GOQii

Blog

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

April 24, 2025 By Luke Coutinho 1 Comment

Start Living, Stop Dieting

drink-more-waterDiets don’t work. They just don’t. You lose weight, and a few months later, it’s all back—sometimes with a little extra.

The ‘diet game’ leads to frustration, guilt, starvation, and social isolation. It begins to dominate conversations at every gathering—someone’s always talking about their weight, their new diet, or envying someone else’s transformation. And slowly, insecurity creeps in. Self-worth becomes tied to a number on the scale.

But here’s the truth: your weight doesn’t define your worth.

The Illusion of Quick Fixes

Now take a moment and really think—if it took you a year or more to gain the extra weight, is it realistic to expect a miracle fix in 3 or 6 months? The human body doesn’t work like that.

If you’re struggling with weight, the first thing to do is reflect. Think about the habits and behaviours that have crept in over the months or years:

  • Extra coffees or sugary drinks
  • Skipping workouts
  • Bigger portions
  • Frequent takeaways or dinners out
  • Mindless snacking
  • Long work hours or disrupted sleep
  • Holiday indulgences

Write it all down. Your solution is in that list. Reduce. Cut back. Add. Shift. You don’t need a specialist to tell you what’s right. Your lifestyle already holds the answers.

One Change Can Spark a Transformation

The most powerful insight from recent research is this:
Even one positive lifestyle change a month, if sustained consistently, can create a ripple effect in your overall health.

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Pick one habit, build it into your routine, and let it settle before moving on to the next.

Some examples:

  • Drink more water
  • Reduce portion sizes
  • Eat fewer processed foods
  • Move your body more often
  • Sleep 7+ hours
  • Cut back on sugar or alcohol
  • Add more fruits and vegetables
  • Practise daily gratitude or breathwork
  • Keep dinner light
  • Stretch before bed

It’s not about extremes. It’s about sustainable, small shifts—ones that make you feel good, not deprived.

Ditch the Fads, Choose What Feels Right

Burning fat and building health is multi-factorial. A diet alone won’t get you there. And if you’re following something you don’t understand or believe in, you’re less likely to stick with it.

Instead, choose what resonates with you. Know your ‘why’. What truly motivates you to feel better, move more, or change the way you eat? Then build from that place—one step, one habit, one victory at a time.

Lasting health doesn’t come from quick fixes or fads—it comes from consistency, patience, and belief in yourself. Stop obsessing over the diet. Start reconnecting with your body, your choices, and your values.

You deserve to feel good in your skin, at your own pace. So start small, stay kind to yourself, and remember:

Real change comes from living—not dieting.

#BeTheForce

March 28, 2025 By Rajashree Hota 6 Comments

9 Tips For Self-Motivation

9 Tips for Self-MotivationAs part of my regular conversation, I asked one of my players about exercise.

“I don’t feel like it!” He replied swiftly.

Seeing his lack of motivation, I nudged him a little gently to give it a try. He sulkily replied with an “Okay!”

The same episode unfolded the next day with him being unenthusiastic about exercising. It didn’t matter how hard I tried to motivate him day after day. After a while, I realised that the player completely lacked intrinsic or self-motivation i.e the motivation that comes from within.

Self-Motivation emanates from one’s own sheer willingness to achieve a goal that has been set for oneself. Many times, we promise ourselves that from next week or next month we will start exercising, leave sugar or work towards a healthier lifestyle, but how many times do we sincerely stick to these goals? Of course, the desire to change our lifestyle for our own good has to be self-motivated, but seldom are we able to maintain the interest levels to achieve a goal.

Self-Motivation is quite important when it comes to being fit. We start well by following a routine of waking up early and going for walk, a run or to the gym. The first few days of the week go by as per routine but suddenly there is a radical dip in the levels of our motivation. In most cases, the loss of motivation occurs when we step on a weighing scale and see no change. Another reason could be negative, self-criticising thought patterns where we compare ourselves to skinny models  or chiselled athletes, thinking we’ll never be like them, instantly hammering our motivation into a million pieces.

If you’ve been seeking self-motivation and aren’t able to find it, here are 9 surefire ways to stay motivated!

1. Do It Only If You Want To
If you are exercising for the sake of it, let’s embrace the truth, it won’t work. Motivation levels will drop easily when you do something you don’t want to. To keep going and feel motivated from within, you need to enjoy your workout. To stay fit, experiment and find out what activity you like the most.

2. Stop Criticising Yourself
If you start comparing yourself with someone you think is perfect, then your motivation will bite the dust. Realise that the person next to you who is in perfectly good shape took the time and effort to look like that. Instead of dwelling in self-degrading thoughts and criticising yourself, put in a fair effort.

