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7 Effective Ways To Beat Stress

stress bustingIt’s astonishing to discover that 1 out of 5 people suffer from stress. Digging deeper, the root cause often points to expectations—expectations from jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, or friends. When expectations remain unfulfilled, they can manifest as stress or even depression.

Not all disappointments lead to depression, but anything that occupies your mind persistently or causes emotional discomfort can be considered stress.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are 7 effective ways to beat stress and regain control of your life.

7 Ways to Beat Stress

  1. Breathe Deep & Let Go:
    Spiritual masters often advise: “Forgive everyone and yourself, accept everyone and yourself, and love everyone and yourself.” When faced with negativity or bad experiences, take a deep breath and repeat these words to yourself.
  2. Set a Goal:
    Spend at least 30 minutes daily with yourself. Engage in your favorite activity during this time. If you don’t have a hobby or can’t think of one, it’s time to dedicate 60 minutes to self-discovery and personal time.
  3. Bunk the Routine:
    Once every six months, step away from your daily grind. It might sound immature, but bunking your routine for a day to explore, relax, or spend time with loved ones can recharge your mental energy.
  4. Make a Memory Box:
    Create a memory box – physical or digital. Fill it with cherished memories in the form of photos, notes, videos, or keepsakes. Revisit this box regularly to relive joyful moments and uplift your mood.
  5. Treat Yourself:
    You don’t need to prove your worth to anyone as long as you’re doing your best. When feeling exhausted, take a break. Reward yourself with your favorite dish (in moderation), activity, or pastime. Value your efforts and prioritize self-care.
  6. Say No to Negativity:
    Avoid entertaining negative thoughts. When negativity creeps in, distract yourself with something positive—be it meditation, singing, dancing, or engaging in a meaningful conversation. Choose whatever works best for you in the moment.
  7. Smile:
    A smile is your best accessory. It not only improves your mood but also spreads positivity to those around you. Let your smile work its magic!

Which of these 7 tips resonates with you the most? Do you have a unique way to beat stress? Share your thoughts and queries in the comments below!

To read more on how to beat stress, check out Healthy Reads or get more tips directly from your GOQii Coach by subscribing for 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.

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11 Unhealthy Habits That Are Destroying Your Health

unhealthy habitsOld habits die hard and that’s true. Habits are stored in our subconscious mind. We keep on carrying out tasks or habits, without even realizing we are doing it. While some habits help us complete day to day activities, there are some which aren’t good for our health, especially the ones which affect our diet. It is crucial to follow habits which have a positive impact on health. It is time to identify unhealthy habits and get rid of them for good health’s sake.

