BOOST your health on a BUDGET
We’re often being bombarded with marketing for the latest miracle vitamin or wellness product. But making small adjustments to your lifestyle will have a noticeable benefit to your health and needn’t cost a thing. Try these no-spend health-boosters today!
Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential to maintaining good health. Trouble dropping off? Try box breathing: breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, breathe out through your nose for four, and hold for four. It’s great for lowering stress and anxiety. Stick to a sleep schedule where possible – keeping your bedtimes and waking times consistent could make a huge difference.
Boost your hydration with the right foods
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will keep your joints and eyes hydrated, ease digestion and help to keep your skin healthy. If you struggle to drink six to eight glasses of water a day, which is the recommended daily amount, make sure you’re eating water-rich foods with each meal such as cucumbers, melon, lettuce and tomatoes, as well as soups and broths.
Cut back on alcohol
Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink will make you feel healthier and save you money. Keeping track of how much you’re drinking is also proven to help you scale back. You can track your alcohol intake using an app like DrinkControl, which helps you to stay within a heathy range. Reducing your intake will also have a positive effect on your sleeping patterns too.
Use tech
Apps often make our lives easier, and now mean you can access exercise
With finances squeezed, here are some expert tips for staying well without spending a penny
classes and wellness sessions without leaving the comfort of your own home. The Calm app is great for guided meditations and offers a free trial, while you can visit actionforelders.org.uk for online exercise sessions and community groups to help you get active.
Get a check-up
Getting a free check-up with your GP is a good thing (and most of us are eligible for a check every five years from 40 onwards) as it can identify silent but serious health problems and enable you to manage them early on. Check-ups also keep tabs on your blood pressure and glucose levels.
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