3. Picture Yourself a Few Years From Now
Picture a healthier you, a slimmer or better-looking you. How would you like to see yourself a year from today? This thought itself can motivate you from within.

4. Get Over Your Laziness
“Not now”, “Maybe tomorrow”, “I will start from Monday”, “Maybe next month”… Do you recognise these statements? They are evident signs of procrastination and laziness. Very soon, the “not now” becomes “never” and we hardly try to achieve any pending health goals we may have. What should we do? Get over it and start moving! Try playing some energetic music around you, change your lazy-looking, comfort-filled environment and get yourself going.

5. Focus on the Goal
This is the most important thing you need to do. Focus on your goals, whether it is to achieve balance in your lifestyle, eat healthy or lose your weight, start focusing on your goal. More than often, we divert from our original goals and start overthinking. For instance, if your goal is to lose weight, stop thinking about the clothes that you are not fitting in right now, or what will happen if you do and do not lose weight. Just tame your mind and focus on your ultimate goal!

6. Set Small Targets and Give Yourself a Reward
Reward plays a very important role in self-motivation. Start with small goals, or what we like to call S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely) goals and reward yourself every time you achieve one of them. For example, if your ultimate goal is to lose 25kg, have a “S.M.A.R.T” goal to lose 4 to 5 kg per month and when you manage to achieve it successfully, reward yourself with something you like. Be it new clothes or even a new mobile phone.

7. Set Penalties
If Rewards work then penalties work as well. By penalties, I don’t actually mean punishing yourself to the extent of starvation when you eat junk food or excessively working out every time you skip exercise. Instead, do it in a positive way. Like every time you miss exercise or eat something unhealthy, put a certain amount of money in a penalty box, which will ultimately go to your friend/ spouse/ kids or colleagues. That will motivate you enough to not skip exercise the next time.

8. Pen It Down
If you write your goals and dreams on a regular basis, you are 42% more likely to achieve those goals, says a study conducted by Dr. Gail Matthews – a psychology professor at the Dominican University of California. Try maintaining a journal and write your goals as well as achievements down on a daily basis.

9. Do It For the Selfies!
It may sound funny but if you like to take pictures and post them on social media, you might actually likes this idea. Going for a workout? Take a selfie! Bought yourself new gym clothes? Take a selfie! Lost two inches? Take a selfie! Apart from the shares and likes, you will also be able to map your progress through pictures. So give it a try. It definitely worked for me!

In closing, remember that being self-motivated takes a lot of willpower. You need to feel good about yourself as well as better yourself on a daily basis. No amount of external motivation is enough if you don’t have the inclination to accomplish your own goals.

We hope these motivational tips will ignite the self-motivated fire within you. If you found these strategies valuable and have your own motivational techniques to share, please do so in the comments section below.

Remember, your path to self-motivation and a healthier you starts with the first step.

#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 20, 2025 By GOQii 9 Comments

Does Happiness Affect Our Health? 10 Benefits Of Being Happy

Happiness and HealthHappiness is a wonderful feeling! Whether you associate it with optimism, joy, wellbeing, or personal achievement – or perhaps all of these – it naturally goes hand-in-hand with healthier habits. People who are in good spirits tend to eat better, move more, and sleep more soundly than those who are not. In turn, these healthy habits activate the hormones and neurotransmitters that influence our happiness.

When our mood is low, we’re more likely to skip exercise, indulge in emotional eating, and struggle with sleep.

This International Day of Happiness 2025, we embrace the theme “Caring and Sharing” – a powerful reminder that spreading joy, kindness, and connection not only uplifts others, but also has a profound impact on our own health and wellbeing.

Let’s explore the fascinating ways that happiness can boost your health – and why sharing a smile could make all the difference.

10 Health Benefits Of Being Happy

 1. Smile, Even If You Don’t Feel Like It
Science suggests that when we smile, whether we’re feeling happy or not, our mood improves. Smiling stretches the muscles in our face, triggering the brain to release “happy hormones” that make us feel good and reduce stress. Your smile not only brightens someone else’s day – it lifts your own spirits too.

2. Laughter is Truly the Best Medicine
Laughter helps you exhale more air and inhale more oxygen, purifying the blood and leaving you refreshed and relaxed. It boosts circulation, relieves tension, and even reduces pain. No wonder laughter clubs exist in parks all over the world – people are choosing joy for their health!

