10 hacks for the ultimate healthy week

Life hacks are little tips and tricks that make your life easier. When it comes to health, these hacks become all the more important and most of the time a simple tweaking of your daily routine is enough to make you healthier. Confused about what these tricks are? Don’t worry! We have a few simple but effective hacks to make your week a whole lot healthier.

1. Go for a walk

One of the best ways to stay active and fit is by walking. If you still haven’t signed up at that gym next door or you’re just not in the mood for a full-blown workout session, then walking comes to your rescue. There are several ways to incorporate this activity in your lifestyle – instead of driving, walk to the grocery store; pretend that elevators don’t exist and take the stairs; move around while you’re chatting with your friends on the phone; and take a stroll around your neighbourhood whenever you’re stressed.

2. Clean the house

You may try and avoid household chores as much as you can, but cleaning your house is a great way to exercise. Volunteer to sweep or mop the floors, dust the furniture or scrub the sink. Apart from strengthening your muscles, you’ll also shrug off those extra calories in no time and your house will look spick-and-span too!

3. Take your dog for a walk

Having a dog not only lifts up your spirits but also helps you incorporate regular exercise into your life. Seize every opportunity to play fun games and take your dog out for regular walks. Not only will your dog stay healthy and happy, so will you. If you haven’t got one already, then getting a four-legged companion can be one of the healthiest and happiest choices you make.

4. Limit caffeine

Even though your regular dose of caffeine can serve as a great pick-me-up and has several health benefits, it’s best to limit your intake. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or aerated drinks, excess caffeine in the body can lead to side effects like a racing heartbeat, nervousness, and insomnia. The best way to keep track of how much caffeine you consume is to stick to just one source of caffeine through the day.

5. Don’t skip breakfast

Most people tend to skip breakfast or hurriedly grab a bite before rushing off to work. But breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a definite must! Make a healthy yet quick breakfast choice by keeping cereals, oats, fruits, eggs, and other easy-to-whip-up food items in your kitchen.

6. Organise your work time

The best way to remain efficient through the day is by drawing up a schedule with priorities in order, and trying to stick to that schedule as much as possible. This will help you stress less, optimise your productivity, and finish work with enough time to spare for other activities in your life.

7. Hit the snooze button

Sleep is perhaps the most essential aspect of your health. Despite exercising regularly and eating healthy, you may still be at risk of ruining your health if you don’t get enough sleep at night. Sleep improves your skin, keeps your memory sharp, and can even help you maintain a healthy weight. So make sure that you get those 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to stay healthy.

8. Download a fitness app

There are several fitness apps and gadgets that can help you keep track of your physical activity and encourage you to stick to your exercise routine.  From drawing up a workout regimen to prodding you to getting in shape, you will be surprised how much your new exercise buddy can influence your lifestyle.

9. Get some sunshine

While we do try and avoid exposure to the sun to prevent skin damage, we must also remember that a few minutes daily under the warm morning sun will do us a lot of good in the long run. The sun is a major source of Vitamin D and the lack of it in your body can have a negative impact on your health. The best way to soak in this essential nutrient is by stepping out early morning, for about 10 to 15 minutes, to bask under the sun.

10. Be happy

The best way to stay healthy is to stay happy. Put time aside each day to do something that makes you happy and keeps stress at bay. Meditate, volunteer with an NGO, listen to music, take up a hobby, or just spend quality time with your friends and family. Remember, the happier we are, the healthier we feel!