8 Simple Things You Can Do Under 5 Minutes to be Healthier
Here are 8 simple things you can do under 5 minutes to be healthier and reduce the risk of cancer. The best part? They are small steps that don’t require much time or effort but will certainly benefit you in the long run.
-
Apply sunscreen
Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays can be done just about anywhere. Start by applying a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen during the day and repeat every two hours or so. And remember to wear it all year-round – not just when you go swimming! Sunblock doesn’t just protect you from sunburn; it also reduces your risk of skin cancer and prevents premature skin ageing.[1]
-
Brew (and sip!) green tea
There’s a reason why green tea is so popular. Not only is it delicious with milk, honey, or lemon, but green tea has also been shown to improve brain function, lower heart disease and protect against cancer.[2] Plus, drinking tea contributes to your recommended “8 glasses a day” liquid intake, so it keeps you hydrated as well!
-
Laugh
Laughing makes us feel good because it stimulates the release of dopamine in our brain, which helps regulate moods while boosting immunity and improving overall health.[3] So if you’ve got a few minutes to spare, try watching something funny on YouTube or share a joke with a friend!
-
Take a deep breath
When we’re stressed out, we tend to breathe shallowly, making us feel more tense. Taking a few deep breaths will help you relax and feel more centred in your body. Just breathe in through your nose for four counts and then out through your mouth for eight counts. Try this several times a day and watch your mood (and health) improve significantly!
-
Snack
You heard us right! But instead of reaching for potato chips and soda, try nuts, fruit or even dark chocolate when you’re feeling hungry. These titbits not only curb your cravings but are also rich in nutrients that can reduce the risk of heart disease (amongst many other things!)[4] You don’t have to overhaul your diet overnight (and we don’t recommend it) but swapping out processed snacks for more nourishing treats is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
-
Correct your sitting posture
This might be a no-brainer, but lots of people slouch when sitting at their work or school desks. Sitting with good posture has a wealth of benefits, including reducing pressure on your lymph nodes[5], reducing joint pain[6], and our favourite – making us look taller. But in all seriousness, remember: if your back hurts when you stand up, it’s probably because you’ve been slouching all day.
-
Stand up and walk
According to experts, even if you exercise regularly, prolonged sitting can put your health at risk[7], so it’s important to get a few minutes of movement every hour. It doesn’t matter how you choose to stay active – walking, ironing, stretching – as long as you get on your feet and move! We recommend setting a notification on your phone or desktop every hour to remind you to move if you tend to forget.
-
Talk to someone
Studies have shown that social isolation can increase your risk of many problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes[8], which is why it’s important to connect and socialise with others. It doesn’t matter who you’re talking to – your mom, best friend, or even the taxi uncle – reaching out and interacting with others helps us stay connected to those around us and boosts our overall health.
Even though cancer has a high mortality rate, the good news is you can take steps to reduce your own risk of getting it. And while there’s no way to eliminate the risk, some minor lifestyle changes – like snacking better and moving more – can help you be healthier and reduce your chances.
References:
All About Sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation. 2022. Accessed on June 7, 2022. Available from https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea. Healthline. 2020. Accessed on June 7, 2022. Available form https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea
Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke. Mayo Clinic. 2021. Accessed on June 7, 2022.Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456