Surprising Ways to Improve Your Overall Wellness
We all know the basics of staying healthy—eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
And while it seems like this should be easy, it isn’t always, thanks to other responsibilities we all must juggle. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and simple ways to boost your overall wellness—just read the tips below.
Enjoy the sun
It’s well-known that sun overexposure can damage your skin and increase your risk for skin cancer. But what may be less understood is that basking in the sunshine can also improve your sleep, ward off depression, and possibly even extend your life. Just be sure to take some precautions to protect your skin before doing so.
Do something fun
We often think being healthy requires lots of hard work, but it doesn’t have to! You can enhance your overall well-being just by doing something that makes you feel good, such as chatting with a friend, working on a crossword puzzle, or listening to your favorite song. And participating in activities you enjoy with others can help you build strong relationships that can help bolster your mood, self-esteem, and immune system.
Try something new
If you remember the exhilarating feeling of experiencing something novel, such as mastering a challenging skill or traveling overseas, you know that breaking out of your routine can be exciting. Science backs this up, showing that trying new things can benefit your brain and bring you joy. So be open to new adventures, whether they include going on a cruise, joining a book group, or simply trying a new restaurant.
Fidget a little
You may have been told to always sit still as a kid, but you can forget those admonitions now. Fidgeting can actually alleviate stress and boredom, prevent cardiovascular issues, and possibly add more movement to your day. It can also burn some calories. There are also fun fidgeting toys you can enjoy, such as stress balls and spinners. Just be aware that constant fidgeting can sometimes be related to conditions like restless leg syndrome and ADHD.
Just move
You can improve your total fitness without going to the gym—just moving a little throughout your day may help prevent early death, some types of cancer, and lower your risk of becoming obese. Try to add more movement to your routine, such as by completing chores, working at a standing desk, or watching TikTok on your exercise bike instead of your couch. You could also utilize a fitness tracker or an app to remind you to walk, stretch, or do some light exercises at least once an hour.
Drink water
Simply drinking water can provide a whole host of benefits. It can help you increase your concentration, lose weight, and even improve your complexion. Replacing sugary drinks with water may allow you to consume fewer calories. A helpful tactic for drinking more water is to have a full glass with every meal. You could also replace sugary drinks with water, which has the added benefit of reducing your calorie intake and potentially allowing you to avoid diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Pace yourself
If you’re prone to eating quickly, there are simple tricks you could employ to slow you down. For instance, engage in conversation during your meals, eat off a smaller plate using petite utensils, or you could take your meals into the kitchen instead of dining in front of the TV. And if you like to snack, put your treats on a high shelf so you can only reach them by putting in extra effort or with some help.
Adopt a pet
Caring for a pet does require time and money, but if you love animals, it might also augment your well-being. Studies show that interacting with a pet can soothe stress, boost your mood, and lower your blood pressure. Dog owners also reap the added benefits that come from walking their pups, such as getting exercise and the chance to socialize with other dog owners.
Help others
Altruism pays off in many ways, and not just for those you’re helping —assisting others can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which can induce feelings of joy and provide healthful benefits like lowering blood pressure. People who volunteer also tend to live longer than those who don’t.
If you can try at least one these simple tricks today, you may start feeling healthier and happier before you know it.