The small changes you’ve made for better health
A few weeks ago, I asked you to tell me about small lifestyle changes that have had a major effect on your health. I received over 800 responses from readers, and I read every single one. I had to weed out some answers. “I got divorced,” for example, isn’t really a small change, although it did make me laugh. But your responses were inspiring and encouraging — including those from readers in their 70s and beyond who took up yoga or guitar. Mary Jo Kreitzer, director of the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota, told me that even small adjustments, which are easier to both begin and maintain, can have a lasting effect on your health over time. Some of your answers are below, edited for clarity and length. ⬥ Every time I hit the 30-second button on my microwave, I stand on one foot, alternating feet throughout the day. It took me a while to be able to do it for the full 30 seconds, but soon after I was able to do all kinds of things more easily than before (e.g., slipping on shoes while standing, getting up from my knees in the garden). — Dawn Bolton, Bowling Green, Ky. ⬥ Since retiring from teaching, I have been practicing tai chi twice a week for over 12 years with a local senior center group. It has really helped me keep a routine, make friends and keep moving. — Jean Roestenburg, Salt Lake City ⬥ I’m 46 years old and finally taught myself how to play chess. What once felt so foreign and impossible has now become the fun little activity I can choose instead of doomscrolling. Bonus: It’s taught me patience and problem solving. — Katie Robleski, Rio Rancho, N.M. ⬥ I live in New York City. Because I had high cholesterol, my doctor once suggested that, for my subway commute, I get off one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. Simple advice, easy to follow — and I do it to this day! It’s made a difference in my cholesterol and in making movement an easy, natural part of my daily routine. — Michael Quinn, Brooklyn ⬥ I’ve always been terrible about drinking enough water. Finally, I figured out a little hack: I fill my very large Stanley water bottle with eight to 10 frozen strawberries, a few ice cubes and water. Within about an hour, it’s delicious, sweet and cold, and I find myself sipping it all day long. — Alice Winkler, Chevy Chase, Md. ⬥ I started a couple of small terrariums on my kitchen windowsill. These self-sustaining worlds remind me that there are pockets of peace and nurturing environments amid the swirling chaos of everyday life. — Claudia Dold, Tampa, Fla. ⬥ When I think of someone I haven’t been in touch with for a while, I write them a text. Sometimes they never respond. But, for example, I did that yesterday and had a pleasant exchange, and I still feel good about it today. — Jon Goch, Miami ⬥ A year and a half ago, I realized I couldn’t do a single standard push-up. I decided that every morning I would get down on the floor of my dorm and do as many push-ups as I could. Now I can do about 15 to 20. The activity takes only a minute, helps wake me up and is a daily reminder that I can do hard things. — Johanna Lane, Chevy Chase, Md. ⬥ I started meditating a few years ago. Just 10 minutes a day on most days helps ground and center me. My husband has noticed that I am calmer, nicer and less reactive since I started meditating. — Fern Drillings, New York City ⬥ My wife and I now drive the speed limit. We never realized the amount of anger and anxiety that rushing while driving caused — and the result was usually that we saved maybe a minute or two. — Carl Churchill, Cottonwood Heights, Utah ⬥ This year, I began to say yes again: yes to helping with extra projects at school, yes to social engagements that aren’t appealing at first or that stretch my comfort zone, yes to helping those in need. I’m busier, but better for it in my heart, with a deeper sense of purpose. — Becca Moussa, Durham, N.C. Like this email?
Many falls at home can be avoided. Here’s how.Most trips and slips that require emergency care occur indoors — with almost 80 percent of those happening at home. Fall-proof your living space with these steps. Read the article: How Do I Prevent Falls at Home?
‘Dry needling’ has become a standard treatment in physical therapy for pain relief. Is it effective?Dry needling involves inserting ultrathin needles into trigger points to loosen them. Fans of the procedure say it can offer near-instant relief. Is it a clinical breakthrough for chronic pain or another overhyped wellness trend? Read the article: Does Dry Needling Really Relieve Pain? The Week in WellHere are some stories you don’t want to miss:
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