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October 7, 2024 By Pradnya Shinde 4 Comments

5 Powerful Ways Of Meditation

powerful ways of meditationWe know that meditation is very very good for health, especially mental health. But sometimes, we get confused about what exactly to do. So here’s a guide to help you begin. Try these powerful ways of meditation to improve your health and wellbeing! 

Powerful Ways Of Meditation 

1. Concentrative Meditation
As the word suggests, you are supposed to concentrate on one point so you won’t think about other things. When thoughts are scattered, it creates no impact, but sharp attention is a powerful tool. One way to do it is to focus on your own breathing cycle. See how you inhale through the nose, how you feel inside the body and how you exhale. Another way is to focus on sounds like any word or phrase or the sound of a bell. You can also focus on a candle’s flame. Sit in front of the candle, look at the flame and close your eyes. Behold the picture of the flame in front of your mind. When the picture fades, open your eyes and repeat the process.

2. Contemplative Meditation
Instead of trying to stop thinking, contemplative meditation includes focusing on a single thought. Instead of too many different thoughts, it’s thinking about one subject and one thought with complete awareness of the thought. For this, you can contemplate any sentence from a religious scripture or contemplate objects like a flower or a tree. Think about the shape of a particular flower.

Another way is asking a question to yourself, believing in your inner instinct and waiting for an answer to come up. The questions can be:

  • What am I looking for?
  • What is it I am resisting?
  • Knowing I will die, how should I live?
  • What is my greatest mission?
  • What do I love?
  • What do I have fear of?
  • Who am I?

3. Witness Meditation
Watch your thoughts as if it’s a movie. Let the thoughts come, simply observe them, but do not react or try to reject. Be neutral. This is called being the witness of your thoughts. What does it do? It reduces your attachment from your thoughts. You no longer feel pain with those repetitive thoughts. This is a great technique to let go of resentment from the past.

4. Chanting Mantra
Chanting mantras repeatedly is one way of meditation. Mantra is a sanskrit word. Man means mind and Tra means release. Mantra is supposed to be a set of words which releases your mind from all it’s anxieties. It has been said that chanting mantras provides spiritual growth. But make sure you are paying attention, because that is all what we want. You can chant OM or Gayatri Mantra.

5. Movement Meditation
If you think you can’t sit at one place and focus, practice meditation through body movements. Self defense practices like Tai chi and Qigong are used as a form of meditation for a very long time. Yoga is one excellent example of movement meditation. Yoga involves being fully aware of your breathing and understanding the basic nature of self. But not only this, we can also practice meditation through simply walking or dancing. Just be attentive, pay close attention to your steps, body movements and surroundings.

Next time, when you sit to meditate, you can try something new. Keep it mind, sometimes we might get a little restless but be patient. Don’t get frustrated. Slowly get back to your point of concentration.

We hope these 5 powerful ways of meditation help you! Do leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. For more on meditation and yoga, check out Healthy Reads or for further guidance, speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#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 5, 2024 By Dr Manali Rao 4 Comments

The 3 S of Breast Cancer: Signs, Symptoms and Self Examination

breast-cancer-awareness-month-memes-inspirational-quotes-4CANCER!!! The word itself is feared and dreaded by everyone around the globe. Many people who are diagnosed with this illness feel like it’s a death sentence, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to fight and overcome cancer.

Before learning how to overcome cancer, it is important to understand what it is. Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth, which may or may not spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are cancerous; only malignant ones spread throughout the body, while benign ones do not.

One of the most common invasive cancers in the world today is ‘BREAST CANCER’. It is more frequently seen in developed countries, but outcomes in these regions tend to be better due to advanced healthcare.

Who is at Risk for Developing Breast Cancer?

While breast cancer is more common in Females, men can also develop it (though cases in men are rare). Risk factors include:

  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Early menarche
  • Late pregnancy
  • Nulliparous women
  • Family history
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking

Let me now take you through the 3S of Breast Cancer- Signs Symptoms and Self Examination

Look out for these Signs and Symptoms:

  • The most common first symptom is a lump in the breast that feels different from the rest of the tissue.
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin on or around the nipple.
  • A change in the position or shape of the nipple, which may become inverted.
  • Orangish discoloration of the skin around the breast or a texture resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange).
  • Nipple discharge, which could be watery, milky, yellow, or even bloody.
  • One breast appearing larger than the other.
  • Constant pain in the breast or armpit area.
  • Swelling in the armpits or around the collarbone.
  • Redness, itching, increased sensitivity, or a burning sensation.

