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Search Results for: mental health

October 22, 2023 By Pradnya Shinde Leave a Comment

Benefits of Minimalism You Need to Explore to be Happy!

minimalismIn my last article, we saw what minimalism is and how to begin the process. Moving further, let’s see how minimalism can add quality to your life and health!

Benefits of Minimalism

  1. Less Anxiety and Stress: There is a direct correlation between material possessions and the amount of stress that a person experiences. When you own less, you worry less about losing it or keeping it organized. More so, a clean and tidy home keeps you at peace.
  2. More Happiness: It’s never wise to rely on things for happiness! More so, giving away things you don’t need will make you feel more satisfied and happy instead of hoarding them with no purpose! It’s awesome to know how little we need to be happy.
  3. More Time: When you don’t spend time organizing your stuff or buying new items, you get more time to do things that really matter. You also get more time to exercise, explore your hobbies or spend time with friends and family.
  4. More Energy: Minimalism definitely saves a lot of your energy. That’s because you don’t need to exhaust yourself while taking care of too many things! You have to make fewer decisions while shopping, which prevents mental fatigue. When you shop and clean less, you are more focused on things you want to do. You live with a better purpose!
  5. Increased Fitness: When your mindset shifts to minimalism, you prefer going for eco-friendly options. For instance, walking instead of taking your vehicle or even cycling! Fewer household gadgets mean that most of your work like washing clothes, cleaning the house, etc. will be manual which will definitely help you burn more calories!
  6. Better Diet: When you choose quality over quantity, you avoid the bulk storage of food and grocery. You will eat fresh and even avoid storing junk and processed food at home. Eating clean and fresh home-cooked food is way more nutritious and healthy!
  7. Environment-Friendly Lifestyle: Getting rid of unwanted things doesn’t mean increasing waste. Think about how you can repurpose used items into something functional. When you feel there is no more use of the item, you can donate or resell it. It promotes the reuse of goods and creates less waste.
  8. Saves Money: This is the reason many people get attracted to minimalism. When you spend on only what you need, you end up saving a lot of money and who doesn’t want to do that?
  9. Getting over Materialism: You’re confident without an expensive car or fancy clothes. You understand you don’t need to own something because someone else has it. You get less attached to things because you don’t rely on things to be happy.

In Minimalism, you start spending on experiences rather than stuff. For instance, instead of gifting something material to your kids on their birthday, you can maybe plan a camping, hiking or rafting trip which will add more experience and perspective to their lives!

In short, Minimalism is more of a mindset than a lifestyle, it is empowering. There is no rule of how many things you own, it is about your mindset. You can explore more of your own benefits in your journey.

#BeTheForce

September 12, 2023 By Mamta Joshi 3 Comments

Your Guide to Growing Microgreens

microgreens

Growing your own plants can be a therapeutic experience but most of us don’t have that luxury due to lack of space. What do you do then? The answer lies in microgreens! With a little effort, you can not only add new aesthetics to your home with minimum space requirement but also enhance your health and wellbeing.

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are basically seedlings of vegetables and herbs. When they are grown up to 2-3 inches tall, they contain more nutrition than their grown up counterparts. They are harvested at a very early stage unlike mature vegetables or herbs.  Those mini nutrient dense plants are called microgreens. Microgreens, like other indoor plants, play a vital role in providing a pleasant and soothing environment one can live, work and relax within. Microgreens can be grown from any herb or vegetable.

Some commonly grown ones include:  

  • Amaranth
  • Basil
  • Broccoli
  • Coriander
  • Fenugreek
  • Fennel
  • Garlic
  • Mint
  • Mustard
  • Onion
  • Radish
  • Wheat

What Benefits Do They Provide? 

  • Microgreens contain 4 to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts.
  • They are incredibly rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, essential amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants that boost the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and lower inflammation.
  • Expensive multivitamins, minerals and other supplements to promote health will no longer be required if we add a variety of microgreens to our regular diet. Just a few grams of microgreens can be enough to get your daily dose of essential nutrients.
  • Growing microgreens at home is inexpensive, requires less space and low attendance. More so, you reap something of high nutritional value which is free from toxic chemicals and pesticides
  • Microgreens give a distinctive flavor and can make any dish exotic.

How Do We Use Microgreens? 

There are many ways in which you can use microgreens. Some of them include: 

  1. Blending them in a smoothie 
  2. Make a soup with other veggies
  3. Use them in a salad
  4. Add to lentils in Khichdi 
  5. Use them as dressings or garnish 
  6. Add them to flour for some tasty vegetable chapati instead of a regular one 
  7. Use them in sandwiches, pizzas, burgers or tacos

How Can You Grow Them at Home?  

Growing your own microgreens isn’t a difficult ordeal. All you need is just soil, a pack of seeds, a tray or a pot or any disposable small container. 

