Betterment Boosters
Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight helps you ward off disease and feel good. But in addition to more well-known measures, several small daily activities you might not have considered can boost your health and vitality, too.
7 Simple ways to flourish
LOSE THE SLOUCH
Whether sitting in your chair at work, standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, or binge watching a favorite show, slouching and slumping can make you feel blah. Not only can better posture help with digestive issues and lower back problems, but research suggests that proper posture may help you feel more enthusiastic, less fatigued, and boost your brain activity.
TAKE BREATHING BREAKS
Slow, deep breaths can relieve stress, reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and send a signal to the rest ofthe body to relax. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, hold for a count of three, and breathe out through your mouth, all while envisioning your abdomen expanding and contracting with each breath. Just five of these breaths can relieve pent up tension and anxiety.
WASH UP
Keeping hands clean and germ free is a first line of defense against illness. If you’ve developed a speedy wash habit, spend just a few seconds more time soaping up and rinsing. It takes around 20 seconds to properly wash your hands with soap and water.
EMBRACE THE DAILY FLOSS
Flossing your teeth, along with brushing and regular dental checkups, is essential for removing bacteria and keeping your teeth and gum disease free. Research indicates that flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease, which has been linked to a host of chronic diseases.
STRETCH IT OUT
Harvard Health reminds us that stretching keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. We need flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. With out it, muscles shorten and become tight, putting you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. Stretching has other health benefits, including stress relief.
EAT SLOWER
Quickly gobbling down your food may lead to over eating and health problems such as reflux and indigestion. Eat mindfully and chew your food thoroughly. Slow down and savor the flavors.
EMBRACE POSITIVITY
Research shows a positive attitude canbuild a healthier immune system and boosts overall health. The next time you notice a negative thought entering your mind, recognize it, challenge it, and turn it around to gain control over your mood and ultimately, your sense of happiness.
