GOQii

Blog

  • HOME
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • FITNESS
  • HEALTHY RECIPES
  • USER STORIES
  • KARMA
  • BUY GOQii

May 23, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

The Emotional Rollercoaster of ADHD

Woman holding cards with different facial expressions, symbolising ADHD emotionsWhy Emotions Feel Intensified – and How to Regulate Them

Living with ADHD isn’t just about being forgetful, distracted, or full of energy. There’s another side that often flies under the radar — the emotional side. If you’ve ever felt like your emotions are turned up to full volume, you’re not imagining things. For many people with ADHD, feelings hit harder, last longer, and can swing wildly in a matter of moments. It’s like being strapped into an emotional rollercoaster you never quite agreed to ride.

Why Emotions Feel So Intense

At its core, ADHD affects how the brain manages attention, impulses, and executive function. But here’s the catch: those same brain circuits also help regulate emotions. When they don’t work as efficiently, it’s not just thoughts that race — emotions do too.

Here are a few reasons why:

  • Delayed emotional regulation: People with ADHD may struggle to “hit the brakes” on emotional reactions. So frustration, excitement, anger or sadness can feel overwhelming and all-consuming.
  • Rejection Sensitivity: Many with ADHD experience what’s called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria — an extreme emotional response to perceived criticism or failure. A small comment can feel like a personal attack.
  • Low dopamine levels: Dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, plays a big role in mood. ADHD brains often have lower baseline levels, which can make mood dips feel sharper and harder to bounce back from.

Hyperfocus on feelings: While people often associate ADHD with distraction, it can also cause someone to hyperfocus — and yes, that includes hyperfocusing on negative emotions, which can be mentally exhausting.

Common Emotional Struggles

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people with ADHD report:

  • Sudden anger or irritability that feels out of proportion
  • Emotional outbursts, followed by guilt or confusion
  • Feeling overwhelmed by stress or change
  • Anxiety that spirals quickly
  • Mood swings that can make relationships feel like walking on eggshells

And let’s not forget the emotional hangover that often follows these episodes — that lingering exhaustion after an intense surge of feelings.

Learning to Regulate Emotions

The good news? You can learn to ride the emotional waves without being tossed around by them. Here are a few strategies that help:

  1. Name It to Tame It

Labelling your emotion — “I’m feeling anxious,” or “I’m annoyed right now” — helps activate the rational part of your brain and can give you a small pause to regain control.

  1. Breathe Like You Mean It

Deep, slow breathing (especially using techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing) can calm your nervous system and reduce emotional intensity in the moment.

  1. Pause Before Reacting

This one takes practice, but try counting to five before responding during a heated moment. That brief delay can help shift your brain out of “reaction” mode.

  1. Keep a Mood Journal

Tracking your emotions can help you identify triggers and patterns. Are there certain people, situations or times of day that set you off? Awareness is half the battle.

  1. Work With a Therapist or Coach

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Regulation Coaching, or ADHD-specific counselling can help you build tools tailored to your brain’s wiring.

  1. Prioritise Sleep, Food, and Movement

It sounds basic, but if you’re hungry, sleep-deprived or haven’t moved your body in hours, emotions can spiral faster. Build in routines that keep your physical and emotional energy steady.

You’re Not “Too Much”

Being emotionally intense doesn’t make you broken, dramatic, or weak. It makes you human, just one with a slightly more sensitive emotional dial. Many with ADHD are deeply empathetic, creative, and passionate, partly because they feel things so strongly.

So the next time the emotional rollercoaster feels too much, remind yourself — you’re learning how to steer. And with time, awareness, and the right tools, you can ride the highs and lows with more ease.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a doctor for personalised guidance and recommendations related to ADHD.

April 11, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Spirituality & Social Connection: Nurturing the Soul for Healthy Living

When we talk about healthy living, our minds often go straight to diet and exercise. But true wellbeing runs deeper—it’s not just about nourishing the body, but also the mind and soul. One often-overlooked yet deeply important part of holistic health is spirituality and social connection. These elements bring meaning, comfort, and balance to our lives, helping us thrive—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.

Spirituality: A Path to Inner Peace

Spirituality isn’t necessarily about religion. It’s about connecting with something greater than yourself—whatever form that may take.

For some, this might come through quiet reflection, meditation or prayer. For others, it might be felt while walking through nature, listening to music that stirs the soul, reading a powerful book, or even getting lost in a moving film or beautiful artwork.

These moments of awe and stillness help us press pause on the day-to-day stress and reconnect with our inner selves.

