Help Yourself to Some Quick-Fix Health Steps
By Sandy Schroeder
When it gets right down to it, most of us love little shortcuts. So why not take a few to improve our health?
Harvard Health has come up with some quick and simple ways to improve health. See what you think and do as many as you like. The more you do the better you may feel.
Take Steps to Rest Naturally
You may slow down your work, increase irritability and put yourself at risk for accidents if you get less than seven hours sleep each night. You will also increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Do some natural fixes:
- Cut back on caffeine right after lunch
- Go to bed and get up at the same time each day
- Skip alcohol, spicy foods and tobacco right before bedtime
- Shut down the TV, tablets and cell phone an hour before bedtime
- Use light-blocking drapes and air filters to screen out noise
- Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable
- Resolve financial, work or family stress wherever you can
- Develop a sleep ritual with soft music, warm baths or a simple yoga routine
Start Moving More All of the Time
Most of us sit way too much every day, at work, behind the wheel, and after dinner. Start building in little bursts of movement whenever and wherever you can.
- Take five-minute breaks for each hour you set at work
- Do one-leg balance exercises while you work in the kitchen
- Bring in an exercise mat, treadmill or small weights to use while you watch TV
- Bike instead of driving to run errands on the weekend
- Walk the dog or walk with your kids after dinner
- Sign up for a new yoga, tai chi or dance class
Reprogram Your Thinking Skills
- Take five-minute breaks to do something totally new to challenge your brain.
- Listen to a new kind of music
- Take new routes when walking or driving
- Read about or research a totally new topic that interests you
- Spend a few minutes each day learning a new work skill
Reach Out to Others
In a world filled with screens, it is important to stay connected with face-to-face interactions too.
- Fill the weekends with plans with friends and family
- See friends for coffee, lunch or the movies
- Attend local concerts, art exhibits or sports events
- Explore community classes
- Volunteer at your local library, senior center or pet shelter
Once you start using quick-fix ways to live better, you may find lots more. Keep looking.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.