- You can take these major steps to live a healthier life for the coming year
Are you on a mission to get healthier in 2021? You might think that you need to take drastic measures, like overhauling your entire diet and exercise routine. However, simple, daily changes can make a big difference.
What are some things you can do to improve your outcomes? Here are eight surprising things that make us healthier.
1. Your Choice of Footwear
Your feet take a significant pounding every day. Wearing a pair with the soles worn thin can increase chronic pain issues, especially if you also spend a lot of time on unforgiving surfaces like concrete. If you buy quality and can’t yet afford a new pair, a set of cushioned insoles can relieve your agony and spare your back.
You also want to choose the right shoe for each occasion. When taking your kids to the park, everyone should wear closed-toed versions. Pebbles and debris can slide into sandals and cut your foot — possibly requiring a tetanus shot.
However, that doesn’t mean you should always wear shoes outside. Practitioners of earthing swear by the beneficial effects of putting your bare feet on the earth, and some research supports these theories.
2. Taking a Forest Bath
Getting closer to nature can strengthen your immune function. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, individuals who participate in the Japanese practice of forest bathing once a month had an increased number and activity of natural killer cells. These cells are vital to helping you fight off infections.
What do you need to do to reap the perks? At least once a month, get out there for a hike, preferably a camping trip. If you don’t live near a nature preserve, spend time in your local park.
3. Facing Down a Fear
Your self-confidence impacts how other people treat you and boosting it could benefit everything from your career to your relationships. One of the best ways to get an ego boost is by conquering a fear. You don’t have to go skydiving — you can overcome something that may have an even more significant impact on your life.
Maybe you hesitate to go for that promotion because the role involves public speaking. Why not sign up with an organization like Toastmasters to learn the art and hone your leadership skills? If you have a specific phobia, such as a fear of flying, working with a licensed therapist can help.
4. Drinking Herbal Tea
According to a recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, habitual tea drinking reduces your risk of death from all causes. This statistic includes deaths from heart disease, which remains the number one killer.
Herbal tea extracts vital nutrients, terpenes and phytonutrients from plants. Green tea extracts offer a lot of important benefits. You can tailor your drinking regimen to treat other health woes. If chronic pain plagues you, a blend of turmeric, white willow and black pepper can ease inflammation. Herbs like chamomile, lavender and passionflower help to alleviate anxiety.
5. Soaking Fruit in Your Water
Soaking any plant in water will extract many of the beneficial nutrients without adding extra calories to your beverage. Instead of sugary pops, why not make a pitcher of flavored fruit water? Include berries for antioxidants and pineapple for bromelain, a substance that helps ease chronic pain by fighting muscle tension.
If you don’t fancy flat water because it upsets your stomach, why not invest in a carbonating machine? You can find SodaStream and similar devices at many well-known retailers online and in stores.
6. Doing Some Spring House Cleaning
If you suffer from indoor allergies, cleaning your house could ease your misery. Start by swapping out your air filters. Experts at the Environmental Protection Agency recommend changing these every 60 to 90 days. However, you may need to do so more frequently if you have pets or smokers in your home.
Likewise, vacuuming up fur and dust mites will help stem your sniffling and sneezing. Plus, you can burn calories if you scrub vigorously enough, and you’ll gain a sense of satisfaction every time you look around your sparkling abode.
7. Flossing Your Teeth
According to dentists, you should floss your teeth every day, but less than a third of Americans heed this advice. Failure to do so increases your risk of periodontal disease, which in turn ups your cardiovascular and stroke chances. Plus, you could develop some nasty dragon breath.
You should brush twice daily and floss once. Make one of your hygiene trips to the bathroom involve the full treatment of floss, brush and rinse.
8. Creating a Bedroom Sanctuary
Insomnia can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health. You begin to lose focus and concentration and get understandably grumpy. Additionally, your fatigue can lead to accidents — drowsy driving is as dangerous as getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.
Your bedroom largely determines the length and quality of your rest. Please keep electronic devices out of the bedroom. The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt your circadian rhythms, tricking your body into thinking it is still daylight. Create a cool, comfortable environment — 65 degrees works well for most people. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel when you get your Zzz’s.
Did You Know These 8 Surprising Things Can Make You Healthier?
You don’t have to undertake a lifestyle overhaul to improve your well-being. The eight surprising things above can make a considerable difference in a healthier you.
