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Habits That Pay Off Forever

Building habits that contribute to long-term success and well-being is essential. The habits discussed here, though challenging to adopt, offer immense benefits that last a lifetime. Let’s dive into these habits and see how they can transform your life.

1. Fixing Your Sleep Schedule

A consistent sleep schedule is crucial for mental and physical health. Quality sleep supports memory consolidation, mood regulation, and overall productivity. Here’s how to improve your sleep hygiene:

  • Regular Sleep Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
  • Cool, Dark, and Quiet Environment: A bedroom that’s cool, dark, and free from noise can significantly improve sleep quality. Consider blackout curtains and earplugs if necessary.
  • Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens at least an hour before bed as the blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
  • Avoid Stimulants: Caffeine and nicotine can disrupt sleep, especially when consumed in the late afternoon or evening.

2. Delaying Gratification

Delaying gratification is a cornerstone of long-term success. This habit teaches patience and improves decision-making skills. Here’s how you can practice it:

  • Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve and understand the long-term benefits of waiting.
  • Create Small Rewards: Reward yourself for small accomplishments on the way to your larger goal. This helps to maintain motivation.
  • Practice Self-Control: Engage in activities that require discipline, like meditation or mindful eating, to strengthen your ability to delay gratification.

3. Shorten the Distance Between Idea and Action

Procrastination can hinder progress. Reducing the time between having an idea and taking action can help break the procrastination cycle. Here’s how to make it happen:

  • Immediate Action: When you have an idea, take the first step immediately, no matter how small.
  • Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large projects can be overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks can make them seem less daunting.
  • Accountability Partner: Share your goals with a friend or mentor who can hold you accountable.

4. Saying “NO”

Learning to say no is vital for managing time and maintaining focus. Successful people often attribute their productivity to the ability to decline non-essential tasks. Here’s how to do it effectively:

  • Know Your Priorities: Be clear about what’s important to you. This makes it easier to recognize when to say no.
  • Be Polite but Firm: You can decline requests without being rude. Practice ways to say no that feel comfortable to you.
  • Avoid Overcommitting: Recognize your limits and don’t agree to more than you can handle.

5. Being Afraid of Something and Doing It Anyway

Facing fears and stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for personal growth. Embracing challenges despite fear builds resilience and opens up new opportunities. Here’s how to tackle your fears:

  • Start Small: Begin with small steps towards facing your fears to build confidence.
  • Visualize Success: Picture yourself successfully overcoming your fear. This can boost your confidence and motivation.
  • Learn from Experience: Reflect on past experiences where you’ve overcome fear and apply those lessons to new challenges.

6. Don’t Care About How People View You

Building self-confidence and ignoring negative opinions from others can significantly impact your well-being. Here’s how to stay true to yourself:

  • Identify Your Values: Know what’s important to you and stay committed to those values, regardless of others’ opinions.
  • Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who support and uplift you.
  • Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and focus on your strengths and achievements.

7. Do Boring Tasks Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Consistency in performing mundane but essential tasks leads to long-term success. Here’s how to stay disciplined:

  • Create a Routine: Establish a daily schedule that includes time for boring but necessary tasks.
  • Focus on Long-Term Benefits: Remind yourself of the long-term rewards that come from staying consistent.
  • Use Rewards: Treat yourself to something enjoyable after completing a boring task to stay motivated.

8. Learn Not to Form Opinions About Events Out of Your Control

Focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you cannot reduces stress and improves mental health. Here’s how to develop this mindset:

  • Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can help you stay focused on the present moment and reduce anxiety about things beyond your control.
  • Keep a Journal: Writing down your thoughts can help you process and let go of concerns that you cannot influence.
  • Focus on Solutions: When faced with a problem, concentrate on what you can do to address it, rather than dwelling on what’s out of your control.

9. Study Philosophy to Become a Better You

Philosophy provides insights into human behavior and ethics, helping you make more informed decisions. Here’s how to get started:

  • Read Accessible Philosophy Books: Start with books that are easy to understand and provide practical insights.
  • Join Discussion Groups: Engage in discussions with others to deepen your understanding and gain new perspectives.
  • Reflect on Philosophical Ideas: Apply philosophical concepts to your daily life and reflect on how they influence your actions and decisions.

