This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
Published on November 11, 2019, by Eve Woman, a leading lifestyle publication in Kenya.
14 Simple Habits to Boost Happiness and Well-being ¶
Time is precious, and making the most of every minute can have a significant impact on our happiness and well-being. You don't need to block out large chunks of time to get fitter and happier; all you need is a couple of minutes here and there.
Here are 14 easy ways to improve your happiness and well-being, from simple exercises to mindfulness practices, that can be done in just a few minutes a day.
1. Work Your Muscles ¶
While waiting for your kettle to boil, spend 30 seconds performing calf raises and the remaining 30 seconds doing a wall sit, as suggested by Dr. Luke Powles of Bupa Health Clinics.
2. Sing Along to the Radio ¶
University of Manchester scientists found that singing can give an instant happiness hit by detecting small vibrations that send signals to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that registers pleasure.
3. Spell Words Backwards ¶
Brain surgeon and neuroscientist Dr. Rahul Jandial suggests that doing this in your head forces your brain to think hard and use your working memory, which can be improved with practice.
4. Drink Water ¶
A mere two per cent drop in the body's water content can impair mental functioning, cause changes in mood, and reductions in concentration, alertness, and short-term memory, say researchers.
5. Declutter Your Handbag ¶
Anything weighing more than 1.3kgs puts pressure on your back, so take a minute to get rid of all the old make-up, receipts, and loose change that litter your bag.
6. Correct Your Posture ¶
Former national ballet dancer Natalie Garry suggests standing up straight, grinding your feet into the floor, and gently pulling your stomach muscles in to lengthen your spine.
7. Stand on One Leg ¶
Yoga expert Kat Farrants says that the instability improves balance, and progressing to leg strengthening by taking the lifted leg out to the side and performing small pulses up and down can strengthen weak hips and glutes.
8. Work Your Pelvic Floor ¶
Consultant gynaecologist Mr. Narendra Pisal explains that directed pelvic floor exercises make a huge difference in 60 per cent of urinary incontinence cases.
9. Think of Three Things for Which You Are Grateful ¶
Hypnotherapist Chloe Brotheridge suggests that practising gratitude helps us to retrain our brains to look for the good things in our lives, helping us to become more positive.
10. Check Your Pulse ¶
GP and stroke prevention advocate Dr. Yassir Javaid warns that an irregular heartbeat can be a sign of atrial fibrillation, which can increase the risk of stroke by up to six times.
11. Hug Your Partner, Parent, or Child ¶
Author Andy Cope suggests that the average hug lasts 2.1 seconds but needs to last seven seconds or longer to make a difference.
12. Try the Sit-to-Stand Test ¶
Physiotherapist Rob Waite suggests that those without balance problems can do this test in less than 13 seconds, and if you are struggling, keep practising until you improve.
13. Try Eye Physiotherapy ¶
Author Leo Angart suggests that your sight can be improved by taking off your reading glasses, turning a page upside down, and scanning the whole article looking at the 'white bits' between the lines.
14. Clean Your Mobile ¶
Research suggests that the average phone has 25,000 germs per square inch – that's more than is found on the soles of your shoes.
