Natural Ways on to Live a Healthy Life

The way we should be breathing, however, is diaphragmatically. "Diaphragmatic breathing is slow, deep breathing into our bellies." It is an important stress management tool and great because it's free, can be done anywhere and at any time. "What's really cool these days is that there are smartphone applications that can guide you through deep breathing and help you to practice properly." In fact, one of our World of Psychology bloggers, Summer Beretsky, covered three of them here.

Don't stop reading this article. You'll find them to be helpful whether you're interested in knowing more about general health or more specific topics like natrual thyroid supplement. Who knows? The free tips listed here may be just what you need to revolutionize your health routine.

Keep a holiday journal and keep track of your healthy and unhealthy holiday habits. Set healthy habit goals, and stick to them! Get rid of your bad habits and stick to the good ones. Try your hardest not to get off track, but if you do remember that everyday is a fresh start.

Balance in life is important for maintaining emotional health. Too much emphasis on work causes stress as well as wear and tear on the body and mind. Take time off; go to the beach, the park or a movie to take your mind off your current quandaries. Chances are when you come back you will see things from a fresher, more productive perspective.

Maintain good relationships with friends and family for much needed feedback, a shoulder to lean on or a different perspective. Often we get so caught up in our own problems and misery we can't see the forest for the trees. Having an objective pair of eyes and ears can give you a whole new way of thinking.

An optimal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg or less. To prevent or manage high blood pressure, consider some lifestyle changes. Cut down on salt. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Quit smoking. Watch your cholesterol levels. Be physically active every day. Lose weight if you need to. Reduce stress.

Yes, dark chocolate is one of the foods that you have to include in your diet. Dark chocolate varieties contain flavanols that make blood vessels more elastic. In one study, 18% of patients who ate it every day saw blood pressure decrease. Have 1/2 ounce daily (make sure it contains at least 70% cocoa).

A brand new study shows that people who don't get enough sleep are not as sharp the next day and most alarmingly, they don't even realize it. Here are 4 ways to help you sleep better and get to sleeper faster: Read a book before bed. Reading acts as a soothing balm that helps you fall asleep .Instead of an overhead light, which stimulates the brain to wake up, use a reading light. Turn your alarm clock away from view so it won't stimulate the brain's pineal gland, which senses light. And use an eye mask to keep light out and increase sleep quality

Dining while viewing can make you take in 40 percent more calories than usual, reports a new study. And texting, driving, or any other distracting activity during a meal can also result in your eating too much. Instead, make each meal something you put on a plate and sit down to, even if you're eating solo.

Not everyone can live in a smog-free environment, but we can all avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning where air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution deterrent. If you ride a bicycle in traffic, where a small pollution mask over your mouth and nose.