10. Seek Feedback and Use It to Improve

Constructive feedback is crucial for growth. Actively seeking and implementing feedback can help you refine your skills and achieve better outcomes. Here’s how to leverage feedback:

  • Ask for Specific Feedback: Request detailed feedback on particular areas you want to improve.
  • Listen Actively: Be open to criticism and consider it as an opportunity for growth.
  • Implement Changes: Take actionable steps based on the feedback you receive and monitor your progress.

11. Never Be the Best – Always Find Someone Better Than You

Surrounding yourself with people who are more skilled or knowledgeable pushes you to improve continuously. Here’s how to embrace this mindset:

  • Seek Mentors and Role Models: Find individuals who excel in areas you want to improve and learn from them.
  • Engage in Lifelong Learning: Continuously seek new knowledge and skills to stay ahead.
  • Stay Humble: Recognize that there is always more to learn and be open to new ideas.

12. Exercise and Eat Healthy from a Young Age

Adopting healthy habits early in life can prevent numerous health issues and improve longevity. Here’s how to develop a healthy lifestyle:

  • Incorporate Physical Activity: Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Avoid Processed Foods: Limit intake of processed and sugary foods to maintain optimal health.

Conclusion

Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can have profound long-term benefits. Start small, be patient with yourself, and watch as these habits transform your life. Share your experiences and progress in the comments below!

FAQs

1. Why is fixing my sleep schedule important? Fixing your sleep schedule is crucial because it helps regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep quality. This improves memory consolidation, mood regulation, and overall productivity.

2. How can I practice delaying gratification effectively? Start by setting small, manageable goals and rewarding yourself for achieving them. Practice mindfulness to increase self-control and avoid temptations by removing distractions.

3. What are some strategies to overcome procrastination? To overcome procrastination, break tasks into smaller steps, take immediate action on ideas, and use tools like to-do lists and reminders. Having an accountability partner can also help you stay on track.

4. How can I politely say no to tasks that don’t align with my priorities? Be clear about your priorities, practice saying no politely but firmly, and avoid overcommitting yourself. You can use phrases like “I appreciate the offer, but I need to focus on my current projects.”

5. How can I build the habit of facing my fears? Start with small steps towards facing your fears to build confidence. Visualize success and learn from past experiences where you’ve overcome fear. Surround yourself with supportive people.

6. How can I stop caring about how others view me? Identify and embrace your strengths, practice positive self-talk, and surround yourself with supportive people. Focus on your values and goals to navigate life more authentically.

7. Why is it important to do boring tasks even when I don’t feel like it? Consistency in performing mundane but essential tasks leads to long-term success. Creating a routine, focusing on long-term benefits, and using rewards can help maintain motivation.

8. How can I learn to focus on things within my control? Practice mindfulness meditation, keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts, and focus on solutions rather than problems. This helps reduce stress and improve mental health.

9. What are some beginner-friendly philosophy books? Beginner-friendly philosophy books include “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder, “The Consolations of Philosophy” by Alain de Botton, and “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. These books provide practical insights and are easy to understand.

10. How can seeking feedback improve my skills? Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement. Ask for specific feedback, listen actively, and take actionable steps based on the feedback you receive. Implementing changes and tracking your progress leads to continuous growth.

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6 Habits to Normalize by Age 25

As we navigate our 20s, it’s crucial to establish habits that set the foundation for a successful and balanced life. By age 25, normalizing the following habits can lead to a healthier, more productive, and fulfilling lifestyle.

1. Wake Up at 5 AM

Rising early gives you a head start on the day, allowing for quiet, uninterrupted time to focus on personal goals and tasks. Early mornings can be used for activities like exercise, meditation, or simply enjoying a peaceful start to the day.

Benefits:

  • Increased productivity
  • Improved mental health
  • More time for self-care

2. Four Hours of Deep Work

Dedicate at least four hours daily to deep work—intense, focused periods of work without distractions. This practice can significantly boost your productivity and help you achieve your professional goals more efficiently.

Tips for Deep Work:

  • Create a distraction-free environment
  • Set clear goals for each work session
  • Take regular breaks to avoid burnout

3. Cook Your Own Food

Preparing your own meals is not only healthier but also more economical. It gives you control over what you consume, allowing you to maintain a balanced diet and avoid unhealthy fast food options.

