Healthy Living

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

5 (Easy!) Healthy Things You Can Do For Yourself--Right This Second!

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Making healthy choices doesn't always have to be time consuming or a drag. Here are five super-easy things you can do to improve your health right this second ... without leaving your desk!

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1. Do your kegals! You know you haven't done them in a while, right? So start flexing, gals (squeeze for 3 seconds, then relax for 3 seconds)! Do a set of 15 right this moment and try to work in a few more sets before the day's in. The health payoff: You'll strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can help prevent incontinence issues down the road and even improve your sex life.

2. Drink some water. Take a sip right now! You'll feel more energized and will be less likely to fall victim to a headache (dehydration is the #1 cause of common headaches).

Chugging Water: Does It Improve Your Skin? Like, For Real?

3. Sit up straighter. You were slumping over just then, weren't you? I was, too, until I caught myself. Notice how when you sit up straighter, you feel better. Posture experts say that making a conscious effort to keep your spine straight and shoulders back can have huge health payoffs--plus, you look more beautiful when you're sitting up straight (it's true!).

4. Take a series of deep breaths. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? But when's the last time today or this week that you sat back in your chair and paid attention to your breathing patterns, focusing on taking big, deep breaths? Carve out a few minutes for mindful breathing (as new agey as that sounds) and you'll feel more revived.

Stressed? Try "brick-wall thinking"...

5. Cancel something. I think most women are guilty of over-scheduling their lives (me too!), which leads to stress and anxiety. Have you overbooked yourself? If so, you're not failing if you simply reschedule a dinner date for the following weekend or cancel a meeting that can totally happen tomorrow. Sometimes the healthiest thing is a little breathing room.

What other simple, quick things do you do to improve your health?

Related: Do this in the morning for a big health payoff all day!

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Comments 1-10 of 11
  • Jessica Ashley, Shine staff's Avatar
    Posted by Jessica Ashley, Shine staff Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:25am PDT

    I LOVE these tips! Now, who can do Kegels, sip water and breathe deeply while canceling an appointment?

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  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:32am PDT

    Ha ha ha... Great tips. I have already had two huge glasses of water this morning... ok really 1.75 cause I used the last quarter to make a glass of crystal light... :D

    and thanks for the reminder to sit up straight... I have a habit of slouching.

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  • Katrina's Avatar
    Posted by Katrina Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:38am PDT

    Hehe! Nice tips.

    You really caught me with the sitting up straight! ;D

    I did all of these as I went! The water one reminded me of my friend, she always buzzes me to remind me to drink water because I get so much into work and studing!

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  • Shahid's Avatar
    Posted by Shahid Thu Aug 20, 2009 3:52am PDT

    Such articles are really very useful. I am one of beneficiaries.

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  • InLove's Avatar
    Posted by InLove Thu Aug 20, 2009 6:46am PDT

    When I wear pants to the office, I usually sit cross legged (partly because I'm always cold) and it makes me sit up straighter. I definately agree with the water one. And in addition to the breathing one, do a few over-the-head stretches a few times a day if you sit all day and you will feel better. After 2 hours of sitting, stretching or getting behind my desk and bending at the waist and touching my toes feels amazing!

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