Félix Durian

I like to think of mental peace as emotional equilibrium. It's the feeling of having your emotions leveled out, where your reactions to life's ups and downs are measured and non-destructive. It's the absence of agitation. It's knowing that even if you have a big deadline or a difficult conversation coming up, you can approach it from a place of calm focus rather than anxiety or panic. It’s the feeling you get after a great meditation session, but sustained throughout the day. It's having that quiet, confident hum inside you that says, "I've got this, or at least I can handle it."

Hey! That's a great question, as getting a high band score requires specialized training. Based on what I've seen and the general buzz, several institutes in Bhubaneswar consistently get high ratings from students for their IELTS prep:

• Prajna Prep: They have a great reputation with a high Google rating (4.8) and are often cited for their personalised guidance and feedback. Personal attention is critical for the speaking and writing modules to push you into the high band range, so this could be a fantastic choice.
• Offshore Education Academy: This one also boasts a very high rating (4.9) and is consistently listed among the top options. High ratings often correlate with strong faculties and focused strategies that help students hit those difficult band scores.
• Achivia: They are known for their timely evaluation of strengths and weaknesses and experienced faculties. They focus on acquiring the desired score, which suggests a results-oriented approach that is key for high band success.

I recommend you visit the top 2-3 centres, ask about their current batch size, the experience of the faculty for the writing module, and their mock test frequency. This will give you the best idea of where you'll get the individualized attention needed for an 8+ band score!

When it feels like you're in a downpour and everything is going wrong, the most important thing is to stop the downward spiral and get your feet back on solid ground.

1. Acknowledge and Validate: First, recognize that it's okay to feel overwhelmed, sad, or frustrated. Don't fight the emotion; just acknowledge it. Remind yourself: "This is temporary." This simple phrase shifts your perspective away from "When will this ever end?" to "There is a timeline and an end to this."
2. Focus Small and Near: Stop looking at your five-year plan. When overwhelmed, focus on what you can control today or this week. Break down the big "wrong" things into the smallest possible, easily attainable tasks. For example, instead of "Fix my finances," make a task "Call one creditor today." Getting a small win builds momentum and helps you feel more in control.
3. Take a Break (Self-Care isn't Selfish): You need to refill your tank. Take a real break. This doesn't need to be a vacation. It can be a 15-minute walk outside, listening to a favorite album, or doing a silly, fun activity like playing a game or baking, just for the sake of enjoying yourself. Doing something just for fun tells your brain you're not in permanent survival mode.

I agree with the health-related possibilities, but also consider a much simpler, lifestyle factor: Dehydration. Being properly hydrated is vital for regulating your body temperature. Water helps your body hold and release heat efficiently. If you're not drinking enough water throughout the day, your body's core functions, including temperature regulation, can suffer, making you feel perpetually cold. I've found that just consciously increasing my water intake has made a huge difference in how comfortable I feel, even in slightly cooler rooms. Maybe try tracking your water for a week and see if it helps! 💧

I went through this process a couple of years ago, and I can't stress this enough: start by calling the Family Welcome Center! They are the gatekeepers for all high school transfers. The most straightforward path is typically a guidance transfer if you feel the school isn't a good academic or social fit, but you need to be prepared to articulate why the new school will be better.

Also, be aware of the timeline. Transfers aren't instant, and they are usually processed in cycles. Since you're in 10th grade, you'll need to ensure the new school has space and that your existing credits can transfer smoothly so your child doesn't fall behind on graduation requirements. The DOE's website has a great section on transfers that lists all the contact information and necessary paperwork.

Short local options to check (hands-on focus):

• Skillogic (offers Business Analyst / Business Analytics courses with practical projects and placement support). Check their Cuttack options — they run classroom and online batches.
• QuickXpert / QuickXpert Infotech — local training centers that offer data and analyst courses with live projects.
• Local training directories (Justdial / Sulekha) list small training centres in Cuttack such as Orisoft, Talentele and others if you prefer in-person classes.

When choosing, ask about live projects, instructor experience, placement assistance, and batch sizes — those are the practical things that matter. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Feeling cold can come from many causes — environmental, physiological, or medical. The simplest reasons are exposure to low temperature, wet clothing, or poor insulation. But if you feel cold even in a warm environment, consider other factors: low body fat, low blood sugar, dehydration, poor circulation, anemia, thyroid problems (hypothyroidism), or certain medications. When to worry: if the sensation of being cold is new, persistent, accompanied by fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, or paleness, it could point to anemia or hypothyroidism and you should get basic tests like a CBC (complete blood count) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). If you have symptoms like fever, confusion, or blue lips/fingers, seek immediate medical attention.

Practical tips: layer clothing, keep hydrated, ensure adequate calories if you’re dieting (low caloric intake can make you feel cold), and schedule a visit with your GP for blood tests if the feeling persists. Small lifestyle fixes (warm drinks, light exercise to boost circulation) help short term; labs will find treatable causes if it’s medical.