It’s important to note that some people may not experience any symptoms until the cancer has progressed, which is why regular check-ups are vital.

How to self-examine?

The best way to be aware of breast cancer is through self-detection. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips.

  • Look at the size, shape, and color of your breasts.
  • Check for dimpling, puckering, or bulging skin.
  • Look for any changes in the position of your nipples or signs of inversion (a nipple that is pushed inward).
  • Watch for redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Step 2: Raise your arms and check for the same changes.

Step 3: While standing in front of the mirror, check for any fluid discharge from the nipples, which could appear watery, milky, yellow, or even bloody.

Step 4: Lie down and feel your breasts. Use your right hand to examine your left breast and your left hand for your right breast. Apply a firm, smooth touch using the pads of your fingers in a circular motion. Cover the entire breast, from top to bottom and side to side, including from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Start at the nipple and move outward in larger circles until you reach the edge of the breast. Be sure to feel all the tissue, from the front to the back of your breasts.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while standing or sitting. Many women find that it’s easiest to feel their breasts when their skin is wet and slippery, such as during a shower. Use the same hand movements as described in Step 4.

Breast Cancer Support Groups:

Support groups play a crucial role in helping patients fight cancer. These groups provide an opportunity to learn from others who have faced the same disease. Seeing other survivors can give patients the strength and hope they need to fight their own battles. Remember, hope is everything.

We hope this article helped you understand the signs, symptoms, and steps to perform a self-examination for breast cancer. Regular check-ups and self-awareness can make all the difference in early detection and treatment. Have any questions or experiences to share? Let us know in the comments below! You can also find more articles on Women’s Health here. Stay informed, stay healthy!

#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 4, 2024 By Anusha Subramanian Leave a Comment

A ‘Smile’ a day keeps the ‘Blues’ away

The benefit of smiling is a subject which isn’t discussed much. You might be wondering, how a smile can have an impact on your health, considering that it is just an expression you make. Today, we are going to find out how a smile can bring about a change in our lives and how it contributes to our well being.

  1. Mood Enhancer:

Did you know that smiling releases endorphins into the brain? Endorphins fight pain and stress just like morphine and other painkillers. They boost your mood and take your mind away from whatever it is that’s distracting you. The best part is that it is totally free of cost, nobody can charge for cracking a smile. So stop investing in drugs and smile more often, for a free of cost mood enhancer.

  1. Heart Friendly:

Are you someone who has a history of heart diseases? Is your blood pressure high? If yes, smiling is an excellent companion for you. Studies show that smiling reduces the heart rate and helps the body to relax. This enables the heart to work without putting much strain. So smile more often and be the proud owner of a healthy heart.

  1. Productivity Accelerator:

Ever wondered why those silly internet memes or funny videos between work, helps you relax and work faster later on? You smile when you see them and it accelerates your productivity. Smiling more often is believed to increase your productivity at work or any other areas of life. Are you someone who enjoys whistling while you work? This is very similar. Now you know what to do when you feel like you are slowing down.

  1. Induces Empathy:

We find ourselves in embarrassing situations on a regular basis. Whether you are at home or work, these situations are always lurking in every corner. The first response to an embarrassing moment is a smile. This helps in breaking the ice and makes others be more lenient about what they think of you, thereby inducing a sense of empathy in them.

  1. Natural Painkiller:

As I mentioned earlier, smiling releases endorphins into the brain which helps in reducing the sensation of pain and also lifting our mood. The next time you hurt yourself, try to keep a smile on your face and the pain will start reducing.

  1. Builds Immunity:

Smiling helps the body to relax and this helps the immune system to react better when invaders come knocking at the door. Add some smile to your daily dose of proteins and vitamins, for a strong immunity system.

