Search Results for: stress

January 12, 2022 By Mohammed Tufail Qureshi 1 Comment

Manage Stress By Managing Your Cortisol Levels!

How often do we hear people say, “I am so stressed”? Given the current pandemic scenario, the lockdown and the threat of new variants, we’re sure you might have heard a lot of people say this. While the stress is reasonable, do you know what causes it? Is it the pressure of working from home thwarting your work-life balance, is it the news or could it be the excessive release of stress hormones? If you weren’t aware, just as there are hormones that make you feel good, there’s a stress hormone called Cortisol but it’s not all bad.

The cortisol stress hormone management system is released by the adrenal cortex glands in order to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and the immune system. While it does regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and the immune system, if it is released at a wrong time, it can be harmful. What triggers the rise of this crucial hormone is mental and physical stress, insulin spikes, too many stimulants, overindulgence of processed food and toxicity build up.

Sources Of Chronic Stress Include:

Lack of sleep and insomnia
Negative thoughts and emotions
Sugar cravings and low serotonin levels
Caffeine and stimulant abuse (more than 2 coffees per day)
Acidity and Toxicity
Lethargy and lack of energy

Burning stubborn belly fat has to be one of the most popular stresses that people have and most have a problem dealing with this issue. What we fail to identify is that losing body fat, especially on the lower abdomen, is a hormonal issue.

It’s NOT overeating!

It’s NOT sugar or carbohydrates!

It’s NOT lack of exercise!

The one culprit that can quash your fat burning efforts and leave you with stubborn belly fat is your cortisol and adrenaline hormones. Stress leads to adrenals burning out, and excess cortisol and adrenalin lead to a number of health problems. If prolonged, it can lead to:

Excess abdomen fat
A serious drop in testosterone, and rise in estrogen
Hypertension and anxiety
Bone, mineral and muscle loss (cortisol is a catabolic hormone and is often elevated)
High blood sugar and insulin resistance

How Can You Bring Cortisol Levels Under Control?

Given how high stress levels have been lately due to the pandemic, it is important to manage stress by managing spiking cortisol levels. Dealing with Cortisol can be tricky. If dealt with proper techniques and supplements, one can get the Cortisol levels under control. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Reduce physical and mental stress by becoming more calm and relaxed. Meditation and pranayama are your allies.
Exclude sugar and processed foods from your regular diet and replace them with whole organic foods that will help improve digestion and in turn, reward you with a healthier GUT!
Lower toxicity and acidity which adds stress to the body internally by making the simple shifts in the food choices, thoughts and emotions.
To take control of Cortisol levels, one needs to learn how to unwind and relax every single day for at least 20 – 30 minutes and learn to take deep breaths and clear the mind. You can also indulge in a hobby you like!
Meditation and yoga are some excellent ways to relax and bring down cortisol levels effectively.
Exercise is a true savior and has been shown to reduce cortisol effectively. But a word of caution – don’t overdo it and do it correctly or else it could have the opposite effect.
Cortisol is at its lowest during sleep. So, make sure you get adequate and good quality sleep. This Sleep Series could help you understand your sleep better.

Additionally, it’s best to steer clear of news and social media updates that stress you out. You can check it once a day to just get an update but there’s no point in indulging in every news article that comes your way, especially if it paints a grim picture. So zone out, take care of your health, keep calm and be stress-free!

We hope this article helps you during these precarious times. For more on stress management, check out Healthy Reads. To learn how to manage stress effectively, ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Stay home, keep calm and #BeTheForce!

June 3, 2020 By Dr. Vaidya's 1 Comment

Stressed Out? Natural Ways To Manage Stress During Lockdown

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during an epidemic outbreak. Hearing constant reports about the illness and death caused by the outbreak world over can be hard to take. But even amid the pandemic, it is important to make sure that you take care of your physical and mental health. We must cope with the stress and anxiety that the pandemic brings. Stress and anxiety can trigger ailments such as insomnia, depression, high blood pressure and more. It may also lead to an imbalance of the three doshas; vata, pitta and kapha in the body, depending on an individual’s constitution. Here are some ayurvedic tips that can help you manage stress and anxiety during this time period:

