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8 Basic Monsoon Trekking Essentials You Will Need For Your Next Climb

Monsoon Trekking EssentialsThe weather has been great and if you’re thinking about venturing outdoors for a little hike or trek in the lap of nature, it might be a good time to get to it! Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or if this is one of your first few treks, we all need a checklist before we make the climb. So what monsoon trekking essentials will you need? Let’s go over them! 

Monsoon Trekking Essentials You Will Need 

  1. Windcheater/Poncho: This accessory makes it to the top of the list for a reason. This is one of the trekking essentials you will need if you’re planning a trek during the monsoon. With the rain being unpredictable, it is imperative to keep yourself and your belongings as dry as possible. A basic poncho is a must have! Additionally, also carry a bag cover for your backpack so that all your trekking essentials are safe!  
  2. Trekking or Hiking Boots: When trekking during the monsoon, having a firm grip is everything because the terrain gets slippery and you might get severely injured if you’re not careful! Invest in a good pair of trekking or hiking boots that are sturdy enough. Practice with them on flat as well as uneven surfaces, so you break into them before your next climb. 
  3. Water Bottle or Hydra Pack: Staying hydrated on your journey is a must. You need to keep replenishing all the fluids you lose when you make a climb. Carry a minimum of 2L of water in a bottle or a hydra pack and remember to sip slowly and not gulp. 
  4. Healthy Snacks: Trekking can be a strenuous activity and your body needs fuel to perform that activity. To keep going, carry a nutritious trail mix or protein bars that will energize you along the way. You can also carry some healthy cookies! 
  5. The Right Clothes: Carry a Dri-Fit t-shirt or a full sleeved shirt. It will help absorb the sweat quicker and keep you dry. Moreso, wearing full sleeves along with trekking pants (avoid shorts) will save you from getting scratched against shrubs and bushes along the trail. Make sure you also carry a towel, an extra pair of clothes and socks in case you get wet. 
  6. Ziplock: There’s no harm in carrying gadgets you need on a trek but you must have a ziplock to keep them safe! Carry one where you can store your phone, electronics such as a portable charger and even your wallet to protect it from unexpected rainfall. 
  7. First Aid Kit: As much as we may try to avoid them, injuries might happen. Even if it is a small cut along the way. Always carry a first aid kit with cotton, bandage and a disinfectant. Make sure that a hand sanitizer is also a part of your first aid kit because hygiene comes first! 
  8. Power bank: You don’t want your phone’s battery running low during an emergency. Keep a power bank handy to ensure that your phone is charged just as much as you are!

There you have it! Carry these basic monsoon trekking essentials and you’re good to go! If you’re a beginner and new to trekking, you should also check out our previous article where we covered the Top 10 Basic Trekking Tips For Beginners. 

We hope this article helps you. Do share your thoughts in the comments below! If you need any help to train or build your stamina for a trek, reach out to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Top 10 Basic Trekking Tips For Beginners

basic trekking tips for beginnersMonsoons = treks! There’s no other way to look at it. Most hiking trails and trekking landscapes light up with luscious greenery during this season. Maybe that’s why avid trekkers and nature lovers venture out to explore spaces when it rains. Now while trekking seems like a fun activity, a few bruises and muscle aches will be the least of your worries if you’re not prepared. So to ensure that you have a good trip to enjoy that beautiful scenery only trekking can bring, here are some basic trekking tips to help you out!

Basic Trekking Tips For Beginners 

1. Walk Straight: Whether you’re climbing up or making your way down, slopes can seem to be a challenge. While surmounting this challenge, make sure that you walk upright and don’t slouch or sit and climb as it can put pressure on your knees which could make the rest of the trek difficult. 

2. Stay Hydrated: When making your way to the great outdoors, make sure you carry at least 2L of water with you. Avoid gulping the water down in one go. Instead, you should sip slowly. Carrying a sipper will help!

