Everyone has a little hack to stay healthy, don’t they? You see old ladies that live upwards of 100, and they smoked every day of their life, and when asked what their secret is, they say they never married. Or they have eggs every day of their life. It made me start to look into these little habits that make you feel good and healthy, and why do they make you feel so good? Here are some little things that are simple and make you feel good, but why do they work? Here comes the science part…
Flossing
Dentists will tell you about needing to floss every day so you can keep your pearly whites that way, but did you know that flossing isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s also good for your heart? Studies have shown that flossing daily reduces the amount of plaque building up in the arteries, which reduces the chance of getting heart disease. Now there are emergency dentists that can fix you right up and can do all sorts of things to help you smile again, but flossing they can’t do for you! That’s your responsibility, so do it every night without fail!
Breathing
Now, I’m sure you’re just thinking that you breathe already and you breathe just fine. But it turns out that so many of us are just shallow breathing all the time, and we wonder why we get sick so much? We aren’t taking in as much oxygen as we should! There’s a guy called Wim Hof, and he has broken so many world records for holding his breath and swimming under ice. He even climbed Mount Everest in his underwear (brr)! But he says that he isn’t superhuman, he says that anyone can do what he does, and it’s all about getting used to the cold through cold (again, brr…), but also about doing proper breathing, and how oxygenation in your body reduces your PH levels and helps to prevent feeling sick. There is a method that I’ve done for about a week, and it feels amazing so far.
Sleeping
https://pixabay.com/en/baby-sleeping-baby-baby-girl-784608/
Don’t get enough sleep? Start to make time for a cat nap in the afternoon. Sleep is the body’s natural way of recharging, which we all know, but we now live in a world where people stay on their phones all night and go work a 12-hour job, that we aren’t giving ourselves time to rest. There are loads of studies on sleep, and not only does it help you recharge, but it’s also good for your heart, helps with memory, and even helps us lose weight. Sleep reduces cortisol, which is a stress hormone and can make you pile on the pounds.
Hugging
Yes, even hugging increases what’s called oxytocin, which is the happy hormone. That’s why you feel so good when you hold your baby or any baby for that matter. So, make time for more cuddles with your partner in the evening, it’s good for your health!
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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I know they do say most people dont breathe correctly. I remember years ago when on swim team our coach had us doing exercises that at the time I thought was silly. It really isnt and it is also very calming I think.
Interesting post. When I was young, I learned proper breathing techniques for singing, and I found it really did make me feel better when I practiced those techniques. Now I’ve got respiratory problems that keep me from breathing well, but I do try to do things like getting enough sleep. I’m all for adding hugs to my regimen, too! I also think that petting my dog has physical and psychological benefits for both him and me.
One of my anatomy instructors always used to tell me that eight hugs a day keeps the doctor away!
The lack of sleep is brutal on the body and mind. Trying to get better sleep!
You mentioned that you do a breathing method but you didn’t say what it is. Can you elaborate, please?
I have heard that flossing helps the heart from my dentist. I try to at least once a day.
I knew about the flossing and sleeping but wow never knew about breathing..I shall try some proper breathing
Flossing, breathing, sleeping, hugging…seems like simple stuff, but they make such a difference in one’s quality of life! They say that older people who live alone or in nursing facilities don’t get enough hugs. That is just so sad. That is why having a pet can help fill that void.