Advantages:

  • Better nutrition
  • Cost savings
  • Culinary skills development

4. Keep Your Life Private

Maintaining a level of privacy in your personal life can protect you from unnecessary stress and drama. Share your achievements and struggles selectively, ensuring you have a trusted support system without oversharing.

Reasons to Maintain Privacy:

  • Reduced social pressure
  • Protection from unsolicited advice
  • Enhanced personal security

5. Spend One Hour in the Gym

Regular exercise is essential for physical and mental well-being. Committing to at least one hour in the gym daily can help you stay fit, reduce stress, and boost your overall energy levels.

Exercise Benefits:

  • Improved physical health
  • Enhanced mood and mental clarity
  • Better sleep quality

6. Mind Your Own Business

Focusing on your own goals and progress rather than getting involved in others’ affairs can lead to greater personal satisfaction and reduced stress. This mindset allows you to channel your energy into what truly matters to you.

Outcomes:

  • Increased focus and productivity
  • Reduced stress and negativity
  • Greater personal growth

Conclusion

Incorporating these habits into your daily routine by age 25 can set the stage for a successful, healthy, and fulfilling life. Start small, be consistent, and watch as these practices transform your lifestyle for the better.

FAQs

1. Why should I wake up at 5 AM? Waking up at 5 AM provides you with extra time in the morning for productive activities such as exercise, planning your day, or working on personal projects without interruptions.

2. What is deep work, and why is it important? Deep work refers to focused, uninterrupted periods of work that allow you to achieve high levels of productivity. It’s important because it helps you accomplish more in less time, improving both the quality and quantity of your work.

3. How can I start cooking my own food if I have no experience? Begin with simple recipes and gradually progress to more complex dishes. Utilize online resources, cooking classes, and practice regularly to build your culinary skills.

4. Why is keeping my life private beneficial? Maintaining privacy helps reduce stress and social pressure, protects you from unsolicited advice, and enhances your personal security.

5. How do I make time for an hour in the gym every day? Prioritize exercise by scheduling it into your daily routine, just like any other important appointment. Find a gym close to home or work, and choose a time that fits your schedule best.

6. What are some effective strategies for deep work? Create a distraction-free workspace, set clear goals, take regular breaks, and use techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain focus during deep work sessions.

7. How can I ensure a balanced diet when cooking at home? Plan your meals, use fresh and varied ingredients, and follow nutritional guidelines to ensure you’re getting a balanced diet. Consider consulting a nutritionist for personalized advice.

8. What are the mental health benefits of maintaining privacy? Privacy can reduce anxiety, help you maintain healthy boundaries, and give you a sense of control over your personal life, leading to improved mental well-being.

9. How does regular exercise benefit my mental health? Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, improves mood, and can help combat anxiety and depression, contributing to overall mental well-being.

10. What does “mind your own business” really mean in practice? It means focusing on your own goals and progress without getting involved in others’ affairs. This mindset helps you concentrate your energy on what truly matters to you, reducing stress and promoting personal growth.

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Highly Effective Homemade Cough Syrup- A Quick Natural Solution

When it comes to flu, I try to resort to home remedies as much as i can. I don’t like over the counter medication like suppressants, expectorants or decongestants to treat my cough unless it is keeping me up all night and a doctor suggests it. 

I have seen so many people who have bad cough and stuffy nose heading straight to a drug store to pick up OTC medication for relief. The labels of these OTC cough and cold medicines are often overseen or ignored; as a result, people don’t know what these bottles contain and what their ingredients can do.

Decongestants provide symptomatic relief from congestion because they cause narrowing of blood vessels in the nasal passages and sinuses. This can help to reduce inflammation and stuffy nose but what people overlook is that other blood vessels throughout the body are not immune from the narrowing effect. It can lead to high blood pressure and elevated heart rate. People who already have high BP should always take such medication under doctor’s supervision and never self medicate.

There are growing concerns about safety and doubts about the efficacy around the use of OTC cough medicines. In fact, most studies have found no evidence that over-the-counter medicines actually suppress or stop coughing. In many cases, they’ve performed no better than a placebo.

Most viral infections anyway don’t need any medical attention. It’s best to resort to home remedies. The more medicines you take, the lower will be your immunity.