How To Manage Stress During Lockdown

Eat right and hydrate well: Eat foods that help you relax. Choose foods that help reduce stress. All fresh fruits, lightly cooked, spiced vegetables and whole grains will revive your tired mind and body. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to flush out any disease-causing toxic matter from your system. You can also add some calming teas like peppermint or chamomile to your daily diet. Use this time to get restful sleep of 7-8 hours – this can also drastically reduce stress and anxiety.
Exercise is a good way to de-stress: Yoga is a great way to exercise all parts of your body, while also soothing nerves and balancing the mind. Some of the yoga poses that can be practised are child’s pose, bridge pose, standing forward bend pose, eagle pose, extended triangle pose and extended puppy pose (you can find explanations and demonstrations of each of these poses online). Simple pranayama exercises can also help restore vitality to the energy channels of the body, release tension, and offer support to the mind and the nervous system.
Create a sense of structure and routine in daily life: At the most fundamental level, our physiology is very much adapted to and supported by some sense of regularity. This is precisely why the daily routine is such good medicine for anxiety. The routine itself has a very grounding and stabilizing effect on the system; it creates several familiar and comforting reference points throughout the day. This, in turn, sends an affirmation to the body that all is well and we can be at ease. Adopting a daily routine is also an act of love and self-care. Our routines provide us with opportunities to take care of our health and well-being, despite what else might be going on in our lives. While one is at home, try and keep a routine like one is actually going to the office. Don’t stay in pyjamas all day, eat at the same time and schedule the day with virtual meetings like you would at the office. These seem like inane steps but really help.
Meditation: Meditation, even if practised for as few as 10 minutes each day, can help you control stress, decrease anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and relax the mind. It consists of the silent repetition of a word, sound, or phrase while sitting quietly with eyes closed and a good posture for 10 to 20 minutes. This should be done in a quiet place to get rid of any distractions. Sitting is preferred to lying down to avoid falling asleep. Relax your muscles and breathe through your nose naturally. During a meditation session, all worries and thoughts should be dismissed by focusing on the word, sound or phrase.
Abhyanga: Abhyanga or self-oil massage utilizes the absorbing properties of the skin to not only nourish but also provide a healing and calming effect on the mind and body. Daily massage with natural oils like sesame, coconut, almond, tea tree, etc pacifies all the doshas to provide relief from fatigue, stress, and promote peaceful sleep.
Avoid unhelpful coping strategies: Habits like drinking alcohol and smoking may not help cope with stress and anxiety. They not only harm you physically but can also increase levels of stress and anxiety and reduce immunity. It is better to avoid such practices.

Staying in touch with near and dear ones can also help reduce anxiety and promote positive thoughts and environment around you. During these difficult times, we must take care of our physical and mental health and take preventative measures like practising personal hygiene and social distancing till the tide passes over. We hope everybody stays safe and healthy! This too shall pass.

We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more tips on managing stress, tune in to our emotional wellness experts on GOQii Play.

Stay home, stay safe, manage stress and #BeTheForce

August 6, 2026 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Benefits of Meditation: How One Daily Habit Can Transform Your Mental Wellbeing

The Big Question – What if just 10 minutes a day could help you feel calmer, think more clearly, and respond to life’s challenges with greater resilience?

The alarm hasn’t even stopped ringing.

Before you’re fully awake, your phone lights up with emails, messages, missed calls and reminders. Your mind immediately starts racing through deadlines, responsibilities and unfinished tasks. You move from one activity to the next, trying to keep pace with the day, yet somehow it always feels like you’re falling behind.

By evening, you’re exhausted not just physically, but mentally.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Modern life constantly demands our attention, leaving little room for stillness. But what if one simple daily practice could help you navigate the same busy life with greater clarity, focus and peace?

That practice is meditation.

Quick Answer – What are the benefits of meditation?

Meditation is a mindfulness practice that trains your attention and awareness. Regular meditation has been associated with reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, better focus, enhanced sleep quality and greater overall wellbeing. Even 10–20 minutes a day can make a meaningful difference when practised consistently.

What Is Meditation?

Meditation is often misunderstood as “emptying your mind” or “thinking about nothing.”

In reality, meditation is simply the practice of intentionally focusing your attention.

