If you’re looking for a unique hobby to do outdoors, consider bird watching, archery, or mushroom foraging.
Probiotics contain different strains of bacteria, so it may take some trial and error to figure out which strains benefit you the most. You shouldn’t take probiotics if you have a compromised immune system. If you have a serious health condition, talk to your doctor before trying probiotics. There’s evidence that gut health may influence your mental health, too. Taking probiotics could potentially help with issues like anxiety and depression. [4] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Fresh garlic, fenugreek, and lemongrass may help lower cholesterol. Garlic may also lower blood pressure. Fresh onions, chives, leeks, mint, basil, oregano, and sage may help protect against cancer. Rosemary, sage, and oregano contain high levels of antioxidants. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Bring easy, portable snacks like nuts, bananas, and baby carrots with you to work or school. Plan your meals for the week ahead so healthy options are always within reach. Prioritize foods that are high-fiber, low-sugar, and low-salt. Reach for healthy fats in foods like fish, nuts, and avocados. Leafy greens like kale, broccoli, and cabbage are packed with nutrients. Avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, and processed foods. Be sure to check nutrition labels for serving sizes; proper portioning is important, too. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
How much fluid you need every day depends on factors like your height, weight, activity level, but in general: Males need 15. 5 cups (3. 7 liters) of fluids a day Females need 11. 5 cups (2. 7 liters) of fluids a day[10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day (including weekends)[12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Get a dose of sunshine in the morning to help set your internal clock Create a nightly routine and start winding down an hour before bed Take naps or go to bed earlier if you feel tired during the day Avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before bed
Keep the temperature between 60–67 °F (16–19 °C)[14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Keep your room dark (night lights and dim lighting are fine, if preferred) Shut off electronic devices 1 hour before bedtime Avoid eating 3-4 hours before bedtime Wear earplugs to block out noise Limit or avoid alcohol after dinner[15] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator Park further away in the parking lot Get up from your desk and stretch every 30 minutes Bike or walk to work Do 10 squats while you’re brushing your teeth Walk or do calf raises when you’re on the phone
Moderate intensity exercise: you can talk but you’re too out of breath to sing. Vigorous intensity: you can’t say more than a few words without running out of breath. [18] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Develop an exercise routine that works for you! Gardening, dancing, hiking, biking, swimming, and chasing after your kids/pets can all be great exercise.
Lifting weights Working with resistance bands Exercises that use your body weight for resistance (push-ups, sit-ups, etc. ) Strenuous gardening (digging, shoveling, etc. ) Some forms of yoga
Get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques Drink alcohol in moderation Keep a journal[21] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Washing your hands may sound like a no-brainer, but it can easily slip your mind if you’re distracted or in a hurry. Hand sanitizer can work in a pinch, but it’s not as effective as good old soap and water. Try to wash your hands as soon as you can. Scrubbing up regularly can help prevent illnesses like flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19. [23] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Stick with 1-2 sessions a week until you know how your skin handles it. If all goes well, work your way up to once a day. Don’t dry brush your face; that skin is too delicate. Lighten the pressure for other sensitive areas like your abdomen, breasts, and neck (or skip them). Avoid dry brushing broken skin, moles, warts, and other raised bumps.
A single serving of red wine is about 5 ounces (30 ml). [26] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source If you don’t enjoy alcohol, no worries! You can get the same benefits from eating grapes and drinking grape juice.
If crosswords aren’t your thing, you may get the same benefits from card games, board games, and computer games.
Chin lifted and parallel to the floor Shoulders even and relaxed Spine straight and neutral (no flexing or arching) Abdominal muscles engaged Hips even Knees even and pointing straight ahead Weight distributed evenly on both feet
Bring a list of current symptoms and your family’s health history with you to the exam. This helps your doctor figure out what screenings you need. [30] X Trustworthy Source Health. gov Online collection of health and fitness standards set by the U. S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Go to source Many illnesses are treatable if you catch them in the early stages. The longer an illness or condition goes undiagnosed, the harder it’ll be to treat.
Quitting smoking improves your health in many ways. You’ll heal faster, get sick less often, have more energy, and be physically stronger when you’re a nonsmoker. [32] X Research source Quitting also reduces your risk of serious health problems like heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. [33] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