This homemade cough syrup remedy was passed on to me by grandmother. I made it for the first time some 7 years back when I had dry cough that just didn’t go away. It had been more than 15 days, the cough didn’t seem to get any better. I tried everything from saline water gargles, hydration, steam, even tried mucolytic drugs prescribed by the doctor. But nothing gave me much relief.

It was then this syrup came to my rescue and worked like a charm. Within 3 days I noticed a huge relief in my cough. The best part is I can give this to my little one without any fear of side effects.

Ingredients used and their benefits 

1) Holy Basil or Tulsi Leaves: Tulsi, the ancient herb, has positive actions on the respiratory system. Tulsi or holy basil helps to effectively liquefy the phlegm. Boiled Tulsi water helps to provide a soothing effect to people suffering from sore throat. Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Tulsi has been used as part of home remedies for cough and common cold for centuries. Its juice is also effective in bringing down fever.

2) Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help ease a cough. It can reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract and may even help to suppress the cough reflex.

3) Turmeric: Turmeric is a nutritional powerhouse and is said to contain a nutrient called curcumin, which has significant anti-inflammatory properties. It can relieve congestion and reduce coughing.

4) Black pepper: Due to the expectorant properties present in black pepper, it extends relieve from sinus, cough and nasal infection. It’s anti-viral which can break down mucus and phlegm deposition in the respiratory tract. 

5) Caraway seeds or Ajwain: Ajwain is a powerful spice that provides relief from coughing as well as clear mucus from your nose, both of which make breathing easier. It may also help to widen the bronchial tubes, which can help those with asthma.

6) Banafsha or Dried Sweet Violet Flower: Banafsha is one of the main hero ingredients in this recipe. It is medicinal plant which has a long proven history in treating whooping cough. It is highly effective in treating asthma, fever and also bodyache. It is also used as an ingredient in many herbal medicines. It expectorates phlegm from the chest and relieves chest pain and pneumonia.

7) Mulethi or Liquorice Root: Mulethi or Liquorice also known as “Sweetwood” is a traditional medicinal herb. It is widely used in Ayurvedic practice to treat respiratory and digestive disorders. It is said to contain anti-viral, anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties, which maintains mucosal health. It is also an immunity booster because of its powerful antioxidants. 

8) Cloves: Clove is rich in essential oils which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties can accelerate healing process. Many people opt for clove oil to clear blocked nasal passages too. It also has a cooling effect on nasal cavity and throat. Cloves show expectorant property that helps to discharge secretions and mucous in the respiratory tract.

9) Star anise: Star anise has been traditionally used in Chinese medicines for centuries to treat respiratory and digestive disorders. Studies indicate star anise may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, antispasmodic, and sedative properties. Be careful when it comes to star anise. Use Chinese star anise and not JAPANESE. Japanese star anise is believed to be highly toxic.

Recipe: makes 80 ml

Ingredients

  • 10 to 12 Tulsi leaves
  • 1″ ginger
  • 1″ fresh turmeric or organic turmeric powder
  • 10 to 12 Black peppercorns 
  • 1 tsp Caraway Seeds
  • 1 tbsp Banafsha
  • 1″ Mulethi
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 Star anise
  • 2 tbsps Jaggery powder
  • Water: 300 ml

Instructions

  1. Crush tulsi and ginger together. Coarsely crush peppercorn and cloves.
  2. In roughly 300 ml of water, add all the ingredients except jaggery.
  3. Let it all simmer till it reduces to almost 1/4th. Add jaggery and mix well till it melts. 
  4. Cover it and let it rest till it cools and then sieve it.
  5. Transfer it to a clean glass bottle.

Notes

  • It is safe for children. You can give this to kids above 1 year. One tsp for kids, twice in a day followed by warm water.
  • For adults about 10 ml twice a day followed by warm water
  • If not Jaggery, you can also add raw honey to it. Honey should be added when the concoction is completely cool. Honey should never be added to hot liquids as per Ayurveda. If you would like to know more about it, check out this link- Honey Rules! Why you should never cook honey. Do not give honey to children below 1 year.
  • This syrup will last you 2 days when kept at room temperature. But I prefer making it fresh everyday.
  • Drinking enough water is important with this syrup because some of the spices and herbs used are warm in nature.

