Search Results for: yoga

July 8, 2021 By Urvi Gohil 2 Comments

Meditation: Why It Is Necessary Today!

Many of us are worried about the impact of the ongoing pandemic on our elderly and physically vulnerable relatives. To top it off, the economic impact it has had around the world, right down to individuals being unable to work and ineligible for sick pay is huge. All this coupled with shortages in shops, cancellation of planned holidays and events have all caused some level of anxiety and distress. As these mental and emotional issues pile up, there’s a good chance that one might go over the edge. To avoid that, something must be done. During these trying times, there is something you can do to improve your mental and emotional wellbeing. That something is meditation!

How Does Meditation Help?

Taking out time to meditate can also help in so many ways:

Improves Mental Health: At a time when people may be self-isolating, worrying about finances, socially distancing from loved ones, and feeling concerned about contracting the virus, meditation can help improve emotional health and can help manage depression which is exacerbated by stress.
Boost Immunity: COVID-19 is highly infectious and boosting your immunity will help you fight against this pandemic. Several research studies suggest that meditation helps in positively impacting the genes involved in the infectious cycle and increases the immunity. Using regular self-hypnosis as a relaxation technique has had positive effects on Lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell which helps produce antibodies and destroy cells which could cause damage.
Reduce Anxiety: Meditation involves staying in the present moment without dwelling on the past or the future and accepting your feelings and emotions as perfectly valid. This will help in reducing stress levels and thus, potentially manage the increased level of anxiety which comes from being in the middle of a pandemic like coronavirus.

How Can You Start?

Use GOQii’s guided meditation feature: Click on the “+” and go to meditation. A good way to kick start if you are new to this.
At first, it will take effort: Do regular, short bursts and gradually build up the amount of time you spend during any one meditation session. So start slow and short.
Set a regular time of day: Meditation is a habit and you’re much more likely to implement it if you set a specific time of day and incorporate it into your routine.
Get very comfortable: Maybe light a candle or some relaxing music.
Have patience: It is okay. Your mind will wander and you will have all types of thoughts at first but do not stop practicing this.
Do it regularly: Make a habit which will stay with you always!

We hope this article helps you! For more articles on meditation, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to our yoga and meditation experts on GOQii Play. To get these tips directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Stay home, stay safe, meditate and #BeTheForce

July 6, 2021 By Premlata Sharma Leave a Comment

Coronavirus Prevention Tips For Older Adults

We are well aware of how contagious COVID-19 is. Research has found that the coronavirus creates inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been connected to most of the major diseases of our time and over half of us are living with chronic inflammation driven by diet, stress and lack of sleep. According to the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases, older adults are considered to be at high risk as compared to others because their immunity weakens as they age. The risk increases with 50+ and those who are 85+ are more vulnerable to severe infection. WHO has provided guidelines and coronavirus prevention tips for older adults to manage themselves during this pandemic.

Coronavirus Prevention Tips For Older Adults

Some of the basic guidelines suggested by WHO include:

Washing hands frequently with proper hand wash
Avoid touching eyes, nose and ears with unwashed hands
Wear a mask when going out
Clean frequently touched surfaces with disinfectants
Avoid going out if you are sick
Cough or sneeze into your flexed elbow to avoid spread of the virus
Maintain social-distancing of about 6feet (1meter)
Do not go out in public places even if you feel healthy, if important follow all the instructions given by local authorities
Socialize over the phone with friends and relatives
Avoid unnecessary traveling

For Adults With Health Conditions

Older adults with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, BP, cholesterol, thyroid, kidney problems, asthma etc. should avoid going out. Do not visit the hospital unless necessary.
Take precautions if you suffer from respiratory disorders
Monitor your health via devices to avoid panic. You can use the GOQii Smart Vital to measure your blood oxygen levels (SpO2), body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. You can also use the GOQii Vital ECG to check and detect issues such as arrhythmia and other abnormalities in heart rhythm.
Prefer online consultation and purchase medicines online too.
Plan 2 weeks in advance and purchase daily requirements online
Get vaccinated as soon as you can. For now, this is the best preventive measure you can take.
Forego vices such as smoking, alcohol and consuming tobacco products as they may deteriorate or worsen health conditions.

