Reset Your Body and Mind With These ’Spring-Cleaning’ Tips Jennifer Robinson, MD - WebMD
go to original March 14, 2024

You might be surprised to learn how easy it is to reboot your body. See a few simple habits that can help boost your mental and physical well-being.

Socialize

It’s not about how many people you know or how often you see them. What matters is a real connection with others. It can make you happier, more productive, and less likely to have health problems. So call up a friend and go to dinner, or join a team or club to make some new ones.

Ditch the Juice, Eat the Fruit

If you like orange juice, have an orange instead. Even 100% pure juice loses nutrition when you process it, and it can put a lot of hidden sugar in your diet. On the other hand, actual fruits are good sources of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid. And they’re low in fat, sodium, and calories.

Take Time Off

It’s a time when you can bond with family and friends, which is good for your mental and physical health. People who take more vacations live longer and are less likely to have heart disease and other health problems.

Manage Your Stress

We all have stress in our lives. It makes your muscles tense and your heart race. If this happens a lot - during your daily commute, for example - and you don’t handle it well, it can cause serious health problems, including high blood pressure, ulcers, and heart disease. So take time to breathe, do something that calms you, and try to accept what you cannot change - like rush-hour traffic.

Be Active

Exercise is a proven way to improve your health, your mental well-being, and even your libido. You don’t have to sign up for the New York Marathon -- just get your heart rate up for 30 minutes or so a few times a week. Gardening works, and so does a walk around the block. If you can’t make it a habit on your own, try to make it social: Join a local sports league or plan regular runs with a friend.

Have Sex

It’s linked to heart health, brain health, a long life, a strong relationship, and even happiness. Just keep it safe. Get tested for STDs and use condoms to protect yourself and your partner against diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

Get Your ZZZs

A lack of sleep can lead to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. If that’s not enough reason to get your ZZZs, it also causes car crashes and other accidents. Adults should get 7 to 9 hours each night.

Get Outside

The sunlight helps set your sleep clock and leads to more exercise. You’ll also get vitamin D, which many people don’t get enough of. It’s important for cell function, mental health, and heart health. But don’t stay in the sun too long, and wear sunscreen. Too much sun is linked to skin cancer.

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Related: Women May Get a Bigger Longevity Boost From Exercise Than Men (The Washington Post)