WOULD you class yourself as someone who’s time-starved? Have you got 30 seconds? Then I’ll get to the point quickly.
Rather than putting off improving your health or wellbeing because you feel it’s just too involved and would take far too much time, take heart. Keeping fit and health, both mentally and physically, is always an ongoing journey, but there are some easy and effective ways to get you going on the right road right quick, and some of them can take as little as 30 seconds.
Some range from common-sense life advice right out as far as things you might have heard from your mother years ago and always thought ‘What if I gave that a try?’.
If you’re looking to improve your health or lifestyle a little, without too much fuss, here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Stretch as often as possible. Your lymph system, muscles, joints, and circulatory system will thank you.
2. Drizzle olive oil over your meal when cooked. It’s full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and fertility-boosting fats.
3. Add seeds or nuts to a dish. This can increase the fibre, protein, and fat content of your breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
4. Breathe abdominally. It’s the way Nature intended us to breathe. Ideal while waiting for the kettle to boil, the lights to change, or the washing machine to finish its cycle.
5. Soak some beans, nuts, seeds, or lentils for the next day in a bowl of water with a pinch of salt.
6. Think of three things you’re grateful for. It’s hard to not be in a good mood doing this.
7. Add some greens to your plate. Lightly steam them for ease of digestion.
8. Drink some water. Room temperature ideally, with a squeeze of lemon juice or cider vinegar added.
9. Take a spoon or two of live yoghurt. Choose coconut yoghurt or goat’s yoghurt if you don’t tolerate cow’s.
10. Chew well, when eating. Both for your digestive system and your own enjoyment.
11. Think of something that makes you laugh.
12. Stick on the kettle for a herb tea or miso soup. Relax and enjoy.
13. Declutter five items from a pocket/shelf/dashboard/laptop/folder.
14. Learn a new word. In any language.
15. Write something with your non-dominant hand.
16. Balance on one leg. Can you work up to 30 seconds?
17. Wash or peel some vegetables for easy prep of your next meal.
18. Add sauerkraut to your meal, once cooked.
19. Taste your food before adding sugar or salt.
20. Read an inspirational quote. Repeat if necessary.
21. Turn off the news.
22. Body-scan for tension.
23. Unsubscribe from a listing you don’t read.
24. Write out the top three things you want to achieve this week.
25. Sprinkle sea salad on your food.
26. Hug your partner/child/dog/yourself.
27. Look away from the screen and close your eyes.
28. Freeze some prepped vegetables.
29. Make bone broth. Place bones in a large pot, cover with water, add a spoon of cider vinegar, and let simmer, covered, for hours. Enjoy.
30. Put the fork down between bites to really appreciate your food.
Added tip: If it take 30 seconds or less, do it now. We all have 30 seconds, use them to support you in whatever way you need right now.