Spiritual or reflective practices have been shown to:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improve emotional resilience
  • Enhance our sense of meaning and purpose
  • Encourage mindfulness and presence

Forest Bathing: Nature’s Quiet Therapy

A particularly powerful practice that blends spirituality and wellbeing is Forest Bathing—a Japanese tradition called Shinrin-yoku. It simply means immersing yourself in a natural, wooded environment and engaging all your senses.

It’s not about hiking or covering distance—it’s about slowing down. Feel the breeze, notice the rustle of the leaves, breathe in the scent of trees, listen to the birds. Let nature be your therapist.

Forest bathing has been found to:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels
  • Improve mood and sleep
  • Increase feelings of vitality

The Power of Social Connection

As human beings, we’re wired for connection. Having strong, supportive relationships is essential—not just for our emotional wellbeing, but also for our physical health.

Spending time with friends and family, having a heart-to-heart, joining a class, or even a warm cuppa and a chat can work wonders. Connection reminds us that we’re not alone—and that’s powerful.

Research shows people with strong social networks are:

  • Less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression
  • More likely to stick with healthy habits
  • Better equipped to manage life’s ups and downs
  • Likely to live longer and feel more fulfilled

Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing in nature, lighting a candle and journaling, connecting with a loved one, or attending a spiritual gathering—these aren’t luxuries. They’re essential to wellbeing.

True health comes when we balance the physical with the emotional and spiritual. By nourishing our inner world and strengthening our bonds with others, we build resilience, purpose, and joy.

So, take that walk in the woods. Call a friend. Play that song that moves you. Pause and just breathe.

Because a healthy life isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living more fully.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

March 5, 2025 By GOQii Leave a Comment

The Difference Between Emotional Eating & Binge Eating Disorder

Many people use food as a coping mechanism, but when does it cross the line into something more serious like Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? Let’s explore the key differences.

What is Emotional Eating?

Emotional eating is when we eat in response to feelings rather than physical hunger. It is often triggered by stress, boredom, sadness, or even happiness.

Signs of Emotional Eating:

  • Eating in response to stress, sadness, boredom, or anxiety.
  • Craving specific comfort foods (e.g., sweets, crisps, or junk food).
  • Eating even when not physically hungry.
  • Feeling temporarily better after eating, but then experiencing guilt or regret.
  • Occurs occasionally and in smaller portions.

While emotional eating is a common behaviour, it becomes a concern when it happens frequently and disrupts your relationship with food.

What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious mental health condition characterised by frequent, uncontrollable episodes of eating large quantities of food. Unlike emotional eating, BED involves a sense of loss of control and distress around food.

Signs of Binge Eating Disorder:

  • Frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food within a short time.
  • Eating even when uncomfortably full or not hungry.
  • Feeling out of control during eating episodes.
  • Eating very quickly and secretly, due to shame or embarrassment.
  • Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty after binge episodes.
  • Episodes occur at least once a week for three months (as per clinical diagnosis).

Unlike emotional eating, BED is a compulsive disorder that can have serious long-term effects on both physical and mental health.

Key Differences Between Emotional Eating & Binge Eating Disorder

Factor

Emotional Eating

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Triggers

Stress, boredom, sadness

Can be emotional or compulsive without a clear trigger

Portion Size

Small to moderate

Large amounts of food in one sitting

Control Over Eating

Some level of control

Complete loss of control

Frequency

Occasional

Recurring (at least once a week for 3+ months)

Aftermath Feelings

Mild guilt or regret

Intense guilt, shame, distress

Eating Speed

Normal

Very fast, often secretive

Physical Consequences

Rare

Can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart issues

How to Manage Emotional Eating & Binge Eating Disorder

Whether you struggle with occasional emotional eating or suspect you may have BED, there are steps you can take to regain control of your eating habits.

  1. Recognise Your Triggers

Keep a food and mood journal to identify what emotions drive your eating habits. Do you eat when you’re stressed? Lonely? Bored? Understanding your triggers is the first step to making changes.

  1. Find Healthier Coping Mechanisms

Instead of turning to food, try activities like:

    • Exercise – A natural mood booster.
    • Journaling – Helps process emotions.
    • Meditation or Deep Breathing – Reduces stress and anxiety.
    • Social Connection – Call a friend or spend time with loved ones.
  1. Eat Mindfully
    • Pay attention to hunger cues – eat when you’re physically hungry, not emotionally hungry.
    • Practise portion control – serve food on a plate rather than eating straight from a packet.
    • Slow down while eating – chew properly and enjoy your food.
  1. Professional Help for BED
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – A proven method to change binge-eating behaviours.
    • Mindful Eating Therapy – Helps individuals reconnect with hunger and fullness cues.
    • Support Groups & Counselling – Having a support system makes recovery easier.
    • Medical Interventions – In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help manage BED.