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Everything you need to know about drinking from Earthen Pot- Back to Basics

Water consumption is crucial for maintaining good health, particularly in summertime, when temperatures are soaring. This is the time when we crave for a glass of chilled water. We step inside our homes after being under the scorching sun and the first thing we do is drink a glass of chilled water straight from the refrigerator. Drinking cold water gives an instant relief and helps beat the heat.

According to experts, drinking 8-10 glasses of water is necessary to stay hydrated. However, drinking water at a proper temperature is also important. Drinking cold water straight from the refrigerator has been linked with many health issues. Various researchers and even Ayurveda has claimed that refrigerated chilled water weakens our immune system and leads to various health problems.

Here are a few reasons why one should avoid cold water from the refrigerator:

  1. In Ayurveda, it is believed that consuming cold water can weaken your digestive fire, known as Agni, and impacts digestion. Normal body temperature is 37 degree C, and when you consume something very cold, your body compensates by spending energy to regulate this temperature. This energy should originally be used in the process of digestion and absorbing nutrients.
  2. Consuming cold water from the refrigerator can lead to mucus formation. Due to this, problems like sore throat, cold, excess mucus and throat swelling can occur quite frequently. A study conducted in 1978 in a journal CHEST published by American College of Chest Physicians found that nasal mucus thickened after drinking cold refrigerated water and persisted for more than half an hour.
  3. Cold water consumption can also have an effect on the heart rate. It can reduce the heart rate of your body. Research at the National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine in Taiwan found that drinking 250 ml of ice water significantly lowered the heart rate as compared to room temperature water.
  4. It can lead to sudden headaches. Cold water can cool down your nerves in your spine, which affects the brain and nervous system. This situation can increase problems for people who are already suffering from sinus or migraine.

So, what is the solution? For someone like me, I need cold water in summers to quench my thirst. But fret not!! The answer to your concern is- EARTHEN OR CLAY WATER POTS. Drinking water from clay pot or matka, as we call it, is nothing new to us Indians. Our ancestors have been storing water in clay pots for centuries. Earth is a natural coolant and also naturally contains many minerals that are healing for human body.

Benefits of Clay Pot water

  • NATURAL COOLER: Clay is porous in nature which helps in cooling the water. Now this naturally cold water unlike refrigerated water will not give you sore throat or cold.  Infact, you’ll be surprised to know that this earthen water is soothing for sore throat because of many minerals that seep into water through clay. 
  • ALKALINE: Clay water is more alkaline than normal water. Clay naturally increases the pH level of water. Alkaline clay reacts with water, in turn increasing its pH level. Hence, we don’t have to run after those expensive water filters which claim to increase pH level of water when we can naturally do it and it is inexpensive. 
  • BOOST DIGESTION: Since clay water is naturally alkaline, it boosts digestion and metabolism. Human body is known to be acidic in nature. Keeping your body alkaline will help you and your child get rid of acidity and indigestion related problems. 
  • PREVENTS SUN-STROKE: Its summer time and temperatures are soaring everywhere. There’s nothing better than drinking water from these earthen pots. This nutrient dense water, will cool your digestive system and will prevent you and your child from other heat related ailments.
  • NATURAL PURIFIER: Clay pots are not just useful to cool the water, but it also helps to purify it naturally. The porous micro-texture blocks contaminants in the water and makes it safe to drink.
  • ENHANCED TASTE AND FRESHNESS: Water stored in earthen pots acquire a distinct taste due to minerals present in clay. This earthiness enhances the taste of the water and makes it refreshing. Also, the porous surface of clay pot allows for air circulation preventing the water from stagnation and helps to maintain its freshness overtime.

How to first time use Clay Pot

When you buy the pot, rinse it well with fresh water 3 to 4 times. Then fill it with water. Keep the water filled pot overnight or for 10 to 12 hours, then empty it. Do this twice. This is called seasoning of clay pots before use. Now, keep the empty pot in the sun for 4 to 5 hours. The sun rays will naturally disinfect the pot. After keeping it in sun, fill it again with water. Empty it after 2 to 3 hours. Now the pot is ready for consumption.

How to clean a Clay Pot

It is recommended to clean the pot at least once a week. To clean all you have to do is keep the empty pot facing upside down in the sun for 4 to 5 hours. The sun will do its job. Afterwards, rinse it with fresh water 2 or 3 times and refill again for consumption. Do not use any dish washing liquids or soap to clean it. Never use a metal scrubber to clean. And never put your hand inside clay pot. This might contaminate it.