  1. Lasting Longevity:

Taking all the above factors into consideration, we can easily conclude that people who smile more, live longer because it reduces stress, helps your heart and does much more in keeping you healthier for a longer time. Smile more and live longer!

In summary, the impact of a smile is truly remarkable. It serves as a natural mood enhancer, contributes to heart health, boosts productivity, fosters empathy, acts as a natural painkiller, strengthens immunity, and even promotes longevity. So, make it a daily practice to curve those lips upwards. A smile a day not only keeps the blues at bay but could also be your recipe for a healthier, happier life!

#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 1, 2024 By Navnee Garg 2 Comments

9 Hidden Benefits of Coffee You May Not Know

hidden benefits of coffeeWhat makes your morning better? Is it the bright morning sun, ushering in a new day with its warm rays? Or the melodious chirping of birds? Is it the fresh aromas of flowers or morning dew? If you thought of a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a newspaper and sitting under a blue sky, then we have a lot in common!

Yes, I orchestrate my mornings with Coffee! If coffee is considered bad and me being a nutritionist, you might wonder why I am starting my day with it? Well, today I am writing to make you believe that, “A bad day with coffee is better than a good day without it!”

Surprisingly, coffee has some amazing hidden benefits which we don’t often address. Apart from the warmth, the energy boost, and freshness, there are a lot more benefits that coffee beans offer.

Let’s Brew the Hidden Benefits of Coffee 

  1. Keeps the Body Cells Healthy: Sipping coffee every morning is like flooding our body with antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals. Not every antioxidant has this power. Only Coffee antioxidants are blessed with the ability to fight and delay the death of cells, so keep sipping!
  2. Digestion of Carbs Gets Easier: Coffee and carbohydrates work really well together. A few chemicals in coffee beans help the body turn those wonderful bread nutrients into energy. Antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, quinic acid found in coffee help the body process and utilize carbs effectively. Isn’t that wonderful! Now we know why coffee and sandwiches makes the best pair! It’s all scientific.
  3. Sip to Kick Stress & Depression Away: Caffeine impacts neurotransmitters in the brain, including the “feel good” hormones serotonin and dopamine. The mental boost we get after the first sip of coffee isn’t all due to caffeine.
  4. Aids Hair Growth: Growth-promoting effects of caffeine on human hair follicles encourage hair growth in both men and women. Caffeine helps to block the effects of DHT, the chemical hormone responsible for hair loss.
  5. Improves Performance on Tracks: Sipping coffee as a pre-workout allows muscles to better convert fat to fuel, making you more energized. Try this amazing bulletproof coffee recipe, made popular by our Founder and CEO Vishal Gondal! Trust me, it does wonders!
  6. Coffee-licious Daily Scrub: What else to ask for? Coffee does wonders as an exfoliant! Mix fresh or ground coffee beans with olive oil or coconut oil, and scrub to get clean, softer skin.
  7. Good for the Liver: A cup of coffee a day, keeps cirrhosis away. Yes! That is true! Researchers say that coffee protects the liver and reduces the chances for cirrhosis by 80%.
  8. Green Coffee is a Multitasker: Green coffee is unroasted coffee beans that grow on the coffee plant, called Coffea Arabica. It is rich in antioxidant, increases metabolic rate by 3% to 11%, encouraging weight loss. It is also a natural detox, controls unnecessary food cravings and stops us from overeating.
  9. White Coffee is NEW in Town: White Coffee comes from the same hard green coffee beans as regular coffee. Not to be confused with the creamy coffee we get in coffee shops, this one is different.  The main differences between the two are in the roasting process, roasting time, and the resulting flavor. White Coffee has up to 50% more caffeine, but is less acidic making it easy on the stomach and retaining more antioxidants.

Do these awesome hidden benefits of coffee make you feel like brewing a cup? Just remember that having anything in excess is bad for your health. Drinking too much coffee may do more harm than good. So, limit your coffee intake to only 2 cups a day and avoid sipping on coffee after 7 PM, or it may end up hampering your sleep.

We wish you all a Happy International Coffee Day! How do you enjoy your coffee? Tell us in the comments below.

To know more hidden benefits like this, speak to your GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce  

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