According to Buddhist traditions, meditation develops:

Concentration
Mental clarity
Emotional balance
Self-awareness
Compassion

Today, meditation is also widely practised in healthcare, psychology and workplace wellness programmes to help people manage stress and improve mental wellbeing.

Meditation doesn’t remove challenges from your life it changes how you respond to them.

It won’t eliminate difficult conversations, deadlines or uncertainty, but it can help you approach them with a calmer, more balanced mind.

What Happens in Your Brain During Meditation?

When you meditate regularly, you practise gently bringing your attention back to the present whenever your mind wanders.

Over time, research suggests meditation may support changes in brain function associated with:

Better attention and concentration
Improved emotional regulation
Reduced stress reactivity
Greater self-awareness

Studies have also observed changes in brain regions involved in learning, memory and decision-making, including the prefrontal cortex, while reduced activity in the amygdala may contribute to a calmer response to stress.

Although meditation isn’t a magic solution, consistent practice can help train your brain to respond more thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Why Meditation Matters in Everyday Life

Meditation isn’t just about sitting quietly.

Its benefits often extend into everyday situations.

You may notice that you:

Respond instead of reacting during difficult conversations.
Stay focused for longer periods.
Feel less overwhelmed by stressful situations.
Recover more quickly after setbacks.
Become more patient with yourself and others.

These small changes often add up to meaningful improvements in overall wellbeing.

Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation

Helps Manage Stress

Meditation activates the body’s relaxation response, helping reduce mental and physical stress.

While stress is a normal part of life, learning how to respond to it more effectively can improve resilience.

Improves Focus and Productivity

Regular mindfulness practice strengthens your ability to sustain attention.

This can improve:

Concentration
Task completion
Decision-making
Workplace productivity

Supports Emotional Wellbeing

Meditation encourages greater awareness of thoughts and emotions without immediately reacting to them.

Over time, this may help reduce emotional overwhelm and improve emotional resilience.

May Improve Sleep Quality

Many people struggle to sleep because their minds remain active long after they’ve gone to bed.

Meditation and breathing exercises before bedtime can help calm the nervous system and support a more restful night’s sleep.

Supports Healthy Ageing

Emerging research suggests meditation may help support healthy brain ageing by encouraging lifelong cognitive engagement and stress management.

While more research continues, maintaining good mental wellbeing remains an important part of healthy ageing.

Common Types of Meditation

There is no single “correct” way to meditate.

Choose the approach that feels most comfortable.

Mindfulness Meditation

Observe your thoughts without judging them and gently bring your attention back to the present moment.

Breath Awareness Meditation

Focus entirely on your breathing.

Notice each inhale and exhale.

Whenever your mind wanders, gently return to your breath.

Guided Meditation

Listen to a trained instructor who guides you through relaxation or visualisation exercises.

Excellent for beginners.

Loving-Kindness Meditation

Focus on developing compassion and kindness toward yourself and others.

Body Scan Meditation

Slowly bring awareness to different parts of your body, noticing sensations without trying to change them.

Often used to reduce physical tension.

How to Start Meditating

You don’t need a mountain retreat or complete silence.

Start small.

Step 1

Find a quiet place.

Step 2

Sit comfortably with your spine relaxed but upright.

Step 3

Close your eyes or soften your gaze.

Step 4

Take slow, natural breaths.

Step 5

Focus on your breathing for five minutes.

When your mind wanders and it will gently bring your attention back without criticising yourself.

That’s the practice.

Common Meditation Myths

Myth: I have to empty my mind.

Reality: Thoughts are completely normal. Meditation teaches you to notice them without becoming carried away.

Myth: Meditation is only for spiritual people.

Reality: People from all backgrounds practise meditation for stress management, focus and overall wellbeing.

Myth: I need an hour every day.

Reality: Even 5–10 minutes of consistent practice can be beneficial.

Myth: I’m bad at meditation because my mind keeps wandering.

Reality: Every time you notice your mind wandering and gently bring it back, you’re practising meditation successfully.

Common Beginner Challenges

“I can’t stop thinking.”

That’s completely normal.

The goal isn’t to eliminate thoughts.

The goal is to notice when your attention drifts and gently guide it back.

Meditation is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with regular practice.

The Bottom Line

Life may never become less busy.

Emails will continue arriving.

Deadlines will remain.

