Boost your mood and improve health with seven easy tips
Get a dog
Nineteen — that's how many more minutes of exercise you'll clock on average each week just by walking the dog. A recent study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that dog walkers were nearly 35 percent more likely to hit the recommended exercise guideline's 150-minute-per-week target.
Dark chocolate
Ever wonder why eating rich dark chocolate and juicy berries puts a smile on your face? It's not only because they're delicious; they may actually contain natural mood-enhancing molecules. New research reveals that some popular flavours are structurally similar to valproic acid, a common ingredient in mood-stabilizing drugs.
Eat dairy
We were surprised to learn that, in addition to providing a healthy hit of calcium, dairy also has some waist-whittling benefits: One recent study reveals five servings of dairy, including cheese, yogurt and low-fat milk, may help burn fat when it's part of an overall low-calorie diet. Bonus? Over 12 weeks, participants who had five servings instead of just three lost more stubborn belly fat.
Bottom line: It's okay to snack on some dairy every once in a while just be mindful about portion control.
Dim the lights...
...and play some Harry Connick Jr. — a resto's music and lighting scheme affect your appetite, says a new study from Cornell University. Researchers found that soft lighting and music help us eat less (without noticing it!). Compared with diners in raucous settings, those in relaxed spaces ate 174 fewer calories (18 percent less) and enjoyed their meals more, too. The researchers believe if we feel calm when we eat, we tend to consume less.
Try it today: Light some candles for a little more ambience and a lot less mindless eating. Soothing spaces help us tune in to how hungry we really are.
Wake up early
Rise and shine! It'll make you happier. Early birds are more chipper overall than night owls, says a University of Toronto study. Lead researcher Renée Biss suspects increased exposure to natural light has smile-worthy effects.
Try it tomorrow: Set your alarm 30 minutes ahead for the next two weeks and see if it makes a difference in your disposition.
Tell it like it is
Little white lies can add up to big health problems, say researchers at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Making an effort to tell the truth was associated with reduced aches and pains, feeling less sad and stressed and experiencing fewer headaches and sore throats. The report says we tell up to 11 lies a week, but if we're conscious about being honest and stick to a no-fib regimen, we stop making excuses and experience a whole lot less anxiety!
Quit channel surfing
Change one bad habit, and it'll have a domino effect. Northwestern University researchers found that cutting tube time can help you conquer late-night food cravings. That's because the TV often acts as a snack cue.
Bonus: You'll reduce your overall saturated-fat intake, too!
What do you do to feel the best about your health?
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