10 Super Simple Health Tips
1. Hug someone every day. Move over apples; giving and getting hugs may help keep the doctor away. Research has shown that hugging someone reduces stress and may reduce the risk of colds and flu among people who are under stress.
2. Practice deep breathing for two to four minutes once or twice a day. Most of us are shallow breathers, which means our body and brain are not always getting all the oxygen they need or deserve. While standing in line at the store, watching TV, doing the dishes, or going to work, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing.
3. Let someone in. We’ve all been there: sitting in your car trying to exit from a parking lot and merge into a long line of traffic. Or you have three items at the supermarket and the person in front of you has a basketful, and no other lines are open. Let someone in: wave in the woman waiting to leave the parking lot or allow the person behind you to step ahead. Perhaps next time they will do the same thing for someone else. It’s called paying it forward.
4. Say no to artificial ingredients. The next time you pick up a processed food item at the grocery store, stop and look at the ingredient panel. Does the list look like a chemistry experiment? Why not return it to the shelf and find an all-natural product, free of chemicals. Feel free to repeat this tip as often as possible!
5. Say “thank you.” Sometimes a simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day and let them know someone cares. When was the last time you told someone “thank you” for being your friend? Your sister? Your mother? A good neighbor? A great coworker?
6. Blink. If you stare at a computer, cell phone, or tablet screen for hours every day, you may not be blinking enough, resulting in tired, dry eyes and perhaps headaches as well. Remember to blink! Put a note above your PC or laptop or cell phone case to remind you.
7. Walk, don’t ride. Before you step on that elevator, ask yourself, “Why not take the stairs?” Can you walk to any of the errands you need to do? How about parking several blocks away from your destination and walking?
8. Call people. Texting and emailing have their place, but nothing beats the personal touch of verbal communication. Tone, inflection, volume, emotion—you can’t accurately convey these verbal qualities in a text or email. Call your partner, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family members the next time you are tempted to type a text. Call someone just to say hi. It can change someone’s day…and yours.
9. Laugh more. Laughter is wonderful medicine for body, mind, and soul. Laughing relieves stress and tension, releases endorphins, boosts blood flow and immunity, and improves breathing. Today’s portable devices allow us to tap into funny videos, pictures, and movies with little effort. Attend laughter yoga sessions or go to comedy clubs with friends.
10. Try new foods. Are you in a food rut? Do you find yourself eating the same foods day after day? Break out of your boring plate and reach for a strange new fruit or vegetable at the market or an unusual menu item at an ethnic restaurant or grocery store.
2. Practice deep breathing for two to four minutes once or twice a day. Most of us are shallow breathers, which means our body and brain are not always getting all the oxygen they need or deserve. While standing in line at the store, watching TV, doing the dishes, or going to work, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing.
3. Let someone in. We’ve all been there: sitting in your car trying to exit from a parking lot and merge into a long line of traffic. Or you have three items at the supermarket and the person in front of you has a basketful, and no other lines are open. Let someone in: wave in the woman waiting to leave the parking lot or allow the person behind you to step ahead. Perhaps next time they will do the same thing for someone else. It’s called paying it forward.
4. Say no to artificial ingredients. The next time you pick up a processed food item at the grocery store, stop and look at the ingredient panel. Does the list look like a chemistry experiment? Why not return it to the shelf and find an all-natural product, free of chemicals. Feel free to repeat this tip as often as possible!
5. Say “thank you.” Sometimes a simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day and let them know someone cares. When was the last time you told someone “thank you” for being your friend? Your sister? Your mother? A good neighbor? A great coworker?
6. Blink. If you stare at a computer, cell phone, or tablet screen for hours every day, you may not be blinking enough, resulting in tired, dry eyes and perhaps headaches as well. Remember to blink! Put a note above your PC or laptop or cell phone case to remind you.
7. Walk, don’t ride. Before you step on that elevator, ask yourself, “Why not take the stairs?” Can you walk to any of the errands you need to do? How about parking several blocks away from your destination and walking?
8. Call people. Texting and emailing have their place, but nothing beats the personal touch of verbal communication. Tone, inflection, volume, emotion—you can’t accurately convey these verbal qualities in a text or email. Call your partner, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family members the next time you are tempted to type a text. Call someone just to say hi. It can change someone’s day…and yours.
9. Laugh more. Laughter is wonderful medicine for body, mind, and soul. Laughing relieves stress and tension, releases endorphins, boosts blood flow and immunity, and improves breathing. Today’s portable devices allow us to tap into funny videos, pictures, and movies with little effort. Attend laughter yoga sessions or go to comedy clubs with friends.
10. Try new foods. Are you in a food rut? Do you find yourself eating the same foods day after day? Break out of your boring plate and reach for a strange new fruit or vegetable at the market or an unusual menu item at an ethnic restaurant or grocery store.
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