Ten Things You Can Do Today To Improve Your Health
With everything you’ve got going on right now, it’s probably overwhelming to consider adding another plate to spin – no matter how “good for you” it promises to be.
Let’s face it: we do what we can to get through the daily grind. Work hard, try to eat well, give quality time to our families and find a moment for self-care in the corners of the day.
But what if we slipped a few simple, healthful actions into the routine, stacking them on top of other habits we already have? Each action is small in itself but – done consistently – the sum of them could add up to a healthier and happier you.
1. Start the day with a glass of water
We are 60% water. Dehydration means decreased mental performance, so to stay on top of your game, kick off the day with a glass of water.
2. Soak up some sunlight
A natural way to get the body-functioning health benefits of Vitamin D is to get in the sun for at least 30 minutes a day, and without sunscreen (but, if its prolonged sun-worshipping you’re up to, then slap on that sunscreen.)
3. Stand up every 30 minutes
Sitting at a desk for 3 hours or more can increase a person’s risk of chronic disease, and cuts down life expectancy by two years.
4. Sweat each day
Choose your method – maybe biking, running, swimming, or hot yoga – and hit it every day. Have it add up to 150 minutes per week for those all-important immunity benefits.
5. Get quality sleep
Most of us need 7 – 9 hours sleep a night. Skimping on it could adversely affect our immune systems, leaving us susceptible to cold and flu.
6. Floss your teeth
If your body is trying to fight bacteria in your mouth, then your immune system has to work overtime to heal the infection. Don’t give bacteria the chance to thrive by flossing daily.
7. Sip apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar boosts immunity and aids digestion. A teaspoon of it into your water flask each day – et voilà!
8. Eat proper food
In the words of Michael Pollan (journalist, author and professor): “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants”. Food with ingredients your grandmother would recognise. Ingredients you can actually pronounce.
9. Get green fingered
Have house plants in your home. They help to cleanse the air, they’re easy on the eye, and when you take a moment to water them, take a drink of water yourself! (See 1.)
10. Practice gratitude
As you climb wearily into bed, say thank you for what the day has brought. You’ll get yourself a surge of positive emotion in return and a stronger immune system.
Be kind to yourself, and do whatever you can from this list!