, even if they show profits, they will lose money. Additionally, individuals should ensure that their income increases at least as much as inflation; otherwise, they are technically earning less than they would otherwise and losing financial stability.

Nutritional Wellness

The Flavor of Health: How Food Impacts the Brain and Body

January 8, 2023
The Wellness Tribe Team
The Flavor of Health: How Food Impacts the Brain and Body

The connection between what we eat and our overall health is undeniable, and in this article, we will delve into the specific ways in which food can impact our brains and body. 

From the role of different macronutrients in brain function and mood to the link between certain foods and cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, we will cover a wide range of topics.

Additionally, we will discuss the impact of food on daily lifestyle and provide some actionable advice for readers on how to optimize their diet for optimal brain and body health.

The Brain and Food: A Delicious Connection

Our brains are the command center of our bodies, controlling everything from our movements to our thoughts and emotions. And, like all other parts of our body, they need the right fuel to function at their best. The food we eat can profoundly impact our cognitive function and mood, and we're here to explore the delicious ways in which it does so.

The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison." - Ann Wigmore

When it comes to macronutrients, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins play a vital role in keeping our brain healthy. Carbohydrates, for instance, can help boost our mood by increasing the production of serotonin, the feel-good chemical. Fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for brain development and function, while proteins are essential in the creation of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.

But it's not just about what we eat; it's also about what we avoid. A diet high in saturated fats and processed foods has been linked to cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help to protect against them. So, next time you reach for that bag of chips, remember that your brain will thank you for choosing a handful of nuts instead.

The Body and Food: A Nutritional Symphony

The Body and Food: A Nutritional Symphony
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Food plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. The right nutrition can help keep our body in tip-top shape, while a poor diet can lead to a host of health issues.

First and foremost, the role of nutrition in maintaining overall health cannot be overstated. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide the essential vitamins and minerals our body needs to function properly. This can help to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Again it's not just about what we eat; it's also about what we avoid. Certain foods have been linked to specific health conditions. For example, a diet high in saturated fats has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Processed foods, on the other hand, have been linked to obesity and diabetes. By choosing whole foods and avoiding processed foods, we can help to keep our bodies in check.

Food and Mental Health: A Delicious Relationship

Food and Mental Health: A Delicious Relationship
Photo by Juan José Valencia Antía on Unsplash 

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and the food we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining both. The relationship between food and mental health is delicate, and understanding it can help us keep our minds in top shape.

When it comes to our mental health, the impact of diet cannot be overstated. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide the essential nutrients our brain needs to function properly. This can help to prevent conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Conclusion

To sum up, the food we consume is the fuel that keeps our body and mind running smoothly. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Avoid processed foods and saturated fats
  • Include omega-3-rich foods
  • Provides essential nutrients for optimal brain and body function
  • Achieve a balanced diet for optimal wellness.

But, just like a gourmet meal, everyone's nutritional needs are unique and personal. So, before making any drastic changes to your diet, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian to determine what specific dietary changes would be best for you.

In the end, let's remember that food is not just about sustenance; it's also about pleasure. By making mindful food choices, we can nourish our body and soul. So, let's savor every bite and enjoy the delicious symphony of health food offers.

Emotional Wellness

Embracing Change: The Shift from IQ to Adaptability Quotient

November 16, 2022
Aakriti Agarwal
Embracing Change: The Shift from IQ to Adaptability Quotient

One of the most famous phrases attributed to Albert Einstein is, "The measure of genius is the ability to change." It is more accurate than ever in today's swiftly changing world.

Change is unavoidable, and we must be prepared to navigate it successfully. And, like so many other things, change may travel in both positive and harmful directions. We are practically sure to experience disaster and failure if we fail to manage the stormy seas of change in the proper way.

We will surely grow more clever, insightful, and adaptable as we learn to maneuver through life's changes. To thrive in life and conquer the challenges that come your way, you'll need perception, assessment, and adaptability. When presented with a difference, intelligence is tested by making adjustments and changing subsequent actions accordingly.

When we change, we develop and become wiser in the process. Humans generally thrive on change and expansion, but they might have many inner or outward factors to change.

Trying to maintain everything the same is not only unhealthy but also impossible. You are misinterpreting human traits and thriving if you avoid change.

