7 Health Boosts You Need in Your Life

Share this trending news with friends

Forget the excuses for a minute. It’s time to do a quick health check. Are you using these 7 health boosts in your life? If not, you totally should.

  1. Add Meditation to Your Daily Routine
    Meditation is growing in popularity and with good reason. Research suggests that meditation may lead to reduced blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, insomnia, and the incidence, duration, and severity of acute respiratory illnesses (such as influenza). Meditation is also known for stress reduction and physical relaxation.
  2. Hug It Out — Literally
    Are you a hugger? If not, maybe you should start embracing it. Hugs have been shown to increase the production of oxytocin (the “love” hormone). According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “oxytocin lowers the levels of stress hormones in the body, reducing blood pressure, improving mood, increasing tolerance for pain and perhaps even speeding how fast wounds heal. It also seems to play an important role in our relationships. It’s been linked, for example, to how much we trust others.”
  3. Laugh … A Lot
    Laughter has many health benefits. For example, did you know that laughing decreases stress hormones, increases your immunity, and triggers the release of “feel good” endorphins? And that’s just the beginning. So laugh, giggle, chuckle — it’s good for you!
  4. Embrace Tea Time
    Green and black teas offer many health benefits. Did you know that sipping tea can lower cholesterol, cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and risk for heart disease? It also can increase memory, focus, and concentration. Not bad for a simple cup of tea, right?
  5. Limit Added Sugars, You’re Sweet Enough
    Not all sugar is created equal. Although your body is designed to digest natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables, it is not equipped to handle all of those added sugars found in soft drinks, candies, desserts, and many processed foods. Added sugar has been linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
  6. Strike A Pose … A Yoga Pose, That Is
    Yoga is a great way to increase strength, flexibility, and your mood. Plus, yoga has been shown to ease pain intensity, functional disability, and depression in adults with chronic lower back pain. Feel the Zen.
  7. Make a Date with Your Doctor
    When we were children, yearly visits to the doctor for a check-up were just a part of our routine. Then, for many of us, those yearly appointments fell to the wayside and we only went to the doctor when we fell ill. Renewing your commitment to annual check-ups with your primary care physician will allow you to catch problems early and keep you feeling your best.

-iTriage

About the Author

Michael Onas
Africa - Online Founder & Senior Editor Africa - Online.Com was founded by Michael Onas in 1997, in the years since the site has grown to become a world leader in African news sector, with millions of readers around the world and followers on social media.