Some Health Tips You Can Follow

Switch to a healthy diet: Include whole grains, cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts.
Maintain healthy weight: If overweight, try to reduce your weight gradually in a healthy way. Your GOQii Coach can help you with this!
Reduce stress: Don’t panic in critical situations and don’t over stress as this can lead to low immunity levels.
Sleep well: Proper and timely sleep is very crucial in maintaining health. The quality of your sleep also matters. Read more about sleep in our Sleep Series: https://goqii.com/blog/?s=sleep+series
Keep yourself hydrated: Have at least 3 liters of water everyday. Should be adjusted according to individual needs.
Exercise regularly: Even mild exercise such as walking or yoga accompanied by pranayama can go a long way in keeping you healthy!
Boost your immunity: Immunity of a person can be boosted in many ways through nutrition, exercise, etc. It is believed that acquired immunity can be made strong by following a healthy lifestyle. Get some immunity boosting tips here: https://goqii.com/blog/?s=immunity
Avoid processed and packaged foods: They are high in fats, sugar and salt. Preservatives present in these items lower our immunity.

Foods That You Can Eat

Dark green leafy vegetables: Such as spinach, methi etc. are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Fruits: Especially citrus fruits like orange, strawberry, sweet lime, lemon etc.
Unsalted nuts and seeds: Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds etc. provides good fats.
Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines are rich sources of beneficial fatty acids and omega 3.
Olive oil and coconut oil: Prefer cold pressed, virgin, double filtered and filtered ones.
Millets and whole grains: Ragi, oats, barnyard, little millet etc. as they provide more fibers compared to refined products.
Green tea: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, green tea helps in boosting immunity.
Herbs: such as ginger, garlic, turmeric pepper corns, cinnamon, giloy, tulsi, etc. helps in boosting immunity.
Probiotics like curds, ACV etc. keep the gut healthy!

We hope these immunity boosting coronavirus prevention tips for older adults help you stay healthy and active! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! For more on the health and wellness of senior citizens, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to classes on GOQii Play.

To get more tips directly from your GOQii Coach, sign up for personalized coaching now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

June 12, 2021 By GOQii 2 Comments

“I Will Be With GOQii Lifelong!” – Rabin Talukdar On His Health Journey

We’ve always advocated that making small, manageable lifestyle changes can lead to good health in the long run. Multiple health issues often stem from unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity and sleep. Managing these effectively can help you a lot! Here’s an interesting journey of our Player Rabin Talukdar who managed several lifestyle diseases by making a positive lifestyle change.

Life Before GOQii

Currently at the age of 40, Rabin Talukdar resides in Assam. He says that his health issues began organizing a Durga Puja celebration during 2019. His meal timings were off and he found himself munching on unhealthy food all the time. His stress was high and he began experiencing a burning sensation in his chest, dizziness and lack of sleep. Soon after, he consulted with a doctor for multiple issues like hyperacidity, fatty liver and high blood pressure. His doctor said that along with medication, lifestyle modification is what will give him faster relief and suggested he join GOQii.

Making a Lifestyle Change

Rabin Talukdar began his journey under the guidance of Coach Trupti Pandya and shared all his reports with her. After carefully examining his reports, she assured him that he can start off with small changes such as detox water, avoiding maida and other processed foods while eating more vegetables in the form of salads and curries. He started with ACV for 3 months which also helped him reduce weight. He began walking on the treadmill for 20 mins along with yoga and pranayama for 20 mins a day. He now finds himself involuntarily setting aside time for physical activity everyday no matter how busy his work schedule is.

Recovering from COVID-19

In 2020, he was infected with COVID-19 and was admitted for 10 days. Though he experienced no major symptoms, he felt extremely weak and his BP was fluctuating. He returned home and still felt too weak to move around the house. He says his coach helped him a lot with diet tips on how to recover slowly and regain his strength. She asked him to include nuts, dates, peanut butter, add multigrain and millets in his meals. She even made him consume turmeric milk which was something he had always detested. She also sent him inspirational messages everyday which helped him stay positive. His coach guided him through every step like when to start walking, how much to walk in a day and constantly advised him not to strain himself and rest as much as possible.

As a result of all the above lifestyle changes, Rabin’s acidity is completely under control and he doesn’t have to take medicines anymore. His weight has also reduced by 4kg in the last one year. He says, “Thanks to GOQii, I stopped all medicines. I am so happy with my coach that I have renewed my subscription for another 12 months. I will be with GOQii lifelong. In fact, the whole of India needs GOQii, especially during this time when people are getting infected and dying all around. Only a healthy body can fight these infections and my GOQii Coach helped me realize that.”