Unhealthy Habits You Need to Stop 

  1. Skipping Breakfast: For some people, skipping breakfast is an easy way to cut calories. However, if you skip breakfast, you’ll probably overeat during lunch. Secondly, in the morning, our metabolic rate is high. To maintain it, we need to give enough fuel to our body in the form of breakfast. So you should not skip your morning meal at any cost.
  2. Emotional Eating: If you are stressed or if you’ve had a bad day, call a friend, listen to music, write in a journal or try going for a walk. These options are better than binge-eating junk food due to emotional reasons.
  3. Including Unhealthy Drinks: At some point, we all reach out for a soft drink after a meal. It has somehow become a norm. Sweetened/Aerated drinks increase your daily calorie intake and cause other health issues. Instead, drink lemon water, coconut water or buttermilk. In fact, you can make your own healthy energy drinks!
  4. Eating Out Frequently: Avoid the habit to grab something unhealthy when going out for a long day. Take healthier shortcuts! Eat a vegetable sandwich, protein salad, whole grain crackers & veggies with humus. You can even carry fresh fruits.
  5. Munching While Watching TV or During Long Drives: Try to avoid unnecessary munching while watching your favorite program or when you are on a long drive or a road trip. Instead of having processed foods like chips, cookies, etc. you can have a handful of nuts, air popcorn, seed trail-mix and unsalted peanuts.
  6. Lack of Sleep: Sleep works as nutrition for the brain. Our body needs 8-9 hours of sleep every night. Less than 8 hour of sleep triggers a cortisol spike and hampers our metabolism and contributes to weight gain. Shut your computer, mobile, and TV at least an hour before sleeping.
  7. Long Gap Between Meals: There shouldn’t be a huge time gap between meals. When you are on a weight loss journey, you shouldn’t just be careful about the food you eat but the time you eat as well! Many studies show that, if you are not eating at the right time, you might not be able to achieve your weight loss goals. The ideal gap between breakfast – Lunch & lunch –dinner should not exceed 4 hours.
  8. Eating Late at Night: You should not eat dinner very late as it promotes weight gain. Your last meal or your dinner should always be 3 hours before bedtime.
  9. Consuming Extra Salt: Eating a lot of salt can cause an increase in water weight and fat in your body. If you eat too much salt, extra water gets stored in your body which can raise your blood pressure.  Higher blood pressure leads to heart attacks, strokes and kidney diseases. Avoid sauces, pickles, sprinkling extra on salad & curd in your meals.
  10. Eating Heavy Meals Close to Bedtime: Avoid eating heavy meals close to bedtime, it can cause acidity, severe heartburn and make difficult to fall asleep. Also avoid tea, coffee, and chocolate in the evening because caffeine can stay in our system for 5-6 hrs and suppress the sleep hormone.
  11. Putting Calorie Restrictions: Eating more calories than your body needs will lead to weight gain. Whereas, eating lesser calories than your body needs will lead to weight loss. However, restricting calories too much may slow down metabolism, can cause fatigue, nutrient deficiencies and lower immunity too.

These 11 unhealthy habits can contribute to weight gain, affect metabolism and can be extremely detrimental to your health. Avoid them and adopt a healthier lifestyle. For more tips on living a healthier lifestyle, check out Healthy Reads or ask an expert by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

We hope this article has helped you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

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How To Stick To Your New Year Resolutions!

new-year-resolutionsA new year has begun and with it, it’s once again time to make new resolutions. We’re sure a lot of you have already penned down your New Year resolutions. But what are these new year resolutions? More often than not, they are promises we make to ourselves or near and dear ones to kick one bad habit and imbibe a good change for a better future.

New Year Resolutions Could Be:

  • Weight loss
  • Get fit and regular exercise
  • Eating healthy
  • Joining a yoga class
  • Giving up smoking
  • Quitting excessive alcohol consumption
  • Playing a sport

Largely, I have noticed that most resolutions are around health and lifestyle. What is difficult, though, is sticking to the resolution made. It’s not easy to keep the enthusiasm going week after week, especially when you have never played a sport or been active in the past. It’s not easy to maintain the same motivation levels throughout the year. Discipline is hard to come by. Most people don’t feel motivated enough and give up within a few days. It takes focus, planning and determination to stick to resolutions made. It takes the same amount of time to change a particular habit.

Tips To Stick To Your New Year Resolutions 

Golden Rule: Make your goal achievable and do not aim for goals that are too difficult to achieve

  • Once you have decided on your achievable resolution, write it down. Writing it down makes a greater connection between your thinking self and doing self. This makes the resolution more real than when it is only in your head.
  • Change one behaviour at a time. Replacing unhealthy behaviours with healthier ones requires time.
  • Fitness cannot be your short-term goal.
  • If you want to eat junk food, think about the benefits you will derive from it. It’s the same as thinking before making any financial investments. Occasionally, you can include a piece of Pizza or a burger but not daily.
  • If you are looking to reduce 20 kg, then achieve the target by reducing 2-3 kg a month. It is not practical to lose 20 kg in 2 months because it took years to accumulate all that fat and it will only go away slowly.
  • If you want to quit smoking and you are smoking 20 sticks a day, then reduce it gradually. You cannot stop immediately because it will take some time for your body and mind to adapt to the change.
  • If you intend to start working out, doing yoga or any other activity in the morning, then begin with 3 days a week instead of 7 days a week.
  • For working out, most have the issue of waking up early. Try to start at a time comfortable to you. If you wake up daily at 8 am but plan to start working out at 5 am, then it will seldom happen because your circadian system will take time to adjust. Instead, try to wake up at 7 am, which is practical, and you will continue for a long time.
  • Be positive while thinking about your achievable goal. Instead of saying, “I cannot do something,” say “I feel much better doing this.”
  • Always tell your near and dear ones about your resolution and seek their support to successfully achieve your goal.
  • Review your progress and reward yourself for the first target achieved

Lastly, do not wait for anything. Every day is a new day. Start working on your resolution immediately. As the saying goes, “Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do it today and whatever you want to do today, do it now!”

