Congratulations: you’ve gotten through the holidays and started the new year! If you’re like everyone else, you’ve been brainstorming ways to stay healthy and happy throughout the upcoming year. This probably involves a healthier diet and a grueling exercise regime, but that gym membership isn’t the only way to stay healthy in 2018.
Check out these unique hacks for a healthier you:
1. Tack on Workouts to Everyday Routines
One of the best ways to stay healthy is to build routines into activities you already do on a daily basis. For example, we hardly give a thought to going to the restroom during the day, right? Think of how quickly it would add up if you did five push ups every time you went to the bathroom. If you go to the bathroom five times in a day, that’s twenty-five push ups!
2. Make Fresh Air a Priority
Your body needs fresh, pure oxygen to function at 100%. Want more clean air in your routine? Escape to the countryside on weekends. Whatever the season, breathing clean air on weekends will ensure you get 30% more clean air into your routine. Even if you don’t have time to get fresh air every weekend, you can still avoid high levels of pollution by monitoring the air quality around you using the Air Bubbles App, which helps monitor your air quality, avoid areas of high smog and pollution, and keep your lungs happy and healthy.
3. Switch to Water
Soft drinks add an exorbitant amount of unnecessary sugar to your everyday diet. Just one 12 oz can of coke contains a whopping 39 grams of sugar. That’s more than 9 teaspoons of sugar, just from one drink. Try making the switch to water. If you’re still craving flavor, adding some lemon juice and a little bit of honey to your water can make it a little more enticing.
4. Watch your Scents
Ordinary candles are made of paraffin, derived from petroleum, and contain artificial fragrances. Limit chemicals and improve the air quality inside your home by switching to natural fragrances. You can use a diffuser with essential oils for a pungent and cleansing aroma. Some people swear by simmering aromatics like oranges and cloves on their stovetops to freshen up their homes.
5. Treat Yourself
Limit the harmful effects of cortisol on your health by de-stressing daily. There are so many ways to treat yourself to enhanced relaxation: drawing a bath, meditating once daily, and journaling are some great ideas. Fostering positive coping mechanisms and creative outlets for stress can help you avoid feeling burnt out, losing sleep, or turning to unhealthy eating habits in the new year.
6. No Phone Before Bed
It’s so important to give your body an adequate amount of sleep, and studies have shown that using your phone before bed can be a deterrent to a good night’s sleep. Exposure to the bright light from your phone can stop your body from producing adequate melanin, so avoid that phone right before bed. And while you’re at it, turn your phone off overnight to prevent the chance of friends, family, or notifications from waking you up in the night.
7. Invest in Plants
Make 2018 the year of the green thumb! Studies have shown that certain plants can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. Some common favorites include the spider plant and the Boston fern. Also, there’s nothing like that fresh burst of green on your windowsill to boost your mood.
Enjoy implementing these creative health hacks into your everyday life this coming year, and get ready to live your healthiest, happiest year yet!