10 Easy and Healthy Life Hacks

Before I begin the list, let’s start with the definition of a “life hack.”  Near as anyone can tell, the term was coined in 2004 at a tech conference (duh!) in San Diego in reference to things which solve problems in a programmer’s life, unrelated to their jobs, such as an event reminder or email filter.  The term has since been applied to all tricks, shortcuts or strategies that better manage one’s time and daily activities in a more efficient manner.  Therefore, a healthy life hack would involve a simple thing you could incorporate into your life that, when performed over time, will improve your health.  Now that the definition is out of the way, on to the list…

• Take laugh breaks during your day. Yeah, I know you take breaks (lunch, coffee) throughout your day, but this one is just as important.  Studies show that laughter increases oxygen flow to your lungs, heart and, thus, the rest of your body and releases feel-good endorphins in your brain.  So, during your day, talk to the funny person in your workplace or stream a clip of your favorite comedy movie or series.
• Chew gum to curb cravings. Chewing sugarless gum when you feel like eating unhealthy snacks can allay those cravings, control hunger and promote weight loss.  Keep a pack with you throughout your day and use when needed.
• Practice mindful eating whenever possible. I wrote about this in a recent post and have utilized it to great effect since.  It simply means being aware of what, when and how you’re eating without a distracting screen in front of you.  Focus on portion size, nutrient content and even on proper chewing and you’ll be surprised how it can change your eating habits.
• Stare off into the distance for about 20 seconds every half hour or so, especially if you’re squinting at a monitor all day. This gives the “squinting” muscles around your eyes a break and engages a different set of eye muscles.  It also allows your mind to wander if only for a few seconds.
• Learn something new to you. This is more for mental than physical health.  While your brain is not technically a muscle, it, like a muscle, improves with use.  By learning something new, like a language, an instrument, a new card game, painting or something along those lines, your brain stays active, engaged and healthy.
• Eat or drink something fermented and no, not alcohol. Fermented foods and drinks increase the number of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in your digestive system which can improve digestion, boost your immune system and can lead to weight loss.  Some fermented foods to consider are miso, kimchi, sauerkraut and tempeh.  Kombucha is an Asian fermented tea that tastes much better than it sounds.
• Meditate to clear a cluttered mind is one of my wife’s favorite slogans. Meditation has been shown to relieve stress, control anxiety, improve self-awareness, lengthen attention span, and lessen pain, among other things.  There are plenty of websites out there to get you started, like this one.
• Place healthy snacks in prime locations. My wife works in the grocery industry and often relates stories about how reps fight for eye-level product placement in stores.  This life hack works on that same principle.  Put healthy snacks at your eye level in your fridge, pantry, cupboards and near your workstation.  You’ll be amazed how quickly grapes can replace M & Ms.
• Drink lemon water to start your day. Lemons are stuffed full of fiber, vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds that support heart health, lower cholesterol, prevent kidney stones (ouch!), prevent anemia and improve digestive health.  So why not just eat lemons?  Well, have you ever sucked on a lemon?  Also, the citric acid is not good for your teeth.  Hence, the process of diluting the lemon juice in warm water.
• Get at least 7 hours sleep come hell, high water or COVID-19. Yeah, I don’t want to hear your excuses for not getting enough sleep.  Just Google “benefits of proper sleep” and you’ll find the benefits far exceed just about any reason you can come up with for not getting 7 hours, such as improved mood, better heart health, less stress and anxiety, and improved cognitive functions.

Look, these life hacks do not require a huge chunk of your time or a great deal of effort and that’s the point.  There are so many little things we can do in our lives to improve our health and these are just the first ten.  I’m sure you can find dozens more that apply to your situation with minimal exertion.  Now get hacking.