3. Carry An Electrolyte Mix: Sweating is only natural when you perform a strenuous activity but when you sweat, you also lose some essential electrolytes. To replenish lost electrolytes, carry some salt and sugar mixed with water. An easier option is to carry Electral or Glucose which you can mix with water. Alternatively, you can also opt for this electrolyte drink available on the GOQii Health Store. You need to be careful that you sip this and do not gulp. Remember to take 2 sips of water for every 1 sip of this energy drink.

walking poles - trekking tips4. Use Walking Poles: A walking pole can easily become your best friend on a trek. It really takes the pressure off your knees when you’re climbing down and supports you well when you’re going uphill. While it might take some time to get used to it, it’s definitely worth it!

5. Avoid Sitting Immediately: If you’ve been climbing for a while, it’s only natural to take a break. But when you do take a break, avoid sitting down immediately. It may make it difficult for you to get back up. Stand and rest for a while before you make your way again. Be mindful of the number of breaks you take as well as frequent breaks will increase tiredness.

6. Fuel Your Body: Your body needs fuel to keep going. Carrying heavy meals doesn’t make sense as you want to travel light, you can opt to carry some nuts, a nutritious trail mix or a protein bar with you. These will give you the energy to keep going. Eat them in small portions when you take a break.

footwear trekking7. Watch Your Footwear: Even if you’re keen on doing just two treks this monsoon, it’s a good idea to invest in a good pair of shoes. Some terrains can be tricky and slippery, especially during monsoons. You need shoes that offer good grip and support you well.

8. Dress Well: A trekking trail might be the worst place you would want to show off your new dress or those awesome, trendy shorts you picked from a fancy outlet. You need to cover up! Wear a Dri Fit, full sleeve shirt and pants that cover your legs. This will protect you from insects, mosquitoes and getting scraped by thorns when you move along a dense trail. You can get some amazing Dri Fit t-shirts and Joggers from the GOQii Health Store!

9. Waterproof Yourself: If you’re planning to carry an umbrella, don’t. During a monsoon trek, leaving your belongings and yourself unprotected from a sudden rain shower would not bode well for you. Try carrying a poncho which will cover most of your body as well as your backpack.

10. Communicate: If you’re with a trekking group or you’re trekking with a group of friends, if at any point you feel uneasy, make it a point to tell your trek leader or organizer. You could put your life in danger if you continue and could ruin the experience for everyone else. It’s best to mitigate issues before they get worse. Remember that communication is key in the outdoors.

Few Things To Bear In Mind Before You Begin 

  • If it is your first time trekking, start walking now! Prepare a little by taking small hikes around your vicinity. Practice on uneven trails instead of footpaths or a park because trek trails won’t be that flat. Additionally, also work on some leg based cardio and try taking the stairs as often as you can. It will help you build some stamina and endurance before your climb.
  • Travel light. Do not carry things you do not need. Fewer the electronics the better. A trek is not a place where you will find any need for a laptop or a tab. Your cellphone, a power bank and a torch, along with other essentials mentioned above will be enough. 
  • Additionally, avoid wearing your earphones when you begin your climb. You might miss out on instruction, a cry for help or any unforeseen circumstance. Keep your eyes and ears wide open and enjoy the natural sounds and vistas you’ll only get in the midst of nature.
  • If you would like to document your adventure, it’s always nice to keep a small notepad with you to jot down your experiences and also to keep a track of the details of the place like how to get there or certain markers which will help you when you visit again. 

We hope these trekking tips help you make the most of your trek! Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

Find more articles on staying healthy and fit during monsoons here. If you need any help to train or build your stamina for a trek, reach out to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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5 Tips To Maintain A Healthy Gut This Monsoon

5 Tips To Maintain A Healthy Gut This MonsoonThe fresh, dewy weather, the chirping birds and the amazing smell of wet mud! The rainy season has its own charm but along with it, it also brings a host of diseases and infections. One such being a compromised Gut! The symptoms of a compromised gut may include an upset stomach, acidity, bloating, flatulence, gas, etc. making it crucial to maintain a healthy gut during this season.

How Can You Maintain A Healthy Gut This Monsoon? 

