30 steps to A HEALTHIER BODY & MIND
Our expert wellness tips will cost you next to nothing
As the weather warms up throughout spring, there’s no better time to nourish your body and nurture your mind than adding some simple changes into your routine. Try these…
1Become a stair master
To burn more calories, climb the stairs one at a time rather than bounding up in twos, advise researchers from the University of Roehampton.
2Rearrange your cupboards
We crave what we can see, so pull all the healthy foods to the front. Alternatively, display healthy snacks, such as nuts and seeds, in pretty jars.
3Have booze-free days
If you drink 14 units per week (one 175ml glass of 13% wine is 2.3 units), spread these over three or more nights, and avoid drinking on consecutive days.
4Flex your toes
Using your toes to pick up a towel from the floor will keep them mobile.
5Take a dip
Whether it’s wild swimming or just a chilly shower, cold water strengthens immunity, improves circulation and helps to relieve depression.
6Boost brain power
Challenging your brain with puzzles and games will help to keep your mind and memory sharp.
7Chew slowly
The average Brit spends just 23 minutes* eating meals each day. Chewing more and taking your time over meals will help your body absorb nutrients and aid digestion.
8Watch cat videos
Watching felines online is said to trigger positivity.
9 Exercise with others
Parkrun.org.uk organises free, weekly 5km events across the UK. Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week reduces the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
10 Boil carrots whole
You’ll retain 25%** of this vibrant veggie’s cancer-fighting compound.
11 Be kind
Kindness stimulates the release of feel-good hormone oxytocin. So, why not try volunteering? Helping others distracts us from our worries***, plus 77% of volunteers said it improved their mental health. Visit ncvo.org.uk for information.
12 Ground yourself
Try grounding – letting bare skin, such as your feet, touch natural earth (grass, mud, sand or stone). ‘Research suggests it can reduce inflammation, manage stress levels and improve sleep patterns,’ says James Roy from Brainworks Neurotherapy.
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