Eight ways to feel healthy and happy in March

Fall asleep faster

Tired of tossing and turning when you go to bed? Then try the "tension tamer," a new relaxation technique from Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland, that's proven to help people drift off more quickly. Here's how: Get cozy. Close your eyes and focus on slowly inhaling and exhaling. Then let your mind wander to the most restful place you've ever been. (Maybe it's that sandy beach you visited last summer, a cottage dock or a quiet park.) Picture it while breathing deeply for 10 minutes — if you can last that long before dozing off!

Proof it works: In the study, it took only four nights for people to fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly and even feel perkier in the morning. —Laura Fader

Say farewell to yo-yo dieting

Psst. We found the secret to staying slim: yogurt! In a comprehensive study on long-term weight gain, Harvard researchers discovered yogurt is the best food to support lifelong sustainable weightloss. A daily serving can actually help you lose weight over time, since yogurt's creamy taste and low-fat, high-protein combo satisfy taste buds while curbing cravings.

Make it a habit: To cash in on the health benefits of this daily dairy fix, scan the label and steer clear of added sugar. —Danya Cohen

Pile on protein to peel off pounds

Shrink your waist by loading up on lean meat, fish, tofu or beans. A new study from the University of South Australia reveals protein helps us slim down faster. In fact, dieters who ate more protein over 12 weeks lost up to two pounds more than those who favoured complex carbs. The magic number is 120 g a day (that's a three-egg omelette, a cup of lentils, a cup of quinoa with tofu, and a chicken breast). Protein may promote weight loss because the body has to use more calories to break it down.

Bottom line: Include protein with every meal. A scoop of protein powder in a smoothie is an easy bulk-free way to fit more in. —Lora Grady

Sniff away chocolate cravings

Turns out some fragrances can rewire your desire for tempting treats. So next time you're jonesin' for something sweet, spritz a craving-crushing scent like lavender, jasmine, gardenia or sandalwood. Aussie researchers say scents are twice as effective as willpower alone. —Anna Redman

Scare yourself slim

Want to burn 150 calories without trying? Pop in a film! Research from the University of Westminster says watching a movie (especially a scary one) increases adrenaline and releases appetite-suppressing hormones. While The Shining reigns supreme as the best fat-slashing flick (at 184 calories per viewing), you can scream off up to 180 this month with the remake of Carrie (out March 15) or laugh away 150 with Jim Carrey and Steve Carell in their new comedy, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. —Laura Fader

Sip for stellar grades

There's never been an easier way to help your child succeed: Just get them to drink water! Kids who take a good gulp before tests are proven to score higher, says a new U.K. study that linked a quick burst of hydration with improved short-term memory and attention.

Drink up: Send 'em off with a cute reusable water bottle. —Danya Cohen

Harmonize for a stronger brain

Introducing instruments to budding baby Beethovens or just making music with the kids a priority early on may strengthen their brains, reveals new Canadian research. And the mind-boosting benefits extend into adulthood! —Madeline Cravit

Play with your food

Here are two fun ways to get picky eaters to clean up everything on their plates (brussels sprouts included!):

Give veggies funny names: Children eat more vegetables when they have exciting names, says a study in the journal of Preventive Medicine. At the test school, when carrots, green beans and broccoli were given hilarious monikers, intake went up a whopping 99 percent! Try it tonight: Serve up Power Punch Broccoli, X-Ray Carrots and Silly Dilly Green Beans. These names all won the kids over in the study.

Put a sticker on it: In a recent study from Cornell University, kids presented with a choice of either cookies or an apple with a cartoon sticker on it were twice as likely to go for the fruit. It's all about the fun factor! Make it a habit: Keep a stash of stickers on hand with your tiny tyke's favourite heroes and stick them on a container of apple slices or carrot sticks. Then watch them disappear! —Dominique Lamberton