Top 10 Health Hacks That Actually Work

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healthy lifestyle includes not only the right eating habits and exercising, but also following things like watching your weight, managing your mental health, and getting routine medical exams. However, even daily, small steps toward these goals also have a significant impact. Here are many everyday practices that support your ongoing health journey. While you might find it unrealistic to follow them all the time, try to include them in your daily life as much as possible.

Soak the morning sunlight

Sunlight is crucial for your health because it provides vitamin D, the most sought-after and important nutrient, which is important for strong bones, immunity, and even regulating your sleep and mental health. And so, according to experts, spending even 10 minutes in the sun in the morning boosts your serotonin levels, which regulates circadian rhythms for better sleep and lower blood pressure.

Take a 30-minute walk

A daily 30-minute walk is extremely important for your health as it improves not just your cardiovascular fitness but also regulates weight loss and management and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart attack, type 2 diabetes, and deadly cancers. A few benefits of walking also include mental well-being, as it improves mood, boosts energy, reduces stress, and enhances brain function and sleep quality.

Eating protein daily

Protein is one of the most important nutrients that work for your health in many ways. You must include protein in all your meals – specifically breakfast to help build and repair your tissues like muscles and bones, apart from helping make enzymes, hormones, and other essential body compounds. Protein also maintains fluid balance, supports immune function, and aids in weight management by increasing feelings of fullness.

Use the 3-2-1 sleep method

Sleep is extremely important for your overall health and well-being. Experts suggest following the 3-2-1 sleep method - a pre-bedtime routine that improves sleep quality by breaking down the last few hours before bed into three simple steps: not eating or drinking alcohol three hours before bed, finishing any work or stressful activities two hours before, and turning off all screens an hour before sleep. The method not only helps your body relax but also lets it rest, which improves digestion and reduces mental stimulation that interferes with sleep.

Hydrate, not just with water

Hydrating your body is one of the best health hacks that has only positive benefits. Drinking an adequate amount of water daily helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, provide the much-needed nutrients, and help all your organs function properly. According to doctors, drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water along with electrolytes also supports and optimizes brain function, aids digestion, prevents constipation, and helps your body remove excessive waste.

Try breathing exercises

Breathing is one of the most important and necessary activities that can help reduce many conditions and ailments. Different breathing techniques improve physical and mental well-being, like lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, apart from improving lung function. Breathing exercises also provide your body with a relaxation response, which leads to decreased heart rate, reduced muscle tension, and better oxygenation.

Reducing sugar intake

Sugar, according to experts, is among the most harmful ingredients that can lead to various health issues, from obesity to cancer. Reducing the intake of processed sugar significantly lowers the risk of chronic heart disease and type 2 diabetes, improves weight management, and enhances overall well-being through better energy levels, mood stability, and skin health. It helps regulate blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and can lead to clearer skin and a healthier gut.

Apply sunscreen

Sunscreen is said to be the best defence against skin-damaging ultraviolet rays, which can lead to skin cancer. After you have washed your face in the morning, make sure to apply a facial moisturizer that is packed with sunscreen with a sun protection factor or SPF of at least 30.

Be social

For the sake of your mental health, it is important to socialise with friends and family, even if once a week, as it helps stave off loneliness and protects against depression and cognitive decline. Strive to have some kind of social engagement every day: make a phone call, send an email, or chat with a neighbour.

Eat nuts for snacks

When you crave a snack, make sure to always eat unsalted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. They are packed with beneficial nutrients that prevent cravings for highly processed foods. While nuts are also high in calories, keep to a palm-sized portion and enjoy!