Occasionally turning to food for comfort is normal, but when it becomes a frequent coping mechanism or involves loss of control, it’s important to take action. Understanding the difference between emotional eating and Binge Eating Disorder is the first step toward a healthier relationship with food.

Have you ever struggled with emotional eating? What strategies have helped you? Share in the comments!

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

October 18, 2024 By Navnee Garg 3 Comments

When Not Eating Becomes a Disease: What Anorexia Really Does to You or Someone You Love

Anorexia Nervosa

Following healthy habits is good. It’s always nice to have a plan for healthy eating and follow it steadily with discipline. But what happens when you overindulge in a dieting plan? As we all know, anything in excess is bad and the same goes for dieting or having an unhealthy obsession with losing weight which may make one do things that can cause more damage than good. Having said that, I’d like to highlight an eating disorder that I recently came across called Anorexia Nervosa.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder which is characterized by low body weight, fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight. This means that despite having normal body weight, these people feel that they are overweight, or even if they will eat a bite extra, they feel that they will suddenly gain weight. So they prefer being on a very low calorie diet, prefer restricted foods, focusing excessively on the portion they eat. They also try to control their weight by vomiting after eating, or misusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics or even enemas. At times, they also try to lose weight by excessive exercising just post consuming meals.

Nervosa is not about calorie counting, it is more about one’s psychological aspect which can be extremely dangerous or even life threatening to try to cope up with emotional distress. Anorexic people often tend to equate thinness with self worth.

What Are The Symptoms?

The most evident physical symptom of Nervosa is Starvation, and let us not confuse it with conscious eating. Apart from it, it also includes some emotional and behavioural issues which include unrealistic perception of one’s own body in terms of being fat or fear of gaining weight.

It is difficult to notice the signs and symptoms among the people, but there are few alarming signs which can be noticed by near and dear ones like low body weight, or thin appearance, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia, thinning of hair, blue discoloration of fingers, irregular bowel movements, irregular heart rhythms, and dehydration.

Also some emotional and behavioural symptoms would include:

  • Skipping meals or refusing to eat
  • Making excuses like denial for hunger, or unwell
  • Avoiding to eat in public
  • Social withdrawal
  • Irritability and Insomnia

Diagnosis 

Though it is difficult to diagnose Anorexia Nervosa at an early stage, the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has set diagnosis criteria for people prone to being Anorexic.

  1. Restricted calorie intake as per the requirement of the body in terms of age, height, gender and physical health.
  2. Misconception of being overweight, despite being actually underweight.
  3. A full medical history can also help to reach the outcome

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment includes some medications, nutritional counseling, psychotherapy and family counseling as well which would depend on one’s level of being anorexic. Generally people refuse to accept that they fall in the category but a proper counseling session can help one recover soon.

There is no harm in Being Picky about putting food in your mouth, but this should be done in certain limits by working on calorie counting, or choosing the healthiest option and not in excessive fear to gain weight. The body needs fuel as well to work its system out. The correct way to lose weight is by eating healthy and exercising regularly, and not “DIETING”. Long term anorexia nervosa can lead to serious medical issues like low bone density, anemia, or some gastrointestinal issues as well.

So, if you feel any such symptoms, or you know someone prone to it, do share the article with them, and we at GOQii are always there to help you recover in whatever best way possible.

Did you find this article helpful? Do leave your thoughts and queries in the comments below and do share it on the GOQii Arena in the GOQii app with your friends! 

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Search

Recent Posts

  • 11 Easy Habits To Help You Lose Weight
  • How to Burn Fat With Exercise
  • Reasons Why You Are Not Losing Weight!
  • Why Longevity Must Be India’s Next Health Mission
  • Unable to Lose Weight? 7 Secrets for Sustainable Weight Loss