Steps to follow: 

  1. Take a clean container or 10×20 tray and make holes in the bottom to provide proper drainage.
  2. Cover the bottom with moisturized soil or potting mix, putting 1 or 2 inches of it.
  3. Even the surface out and make sure you don’t press the soil too hard.
  4. Spread the seeds over the soil and press them gently with your fingers.
  5. Cover the seeds with another thin layer of soil. 
  6. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and keep it in the shade so it can germinate. 
  7. After a couple of days, your seeds will have germinated. Take the lid off and expose it to sunlight. 
  8. Around a week after you uncover your trays, they should be ready to harvest.

They are pretty nice on pots as well as palatable on your plate. So get free of those expensive ornamental plants and get to grow these versatile ones. Growing your own plants and consuming them provides a different kind of satisfaction. 

Which microgreen are you keen on growing? Let us know in the comments below! For more guidance on growing your own microgreens ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce  

September 6, 2023 By Mubasheera Chaiwala 2 Comments

Benefits of Practicing Morning Yoga at Home!

morning yogaPicture this: you’re starting your day with a sense of inner calm, strength, and clarity, all thanks to the practice of morning yoga at home. Before we unravel the numerous benefits that come with this enriching practice, let’s first take a moment to delve into the heart of yoga and what it signifies.

What Do You Understand About Yoga?

What is it? Is it a form of exercise? Is it meditation? For me, yoga is a way of life. I believe the whole idea behind it is total discipline. It is physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual development. It helps you balance health from a physical, mental and emotional standpoint.

Benefits of Morning Yoga

You can practice yoga in the morning and night as well, although, morning yoga is the best as it cleanses your mind and body. It energizes all day and keeps you disciplined. Let’s explore the benefits of morning yoga!

  • Yoga improves flexibility and posture but it’s much more effective in the morning. The fresh air helps us relax our body and make it more flexible.  
  • We have more energy in the morning and morning yoga enhances it to last all day. Which means more intensity and focus! 
  • Setting up a morning practice is beneficial as it creates a ritual – it sets the tone for the day. By practicing morning yoga, there are no distractions or tasks that will get in the way – so no excuses for cancelling your session in the morning. 
  • That fresh morning air helps you deliver more oxygen to the body, breathe better and cleanses your system naturally. 
  • It also helps your digestive system as metabolism rate is higher in the morning. It increases digestion and keeps all indigestion problems at bay. 
  • Morning yoga boosts your brainpower and makes your brain more active to study or work. 
  • It enhances happiness and positivity as it boosts mental clarity and relaxes you. The release of endorphins that early in the morning make your body a more physically comfortable place to live in. 
  • Disease-fighting white blood cells in the body are able to do their best when our blood flow and lymphatic system have efficient circulation. By moving in a way that feels good first thing in the morning, we essentially ‘wake up’ all the body’s systems, which enhances the flow of circulation and gives the immune system an immediate boost. Gentle inversions like Viparita Karani, Cow Pose and Child Pose are especially effective for stimulating the immune system.
  • As a parent, taking time out for your own well being is difficult. Getting up early and practicing morning yoga puts your health first. Only if you are healthy, can you take care of others. A morning yoga practice is a way to know you’ve done something for yourself that day  
  • Apart from all of the above, morning yoga regulates your sleep rhythm, balances your hormones and helps you build a healthy and consistent routine. 

Asanas You Can Practice 

Try these yoga poses daily in the morning to increase blood circulation, enhance and stimulate the immune system, improve body function and strengthen your cells, tissues, glands and organs! Also, these poses will help you beat stress, anxiety and depression.  

  1. Suryanamaskar – for over all body workout
  2. Jivah Bandh – manages and relieves stress
  3. Simha Mudra – decreases stress and prepares you to face the day by increasing your willpower.
  4. Sheetali Pranayama – is a process which can cool the body down and give a feeling of calmness.
  5. Bhramari Pranayama – is one of the great breathing exercises to release the mind of disturbance, anxiety or frustration and get rid of anger.
  6. Om Recitation – excellent breathing exercises for meditation. Brings stability of mind and improves memory power
  7. Shavasana – removes nervousness, adds a sense of presence. Very important to start our day peacefully.
  8. Tratak Drishti – to increase concentration.
  9. Anulom Vilom Pranayama – is the best way of balancing the Tri Dosas in our body. Our body gets ill when Tri Dosas are not in balance. Vaat, Pitta and Kaffa are known as the Tri Dosas (Tri means “three” and the meaning of dosas is impurities). All three are the cause of all diseases. So, it is important to balance them. The way to do that is to practice Anulom Vilom Pranayama regularly. It is the simplest and best way for this.
  10. Kapalbhati Pranayama – generates heat in the system to help dissolve toxins and waste matter. It adds luster and beauty to your face and helps your skin glow!  

If yoga is practiced regularly in the morning, it will help you face the day with balance and a practical approach. Ensure that you do not eat at least 2-3 hours before you begin your practice. So try morning yoga and do share your feedback and changes with us in the comments below! 

