10 easy everyday health hacks

You don’t have to compete in a triathlon to feel the thrill of making a healthy change. Even a small shift from your usual routine can bring you all kinds of benefits. And when that small tweak is fun and easy? Count us in!

We rounded up 10 expert-recommended health hacks that’ll give you that 'I-did-something-different' energy. Try working some of them into your week, discover your favourites and choose which behaviours you'll repeat to transform them into new healthy habits.

Not only does it feel great, research shows that dancing can also make the brain younger, says brain health researcher Marc Milstein, PhD. Your mind thrives on activities that give you both a physical and mental workout, and busting a couple of moves can be one of the most enjoyable ways to get that double benefit. The mental challenge comes from learning new steps, so try a Tik-Tok dance or give a Zumba class a go!

Bring the spa experience into your home with essential oils, which can help you feel more relaxed, or even more awake. In the morning, try shaking a few drops of peppermint oil onto your shower floor and inhale. In the evening, reach for relaxing options like lavender. As you breathe deeply, imagine your fatigue or stress washing down the drain.

If you suspect you don't drink enough water, try this trick from holistic health coach MaryAnn Jones: “Choose a beautiful glass or bottle for your water, then add in a rainbow of fruit, veggies or herbs.” The boost to H2O’s visual and taste appeal will make you more inclined to drink up what you need.

Smartphones are great - except when they’re not. If you feel like yours has a hold on you, make an effort to grow the phone-free moments in your life. Try giving your phone a “bedtime” that’s an hour before your own, or leave it in your desk drawer during lunch. You may not just survive the separation, you might even like it.

When you're feeling down, call or text one of your most positive friendsand ask questions like “What’s the best thing about this week?” or “What’s the coolest thing you heard today?”. Research suggests that good moods can be contagious among social circles, so do your best to catch one.

Is cleaning the kitchen looming large enough to dampen your day? Try a little round of 'sprint-clean'. Set a timer for as little as five minutes. “Then make it a game to see how much you can run around and clean in that amount of time,” says Katherine Corp, co-owner of Pilates on Fifth in NYC. “You’ll be amazed how tidy your house looks,” she says. It's also a great way to add Points to your Budget!

Feeling anxious? Try singing your symptoms away! Whether you croon in the shower or belt out tunes in the car, singing activates the vagus nerve, which relaxes the nervous system and may help combat stress, according to Sarah Emily Sajdak, founder of Aquarius Acupuncture in New York City.

The garden or patio is great for getting outdoors, but heading to a more expansive setting like your local park could leave you feeling more relaxed and refreshed. And plan to stay a while: research shows that people who spend 30 minutes or more in wild, open spaces feel better than those who only have a quick look.

“Superfoods” come and go, but salmon is a perennial health star thanks to its abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. Some experts believe these healthy fats could even help your mood. Salmon is easy to cook, either low in Points or on your ZeroPoint foods list, and you can find plenty of delicious recipes in the WW app.

If meditation never gets ticked off your to-do list, then Portland-based fitness and meditation instructor Kait Hurley recommends staying in bed. “Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier and meditate before you get out of bed,” she says. Hit the snooze button and sit up in bed (don’t make the rookie error of lying down, or you’ll be back to sleep in no time). Choose a Breethe meditation in the WW app, close your eyes and pay attention to the rhythm of your breath. When thoughts drift into your mind, gently guide your attention back to your inhales and exhales. Keep it up until your snooze alarm goes off.