3. The Power of Happy Hormones

Our thoughts and emotions translate into chemicals in the body – either promoting healing or contributing to ill health. Let’s meet the “happy hormones”:

  • Endorphins: Natural painkillers – they allow us to push through challenges.
  • Serotonin: Enhances mood, social connection, and emotional stability.
  • Dopamine: Keeps us motivated, focused, and rewarded.
  • Oxytocin: The “love hormone,” strengthening bonds and trust.
  • Estrogen & Progesterone: Help regulate mood, anxiety, and sleep.

4. Stronger Immune System

There’s a link between happiness and stronger immunity. Studies show that happier people respond better to vaccines and have more robust immune responses, protecting them from infections. Chronic stress, on the other hand, weakens our immune defences.

5. A Happier Heart

Happiness is linked to lower heart rate and blood pressure, as well as better heart rate variability (a marker of heart health). Happy people are less prone to coronary heart disease – it’s that simple.

6. Healthier Blood

Happy individuals have lower levels of fibrinogen, a blood protein that causes clotting. High fibrinogen levels increase the risk of heart attacks – keeping stress low and mood high helps maintain healthy circulation.

7. Reduced Aches and Pains

Happiness seems to ease physical discomfort. When we’re in a good mood, our bodies release endorphins that naturally block pain. Chronic conditions like arthritis or muscle tension often feel less severe when we’re happy.

8. Lower Stress Levels

Happiness can help temper the harmful effects of stress. Happier people recover faster from stressful events and have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone linked to high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

9. Even Our Genes Respond to Joy

Remarkably, happiness can influence gene expression. People who report greater wellbeing show lower levels of inflammatory gene activity and stronger antiviral responses. Love and happiness activate “growth genes”, promoting healing and resilience.

10. Live Longer, Live Better

Happiness is linked to longevity. Happier people are less likely to experience frailty, mobility issues, or early death. Staying upbeat can keep inflammation in check and help fend off disease.

Mother Teresa, who spent decades caring for the sick and dying, lived until the age of 87 – a testament to how compassion, purpose, and happiness can support lasting health.

Happiness is more than a fleeting emotion – it’s a state of being that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. And the best part? It grows stronger the more you share it.

This International Day of Happiness, let’s make a conscious effort to care for ourselves and others – through kind words, acts of compassion, and positive connection. When we choose happiness, we create ripples of wellness that touch everyone around us.

💬 How do you practise happiness and share it with others? Let us know in the comments!

#BeTheForce

February 13, 2025 By Disti Shah 4 Comments

What is Bloating?

BloatingThere is a lot of confusion around ‘bloating’, a common problem that we come across in our day to day life. In fact, we are witnessing a virtual epidemic of bloating in current times. Abdominal bloating not only looks bad but also causes a lot of discomfort.

But it’s not the end of the road. The good news is that it is one of the conditions that can be avoided. However, before learning how to prevent it, we need to first understand the most common causes of bloating.

Common Causes of Bloating

  1. Constipation
    Too little fibre, fluids, and physical activity may lead to constipation, which can result in bloating.
  2. Eating too fast
    Eating quickly and not chewing your food well can cause air swallowing, which leads to bloating.
  3. Drinking too much carbonated beverages
    The fizz in carbonated drinks (even diet ones) can cause gas to get trapped in your belly.
  4. Too much consumption of sugar-free beverages
    Too much sugar alcohol in artificially sweetened foods and drinks can lead to bloating.
  5. Food allergies and Intolerance
    Food allergies and intolerance can cause gas and bloating. However, these need to be confirmed by your doctor.
  6. Medical conditions
    Conditions like lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Giardiasis (parasite infection), colon cancer, and bacterial overgrowth can also cause bloating.

Simple ways to avoid bloating:

  • Chew your food thoroughly
    Chewing breaks the food down from large particles into smaller particles that are more easily digested. This makes it easier for the intestines to absorb nutrients and prevents improperly digested food from entering your blood, which can cause bloating.
  • Exercise regularly
    Physical activity helps air bubbles pass through your digestive tract more quickly, so the bloated feeling disappears faster.
  • Avoid too much water during meals
    Too many liquids during meals can dilute digestive juices, which may hamper the digestion process. A small amount of liquids aids digestion, so moderation is key.
  • Avoid drinking using straws and narrow mouth bottles
    These can lead to the ingestion of excess air while sucking, which may cause bloating.
  • Avoiding carbonated beverages
    When carbonated drinks are opened, the compressed carbon dioxide forms bubbles and escapes into the air. Drinking large amounts forces the gas into your stomach, where it may pass to your intestines, causing bloating.
  • Eliminate smoking and Hukka
    People who smoke or use Hukka inhale a lot of extra air, which can lead to bloating.
  • Avoid chewing gums and food with artificial sweeteners
    Artificial sweeteners are difficult to digest and may cause bloating if consumed in excess.
  • Avoid gassy vegetables
    Vegetables like beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, radishes, melons, and broccoli can cause gas during digestion.
  • Avoid foods with air whipped into them
    Foods like soufflés, sponge cakes, and milkshakes can introduce excess air into your stomach.
  • Avoid long gaps between meals
    Long gaps between meals can disrupt digestion and lead to bloating.
  • Limit sodium intake
    Processed foods are high in sodium, which can cause water retention and bloating.
  • Monitor fiber intake
    While fiber is essential, excess fiber can cause gas as gut bacteria break it down, leading to bloating.
  • Avoid milk if you’re lactose intolerant
    If your body doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, dairy can cause bloating.
  • Include Probiotics in your diet
    Probiotics contain good bacteria that aid digestion and help reduce bloating.

