Hello health and wellness readers! My name is Kaitlin and I’m here to give you 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 about heat-related illnesses. If you’re more worried about how to deal with the summer cold than the heat, read our guide to dealing with a cold. (And of course, be sure to 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 at the stars this week. So check out the tips below to help you have a happier and healthier week.
Do you love going to the gym sauna after a great workout session? You’re doing more for your body than you realize, according to VeryWell Health. Saunas have been linked to improving heart health and reducing pain, among other benefits — so go ahead and exercise.
Manage your money and mental health
The best things in life may be free, but according to VeryWellMind, more money can benefit your mental health — at least in certain cases. More money is likely to make the biggest difference when you go from being unable to meet your basic needs to meeting them, rather than earning more when you’re already comfortable. However, experts warn that if you sacrifice your other needs (like your ability to enjoy a social life) just to put more money in your pocket, you’re doing your mental health a disservice.
Refrigerate your blood oranges
Do you want to maximize the benefits of this brightly colored citrus fruit? Store them in the refrigerator. Keeping blood oranges cold increases their levels of anthocyanins, which are pigments found in the fruit that are linked to things like lowering blood pressure and even slowing the growth of cancer. The footprint? Oranges must be kept in cool 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 are plenty of good reasons to do so. (You can even swap this cardio exercise in place of those dreaded burpees!) Just make sure you’re using proper form and the right shoes to avoid injury.
Drink tea to sleep better
Put down the supplements, pick up the kettle? Health shares its list of teas that can help you get a better night’s sleep. Although chamomile is at the top, you might be surprised to find that 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 Really 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 at once — despite the extra-charged protein shakes you might see on TikTok. Check out Yahoo Life’s protein guide to learn more.
How suitable is your city?
Looking for bragging rights for your hometown? The American College of Sports Medicine has just created a list of the fittest cities in America, ranked by 33 indicators of personal and community health. Washington, D.C., comes in second place — hey, maybe people really are climbing the Capitol.
Choose the best melon – or eat 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 is no wrong answer here, you may prefer orange over green for certain health advantages, such as better eye health. Honeydew, on the other hand, may be better for controlling blood pressure. Hmm…fruit salad, anyone?
Follow the champion diet
If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite Olympian eats, Yahoo Life has you covered. You might be surprised to meet one athlete who brings packaged macaroni and cheese to the Olympic Village and another who can’t wait to get his hands on a French croissant in Paris. The New York Times also asked these contestants about your breakfast of choicewhich for a wheelchair rugby team member includes… Skittles?!
Argue better
Trauma therapist Adriana Alejandre spoke to Huffington Post about how you can be more effective and compassionate when arguing in all types of relationships. A hint? Avoid broad statements when describing a specific problem, such as “You always do this!”
Say yes to cheese
Cheese may get a bad rap, but according to Health, there are also many benefits — like supporting bone health and maintaining blood sugar.
