Sip tea, eat cheese, hit the sauna. 11 health tips to help you have a great week.
Hello, health and wellness readers! My name is Kaitlin, and I’m here to provide you with some tips to help you improve your life. It was the hottest day on record this week, which means it’s always a good time to read up on heat-related illnesses. If you’re more worried about how to manage your summer cold than the heat, however, read up on our guide to handle your sniffles. (And, of course, make sure you check for COVID-19, which is still circulating this summer.)
As always, check the weather in your area and your horoscope, if you’re looking to the stars this week. Then check out the tips below so you can have your happiest, healthiest week yet.
???♀? Hit the sauna
Do you love to hit the sauna at your gym after a great workout session? You’re doing more for your body than you may think, according to VeryWell Health. Saunas have been linked to improving your heart health and pain reduction, among other benefits — so go on and sweat it out.
?? Manage your money and mental health
The best things in life may be free, but according to VeryWellMind, more cash can benefit your mental health — at least in certain cases. More money is most likely to make the biggest difference when you go from being unable to meet your basic needs to fulfilling them, as opposed to making more when you’re already comfortable. However, experts warn if you’re sacrificing your other needs (like your ability to enjoy a social life) just to put more money in your pocket, you’re ultimately doing your mental health a disservice.
?? Refrigerate your blood oranges
Want to enhance the benefits of this brightly colored citrus fruit? Store them in the fridge. Keeping blood oranges chilled increases their anthocyanin levels, which are pigments found in the fruit that are linked to things like lower blood pressure and even slowed cancer growth. The catch? The oranges must be kept in chilly temperatures between 46 and 59 degrees for at least 20 days to reap these benefits.
?? Jump rope!
You may not have picked up a jump rope since your playground days, but fitness experts say there’s many great reasons to do so. (You can even switch out this cardio exercise in place of those dreaded burpees!) Just make sure you’re using proper form and wearing the right shoes to avoid injury.
?? Sip tea for better sleep
Put down the supplements, pick up the tea kettle? Health shares their top list of teas that can help you get a better night sleep. While chamomile is at the top, you may be surprised to find even caffeinated green tea has a place on this list, due to the effects of L-theanine, which counteract those of the stimulant.
?? This is how much protein you actually need
Don't be fooled by FitTok influencers talking about macros and meat: You need less protein than you think. In fact, you may not benefit at all from eating more than 40 grams in one sitting — despite those extra-loaded protein shakes you may see around TikTok. Check out Yahoo Life’s protein guide to learn more.
?? How fit is your city?
Seeking bragging rights for your hometown? The American College of Sports Medicine just put together a list of the fittest cities in America, ranked by 33 personal and community health indicators. Washington, D.C., comes in at No. 2 — hey, maybe people really are running up Capitol Hill.
?? Pick the best melon — or have both!
Today is settling the blood feud between honeydew and cantaloupe once and for all by revealing the health benefits of both melons. While there’s no wrong answer here, you may want to go for the orange over the green for certain health perks, like better eye health. Honeydew, on the other hand, may be better for managing blood pressure. Hmm … fruit salad, anyone?
?? Follow the diet of champions
If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite Olympian eats, Yahoo Life has you covered. You may be surprised to find one athlete who brings boxed mac and cheese to the Olympic Village, and another who can’t wait to get their hands on a French croissant in Paris. The New York Times also asked these competitors about their breakfast of choice, which for one member of the wheelchair rugby team, includes … Skittles?!
?? Argue better
Adriana Alejandre, a trauma therapist, spoke to the Huffington Post about how you can be more effective and compassionate while arguing in all types of relationships. One tip? Avoid broad statements when describing a specific issue, such as “You always do this!”
?? Say yes to cheese
Cheese may get a bad rap, but according to Health, there are plenty of benefits too — like supporting your bone health and maintaining blood sugar.
