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5 Life Hacks to Stay Motivated

motivatedSetting goals is easy but achieving them can be quite difficult. In between working towards your goals or giving up, the thing that keeps you going is motivation! That’s why knowing how to stay motivated is very important! Whether it is your health or career, you must focus on the long term. Here are some tips that will help you stay motivated and achieve your goals!

 1. Set SMART Goals

Try and set goals which are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable, Tangible and Time bound). Be very clear as to what you actually want to achieve in how much time and keep your goal realistic. Try not setting larger goals in an impractical time period to be completed in as it can cause unwanted stress and demotivation. Here are more details on setting SMART Goals.

 2. Divide Goals into Smaller Parts

Try and take small steps which will facilitate fulfilling the long term goal set by you. If your smaller goals are achieved, it motivates you to move forward and accomplish the other goals which bring you closer to your main goal!

 3. Tap into People with Common Goals and Positive Attitude

When you feel demotivated or have just begun following your long term goal, try looking for people with similar goals as energy is something which is definitely transferred from one person to another. If the other person is performing well and is motivated, it motivates us as well! You can also read articles of people who have set goals and achieved them! It will motivate you.

 4. Take Responsibility

Once you have set a goal, talk to yourself every day about achieving it so your path isn’t hindered. It’s a little difficult to restart habits once they are left in between. Always tell yourself that it is a part of your everyday schedule and you can achieve the same. Taking responsibility gives you a sense of ownership over your health and can help you remain motivated.

5. Adopt a Positive Vocabulary

Your body listens to what you think and say. All words carry a certain amount of emotional baggage. So instead of saying or thinking of phrases such as, “I may not be able to do it”, “not sure if I can”, or “I hate and dislike doing this”, try changing your vocabulary to “Yes I can do it”, “I am trying my best” and “I love doing this!” It will help you boost your motivation levels. Keep a positive attitude, use weak words for negative feelings and strong words for positive ones. 

If you have lost motivation at some point, try to follow the above points to help you get back into the groove! It’s not about how hard you fall but how fast you stand up. Remember that nothing is impossible!

Still low on motivation? Get the right guidance and motivation directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalized Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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Sitting Too Much? Here’s How It’s Shortening Your Life

How sitting for long hours at work can shorten your life

We spend more time sitting than sleeping. The average office worker sits for 9–10 hours a day, far more than the recommended 7–8 hours of sleep. But did you know that prolonged sitting is linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even early death?

You may have heard the phrase “Sitting is the new smoking”, and for good reason. Research suggests that excessive sitting can be as dangerous as smoking, increasing your risk of serious health issues even if you exercise regularly. With the modern workplace being largely desk-based, it’s crucial to understand how excessive sitting affects your body and what you can do to counteract it.

How Sitting For Long Hours Can Affect Your Health

  • Poor Blood Circulation – Sitting for long periods slows down blood flow, increasing the risk of blood clots and varicose veins.
  • Increased Risk of Diabetes & Heart Disease – Studies show that prolonged sitting doubles the risk of diabetes and raises the likelihood of heart disease.
  • Eye Strain & Digital Fatigue – Constantly staring at screens causes dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
  • Back, Neck & Joint Pain – Poor posture and lack of movement contribute to chronic pain in the back, neck, and joints.
  • Weakened Heart & Lung Function – Sitting too long reduces cardiovascular efficiency, making the heart and lungs work harder.
  • Digestive Problems – Poor posture can slow digestion, leading to bloating, acid reflux, and constipation.
  • Mental Fatigue & Mood Changes – Reduced movement can affect mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

How Can You Stay Active At Your Workplace? 

While it may not be possible to completely avoid sitting, you can incorporate small changes into your routine to minimise its negative effects.

  • Take Small & Frequent Breaks – Stand up and stretch every 30–45 minutes to improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
  • Use the Stairs Instead of the Lift – A quick way to get your heart rate up and strengthen leg muscles.
  • Take a Walk After Lunch – Even a 5–10 minute walk after eating helps digestion and boosts energy.
  • Blink & Rinse Your Eyes Regularly – Combat screen fatigue by following the 20-20-20 rule (look away from the screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, at something 20 feet away).
  • Try Simple Desk Exercises – Stretch your neck, shoulders, and legs while sitting to relieve tension.
  • Adjust Your Chair for Better Posture – Keep your back straight, feet flat on the floor, and screen at eye level to avoid slouching.
  • Consider a Standing Desk or Active Workstation – Alternate between sitting and standing to reduce strain on your body.
  • Move While You Work – Take calls while standing or walking, or use a stability ball instead of a chair for better core engagement.

Try to avoid it by taking short breaks and being active! If you experience any pain, here’s what you can do to avoid any further injuries.

Sitting for long hours is unavoidable for many, but small lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference. By being more aware of your sitting habits and incorporating movement into your daily routine, you can protect your health and improve your overall well-being.

💡 Takeaway: Stand more, move more, and prioritise an active lifestyle to reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

💬 What’s your favourite way to stay active at work? Share your tips in the comments!

#BeTheForce

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Deep Breathing Techniques to Help You Beat Stress

deep breathingPicture this: You’re sitting at your desk, tackling mountains of paperwork and crunching numbers on Excel like a keyboard wizard. Just when you thought you had it all under control, bam! You’re summoned to a meeting and bombarded with even more projects. Your desk is now drowning in a sea of paperwork, and you find yourself juggling tasks like a stressed-out circus performer. Deadlines loom ominously, and stress levels skyrocket. It’s like being trapped in a never-ending desk nightmare. Yikes! But fear not, for there is a simple solution to vanquish stress in this chaotic scenario: Deep Breathing!