Unexpected challenges will still appear.

Meditation doesn’t change your external circumstances—it changes your relationship with them.

It creates a little space between what happens and how you respond.

And sometimes, that small space is where clarity, resilience and peace begin.

Start with just five minutes today.

Your future self will thank you.

Pro Tip: Building a meditation habit is easier when you track your progress. Use the GOQii App to monitor your daily mindfulness practice alongside your sleep, activity and stress levels. Your GOQii Personalised Health Coach can help you develop a sustainable meditation routine that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I meditate each day?

Beginners can start with 5–10 minutes daily and gradually increase to 15–20 minutes as the habit becomes more comfortable.

Is it better to meditate in the morning or evening?

Both work well. Morning meditation can help set a positive tone for the day, while evening meditation may help you unwind before sleep. The best time is the one you can practise consistently.

What if my mind keeps wandering?

This is completely normal. Simply notice that your attention has wandered and gently bring it back to your breath. Every return strengthens your mindfulness practice.

Can meditation help with anxiety?

Meditation may help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. However, it should not replace professional mental health care. If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety or depression, consult a qualified mental health professional.

Can I meditate lying down?

Yes, although many people find sitting upright helps them stay alert. If you’re practising before bedtime, lying down may be appropriate.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or psychological advice. Meditation can be a valuable tool for supporting mental wellbeing, but it is not a substitute for treatment of mental health conditions. If you are experiencing persistent anxiety, depression or emotional distress, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

August 5, 2026 By GOQii 2 Comments

Quick No-Equipment Indoor Workout to Stay Active During the Monsoon

The Big Question – Has the rainy season disrupted your workout routine?

Monsoon weather often makes it difficult to head outdoors. Waterlogged roads, cancelled gym sessions, slippery parks and unpredictable showers can quickly derail even the most consistent fitness habits.

The good news? You don’t need a gym or any equipment to stay active.

A short bodyweight workout performed at home can elevate your heart rate, strengthen your muscles and help you maintain your fitness until the weather clears.

Whether you’re a beginner or already exercise regularly, this quick indoor workout can help you stay on track throughout the rainy season.

Quick Answer – What is the best indoor workout without equipment?

A simple 15–20 minute bodyweight HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout combining movements like jumping jacks, squats, planks, mountain climbers and high knees can improve cardiovascular fitness, build muscular endurance and burn calories all without leaving your living room.

Why Indoor Workouts Matter During the Monsoon

Rain shouldn’t become an excuse to stop moving.

Indoor workouts help you:

Stay consistent with your fitness routine
Avoid slippery roads and outdoor injuries
Reduce exposure to mosquitoes and waterborne infections
Maintain cardiovascular fitness
Improve mood and energy on gloomy days

Remember, consistency beats perfection.

Even 20 minutes of movement is far better than doing nothing.

What Is HIIT?

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) alternates short bursts of higher-intensity exercise with brief recovery periods.

This style of training can help:

Improve cardiovascular fitness
Increase calorie expenditure
Build muscular endurance
Save time compared to longer workouts

The best part?

HIIT can easily be adapted for beginners by reducing speed, intensity or impact.

Before You Begin

A few minutes of preparation can reduce your risk of injury and improve workout quality.

Warm Up (3–5 Minutes)

Spend a few minutes preparing your muscles and joints with:

Neck rolls
Shoulder circles
Hip rotations
Ankle mobility exercises
Marching in place
Bodyweight squats
Arm swings

A proper warm-up gradually increases your heart rate and prepares your body for exercise.

Wear Proper Footwear

Supportive training shoes help absorb impact and reduce stress on your ankles and knees, especially during jumping exercises.

Prioritise Good Technique

Move with control.

Proper form is always more important than speed or repetitions.

Choose Your Workout Level

The workout takes approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on your chosen level and rest periods.

Level	Workout Time	Sets	Rest Between Sets
Beginner	10–15 min	3–4	Up to 1 minute
Intermediate	15–20 min	2–3	Up to 2 minutes
Advanced	15–20 min	2–3	Up to 2 minutes

Beginner Workout

Focus on learning proper movement patterns and maintaining steady breathing.

