What the Health?
There are many reasons people want to go on a health kick. It may be to feel great over summer, to fulfill a new year’s resolution, or to prepare for the future. Thankfully, information on leading a healthier lifestyle is widely available. From juice cleanses and mindful eating, to yoga and HIIT training, to the power of plant-based diets, everyone is trying to achieve a better quality of life.
Work-life balance has become essential to happiness and well-being, and that includes being active and swapping bad habits for better ones. While many decide to go all in, the most successful people know that small changes and consistency are vital to enjoying the long-term benefits of a healthier lifestyle. This is definitely a time when the phrase ‘out with the old, in with the new’ is incredibly relevant.
That said, there are some surprising and even unusual things you can do to live a healthier life. Instead of following the trends, here are some small and sometimes overlooked habits that don’t take an entire diet change or a gym membership to warrant noticeable results. Having a healthy mind and body is not an unattainable feat, but it does start with making an effort in order to see and feel a change. Here are some unusual, uncommon, or lesser-known alternatives to a healthier lifestyle you may want to consider.
Take a Short Nap after a Cup of Coffee
According to scientists, a short nap after a cup of coffee can do wonders. Of course, this is not always practical, but hear us out. A recent study showed that participants who took a coffee nap made fewer mistakes in a car simulator test and felt more rested. For best results, experts recommend drinking coffee quickly and taking a nap immediately afterward. While this is unusual and may defeat the purpose of drinking a caffeinated beverage, who are we to argue with science?
Standing is Better than Sitting
Studies have found that remaining seated all day can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. While many of us are forced to sit in front of our desks for work, standing desks are becoming popular. In fact, many people actually recommend this. Lack of regular movement means that blood transports nutrients and oxygen at half the speed, so take time out during your workday to stretch those muscles and get moving. If the ‘standing desk’ doesn’t sound too appealing, a quick walk or a YouTube workout during lunch can also do the trick.
Writing Can Improve Mental Abilities
When was the last time you put a literal pen to paper? Our lives revolve around our computer and smartphone screens, and good, old-fashioned writing is fast becoming obsolete. However, a research team at the State University of Indiana has found that drawing and taking notes by hand can improve mental abilities, attention, and memory. Writing activates the part of the brain that reads as well, which doesn’t happen when typing on your computer. Take this step to improve your health!
Snus as an Alternative to Smoking
Smokers, take note. While quitting smoking can be challenging for many people, the good news is that there are alternatives. Snus is common in Sweden and Norway and is an oral, smokeless tobacco product used as an alternative to smoking. It is usually placed behind the upper lip and aims to reduce the health risks associated with smoking. High-quality products like taxfreesnus ensure that you get the safest, most value-for-money options when making a change to your smoking habits. Studies have shown that snus is a significantly less harmful alternative to smoking. If you’re struggling to ditch the habit, snus could actually be a good option.
Nothing Unusual about Catching Some Vitamin D
Finally, Vitamin D is important for health and literally accessible by stepping outside. If you’re lucky enough to live in a country that enjoys frequent sunny days, some time spent safely catching those rays can do wonders. Sunlight on your skin has been shown to release endorphins, the feel-good hormones, adding some lightness and brightness to your day. But, as Baz Lurhmann likes to remind us, remember to wear your sunscreen.