Go ahead and work on your New Year Resolutions. If you have already penned them down and want the right guidance and motivation, reach out to an expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce of 2025!

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Celebrating the New Year? Read This Before You Head Out!

It’s that time of the year again! The Christmas bells are ringing, and the New Year sweeps us away with celebrations and endless possibilities. For some, it sweeps in a whirlwind of booze and regret, and for others, it’s just another weekend ritual.

So, here it is—the essential gyaan on what you should and shouldn’t do this New Year (or even on any weekend for that matter).

A Firm Belief: Health First

Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, Diwali, or any celebration, your health should always take precedence. While the New Year comes once a year, the impact of unhealthy habits can linger far longer, wreaking havoc on your system.

Trust me, if your body had a say, it would dread New Year’s Eve every single year!

Let’s Talk About Alcohol

The body can safely process about one unit of pure alcohol per hour. Drinking more than this overwhelms your system, leading to alcohol accumulation in your body. The strain on your liver—and your overall health—is immense.

What Happens When You Binge Drink?
Binge drinking increases the risk of blackouts, especially on an empty stomach. During blackouts, a person might do things they won’t remember later. If you plan to drink:

  • Know your limits.
  • Listen to your body.
  • Remember, booze might be free, but your body is priceless.

How Alcohol Affects Your Liver
Your liver metabolizes alcohol but can only process so much at a time. Any excess alcohol is distributed throughout the rest of your body, causing more harm than you might realize.

The Perils of Drugs

Know this: consuming, sharing, or distributing drugs is illegal. Apart from the legal risks, high quantities of drugs can lead to poisoning, severe health complications, and even death. Addiction makes recovery incredibly challenging, leaving individuals vulnerable to dangerous situations.

If you’re planning to party, prioritize safety. Better yet, skip the rave altogether.

Too Much of Anything Is Never Good

Whether it’s food, drinks, dancing, or loud music—anything in excess is bad for your health.

  • Loud music can damage your eardrums. That buzzing sensation you feel after a loud party is your body’s way of saying, “Enough!”
  • Sex can be great for your health, but only if done safely and with a known partner. If you’re drinking, surround yourself with trusted friends who can protect you from unwanted attention.

Tips for a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year

  1. Handle Excessive Alcohol Consumption:
    If someone passes out or vomits, stay with them. Ensure they don’t choke on their vomit and monitor their breathing. Seek medical help if needed.
  2. Pace Yourself:
    Stick to one peg per hour, giving your body time to process it.
  3. Listen to Your Body:
    If you feel uncomfortable or breathless after drinking, stop immediately. Hydrate with water and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
  4. Detox Post-Celebration:
    After a night of indulgence, give your body rest. Flush out toxins with plenty of fluids, salads, and a proper detox routine.
  5. Don’t Overload Your System:
    Treat your body like a car loader—it can only handle so much before breaking down.
  6. Plan Your Ride Home:
    If you plan to drink, hire a driver or use car rentals to avoid accidents.

A Different Way to Celebrate

Personally, I prefer celebrating at home with close friends. We order our favorite food, play board games, share stories, and end the night with a calming meditation session. It’s cost-effective, relaxing, and keeps me in sync with my health-first philosophy.

But hey, that’s just me! If you plan to party, consider the tips above to ensure your celebration is safe and enjoyable.

As we step into 2025, let’s celebrate responsibly and prioritize our health. Remember, a truly enjoyable party is one that leaves you feeling great the next day—physically and emotionally. If these tips resonated with you or helped you plan a healthier celebration, let us know in the comments below! For more insights on staying healthy and making mindful choices, speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

Wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

#BeTheForce 

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 places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]