Boost Your Health in Just 5 Minutes a Day: Quick and Easy Habits Backed by Science.
If you ever think you’re too busy for self-care, you’re not alone. Many blame hectic schedules for hindering healthier lifestyles. However, what if you only needed five minutes? Surprisingly, there are brief activities with a significant positive impact on health and wellness.
Consider this: instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media for 5, 10, or 20 minutes, redirect that time to quick, science-backed activities. As 7 in 10 Americans use social media, trading a few minutes of scrolling for these activities can be beneficial.
- Focus on Your Breath: Take a short break and practice deep breathing for as little as 90 seconds. This simple activity triggers a relaxation response, reducing stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate. Consistent deep breathing can also enhance posture and alleviate pain.
- Move Your Body: Combat the negatives of prolonged sitting by moving for just five minutes. Whether it’s a short yoga session, body-weight exercises, or dancing to upbeat tunes, keeping your body in motion matters. A 2020 study even found that 11 minutes of daily exercise, in any increments, increases lifespan.
- Connect with a Friend: Dedicate five minutes daily to connect with a friend, either in person or through video chat. Socializing, even digitally, combats loneliness and its associated risks like declining cognitive skills, depression, heart issues, and early death.
- Prep Healthy Snacks: Spending five minutes every other day to wash and cut up fresh fruits and vegetables can impact your snacking choices positively. This simple habit makes healthy options more accessible and is a practical entry point for larger-scale meal prep.
- Take a Quick Stroll: Even a five-minute walk, whether around your neighborhood or inside your office building, offers health benefits. Research indicates that any amount of walking contributes to reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and early death. Taking a brief stroll every 30 minutes further reduces blood pressure and blood sugar.
Unlike challenging health resolutions, these five-minute activities are practical and can develop into sustainable habits, enhancing your well-being over time.
So, credit to CNN for these valuable insights!
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/19/health/five-minute-healthy-habits-benefits-wellness