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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.

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Healthy Habits to Reduce Stress

stress reduction

Ever felt like you don’t have the time to eat, exercise, or interact with friends and family? Have deadlines and responsibilities chained you down in more ways than one? Do you spend most of your time at work with little activity? Are all these situations creating a stressful environment and draining your energy and mental health?

If your answer to the above was a yes, it is time you addressed these issues. Coping with expectations at work and at home can be taxing. While these are important, remember that nothing is worth sacrificing your health.

The simplest way to reduce stress is to keep your mind at ease and your body healthy with simple lifestyle changes and time management. Letting go of bad habits and introducing a few healthy tweaks can help you rekindle your relationship with your mind and body!

Here are a few changes you can make to reduce stress:

  • Start Your Day with Breathing Exercises or Meditation: Practicing different forms of Pranayama or  basic stretches can reduce stress and keep you energized throughout the day.
  • Plan Your Tasks: Spend some time planning your day to stay organized and avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to stress.
  • Limit Gadget Use: Use gadgets only for work or as and when necessary. Overindulgence in gadgets can lead to depression and cut you off from the real world. Set specific times for usage and avoid them at least an hour or two before sleep.
  • Set Alarms for Water Intake: Dehydration can affect cortisol levels, a stress hormone that impacts both mind and body. Staying hydrated can help reduce stress.
  • Walk Whenever Possible: If your workplace is within walking distance, opt to walk or cycle instead of driving. Walking releases endorphins, elevates your mood, and improves heart rate. Choose stairs over escalators or elevators as it is the best and easiest form of exercise!
  • Take Breaks: Spend time with family, friends and loved ones. A healthy social life fosters deeper connections and make life more meaningful.
  • Plan a Trip or Vacation: Whether with others or solo, a change in environment can boost creativity, positivity, and help you exchange new thoughts and ideas.
  • Eat Fruits Daily: Different fruits provide various nutrients that help reduce stress. For example, Bananas have Tryptophan, Avocados have Vitamin B, Sweet Potatoes have Potassium and Magnesium, all of which help lower stress levels.
  • Indulge in Hobbies: No matter how busy you are, hobbies help you relax. Whether it’s a sport, music, traveling, or painting, setting time aside for your passions will enrich your life.

Remember the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”? It’s true! Take time for yourself. If you’re only working and not playing, are you really living? Your work targets can be achieved, and your relationships with friends and family can be sustained—but only if you prioritize your health. Make your physical and mental well-being a priority!

Want to learn more about managing stress? Check out Healthy Reads or ask a 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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3 DIY Face Masks For Younger, Glowing Skin

face masksImagine achieving younger, glowing skin without the need for makeup… does it sound impossible? Nothing is impossible when you have the right means to achieve your goals. Today, I’ll share some simple yet amazing natural face masks that are both economical and effective!

These will require a little bit of effort on your part, but as the saying goes, no good thing ever came easy!

1. Multani Mitti Face Mask

The oil-absorbing properties of Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth, make it effective against acne and help speed up the healing process. It helps remove dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads. Multani Mitti also provides an amazing natural and healthy glow!

What You Will Need:

  • Multani Mitti – 1 tbsp
  • Neem Powder – 1 tbsp
  • Aloe Vera Gel – 1 tsp
  • Rose Water – 1 tbsp

Method: Mix all the ingredients together and make a smooth paste. Apply it all over your face and neck. Keep it on until it dries, then wash it off with cold water.

Say hello to your rejuvenated skin!

2. Yogurt Hydration Face Mask

The lactic acid in yogurt will help dissolve dead skin and tighten pores. The honey in this face mask will beautifully hydrate the skin.

What You Will Need:

  • Yogurt/Curd – 2 tbsp
  • Honey – 1 tsp
  • Lemon Juice – 1 tsp

Method: Mix all the ingredients well and apply the mixture to your face. Allow it to stay for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water. Healthy skin is on its way.

3. Besan Haldi Face Mask

Trust me, our basic home-based ingredients yield the best results. Turmeric, combined with gram flour, helps brighten the skin.

What You Will Need:

  • Besan – 1 tbsp
  • Turmeric – ½ tsp
  • Vitamin E Capsule – 1
  • Rose Water – 1 tbsp

Method: Mix all the ingredients into a smooth paste and apply it all over your face. It will take more than 20 minutes to dry up and for the contents to be absorbed. Wash it off with cold water.

The best thing about these face masks is that you can use them daily and get healthy, radiant skin from the comfort of your home. Do try these out and leave your thoughts in the comments below! For more on skincare, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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A Complete Guide To The Benefits Of Oil Pulling

oil pullingImmunity has always been a cornerstone of a healthy and disease-free body. One ancient Ayurvedic practice that plays a significant role in enhancing immunity and promoting overall health is oil pulling.

What Is Oil Pulling? 

Oil pulling, known as Kalava in Ayurveda, is an age-old practice that has been used for centuries to improve oral health and boost immunity. This method is believed to help prevent more than thirty systemic diseases when practiced regularly.

The oral cavity harbors billions of microorganisms, some of which contribute to the development of systemic diseases. Oil pulling involves swishing edible oil around the mouth continuously for 20 minutes, similar to using a mouthwash. According to Ayurveda, the tongue is connected to every organ in the body. Swishing oil in the mouth for an extended period draws out impurities before they can recirculate and spread throughout the body.

How To Do It? 

Oil pulling is simple, has no side effects, and requires just one ingredient. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Take 1 tbsp of coconut oil.
  2. Swish it around in your mouth, between teeth, over gums, tongue, towards the cheeks for 20 minutes.
  3. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth well with water.

Caution: Oil may thicken and clog your drain, so it’s best to spit it into a dustbin. Also, children should avoid this practice as they may accidentally swallow the oil.

If you find it difficult to swish oil for the full 20 minutes initially, start with 5 minutes and gradually build up to 15–20 minutes. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has proven anti-inflammatory properties and can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The best time to practice oil pulling is early morning before drinking water, as the body detoxifies during sleep, and the tongue gets coated with a white film full of toxins and microbes.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling On Oral Health 

Oil pulling is highly beneficial for oral hygiene as it reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. It is particularly helpful for conditions such as:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Plaque
  • Cavities
  • Oral candidiasis
  • Gingivitis
  • Tooth pain
  • Dry mouth, sore throat and chapped lips
  • Whitening teeth, pinker lips and healthier gums

Benefits For The Skin

Oil pulling not only benefits your oral health but also positively impacts your skin by exercising your facial muscles and encouraging blood flow to your face. This practice can:

  • Reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dry face and other signs of aging
  • Improve skin elasticity
  • Reduce double chin
  • Define your jawline 

Additional Benefits

Beyond oral and skin health, oil pulling offers several other advantages, including:

  • Improving gut health, metabolism, digestion, and immunity
  • Detoxifying the mouth and body
  • Enhancing energy levels and sleep quality
  • Balancing hormones
  • Reducing acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems
  • Alleviating headaches and migraine
  • Providing relief from stiff joints and allergies

We hope you try this ancient Ayurvedic method of detoxifying your mouth and body. Do share your experience with us. For more articles on health and wellness, check out Healthy Reads.

To get these tips directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#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 […]