When it comes to improving health and wellness, it’s the little things that count. Incorporate these simple actions into your daily life. All you’ll need is about 60 seconds or so to do each one.
ADD LEMON TO YOUR WATER
Squeezing the juice of half a lemon into your water can aid in digestion. Lemon water can also soothe a sore throat, help prevent kidney stones and balance your body’s pH levels.
READ SOMETHING POSITIVE
Pin up motivational quotes in your work space so you can glance at them whenever you need a pick-me-up. Here’s one we like from Steve Jobs: “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.”
SAY CHEESE!
Turn a bad day around with a smile. Smiling releases endorphins – neurotransmitters – which trigger positive feelings within the body.
CREATE A TO-DO LIST
Coming up with a list of things that need to be done for the day will keep you focused. You can look forward to a real sense of accomplishment after ticking everything off the list.
HUG SOMEONE YOU LOVE
Cuddling makes you bond better with those near and dear to you. When hugging, your body releases oxytocin, the love hormone that increases feelings of commitment and intimacy.
TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS
Vitamin pills help ensure your body gets the essential nutrients it needs to function properly. They’re especially useful if you find it difficult to eat clean.
FLOSS
Getting rid of stubborn food bits in the gaps of your teeth prevents plaque and tooth decay. Do it once in the morning and again at night.
WATCH ANIMAL VIDEOS
Research has shown that watching videos of cute puppies and kittens can make you feel energised and positive. In fact, it also enhances productivity.
MUNCH ON DARK CHOCOLATE
Dark chocolate improves heart health, thanks to flavanol, which increases blood flow to the brain and heart. Keep a stash for snacking on.
CLEAN YOUR SCREENS
Sanitise the screens of your electronic devices daily. They’re dirtier than you think, and contain loads of bacteria.
TAKE A BREAK FROM TECH
This means no aimlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. Instead, look out the window, appreciate the greenery and notice things that you didn’t before.
HYDRATE YOUR SKIN
Moisturise for a glowy, radiant complexion, and slather on body lotion from neck to toe before you go to bed.
DO A PLANK
This is one of the best exercises to do daily as it engages your entire body, including your core, back, shoulders, and legs.
TAKE THE STAIRS
Sneak in a little energising workout during the work day by taking the stairs instead of the lift.
SHOW KINDNESS
Buy someone a cup of coffee, or help a person in need. Being compassionate will make someone’s day – and yours, too.
WRITE A GRATITUDE LIST
Appreciate the little things. There’s something to feel thankful for, even on bad days.
TAKE A WALK
Step outside for fresh air. It helps you clear your mind and compose your thoughts so you can go back to work and focus better.
MAKE YOUR BED
A neat bed starts your day nicely and sets your mind on the right track for the rest of the day.
RING A FRIEND
Speaking to a close friend will make just about any day better. Take a minute to find out how he or she is doing, and make plans to catch up in person.
SOAK IN THE SUN
Sunlight improves well-being by calming you as it releases serotonin, a chemical that stabilises your mood. A brisk walk or run in the sun is ideal as it combines the serotonin- boosting properties of exercise and sunlight.
DECLUTTER YOUR DESK
You’ll concentrate better and get more done at the office with a cleaner desk.
GET A PLANT
Place a plant in your work space. Greenery helps cleanse the air and regulate humidity levels.
DO SQUATS
This quick leg workout will boost blood circulation and tone your legs and butt at the same time.
ADD CHIA SEEDS TO YOUR DRINK
This superfood is a great source of fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients.
RUB YOUR TEMPLES
Doing so releases tension and is a good way to relieve headaches.
PACK YOUR GYM BAG
Prepare your workout gear the night before. This makes it easier to roll out of bed and get that morning sweat sesh in.
PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS
Listen to the music you love for a pick-me-up.
STRETCH
Loosen up tired muscles by stretching them out. Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
HAVE A CUP OF TEA
Teas are said to contain theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety. Cheers to that!
STAND UP
Research suggests that standing can counteract the negative effects of sitting, such as an increased risk of heart disease. Aim to stand up once every hour.
BREATHE
Deep breathing triggers the release of endorphins, improves your well-being and eases pain. Breathe in deep for three counts before breathing out slowly. Do this three to four times.
SING!
According to researchers from the University of Oxford, singing releases endorphins.
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