Stay Updated

Archives

  • June 2025 (13)
  • May 2025 (13)
  • April 2025 (21)
  • March 2025 (26)
  • February 2025 (23)
  • January 2025 (26)
  • December 2024 (27)
  • November 2024 (26)
  • October 2024 (27)
  • September 2024 (25)
  • August 2024 (31)
  • July 2024 (22)
  • June 2024 (27)
  • May 2024 (31)
  • April 2024 (27)
  • March 2024 (29)
  • February 2024 (26)
  • January 2024 (27)
  • December 2023 (18)
  • November 2023 (19)
  • October 2023 (24)
  • September 2023 (25)
  • August 2023 (23)
  • July 2023 (24)
  • June 2023 (25)
  • May 2023 (27)
  • April 2023 (25)
  • March 2023 (25)
  • February 2023 (20)
  • January 2023 (16)
  • December 2022 (12)
  • November 2022 (16)
  • October 2022 (15)
  • September 2022 (14)
  • August 2022 (13)
  • July 2022 (19)
  • June 2022 (11)
  • May 2022 (10)
  • April 2022 (6)
  • March 2022 (6)
  • February 2022 (13)
  • January 2022 (13)
  • December 2021 (7)
  • November 2021 (3)
  • October 2021 (6)
  • September 2021 (3)
  • August 2021 (8)
  • July 2021 (7)
  • June 2021 (15)
  • May 2021 (16)
  • April 2021 (10)
  • March 2021 (7)
  • February 2021 (4)
  • January 2021 (4)
  • December 2020 (3)
  • November 2020 (4)
  • October 2020 (10)
  • September 2020 (3)
  • August 2020 (3)
  • July 2020 (2)
  • June 2020 (4)
  • May 2020 (10)
  • April 2020 (12)
  • March 2020 (10)
  • February 2020 (4)
  • January 2020 (4)
  • December 2019 (3)
  • November 2019 (7)
  • October 2019 (5)
  • September 2019 (4)
  • August 2019 (9)
  • July 2019 (9)
  • June 2019 (11)
  • May 2019 (4)
  • April 2019 (9)
  • March 2019 (8)
  • February 2019 (9)
  • January 2019 (8)
  • December 2018 (9)
  • November 2018 (3)
  • October 2018 (3)
  • September 2018 (5)
  • August 2018 (10)
  • July 2018 (6)
  • June 2018 (13)
  • May 2018 (8)
  • April 2018 (18)
  • March 2018 (9)
  • February 2018 (8)
  • January 2018 (15)
  • December 2017 (12)
  • November 2017 (19)
  • October 2017 (13)
  • September 2017 (15)
  • August 2017 (4)
  • July 2017 (8)
  • June 2017 (7)
  • May 2017 (6)
  • April 2017 (8)
  • March 2017 (6)
  • February 2017 (7)
  • January 2017 (10)
  • December 2016 (10)
  • November 2016 (7)
  • October 2016 (7)
  • September 2016 (7)
  • August 2016 (11)
  • July 2016 (9)
  • June 2016 (9)
  • May 2016 (12)
  • April 2016 (17)
  • March 2016 (17)
  • February 2016 (8)
  • January 2016 (6)
  • December 2015 (2)
  • November 2015 (9)
  • October 2015 (7)
  • September 2015 (9)
  • August 2015 (11)
  • July 2015 (9)
  • June 2015 (12)
  • May 2015 (9)
  • April 2015 (13)
  • March 2015 (8)
  • February 2015 (5)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (14)
  • November 2014 (11)
  • October 2014 (6)
  • September 2014 (13)
  • August 2014 (12)
  • July 2014 (6)
  • June 2014 (2)
  • May 2014 (7)
  • April 2014 (5)
Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme … [Read More...]

Mayur Sutar Health Transformation

Mayur Sutar’s Journey to a Healthier Life

At 26, Mayur Sutar was deeply entrenched in the corporate whirlwind. His days were a blur of quick, unsatisfying meals, fitful sleep, and relentless deadlines. This vicious cycle was draining him, fueling a constant state of fatigue and frustration. Health had become a forgotten chapter in the book of his life. In every story, however, […]

Dhiren Matani - Healthy lifestyle

Transforming Health and Life: Dhiren Matani’s Inspirational Journey to Wellness

In the face of persistent health challenges, Dhiren Matani, (43), an entrepreneur from Mumbai, embarked on a journey of resilience and transformation. Battling weight issues and a heart condition for some years, he refused to succumb to the daunting odds. Through sheer determination, he took control of his health at the right time by adopting […]

What’s Your Excuse?

In a world filled with excuses, Shubham’s story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. His journey is a reminder that circumstances may create hurdles, but they can never define the limits of one’s potential. In the bustling suburbs of Mumbai, amidst the challenges of […]

  • HOME
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • FITNESS
  • HEALTHY RECIPES
  • USER STORIES
  • KARMA
  • BUY GOQii

Copyright ©2016 GOQii