1 minute: Dry-brush your teeth. Before squeezing toothpaste onto your brush, take 30 seconds to brush your teeth with a dry toothbrush. Doing so cuts tartar by 60% and also reduces the risk of bleeding gyms by half.
5 minutes: Test your pillow. Having a pillow that provides proper support is essential to a good night's sleep. Make sure yours is still doing the job by folding it in half, then letting it go. If it springs back, it's still in good shape. If it lays there limply, it's time to get rid of it and invest in a new pillow!
10 minutes: Pick up a bunch of spring flowers at the supermarket or farmer's market, then put them into a vase where you'll see them when you wake up. Research shows that people report being happier and more energetic when they look at flowers first thing in the morning.
30 minutes: Laugh with your favorite sitcom. Laughing releases endorphins, improves your mood, and reduces the physical symptoms of stress. Let go of the guilt and enjoy an episode of mindless entertainment that will really get you guffawing!
This article first appeared in the March 2023 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
