Life is filled with unexpected surprises. So why contribute to the chaos by making health harder than it has to be?
What to do? Look for hacks! Hacks are shortcuts that make getting to our destination a bit less overwhelming.
Use these health hacks for weight loss, an energy boost, or simply to feel a little healthier every day.
SEE MORE: Brightening Underarms Naturally: Effective Home Remedies for Even Skin Tone
1. Kickstart your morning with lemon water
Start every morning with a glass of water with fresh-squeezed lemon or lemon oil! (Just make sure it’s an edible, 100% natural-grade oil and not anything synthetic if you go the essential oil route.). This will help flush out toxins, alkalize your body, and improve your digestion. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water and drink it before breakfast.
2. Exercise before you shower
You can do a quick 10-minute workout to get your blood pumping, burn some calories, and boost your mood. Try some squats, lunges, push-ups, or jumping jacks.
3. Test your eggs for freshness
If you’re not sure how old your eggs are, you can drop them in a bowl of water and see how they behave. Fresh eggs will sink, older eggs will tilt, and bad eggs will float.
4. Meditate for a few minutes
Meditation can help you reduce stress, improve your focus, and enhance your well-being. Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and focus on your breathing. You can use an app or a guided audio to help you.
5. Wash your produce with baking soda
To remove pesticides, dirt, and bacteria from your fruits and vegetables, you can use a natural scrub made of baking soda and water. Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with 1-2 cups of water and spray or soak your produce. Rinse well before eating.
6. Put your phone in a box for an hour
To reduce your screen time and spend more quality time with your family or friends, you can put your phone in a “spa” (a box) for an hour. This will help you avoid distractions and enjoy the present moment.
7. Use a white noise app to block out noise
If you work in a noisy environment or have trouble sleeping, you can use a white noise app to create a soothing sound that masks the unwanted noise. You can choose from different sounds like rain, ocean, or fan.
8. Have a TV-free night
Instead of watching TV, you can use your free time to do something productive or relaxing. You can read a book, do some chores, play a game, or meditate. This will help you save energy, improve your sleep, and enrich your mind.
9. Stand for 30 minutes after lunch
Sitting for too long can cause blood sugar spikes, which can make you feel tired and hungry. To prevent this, you can stand for 30 minutes after eating. This will help you burn some calories, improve your posture, and regulate your blood sugar.
10. Have more sex
Sex is not only fun, but also good for your health. It can improve your cardiovascular health, lower your blood pressure, boost your immunity, and release endorphins. Plus, it can strengthen your relationship and intimacy.
11. Walk to your destination
Instead of taking the bus, the tube, or the car, you can walk to your destination. This will help you save money, reduce stress, and get some exercise. Walking can also improve your mood, creativity, and memory.
12. Choose stairs over escalators
Taking the stairs is a simple way to add some physical activity to your day. It can strengthen your muscles, heart, and lungs, as well as burn more calories than taking the escalator. It can also challenge your balance and coordination.
13. Stand on one foot while brushing your teeth
This may sound silly, but it can actually help you work on your core strength and stability. By standing on one foot, you will engage your abdominal muscles and challenge your balance. Try to switch feet every 30 seconds.
14. Limit salt and alcohol consumption
Too much salt and alcohol can have negative effects on your health, such as raising your blood pressure, dehydrating your body, and damaging your liver. To limit your intake, you can use herbs and spices instead of salt, drink water or soda water instead of alcohol, and avoid processed and fast foods.
15. Stay hydrated and increase your vitamin intake
Drinking enough water and getting enough vitamins are essential for your health. Water can help you flush out toxins, regulate your body temperature, and prevent headaches. Vitamins can help you boost your immunity, protect your cells, and support your metabolism. To stay hydrated, you can drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, eat more fruits and vegetables, and avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks. To increase your vitamin intake, you can eat a balanced diet, take supplements, and expose yourself to sunlight.
20. Use a smaller plate
If you want to control your portion size and eat less, you can use a smaller plate. This will trick your brain into thinking that you have more food than you actually do, and make you feel fuller faster. You can also use a smaller spoon or fork to slow down your eating and savor your food.
21. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand
This may seem awkward, but it can actually help you improve your brain function and coordination. By using your non-dominant hand, you will stimulate new neural connections and challenge your brain. You can also try other tasks with your non-dominant hand, such as writing, eating, or using your phone.
22. Eat a rainbow
Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can help you get more nutrients and antioxidants. Each color represents different phytochemicals that have different health benefits. For example, red foods can help you fight inflammation, orange foods can help you improve your vision, and green foods can help you detoxify your body.
23. Laugh more
Laughter is the best medicine, as they say. Laughing can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and strengthen your immune system. It can also burn calories, lower your blood pressure, and increase your blood flow. To laugh more, you can watch a comedy, read a funny book, or hang out with your friends.
24. Practice gratitude
Being grateful can help you improve your mental and emotional health. It can make you happier, more optimistic, and more satisfied with your life. It can also help you cope with challenges, build relationships, and appreciate what you have. To practice gratitude, you can write down three things you are thankful for every day, express your appreciation to others, or keep a gratitude journal.