You only need a small amount of time to make a big difference to your wellbeing
Got a spare hour or so? Stop scrolling on your phone or mindlessly flicking through the TV channels. Instead, use the minutes wisely – you can do something to improve your health and mood in less time than it takes to watch an episode of Gogglebox.
Get your eyes checked
Around 65% of patients are avoiding eye tests due to the cost-of-living crisis, found a survey by Optegra Eye Hospitals. But eye tests can uncover conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Visit nhs.uk to see if you’re eligible for a free test. If not, Boots, Specsavers and Vision Express offer 30-minute tests for around £25.
Declutter your space
A messy home is associated with dissatisfaction** and can make us stressed, so have a quick tidy up. ‘Arm yourself with a bin bag and a basket for items to relocate,’ says Marie Bateson, founder of Cut the Clutter. ‘Look down your hallway – are there discarded shoes, bags and coats? Only keep season-appropriate items – others can be put away. When you come in again you’ll feel glad to be home.’ Got clutter hotspots? ‘Clear worktops, gather cups, empty bins and recycle magazines and papers,’ adds Marie.
Go for a bra fitting
The correct-size bra should be flattering, comfortable and supportive – and can stop neck or back pain. Bravissimo, M&S and John Lewis & Partners offer free fittings. Make the most of your money by buying a bra that fits on the loosest hook so that when it stretches over time you can tighten the back again by moving along the fastener.
Potter around barefoot indoors
Never have the headspace to consider your posture? Just take off your shoes. Going barefoot, when you can, gives your feet the freedom to work as they were designed to. You’ll strengthen muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet, leading to better stability, balance and posture, according to researchers at Ithaca College, New York State.
Make broth
Currently trending on social media, bone broth is thought to boost collagen (which strengthens bones and improves skin elasticity) and soothe an inflamed gut, says nutritionist Naomi Devlin. Google a recipe, then spend a leisurely hour making a batch of broth with the meat carcasses from your Sunday roast.
Join a free 5k
Want to get moving, but need some motivation? Try Parkrun. ‘These are community events, based around a 5k course, where hundreds of thousands take part each week,’ says Chrissie Wellington OBE, Parkrun’s global head of health and wellbei