Deep breathing is the secret weapon you’ve been searching for, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or a specific time and place. It’s a stress-busting technique that works wonders! When you take a moment to breathe deeply, your brain sends signals to your body, coaxing it to relax. By incorporating deep breathing into your routine, you can reap all the incredible benefits it has to offer.

What Are These Magical Benefits?

  • Zen-like Calm: Deep breathing has the power to soothe your mind and nervous system. You can literally feel the stress melt away!
  • Oxygen Boost: Ah, sweet oxygen! Deep breathing helps you take in more of this life-giving gas, nourishing your body and brain.
  • Heart Party: Your heart deserves some love, and deep breathing delivers. It lowers your heart rate, respiratory rates, and blood pressure, giving your ticker a much-needed break.
  • Sleepy Time: Need to catch some Z’s? Deep breathing is your go-to sandman. It helps you drift off to dreamland, soothes your muscles, and even speeds up your meditation mojo.
  • Stress Ninja: When tension strikes during exams, interviews, or dreaded deadlines, deep breathing comes to the rescue. Consider it your trusty stress-busting sidekick.
  • Energy Flow: Deep breathing helps clean and rejuvenate your body’s energy channels, like a refreshing spa day for your inner chi. It keeps your heating and cooling cycles in check, so you can stay balanced and invigorated.
  • Breath of Fresh Air: Say goodbye to shortness of breath! Deep breathing prevents pesky air from getting trapped in your lungs, making you feel refreshed, centered, and ready to take on the world.

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, let’s dive into two simple yet effective deep breathing exercises.

1. Simple Abdominal Breathing Exercise

Feeling anxious? No problem! Try this relaxation technique that you can perform anywhere, anytime – standing, sitting, or lying down.

To practice this technique, you need to:

  • Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Your abdomen should expand and your chest should rise slightly.
  • Exhale slowly through your mouth. As you blow the air out, purse your lips slightly, but keep your jaw relaxed. You may hear a soft “whooshing” sound as you exhale.
  • Repeat this breathing exercise for several minutes.

Begin with just 5 minutes. If you feel 5 minutes are too long, you can start with just 2 minutes. Increase the time when you begin finding it easier and comfortable. You can practice this multiple times a day.

2. Equal Breathing

Now, let’s take deep breathing to the next level with some equal breathing magic. This technique focuses on inhales and exhales of the same duration, usually between 3 and 5 counts. Once you’ve mastered it, you can do it during yoga, or even while conquering your daily activities.

To practice this technique:

  • Take a comfortable seated position and breathe in and out through your nose only.
  • Count during each inhale and exhale to make sure they are even in duration. Alternatively, choose a word or short phrase to repeat during each inhale and exhale.
  • You can take a slight pause after each inhale and exhale if you feel comfortable (normal breathing involves a natural pause).
  • Continue practicing this breathing technique for at least 5 minutes and you can increase the duration up to 10-15 minutes.

So there you have it! Deep breathing is your ticket to a calmer, more relaxed you. Remember, stress may try to trap you at your desk, but with these breathing exercises in your arsenal, you’ll be the master of stress, deadlines, and paperwork mayhem. Take a deep breath and let the relaxation flow through your veins like a cool breeze on a sunny day. You’ve got this!

If this article helped you, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can find more articles and techniques to beat stress here. You can also reach out to a GOQii Coach for expert guidance by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce  

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Healthy Eating: Spinach Paratha

spinach parathaIf you love parathas, roti, or chapati for breakfast, here’s a way to make the first meal of your day a healthy one! This Spinach Paratha recipe is loaded with essential nutrients to fuel your day and improve overall health. Spinach, the star ingredient, is packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit your body in numerous ways. Let’s get started!

What You Will Need

  • Spinach leaves – 200g
  • Gram flour (besan) – 2 tbsp
  • Wheat flour – 1 cup
  • Ajwain (carom seeds) – 1 tsp
  • Green chilli – 1-2
  • Ginger – 1 tsp
  • Oil – 1 tbsp
  • Salt to taste

How to Prepare

  • Step 1: Boil water in a pan and turn off the flame. Add the spinach leaves to the hot water and let them blanch for 1-2 minutes. Remove the leaves and soak them in cold water to retain their vibrant green color.
  • Step 2: In a mixer or blender, make a puree using the blanched spinach leaves, ginger, and green chillies.
  • Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, gram flour, and salt. Mix well, then add the spinach puree, ajwain, and 1 tsp of oil.
  • Step 4: Knead the dough well and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • Step 5: Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into medium-thick parathas.
  • Step 6: Heat a tawa (griddle) and roast the paratha on both sides, applying a little oil for a crispy texture.
  • Step 7: Serve hot with carrot raita or your favorite chutney.

Highlights of the Spinach Paratha

  • Nutrient-Dense: Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy green vegetables, rich in Vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting.
  • Eye Health: Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that promote eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
  • Reduces Oxidative Stress: The antioxidants in spinach help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Manages Blood Pressure: Spinach is high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels.
  • Weight Loss-Friendly: Low in calories and high in fiber, spinach parathas are a great addition to a weight-loss diet.

This Spinach Paratha is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to kickstart your day on a healthy note. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for anyone looking to add more greens to their diet. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments below!

Do you have any other healthy breakfast recipes you love? Share them with us in the comments below! For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or get in touch with your GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalized Health Coaching here.

Eat Healthy and #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 […]