Exercise	Duration	Coaching Tip
Jumping Jacks	20 sec	Land softly and keep your core engaged.
Marching in Place	20 sec	Lift your knees comfortably without rushing.
Spot Jogging	20 sec	Stay light on your feet.
Wide Squats	20 sec	Keep your chest lifted and knees aligned with your toes.
Jumping Jacks	20 sec	Maintain a comfortable rhythm.

Rest: Up to 1 minute

Repeat: 3–4 rounds

Intermediate Workout

Increase intensity while improving core stability.

Exercise	Duration	Coaching Tip
Jumping Jacks	20 sec	Maintain steady breathing.
Plank	20 sec	Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
Jumping Jacks	20 sec	Stay light on your feet.
Plank	20 sec	Avoid letting your hips sag.
High Knees	20 sec	Lift knees toward hip height while pumping your arms.
Plank	20 sec	Keep shoulders directly above wrists.
Mountain Climbers	20 sec	Drive your knees forward without bouncing your hips.
Plank	20 sec	Engage your core throughout.
Mountain Climbers	20 sec	Maintain a controlled pace.

Rest: Up to 2 minutes

Repeat: 2–3 rounds

Advanced Workout

Challenge your strength, endurance and coordination.

Exercise	Duration	Coaching Tip
Jump Squats	20 sec	Land softly with bent knees.
Shadow Boxing	20 sec	Rotate through your torso rather than only your arms.
Jump Squats	20 sec	Drive through your heels.
Burpees	20 sec	Maintain control throughout each repetition.
Plank Crunches	20 sec	Keep your hips level.
Burpees	20 sec	Move smoothly without rushing.
High Knees	20 sec	Maintain quick but controlled steps.
Shadow Boxing	20 sec	Keep your core engaged.
High Knees	20 sec	Finish strong while maintaining good posture.

Rest: Up to 2 minutes

Repeat: 2–3 rounds

Cool Down (5 Minutes)

Recovery is just as important as the workout itself.

Spend 5 minutes:

Walking slowly around the room
Stretching your calves
Stretching your hamstrings
Stretching your quadriceps
Stretching your chest and shoulders
Practising slow, deep breathing

Cooling down helps your heart rate gradually return to normal and reduces muscle stiffness.

Recovery Tips

To maximise the benefits of your workout:

Drink water after exercising.
Eat a balanced meal containing protein and complex carbohydrates within a couple of hours.
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Allow your muscles time to recover between HIIT sessions.

Recovery is where your body adapts and becomes stronger.

Who Should Modify or Avoid HIIT?

HIIT may not be suitable for everyone.

Speak with your healthcare provider before starting if you:

Are pregnant
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Have severe arthritis
Have a recent injury or surgery
Have uncontrolled heart disease
Experience dizziness during exercise

If any movement causes pain, stop immediately and choose a lower-impact alternative.

Rainy weather doesn’t have to interrupt your fitness journey.

A quick indoor bodyweight workout can help maintain your strength, improve cardiovascular fitness and keep your momentum going even when stepping outside isn’t an option.

Remember, fitness isn’t built through occasional intense workouts it’s built through consistency.

Move a little every day, and your body will thank you.

Pro Tip: Want expert guidance without leaving home? Join live GOQii PRO fitness classes through the GOQii App and work out alongside certified trainers who can help you improve your technique, stay motivated and safely progress your fitness journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I do HIIT?

Most adults benefit from 2–3 HIIT sessions per week, allowing at least one recovery day between sessions.

Can beginners do HIIT?

Yes. Beginners should start with shorter sessions, lower-impact modifications and focus on proper technique rather than speed.

Does sweating more mean I’m burning more fat?

No. Sweat is your body’s cooling mechanism and does not accurately reflect calorie or fat burn.

Which burns more calories walking or HIIT?

HIIT generally burns more calories per minute due to its higher intensity. However, both walking and HIIT contribute to overall health, and the best exercise is the one you can perform consistently.

Can I combine this workout with other activities?

Absolutely. On non-HIIT days, consider walking, yoga, mobility exercises or strength training to maintain an active lifestyle.

#BeTheForce!

Disclaimer: This workout is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical or fitness advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise programme, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition, are pregnant or are recovering from an injury. Stop exercising immediately if you experience chest pain, dizziness, severe breathlessness or sharp pain.

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