YOUR ALL-NEW HEALTH RULES

They may seem small, but make these actions non-negotiable and they have the power to make you feel healthier and happier.

Smell your dental floss

‘Sniff your floss after using it because usually it smells gross – that’s the scent of bacteria having a party where your brush can’t reach,’ says James Goolnik, founder of Bow Lane Dental Group. ‘It will encourage you to keep flossing every day.’ You need to brush for two minutes twice a day. ‘Most people brush for 30 seconds – but that’s not enough,’ adds James.

Stand tall for good digestion

Better posture will work wonders for your figure. Constant hunching forces the lower back to curve excessively, and pushes the stomach outwards. ‘An upright posture is also thought to aid digestion,’ says physiotherapist Valentina Roffi. This is because slouching restricts the diaphragm, which helps to move food through the oesophagus. To elongate your spine, imagine a balloon on a string attached to the crown of your head – gently lifting and lengthening without forcing you into an unnatural position.

Tap for 60 seconds

It’s been hailed as ‘emotional first aid’ – a way to combat stress, anxiety and fear by simply tapping on the body’s acupressure points, such as at the beginning of the eyebrows (near the nose) or just under the eye, with two fingers.

‘I’m a huge advocate of the tapping technique that dates back 5,000 years,’ says Chinese medicine practitioner Katie Brindle. When put to the test, tapping reduced anxiety by 40%, depression by 35%, pain by 57% and cravings by 74%, found a 2019 study*.

Let yourself daydream

Your unconscious brain can guide you to look at things that you haven’t had the time and emotional space to consider. ‘Plus, it can also increase our motivation to think about possibilities and a bigger goal and vision,’ says business coach Ruth Kudzi. And the perfect time to daydream? In the shower, apparently. This is because feeling relaxed can increase the flow of the hormone dopamine, a key ingredient to creativity. The more dopamine released, the higher our chance of making insightful connections and problem solving.

Have a gossip

Many of us share gossipy words with our best friends or colleagues – as much as 60% of adult conversations are about someone who isn’t there, found Yale University researchers. But don’t feel guilty about it. There’s a good reason why you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders after a good session. ‘This is because the frustration that caused you to gossip in the first place has been released,’ explains mental health expert Chloe Ward. Gossiping with someone and venting our annoyances – even for just five minutes a day – can help reduce our stress levels.

Inhale a healing aroma

Boost your health and wellbeing by discovering the power of essential oils. ‘Orange aromatherapy oil is proven to be uplifting and tranquillising. It alters our mood and boosts motivation, relaxation and clarity,’ says certified health coach Suzy Glaskie of Peppermint Wellness. ‘Put a drop of orange essential oil on one palm, rub your hands together and inhale deeply for 60 seconds every morning.’

Dig out your paints

Artistic pastimes can build brain resilience. ‘They also may help to fight off a decline in memory and offer protection against dementia,’ says neuroscientist and psychologist Sabina Brennan. ‘Going beyond your comfort zone will change your brain chemistry, impacting positively on your mood and brain function.’ Plus, creating artwork, such as a drawing or collage, reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, found a study by America’s Drexel University. Try painting, knitting or card-making instead of passively consuming entertainment in the evening.