6 Easy Health Hacks For 2020

Resolutions are so 2019. Rather than setting a long list of unachievable health goals, why not try a few clever health hacks? They're easy to implement and help you to create positive habits that stick. Look after your mind and body so you can live your best life, full of energy and vitality. 

1. Get your nutrients in first thing.

If you always forget to take your vitamins - or if you don't get enough fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, aim to cram in as much goodness as possible at breakfast. You're setting yourself up to make better food choices for the rest of the day, as well as boosting your energy. If you end up skipping a meal later on - or eating something unhealthy on the go - at least you have had one nutritious meal for the day!

Don't have time to cook? Make a smoothie with a banana and berries and add in extra goodies like Adashiko Collagen (for a full-body health and beauty boost), protein powder (to keep you full for longer), maca, flaxseed, MCT oil, nut butter, or greens powder etc. Take all your vitamins with a big glass of water after your smoothie, and you're done.

Leave everything out on the bench the night before to save time in the morning. 

2. Prepare for snack attacks

Having something to nibble on when hunger strikes will save you money and help to prevent those afternoon sugar binges. 

Pre-pack snacks in ziplock bags or little containers on a Sunday and pop them in your handbag, car, and desk for the week ahead. Try:

• Raw nuts and seeds
• Rice crackers 
• Tinned tuna
• Dried fruit
• Jerky
• Roasted seaweed
• Homemade muesli or protein bars (add Adashiko Collagen powder)
• Pretzels
• Peanut butter sachets
• Homemade popcorn

Upgrade: Invest in a chiller bag so you can bring carrot sticks, cut up fresh fruit, cold chicken, hummus, cheese slices and leftovers with you on the go or to work. 

3. Create a sleep kit and a nightly ritual

Sleep is far more important than many of us give it credit for. Prioritise your rest, avoid caffeine after midday, and aim for seven to nine hours a night. Minimising light and devices before bed will help you to produce more melatonin, the sleep hormone responsible for regulating our circadian rhythm and making us drowsy at night. Use night mode on your phone or laptop if you can't avoid use before bed. 

Creating a wind-down ritual and a sleep tool kit will help set you up for plenty of zzzs.

Sleep kit ideas:

• Lavender oil for your pillow
• Magnesium tablets 
• Herbal sleep drops
• Water glass and jug
• Lip balm
• Sleep mask 
• White noise machine

Invest in a comfortable mattress, pillow, and the best linen you can afford - after all, you spend a third of your life in bed. Blackout blinds or heavy curtains are excellent, too. 

4. Supplement with collagen

It's our constant, our daily staple, and our number one supplement. But we're not alone; the experience of our customers and emerging studies confirm that collagen has enormous potential for our health. And it works wonders on skin, hair, and nails.

What does collagen do?

• Boosts hair and nail growth and strength
• Reduces the visible signs of ageing
• Strengthens the skin and connective tissue
• Increases hydration in the skin and the body
• Supports achy, sore joints
• Encourages recovery after sport, exercise, injury, and surgery
• Supports lean muscle mass and weight loss
• Promotes healthy digestion and heals the gut lining

Learn more about Adashiko collagen here. 

5. Switch out fizzy drinks and alcohol for soda water or kombucha

This tip has been around for a long time because it's simple and it works. We all know that drinking sugary and alcoholic drinks are bad for our health and energy, but sometimes you just want something refreshing and fizzy, right? 

It may take a little time to adjust to a less-sweet beverage like kombucha or soda water, but you'll feel the benefits in both body and mind by reducing your sugar and alcohol intake. Adding fruit or even a dash of fruit juice to soda water is a delicious option. 

If you're cutting back or eliminating alcohol, try enjoying your alternative beverage in a wine glass with a garnish, so you feel like you're having something special to drink.

Hot tip: Buy a few cans of soda water or kombucha to keep in the work fridge for moments when you're craving a soft drink. 

6. Try cold water therapy

Did you know that cold water can boost immunity? Not only that, it can improve your energy, mood, and focus. According to science, cold exposure can even assist weight loss and balance hormones. 

Try a short, cool blast at the end of your shower, progressing working your way from lukewarm to cold. 

If you'd like to learn more, check out the Ice Man, Wim Wof, and his incredible method for improving health and wellbeing.