To learn more about Pranayama, read this article: https://goqii.com/blog/pranayama/. 

To begin practicing yoga subscribe for LIVE interactive sessions with our Yoga experts on GOQii Pro within the GOQii App.

#BeTheForce 

September 4, 2023 By Ashwinkumar Rahate 1 Comment

Benefits of Physical Activities


In my previous blog, I explained the difference between health and fitness. This blog will detail the importance of physical activities and the role it plays in maintaining a good lifestyle.

As per ACSM (American College of Sports and Medicine) guidelines, a person must be involved in some sort of physical activity at least 3 days a week. The benefits of physical activities are divided into three categories i.e. Physical, Mental and Social benefits.

1. Physical Benefits of Exercising

  • Keep Away From Hypokinetic Medical Conditions
    This is one of the major benefits for a person who is involved in physical activities. Hypokinetic Condition arises from the complications of leading a sedentary lifestyle. This condition includes Cardiovascular Diseases, Obesity, Lower Back Pain Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.
  • Increases Basal Metabolic Rate
    If you are regularly involved in some kind of a physical activity, it increases your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR refers to the minimum amount of energy in the form of calories that our body requires to complete its normal functions such as breathing, breaking down foods, heart and brain functioning
  • Joint Mobility & Flexibility
    Regular physical activity improves your joint mobility and flexibility
  • Boost the Immune System
    Regular and frequent exercising helps boost the immune system. Exercises flush out bacteria from the system and lungs. This, in turn, helps us avoid the chances of catching a cold, flu, or other viral infections. Exercise temporarily increases the body temperature which in turn may prevent bacterial growth
  • Improve Bone Density
    Bone density refers to the amount of mineral matter per square centimeters of the bones. Physical activities improve bone density. If bone density improves, there is less chances of osteoporosis and fractures
  • Better Body Composition
    Body Composition is used to describe the percentage of fats, muscles, bones and the water in the body. If we say better body composition, it means more muscles and less fats, good bone weight and desired water level
  • Anti-Aging Agent
    Proper and regular physical activities targeting the basic components of fitness will result in a stronger heart, good bone density and increase in muscles. As a result, it will work as an anti-aging agent. As your body functions effectively well, your life expectancy increases
  • Increases HDL Levels
    Regular cardio exercises increase HDL levels. This is because cardio training helps supply oxygenated blood to the working muscle and that makes the heart stronger and helps in smooth blood flow
  • Low Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke
    Exercise helps strengthen the heart and the cardiovascular system. It improves blood circulation and lowers the risk of heart attack and strokes

2. Mental Benefits of Physical Activity

  • Release Endorphins
    It’s no surprise that physical activities help us improve our mood. This is primarily because of the release of chemicals known as endorphins. They not only create a feeling of happiness but sometimes, even euphoria
  • It’s a Great Stress Buster!
    Any physical activity is a great stress buster. It not only reduces physical stress but mental stress as well!
  • Remedy for Insomnia
    Regular involvement in an exercise is a medication alternative to improve sleep. It is a known remedy for chronic insomnia
  • Improves Memory and Brain Power
    Proper physical activities help sharpen memory and build the ability to learn new things. Being active everyday rapidly increases your brainpower!
  • Exercise Boosts Confidence
    Your body changes when you are active. Once you begin noticing the changes, you become more positive, productive and confident in yourself. It’s safe to say that exercise can boost your confidence!
  • Control or Elimination of Bad Addictions or Habits
    When we exercise regularly, our brain releases dopamine which is critically important in rewards and motivation. We experience happiness when Dopamine is released. Unfortunately, the same chemical is released while consuming alcohol, drugs, while having sex and also while eating junk food. It is easier to quit bad habits if you get your dopamine fix for the day while working out!

3. Social Benefits of Physical Activity

  • Improves Social Relationships
    A person who works out experiences good emotional health, is confident and this in turn improves his/her social relationships
  • Develop New Contacts
    Participating in sports or group fitness activities helps you meet new people. This opens an avenue of opportunities from friendships to business and you get to meet and surround yourself with like-minded individuals
  • Increase Productivity and Efficiency
    We have already established that being active helps your increase your brain function. It helps you  stay alert and focused at work which results in efficiency and you’re naturally more productive! Physical activities help you think and act smartly!
  • Reduce the Generation Gap
    As an active participant in a fitness group, a sports activity or even if you’re prepping/participating in a marathon, you enter a world where you meet people from all walks of life. You will meet like-minded people from different backgrounds and different age groups. You will begin to realize that age really doesn’t matter when you’re fit!

The most important aspect of being physically active is that you save a lot of money on medications and in some cases even a surgery. Given all the benefits, isn’t it better to spend time and money on exercise? Don’t forget that being healthy and active is an investment in life itself! For more on exercise and fitness, check out Healthy Reads or subscribe for LIVE interactive sessions with our experts on GOQii Pro within the GOQii App. 

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