Yoga and Exercises to Reduce Bloating

Certain yoga poses and exercises can help relieve bloating by stimulating digestion and releasing trapped gas. Try these:

  • Leg Seated Spinal Twist

Seated-Spinal-Twist

  • Apanasan (Wind-relieving pose)

  • Spinal Twist

maxresdefault

  • Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend)

Seated-forward-bend-pose

  • Seated Heart Opener

  • Adho Mukha Savanasana (Downward-Facing dog)

27335368_l

Bloating is a common issue with various underlying causes. By understanding these causes and implementing simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce bloating and improve your digestive health. Remember, a healthy and comfortable digestive system is within your reach!

Bloating can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Try these tips and let us know what works for you in the comments below! For more articles on digestive health and wellness, explore Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 16
  • Next Page »

Search

Recent Posts

  • India Leads in Longevity: GOQii Sanjeevini Named Top 40 in $101M XPRIZE
  • The Importance Of Knowing If You’re Thirsty Or Hungry
  • Best Foods To Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • ALL ABOUT VERTIGO!
  • PCOS and Anxiety: Discover Relief with the 54321 Technique

Stay Updated

Archives

  • December 2025 (8)
  • November 2025 (15)
  • October 2025 (20)
  • September 2025 (6)
  • August 2025 (6)
  • July 2025 (12)
  • June 2025 (18)
  • May 2025 (16)
  • April 2025 (23)
  • March 2025 (23)
  • February 2025 (22)
  • January 2025 (26)
  • December 2024 (26)
  • November 2024 (25)
  • October 2024 (22)
  • September 2024 (24)
  • August 2024 (31)
  • July 2024 (21)
  • June 2024 (26)
  • May 2024 (31)
  • April 2024 (27)
  • March 2024 (29)
  • February 2024 (26)
  • January 2024 (25)
  • December 2023 (15)
  • November 2023 (11)
  • October 2023 (20)
  • September 2023 (22)
  • August 2023 (20)
  • July 2023 (22)
  • June 2023 (24)
  • May 2023 (24)
  • April 2023 (24)
  • March 2023 (23)
  • February 2023 (20)
  • January 2023 (16)
  • December 2022 (12)
  • November 2022 (15)
  • October 2022 (15)
  • September 2022 (12)
  • August 2022 (10)
  • July 2022 (17)
  • June 2022 (11)
  • May 2022 (10)
  • April 2022 (6)
  • March 2022 (6)
  • February 2022 (13)
  • January 2022 (12)
  • 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 (9)
  • 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)

From “Laddu Nawin” to Fit and Fierce: How a 25-Year-Old Insurance Advisor Shed 20 Kilos and Gained His Life Back

When 25-year-old Nawin Yadav from Hyderabad walked into his office every morning, he carried more than just his files and policy papers. He had the weight of fatigue, sluggish energy, and an ever-growing belly that was becoming the butt of jokes. “People … [Read More...]

“I’ve Challenged Myself to Live 100 Years” – The Story of Chandubhai Savani’s Second Chance at Life

At 67, most people start slowing down. Not Chandubhai Savani. A resident of Surat, Chandubhai, thought life was on track. “My life was going well till I had my bypass surgery,” he says. That surgery, back in 2021, was a wake-up call.  Medication was routine, but exercise wasn’t. His diet? What he calls ‘normal.’ “I […]

From Shimla’s Slopes to Chandigarh’s Sidewalks: Surinder Kaur Bhalla’s Journey from Chaos to Control

Some journeys start with a plan. Others begin with a stumble literally. Surinder Bhalla, a government professional, born and raised in the scenic hill town of Shimla, had always lived a life of movement. “In Shimla, you walked everywhere,” she reflects. “Walking was never an exercise. It was just life.” But after shifting to Chandigarh, […]

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

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

Copyright ©2016 GOQii