Fast-track your way to feeling better with these simple tricks
Life is busy, messy, and filled with unexpected surprises, but with a little bit of science and a sprinkling of ingenuity, these quick and easy health hacks can increase wellbeing, boost energy levels and make you feel healthier every day.
1. Train your posture:
This is especially important if you work at a desk. Be mindful of the way you hold your shoulders and neck throughout your day. A laptop stand and back-supporting chair are good investments for slouch prevention.
2. Kickstart your morning:
Help to flush your body of toxins by starting every morning with a glass of water with fresh-squeezed lemon added. The citrus alkalizes your body and supports your digestive system, giving you more energy, while also fighting inflammation.
3. Take the stairs:
No, it’s not rocket science, but little lifestyle changes such as shunning the lift or getting off the bus a stop early really do make all the difference when it comes to general fitness. And it is cheaper than a gym membership.
4. Filter your water:
Bottled water isn’t great for the environment, so filter your own at home using the BRITA Marella jug which reduces levels of chlorine, heavy metals and limescale. It even has a helpful ‘memo’ that reminds you to change the filter to ensure you always have the freshest filtered water. www.brita.co.uk
5. Bring on bedtime:
If you struggle falling asleep, try having a warm bath an hour before you plan to go to bed, make sure to switch off your phone, and put a tissue with a few drops of lavender oil inside your pillowcase. Before you know it you’ll be sound asleep.
6. Visualise:
Need some motivation to get moving? Research suggests that even just imagining achieving an exercise goal, like powering through a workout or going for that 5k run, can help set the stage for success.
7. Institute a screen ban:
We all know that we should avoid the heavy use of technology outside of work hours, but it’s easier said than done. Try to limit the amount of time you spend glued to something each evening, and plan in non-screen activities.
8. Drink your greens:
Grabbing or making a green juice is a quick and easy way to boost your vegetable intake. Naked Juice’s Green Machine is packed with Vitamins A and C thanks to its secret ingredients- broccoli and spinach.
www.nakedjuice.co.uk
9. Walk it off:
If you’re feeling sluggish or finding it hard to concentrate, step away from that desk during your lunch hour and get some fresh air. You will see the positive effect on your productivity.
10. Choose silky soft:
Your pillowcase can really affect the quality of your sleep, and silk is the answer to improving the quality of your shut-eye. The Gingerly Beauty Box Silk Pillowcase isn’t just luxurious, it’s also hypoallergenic, naturally dust-mite resistant and helps visibly reduce the signs of ageing. www.gingerlily.co.uk
11. Boost your mood:
Smell the skin of an orange for a natural mood booster. Yes, really. Studies have shown that orange essential oil helps boost mood and alertness, and can reduce anxiety. If you don’t keep the fresh fruit on hand, buy some bottled oil and dab a drop on each wrist or massage into your temples for the same effect.
12. Go to bed early:
A simple change, like getting to bed an hour earlier than usual, can have far-reaching effects, as so many stress-related symptoms come from a lack of sleep. Try getting a little extra shuteye, and see how you feel. Remember it takes 21 days for a habit to form.
13. Take on meal prep:
Being so busy all the time means we’re often left to poor choices for lunch, often meaning whatever is closest to the office. Avoid making unhealthy choices by meal-prepping ahead of time. Cook chicken breasts, hard boil eggs, make a big batch of brown rice, and chop vegetables to prep several lunches at once.
14. Make time meditate:
Schedule in some time to meditate – even if it’s just 10 minutes on the bus. Taking a bit of time to sit quietly and focus on your breath can make a big difference in the flow of your day. If you’re new to meditation, start with an app such as Headspace www.headspace.com.
15. Give your eyes a rest:
Staring at a backlit device, such as a smartphone or laptop, all day is straining on your eyes. The 20/20/20 rule reduces this. Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and let your eyes wander over something six meters (20 feet) in the distance.
16. Go booze free:
If you know you’re going out for an inevitably boozy Thursday, Friday or Saturday, say no to a glass of wine at your chilled Monday night dinner. Try to avoid alcohol a couple of nights during your week, and then enjoy your Pinot come the weekend.
17. And stretch:
Stretching feels ah-mazing for a reason; it has the power to improve your workout, your health, and your life. Stretching also improves flexibility and range of motion, can relieve pain and help you sleep better.
18. cut back on caffeine:
Try swapping your afternoon cuppa for Starbucks’ new turmeric latte, the golden spice which can help boost the immune system.