If you're reading this, you're probably overwhelmed with a million tasks on your list. Have no worries! I chose the best ways to improve your health in just a minute (from the weight loss list "25 Ways to Get Healthier in One Minute")!

DRINK A GLASS OF WATER

The Institute of Medicine suggests that as much as 75 percent of the population is dehydrated at any given time. Unfortunately, drinking inadequate fluids can make you feel hungry, put a strain on your kidneys, and can make it harder for your intestines to effectively and expeditiously digest food.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: What is the proper amount of water that we need? While the general recommendation of 8 cups per day may be an adequate guide and goal, ultimately you need to be mindful of your physical self to determine your true need. Chances are that you'll never feel a burst of energy with enough water. On the other hand, you will feel tired or experience cramps when dehydrated. Check-in with your body every hour and assess your need before there is a deficiency.

STAND UP

Those long hours behind a desk are no friend to your waistline or health in general. However, it only takes a minute to combat the deleterious effect of this all-too-common habit. Researchers in Melbourne, Australia have discovered that alternating sitting and standing, as opposed to lengthy periods of just sitting, can reduce blood sugar highs and lows that can lead to hunger pangs, so if you’ve got a little time on your hands, stand up.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: Is there enough research to support this claim? I'm not sure yet. One thing we know for certain: Your hip flexors tighten while seated and may tilt your hips in a compromising position. Translation: Give your back some relief and extend your body from its sitting, flexed position.

GIVE SOMEONE A HUG

If you’re into it, and they’re into it, go ahead and give someone you love a big bear hug! Not only can giving your sweetie a squeeze burn a few calories, it can also improve your overall health. In fact, researchers at the University of North Carolina and the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that hugging can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: Nevermind the miniscule amount of calories burning hugging someone (a little weird). No doubt about it: Giving hugs can lead to more positive interactions in your life...which may lead to less negativity and stress

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Got a minute? Go ahead and take a few deep breaths. Mindful breathing is an easy way to relax when you’re feeling stressed, and research suggests it can help improve surgical outcomes, keep your heart rate steady, and lower blood pressure.

DO A ONE-MINUTE MEDITATION

All it takes is a minute to get a clearer mind and healthier body. Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that meditation can relieve anxiety, physical pain, and even some symptoms of depression, so if you find yourself with a minute to spare, try channeling your inner om.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: Breathing...meditation...mindfulness...know these terms-they're probably missing from your life. Anytime a personal training client exhibits a limited range of motion or tightness in a stretch I always ask them to take a deep breath. You might be surprised how this simple strategy will reduce tension in the body and increase the range of motion. Just imagine what a collection of deep breaths and a focus can achieve during meditation!

SIP SOME TEA

Not a coffee drinker? Not a problem! Sipping a glass of green tea can help increase your energy level and may even help you slim down faster. Just make sure you're opting for an unsweetened version — many of the green teas you'll find at the supermarket are loaded with sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: How many hyperactive tea drinkers do you know? They always seem relaxed to me...especially as they sit, relax, and sip. Take note: You may need to slow down your life to improve your health. Don't forget that not all tea is the same. Read the box!

REST YOUR EYES

A mere 60 seconds definitely isn’t enough time for a nap, but it’s plenty of time to give those peepers a break. The American Optometric Association recommends taking regular breaks from staring at your computer screen to prevent eye strain, so if you’ve got a minute to spare, give yourself some shut-eye.

Personal Trainer Wisdom: More strain to any part of the body isn't good. The same principle applies to your eyes.

How else can you improve your health in one-minute?

Picture Credit:
Zerobelly.com-Is the key to better health in your cup?

More to Read:
Are you ready to try a few weight loss tricks from a personal trainer in Chicago? Check out 6 Things 'Successful Diets Have In Common.

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Article Credit:

Author: Michael Moody Fitness with excerpt sourced from the article " 25 Ways to Get Healthier in One Minute " on Zerobelly.com.