Adaptability and Workplace

Embracing Change: The Shift from IQ to Adaptability Quotient
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

The way we work, live, and interact with one another is changing dramatically. Unprecedented rates of change have emerged from extraordinary technological developments in automation and artificial intelligence, disruptive innovation, and globalisation. As a result, leaders in the business sector are continually rethinking how their companies create value and stay relevant in an unpredictable climate. 

Furthermore, the future of employment is continuously evolving. Technological improvements have decreased the expiry date of staff talents to the point where a typical corporate capability is only relevant for 4.2 years, down from 30 years in 1984. According to the World Economic Forum, 65 per cent of present employment will be obsolete by the time today's primary school students reach the workforce.

What is the adaptability Quotient?

The capacity to decide what is relevant, discard obsolete information, overcome hurdles, and respond to change in real-time is known as the Adaptability Quotient (AQ). Those with a high AQ exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Open-mindedness. They actively manage their unconscious prejudices to remain receptive to new ideas.
  • They go out of their way to perceive things from other people's viewpoints.
  • They place a high value on acquiring new skills and investing in their education to better prepare themselves for an unpredictable future.

Adaptable leaders and staff are better suited to meet their company's changing and growing demands – and they're in great demand.

"Adaptability is the quality that distinguishes the survivor from the perished." - Charles Darwin

How can adaptability be developed?

Years of practice responding carefully to problems as they emerge are required for adaptability. You have the power to influence your team and propel your company ahead as a leader. Adaptability, like emotional intelligence, may be increased and enhanced.

  • Model the high-AQ behaviour you want your workers to emulate. For example, leaders who adopt the pacesetting leadership style may increase their team's AQ by displaying flexibility and encouraging team members to alter and update their abilities. This will aid in the creation of a stress-resilient and change-adaptive environment.
  • Take charge of your educational path. Recognise the importance of continuing your education. Assume responsibility for your education, and you will increase marketability for years to come.
  • Decide which positions you want to pursue depending on how much you can learn. Then, make future opportunities to learn critical new skills a priority.

What is agile, and how is it more effective in bringing adaptability to you?

The three pillars of Agile are quality, speed, and value. It encourages people to risk discovering new ideas and developing them with the least amount of danger possible. It's a cycle that starts with an idea and ends with a worthwhile result. It encourages people to take the risk of generating new ideas and developing them with the slightest danger of failure. 

A group of people may work together to develop an idea, correct errors, and make it worthwhile. The possibilities are designed, and duties are shared after the concept is conceived. As a result, more than one team would be working on the idea, each with their skill level in a specific area. If a mistake occurs, only the team assigned to it will reprogram it, saving time and energy for the others.

Three tips to help you develop the mindset to adapt to change: 

Three tips to help you develop the mindset to adapt to change
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Recognise change

One of the most challenging aspects of the process is recognising and embracing change—one of the first things we do as humans are to deny reality. As a result, we frequently ignore the shift to avoid dealing with it, or so we believe. But, on the other hand, denying or postponing this problem may make it worse and more unpleasant than just embracing it from the outset. 

It's critical to acknowledge that change is occurring and to attempt to emotionally and, if possible, physically prepare ourselves for it! Recognising and embracing change is a crucial part of the transformation process.

Maintain a positive attitude

Consider the change in a good light. Rather than focusing solely on the bad, write or speak about why this change could benefit you and any other benefits that may result from it. In times of despair, being optimistic is crucial and an excellent tactic. In any scenario, there are positives, and it is up to you to locate them. 

Ignore your negative feelings about the shift and concentrate on the good, even if only for a short while. This upbeat outlook can assist you in getting through it!

Talk about it

Make a phone call to your best buddy. Speak with a member of your family. Speak with a therapist. It doesn't matter who you talk to, as long as you find someone you can trust and tell them everything. It's critical to express your feelings and discuss them with someone you can trust and rely on. It is a sign of strength, not weakness; to know yourself well enough to recognise that you require support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This support system may also provide the tools you need to overcome or better adjust to the shift. They can also bring a fresh viewpoint to the problem, which may or may not be beneficial, which is also OK!

Conclusion

Remember, change is unavoidable, and it affects everyone! What distinguishes it is how you respond to the change. And don't be concerned if it takes you longer than someone else; you're all on your road! It takes time to adjust, but if you stay optimistic and open-minded, you will succeed.

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This month we are focusing on food and how it affects your mental health. Join us as we bring in the most relevant interesting content from across the wellness segment.

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