Floss every day. That may help keep your arteries healthy. A 2008 New York University study showed that daily flossing reduced the amount of gum-disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, a major risk factor for heart disease. Other research has shown that those who have high amounts of bacteria in their mouth are more likely to have thickening in their arteries, another sign of heart disease. “I really do think people should floss twice a day to get the biggest life expectancy benefits,” says Perls.
Optimistim
Live your life looking for the best in everyone and everything.
🤗 Feel Good Hack ~ It’s All it the Smell
If you’re not a fan of citrus, it might be time to change that. A 2005 study in the journal Chemical Senses found the smell of clementines made participants feel ridiculously happy and stimulated, so having one for a snack will give you a cheerful buzz. Plus, eating the fruit can also give you a major dose of vitamin C. It’s a win-win.
🍎 Health Hack: 5 Tips for a Healthy Gut
For Better Gut Health
- Eat slower. Chew your food well before swallowing. It may help you swallow less air and better sense when you’re full.
- Enjoy smaller meals. Eat in moderation to avoid overfilling your stomach and encourage digestion. A packed stomach may also cause reflux, or your food to come back up.
- Set a bedtime for your gut. Try to limit how much you eat after dark. Your GI tract is most active in the morning and daytime.
- Manage stress. Learn healthy ways to reduce stress like relaxation breathing, mindfulness, and exercise. Stress makes it harder to digest your food well.
- Create a routine. Try to eat around the same times each day. Your GI system may do best on a schedule.
🤗 Feel Good Hack ~ Pretend to be Happy
They say you can fake it until you make it, and the same theory works with happiness. A 2012 study published in Psychological Science found that faking a smile and pretending to be happy when you feel stressed can actually decrease your stress levels, making you more joyful.
Life Hack ~ Know Your Limitations
Know Your Limitations
Take a look at the amount of time you devote to work, family and other demands and consider how you can better balance your schedule, say practitioners. If your schedule is full, know when to say “no,” and know when to take a break.