Here are 5 simple yet effective ways in which you can maintain a healthy gut: 

  1. Add Ginger/Garlic: These are the most commonly used herbs in our households and they provide us with an array of benefits. Raw Ginger/Garlic acts as a Prebiotic (food) for friendly gut bacteria, thereby improving gut health. Gingerol and Allicin present in them respectively, are found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties which keep infections at bay. Adding fresh herbs to your food/soups or drinking a warm cup of Ginger tea will be a great way to improve gut health.
  2. Eat Cooked Foods Over Raw Foods: Cooking has a bacterio-cidal (Bacteria killing) effect on the food prepared. Humidity provides a conducive environment for bacterial and fungal growth. Raw foods can be a host for bacterial growth. Hence, cooking foods rather than consuming them raw is a better alternative. Eg: Having a veg soup over a raw veg salad will be a better alternative.
  3. Eat Fermented Foods: Probiotics are the beneficial gut bacteria which work as the first line of defense against any infection. They also synthesize Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) and Vitamin K in the body, thereby giving energy. Adding Idlis, dosas, homemade curds, Khimchi, Kefir, etc. to your diet will improve the number of probiotics and thereby improve gut health.
  4. Consume Fruits/Vegetables Immediately After Cutting: If vegetables or fruits are cut and left exposed to air, it can attract flies or insects which can infest the food. If this food is consumed, it can cause infections and affect gut health. Hence, eat the fruit/vegetable immediately after cutting/chopping it, or cover it if you wish to consume it later.  
  5. Eat Light: Foods such as rice, dal, legumes, soups, vegetables, fruits, Khichdi, etc. are lighter on the stomach and are easily digested and absorbed as opposed to the tempting fried Pakoras, vada pav, etc. which can cause bloatedness, acidity and/or flatulence.

Do keep these tips in mind and maintain a healthy gut for a healthy you! If these tips helped, let us know in the comments below.

You can find more gut health tips here or you can speak to an expert directly by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Master the Monsoon: 5 Hacks to Stay Healthy and Enjoy the Rain

Avoid Falling Sick This Monsoon

Embracing the rainy season while staying healthy can be a challenge, but fear not! We’ve got you covered with these five essential hacks to help you sail through the monsoon without falling prey to illness. From avoiding street food to taking warm showers, these tips will keep you at your best during the downpour. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and discover how you can conquer the monsoon like a pro!

5 Hacks To Avoid Falling Sick This Monsoon 

  1. Give Street Food a Rain Check: Ah, street food—the epitome of culinary temptation. But wait! The dampness in the air creates an ideal breeding ground for germs that can disrupt your digestive system. Street food, often partially cooked and exposed to unhygienic conditions, can be a potential health hazard. Instead, opt for healthy, home-cooked alternatives that ensure cleanliness and nourishment.
  2. Wash Your Fruits & Veggies Thoroughly: During the monsoon, fruits and vegetables may harbor more dirt and germs than usual. Ensure your well-being by diligently washing them. This simple step helps eliminate the majority of infection-causing microbes. Avoid leafy vegetables as they are more susceptible to contamination due to the soil they are grown in. By thoroughly washing your produce, you bid farewell to those unwanted worms too!
  3. Boil Your Water, Sip Away the Woes: Water-borne diseases are very common during monsoons. The best way to avoid germs and harmful bacteria is to boil the water you use. Apart from killing bacteria and germs, drinking boiled water has several benefits such as improved digestion and getting rid of toxins from your body. Boiled water can also prevent the common cold and viral infections.
  4. Embrace Warm Showers, Bid Cold a Goodbye: The allure of dancing in the cold rain may seem enchanting, but let’s face it—your body doesn’t share the sentiment. Cold temperatures can weaken your immune system, making you susceptible to illness. After being caught in the rain, rush into a warm shower to restore your body temperature and enhance blood circulation. Thoroughly dry yourself and cozy up in warm clothes. This will not only protect you from the chill but also help wash away any dirt or bacteria you may have encountered.
  5. Snooze Like a Pro: Sleep is a fundamental pillar of good health, not just during monsoons but year-round. Your body requires proper rest to function optimally. Sleeping for less than 8 hours compromises your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. By ensuring you get enough sleep, you prepare your body for the challenges of the next day and fortify your immune system, significantly reducing your chances of falling sick.

Now armed with these five essential hacks, you can confidently navigate the monsoon season while staying in the pink of health. Embrace the rain, savor the beauty of nature, and let the monsoon be a source of joy rather than illness.

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below! Find more healthy monsoon hacks here or get expert advice directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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