We all should know that to be as healthy as we can possibly be, we should be eating well, sleeping for a good amount of hours each and every night and regularly keep up with those dreaded doctor’s and dentist appointments. Not to mention being regularly active and drinking enough water.
Many people wonder if there is anything else that they can you do to boost their immune system and stay healthy. This list will get you started with some uncommon ways that can help you go above and beyond to create total health. So if you want to improve your health as much as possible, read on.
Don’t wear shoes
If you ditch all forms of footwear during the sweaty summer months, you may find that you end up with better blood circulation, a happier mood, stronger bones and better posture. It is believed that barefoot walking increases skin health, reduces foot calluses, builds arch strength and enhances sensory stimulation. Going barefoot also creates healthier toenails and reduces foot odour. Sounds like it’s worth a try.
Laugh
Everyone’s heard their grandmother say that ‘laughter is the best medicine.’ And while it obviously won’t cure everything, having a good old giggle up definitely has some health benefits. According to studies, the instant benefits of laughing include lowered stress levels and reduced muscle tension due to increased oxygen intake and increased circulation. Long-term effects include an improved mood, pain relief, and a boosted immune system.
Participate in a clinical trial
Many people with illnesses look in to joining clinical laboratory services who determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Clinical trials can also look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. These services, alongside bridging studies, help researchers understand what can be done to cure illnesses and make us healthier.
Although, you do not have to be ill in order to join a trial, healthy volunteers say they participate to help others and to contribute to moving science forward. Participants with an illness or disease also participate to help others, but also to possibly receive the newest treatment and to have the additional care and attention from the clinical trial staff. Joining a trial will not only make you healthier, but will go towards helping everyone be healthier!
Brush your skin
It’s common knowledge that the skin is the largest organ in the body. It is responsible for one-fourth of the body’s daily detoxification. When you brush your skin, you help your lymph system to clean itself of the toxins that collect in the lymph glands. One third of your body’s toxins are excreted through the skin and dry brushing helps to unclog pores and excrete toxins that become trapped.
Brushing your teeth
Obviously brushing your teeth is important, but you should not brush your teeth straight after you have eaten a meal or drink, especially if they were acidic. Acidic foods—citrus fruits, sports drinks, tomatoes, fizzy drinks—can soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth at this stage can speed up acid’s effect on your enamel and erode the layer underneath. Dentists suggest waiting 30 to 60 minutes before brushing.
More nature
Bring more plants into your home and workplace. We all know that plants turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. But did you know plants can also purify the air, removing harmful pollutants? Not only will the air you breathe be fresher, but plants also naturally humidify the air reducing allergies and sinusitis. Plants have psychological benefits as well. We are happier, less stressed and more productive in a greener, more natural environment. If you don’t have a plant at your desk, get one now!
Drink hot to cool down
What do you think will cool you off faster on a steamy summer morning: iced coffee or hot coffee? Studies say the latter—and so do the people where drinking hot tea in hot weather is the norm, like in India. When you sip a hot beverage, your body senses the change in temperature and increases your sweat production. Then, as the sweat evaporates from your skin, you cool off naturally. It has to do with receptors on the tongue and in the throat. One particular receptor called the TRPV1 receptor senses heat and causes the body to respond with an overabundance of sweat. Interestingly, it also responds to spicy foods in the same way.
Singing
Singing is always fun and here are a few other reasons to make you want to sing more. Singing can help uplift our mood and decrease tension. This makes singing an excellent way to manage stress, which is good for our heart, for improving our immune system and for our overall health. Singing is a natural anti-depressant. It releases endorphins, the feel-good brain chemical that makes you feel uplifted and happy. Not only that, but singing can simply take your mind off the day’s troubles to boost your mood.
Staying healthy physically can help you stay healthy emotionally too. If you’re eating the right food and keeping fit, your body will be strong and help you to cope with stress and also fight illness. Eating well and exercising often when you’re a teenager will also help you stay in good health later in life. So take advantage of these top tips in order to stay ‘extra’ healthy and make sure you do all you can to stay physically and emotionally healthy.
Author Bio
Luke, originally from East London, studies English Literature and English Language at the University of Leicester. He is now a content writer and blogger and enjoys writing on various topics.