Since clay pots are porous in nature, it allows the natural salt and minerals from water to seep through the outside causing a white powdery build up on the outsides of the pot. This residue is not harmful, and it can easily be cleaned with a dry clean cloth.

Some Do’s and Don’ts of Clay Water Pot

  1. Store it in cool, dry place to prevent mold growth.
  2. Don’t store acidic or citrus – based liquids in the clay pot.
  3. Don’t store hot water in it.
  4. Do not keep it in the refrigerator.
  5. Since clay is fragile, handle it with care.

Bottomline

Clay is healing for human body. It is time we go back to our roots. Ancient India extensively used clay wares which is nothing but earth. It is one of the healthiest substances to store water. Water stored in these matkas makes one of the most refreshing drinks on a hot summer day. Introduce your children and family to this goodness. It will help you connect with mother earth and nature.

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How to make Almond Milk at Home

While I love the convenience of store-bought almond milk but once you get the taste of your homemade version, it’s hard to go back to store-bought milk. It’s creamier and nuttier than commercial almond milk and of course without thickeners, artificial flavors, stabilizers and no shelf life extending additives.

Almond milk is a nutritious, nut-based dairy alternative and has become popular over the years. It’s dairy and lactose free. Hence, making it a good option for those avoiding dairy or are lactose intolerant.

Including almond milk in an overall healthy and balanced diet certainly has its upsides. Almond is a fabulous source of vitamin E, a nutrient that has antioxidants properties. Since it is low in calories, it can also support your weight management goals. 1 cup of almond milk has only around 40 calories. It also contains heart-healthy poly- and monounsaturated fats and is also free from saturated fat, trans fats and dietary cholesterol.

While homemade almond milk is a great source of nutrients, it is not a good source of protein and calcium but don’t let it stop you. There are plenty of other plant base sources of calcium and protein which you can include in your diet.

Homemade almond milk allows you to control the amount of sweetness and infuse flavors as well as play around with the thickness. It’s amazingly simple- just soak, blend and strain and it is super versatile. You can use this milk for making coffee, add it to your cereals, blend it to smoothies, use it in your favorite baked goods. Once you have it in hands, there are million ways to use it.

How to make Almond Milk

Ingredients: makes 800 ml thick Almond milk

  • 1 cup raw Almond
  • 3 sticky Dates
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 3 cups of filtered Water

Instructions

  • Soak almonds overnight or for at least 7-8 hours. Now most recipes call for soaking almonds in hot water for an hour or 2. But soaking it for long increases bioavailability of the nutrients and makes milk easy to digest. Also, it makes almond easier to blend resulting in creamier milk.
  • Drain the water. The almonds should be nice and plump. Add soaked almonds in a blender. (Do not peel the skin. Skin contains several antioxidants and prebiotics)
  • Also add de-seeded sticky dates and vanilla extract.
  • Add filtered water and then blend till it is smooth & creamy. Do it for 1 or 2 minutes. The timing will depend on how powerful your blender is.
  • Take a clean muslin cloth and set it over a large bowl. Add almond milk. Use your hands to squeeze and press as much liquid out as possible. This is thick creamy milk.
  • If you want it thin, which I like, put the almond residue back in blender. Add 1.5 cups of water and strain again. This will be thin and less creamy.

Variations:

  1. You can choose sweetener of your choice as well. If you don’t want to use sticky dates, you can either go for maple syrup or honey to sweeten it.
  2. You can also simply go for unsweetened version of almond milk as well.
  3. Flavoring your almond milk is totally your choice. Either you can add vanilla extract like mentioned above or flavor it with cinnamon or raw cacao powder if you like chocolaty milk.
  4. You also try blending it with strawberries or blueberries if berry milk is your thing.

Notes:

  • You can use almond milk right away or refrigerate it in a clean airtight glass bottle for upto a week.
  • Do not throw away the almond residue. This can be added to cakes, cookies, smoothies, energy bites. You can also spread the almond residue on a baking tray and bake it in an oven at 180 C till moisture evaporates. Once cooled, grind it to a fine powder and you have your homemade almond meal ready.