What Does Coach Trupti Have To Say About Rabin Talukdar

Player Rabin has always been very determined towards his health goal, which was to target weight loss in a healthier way and control his medical conditions. He had high BP: 140-90, Fatty liver: Grade 1, borderline high Creatinine: 2 & LOW (BUN) urea: 14, Low Vit. D: 5, dizziness while working out, gastric trouble, and severe acidity with chest burning sensation. He was taking 3 tablets a day. His stress levels were high due to his concern regarding his medical condition and disturbed quality of sleep with only 2 hrs sound sleep. He was 5kg overweight.

His sincerity, determination, dedication, and consistency helped him achieve his goals in a healthy manner and till March 2021, his overall medical condition is resolved and his medication has stopped as well.

His Vit. D is 24 now, BP is 120- 80, borderline creatinine to 1.3mg/dL normal range and urea issues now 17. The previous issue for fatty liver is resolved completely. He only takes Vit. E tablet and his liver ranges are normal. He lost 4kg and 1 inch waist size with zero gastric trouble and his stress levels are under control with 7 hrs sound sleep now. Energy levels have improved 80% and no dizziness after workouts!

He honestly updated and acknowledged me about his condition and progress logs from time to time… and the result is a big victory in a short span of time.

Does Rabin’s story inspire you to make a lifestyle change? Then download the GOQii App and subscribe to personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu

To read more inspirational stories, check out Healthy Reads.

#BeTheForce

May 17, 2021 By Megha Mahajan 1 Comment

How To Safely Isolate Yourself At Home

With COVID-19 still spreading like wildfire and the resulting shortage of medical facilities, people have opted to self-isolate at home. Although hospitals and doctors are best to help you recover fully, here are some tips which will help you safely isolate yourself at home with your family.

Who Needs Home Isolation?

Home isolation is for someone who has tested positive or is suspected to be positive. The purpose here is to recover fully and stop the contagion. Home isolation is not an option for patients who are infected and above 65 years of age or have other comorbidities. They need to be hospitalised in isolated wards.

What Essentials Will You Need?

Apart from the basic necessities of water, food, clothing and shelter, a COVID patient needs much more during isolation. A quick list will include:

Thermometer – to keep a regular check on body temperature
Oximeter – to ensure that your reading is above 90-95%, or else you may need supplemental oxygen.
Exhaust or a table fan, working like an exhaust to draw in the fresh air and recycle the virus-laden room air.
You will also need your doctor prescribed medications and a smartphone to stay connected with the doctor and your community.

How Can You Safely Isolate Yourself?

There are a few rules to safely isolate yourself at home with your family in the adjacent room:

Recovery happens best during rest. Hence make sure to follow the circadian rhythm and have a good night’s sleep. Wake up and soak in the sunshine to get your dose of vitamin D from your room window.
Breathe deeply, do pranayama or follow the Win Hoffman breathing method to strengthen your respiratory system. Sleeping on your stomach allows your lungs to expand fully on the backside. So practice it daily for a few minutes.
Drink 2-3 litres of water to flush out the toxins from your body. Include a herbal Kadha in small quantities too. If possible, add lemon juice to it to get in Vitamin C to combat the virus.
Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to load up on antioxidants to fight off the inflammation. Feed the gut bacteria a healthy dose of probiotics to strengthen the immune system. Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol during the isolation.
Exercise, if you have the strength, to supply oxygen to every cell of your body. Confined within your room, you may just get enough space to do yoga or spot walking.

When Should You End Isolation?

Generally, 14-17 days are more than enough for home isolation. You need to make sure that you do not have any fever for at least three days before ending the isolation period. Also, it is important to get tested once again to check if you’ve fully recovered.

Staying isolated at home is a challenging task not just for you but your family too. They feel helpless as they are unable to care for you. And you might feel bogged down with solitary confinement. Nevertheless, you must ensure to follow proper sanitation methods and clean your room.

We hope this article helps you. For more, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play.

To get more expert advice on dealing with post-COVID recovery or general health issues, subscribe to GOQii and get in touch with your personal coach now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce