Simple Steps Towards a Healthier You
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1. Take a Five-Minute Walk

Indiana University researchers recently found that if people sat for just one hour, they experienced a 50% drop in their leg arteries’ ability to expand. This impairment can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. But study participants who walked five minutes for each hour they spent sitting maintained their ability for arterial expansion.

2. Make Your Bed

People who make their beds were 19% more likely to report getting a good night’s sleep than those who leave their blankets messy in the morning, according to a poll by the US National Sleep Foundation. There may be a connection between feeling good about where you sleep and your tendency to sleep through the night.

3. Read Without Distraction

Proponents of the “slow reading” movement advocate curling up with a good book for at least a half hour, uninterrupted by text messages or Facebook alerts. The practice may reduce stress and promote clearer thinking. Studies have shown that when people read multimedia content their reading comprehension is lower than when they read only text.

4. Watch Less TV

The older adults get, the more they tend to watch TV, according to multiple studies around the world. Too much screen time in midlife is linked with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as sitting still for extended periods of time causes metabolic changes that can lead to significant ill health. If you’re desperate to catch a show, stand up at least every half an hour, or walk around during the ad breaks.

5. Disinfect Your Desk

Four hours after University of Arizona researchers swabbed virus samples onto workplace surfaces, they found traces on 40-60% of other frequently touched objects in the building. Protect yourself against colds and flu by washing your hands frequently and using disinfecting wipes on your own workspace.

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