Boost your health in 10 minutes

GETTING healthy can often sound like a huge mountain to climb - not something that can be done quickly. But while long-term good health takes consistent effort, there are many little things you can do in not very much time - and easily - to help boost your health. Here are some easy ways to boost your health in 10 minutes...

DRINK A GLASS OF WATER

Dehydration can impact the balance of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which can increase feelings of low mood, anxiety or depression. The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends drinking six to eight glasses each day, which is around 1.2-1.5 litres.

STRETCH

Sitting for long periods can leave our bodies uncomfortable, make us less productive, and isn’t good for health. Keeping your body stretched will do the world of good and will avoid stiffness.

STAND UP

Standing can burn more calories than sitting How about standing up every time you take a call at work or at home?

EAT SOME PROTEIN

Protein is the ‘building block’ of our bodies, and diets high in protein - including foods like eggs, chickpeas, yoghurt, nuts and seeds - are linked to a range of benefits. These range from quicker recovery from injuries, lower blood pressure, good bone health and greater muscle strength and mass, to less intense food cravings.

There’s growing research linking a high protein intake to better metabolic health and, in turn, weight management.

EXERCISE IN THE AD BREAKS

If you can’t make it to the gym, or would just rather slouch in front of the telly, why not get the best of both worlds? Take your favourite hour-long programme and plan exercises for each ad break. Do this three times, which will make those boring ad breaks fly by!

MOVE WHILE THE BATH RUNS

As you wait for the bath to fill up, go up and down your stairs as many times as possible. If you don’t have stairs, standing rotated lunges will work just fine.

GET SOME SUNSHINE

Vitamin D helps keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy, amongst other important things for good general health - and the body creates it from exposure to direct sunlight when outdoors, when there’s sufficient conditions. Your mood will benefit too.