Monthly Archives: January 2020

Friends help you sleep better!

31 Friday Jan 2020

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People who spend quality time with friends sleep better at night. But those who feel lonely have trouble dozing off, and feel less energetic and less focused the next day. Research at the University of Rochester found that strong friendships reduce stress and anxiety, and make us feel more secure and relaxed. And that reduces activity in the brain area that stays vigilant at night. Basically, if we’re lonely, we feel vulnerable, insecure, and unprotected, even while we sleep, and part of our brain stays on alert for self-protection. So hanging with your friends during the day is your brand new sleeping pill.

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Will you choose to eat healthier food today?

30 Thursday Jan 2020

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Asking yourself that question – every day, several times a day – could make you more likely to stick with a healthier, lower-calorie diet.

So instead of making declarative statements like, “I WILL eat healthy” – frame your goals as positive questions, like “WILL I choose to eat healthier snacks?” A review of more than 100 studies in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that people who asked themselves questions were more likely to change their behavior. They were also more likely to STICK with their new habits for 6 months. The researchers call it the “question-behavior effect.” And it works because asking questions is much less confrontational than TELLING yourself what to do. And it’s much less likely to trigger the foot-dragging and resentment that can push you to give up your goals.

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Are you adopting a healthier lifestyle?

29 Wednesday Jan 2020

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Make sure your goals aren’t too hard OR too easy. Psychologist Loretta Breuning says when a challenge is too hard, we feel less reason to try. Because it seems almost impossible. But if it’s too easy, we feel no sense of reward when we accomplish it. But if you can achieve a goal with just enough effort, like increasing exercise by walking around the block every morning, you’ll be more motivated to keep going. Because realistic objectives inspire us the most.

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Do you get butterflies before giving a work presentation or wedding toast?

28 Tuesday Jan 2020

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Here’s what you’re feeling: Cardiologist Dr. Mehmet Oz says when we’re nervous, our body produces adrenaline, triggering a fight-or-flight reaction, where blood rushes to our extremities in case we need to outrun a mugger. So, butterflies are the blood rushing OUT of your digestive tract. You may also need a bathroom because the hormone cortisol triggers the colon to contract, which can trigger instant diarrhea. So before a stressful situation, make sure you know where the nearest bathroom is!

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Here’s a natural remedy for the flu:

27 Monday Jan 2020

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Go get some elderberry syrup. You can find it at stores like Rite Aid, CVS, and Target. According to the Loyola University Health System, elderberries have antioxidants that may help stop the flu virus from replicating. It won’t get rid of the flu – but it can shorten the duration of your illness and ease symptoms. The prescription? Mix 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup into water or tea, 4 times a day.

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Exercises To Stop Snoring

24 Friday Jan 2020

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Do you snore? Try these exercises to firm up your soft palate – that’s the throat tissue that gets flabby and contributes to snoring.

Exercise one: Open your teeth, keep your lips closed, and say “ahhhh,” like you would for the doctor.

Exercise two: Push your tongue against the roof of your mouth and move it back as far as you can.

Do each of them 20 times, 3 times a day. In a few weeks, your throat muscles will be stronger, and your snoring should be reduced by nearly 40%.

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Even if it’s gray outside, wear your sunglasses.

23 Thursday Jan 2020

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Because UV rays go right through clouds, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. And with snow and ice, 80% of those UV rays can be reflected back up at you. By comparison, grass only reflects 10% of UV rays. And all that ultraviolet light can damage your retinas and lead to issues like cataracts. So wear sunglasses, even in winter, and make sure they block 99% of UV radiation.

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On your worst day at work…

22 Wednesday Jan 2020

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…make sure you end the day with some exercise. Most adults say one of their biggest sources of stress is their job. But according to a study in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, a workout after work is the best antidote. Because job stress is linked to heart problems – and the stress from a bad day at work can linger for 48 hours. Work stress can also lead to high cholesterol and depression. But even a small burst of exercise on the day you’re experiencing the stress can reduce those risk factors. So when things get tough, get going and break a sweat.

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Do you need an energy boost?

21 Tuesday Jan 2020

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Watch one of your favorite movies or reruns of your favorite TV show. Research at the University of Buffalo found that familiar storylines create a so-called “restorative effect” by relaxing our brain. Providing an instant energy boost, improving our willpower, self-control and problem-solving skills – while new shows have no effect. The reason? Because familiar stories – just like familiar places, people and foods – can be incredibly comforting.

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Drinking alcohol isn’t necessarily going to make you gain weight…

20 Monday Jan 2020

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…as long as you drink in moderation. That’s according to Harvard University researchers. They found that study participants were only likely to gain weight if they consumed more than 3 drinks a day. And those who drank liquor were more likely to gain weight than those who preferred wine. Even though a serving of wine has about the same number of calories as a serving of liquor. The reason? Because most people drink hard liquor with mixers and flavored syrups – which are packed with sugar and calories. And that can turn a 100-calorie shot into a 500-plus calorie margarita or mai-tai.

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