wellness

7 Healthy Changes You Can Make Right This Second, for Free

By Lindsay Champion

| Mar. 12, 2020

7 Healthy Changes You Can Make Right This Second, for Free

Good news: You don’t need to overhaul your whole life or spend a fortune to make positive changes to your health. Here are seven things you can do right now.

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1. Drink More Water

Aim for an extra three glasses of water each day, including one first thing in the morning (yes, before coffee). Carry around a water bottle and you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it.

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2. Soak Up Some Sun

Step outside for 15 minutes to get your daily dose of vitamin D, which may protect against heart disease and osteoporosis. (Sitting by a window doesn’t cut it, since glass blocks the UVB rays that trigger your skin’s response.)

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3. Get Moving

Make a point of moving around for a few minutes every hour, instead of, say, checking Instagram. Do 20 jumping jacks, walk around the block, practice your Lady Gaga moves—just get off your butt.

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4. Stretch Every Day

It may seem pointless if you’re not a dancer, but keeping your muscles limber can protect against injuries, particularly those of the repetitive-use variety (i.e., the ones you get just going about your day). Bonus: It’s really relaxing if you do it before bed.

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5. Crack Up

Laughing counteracts the effects of stress and boosts your immune system. So yukking it up with your friends is just as important as taking your daily multivitamin (not to mention a whole lot more fun).

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6. Take a Deep Breath

Or ten. A few slow, mindful breaths go a long way toward managing everything from anxiety to headaches. Focus your breath at least once a day or anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed.

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7. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Here’s a simple trick for preventing strain on your eyes: For every 20 minutes of staring at a screen (computer, phone, TV), look away and focus on something in the distance—at least 20 feet away—for 20 seconds. Ahh, much better.

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7 Healthy Changes You Can Make Right This Second, for Free

1. Drink More Water

2. Soak Up Some Sun

3. Get Moving

4. Stretch Every Day

5. Crack Up

6. Take a Deep Breath

7. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

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7 Healthy Changes You Can Make Right This Second, for Free

1. Drink More Water

2. Soak Up Some Sun

3. Get Moving

4. Stretch Every Day

5. Crack Up

6. Take a Deep Breath

7. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

More Stories You’ll Love

More Stories From our Partners