Five Unusual Ways to Boost Your Health That You Haven’t Heard Before

There are a lot of things you have probably already heard a million times when it comes to making sure you're the happiest, healthiest version of yourself. You know you need to eat more fruits and vegetables, you know you need to get at least eight hours of sleep at night, and you know you should exercise regularly.

But, what do you do if you're doing all those things and you're still looking for a boost to your health?

It's time to get a little more creative. Here are five unusual ways to boost your health that you may not have heard before.

Choose the Right Cannabis Product

Marijuana is a drug that has been illegal for a long time, so it gets a bad rap. However, it is slowly being declassified as an illegal drug in many states, and as a result, many wonderful products are popping up that can be great for your physical and mental health. A few benefits of cannabis include:

• Management of chronic pain

• Relief from discomfort due to arthritis

• Improved lung capacity

• Decrease in anxiety

• And more

You just have to make sure you choose the right cannabis product for you. That includes choosing between things like edibles, concentrates, and tinctures, but it also means knowing the genetics of the product you choose. It can mean the difference between getting the cannabis experience you want and never wanting to use the drug again.

Time Your Nap Just Right

A consistent sleep schedule is important to your overall health, but what about naps? You may have heard they can interfere with your nightly sleep, so they should be avoided. Although that can be true, naps also have the potential to boost your health.

You just have to know how to nap right.

Napping can give you a mental boost, and it can counter the effects of sleep deprivation, but that doesn't mean you should conk out for three hours every afternoon.

Instead, plan a nap for around 30 minutes. If you're particularly tired, crank it up to 90 minutes, but no more, and no less. That ensures you complete one full cycle of REM.

Did you know you can take a caffeine nap? Drink a cup of coffee, then immediately take a 20-minute nap for a quick boost.

Brush Your Skin

You brush your hair and you brush your teeth, but your skin? It can be a great way to boost your health!

Body brushing comes with multiple benefits that include:

• Increased circulation

• Shed dry skin cells

• Rejuvenate the nervous system

• Elimination of clogged pores

Not only does brushing your skin with a soft bristle brush boost your health, it just feels good. It can be a great way to boost your mood in the morning before you leave for work or pamper yourself before you go to bed.

Get Outside Without Shoes

You may have heard that you should spend more time outside if you're looking for a boost to your mood. Time spent in nature has many health benefits, but it turns out, you can get even more out of the time you spend outside by heading out the door without shoes.

Walking barefoot comes with many benefits that include improvements to your balance, improved mechanics of your hips, knees, and core, and stronger leg muscles that can support your lower back.

You do have to be careful, as walking barefoot at first can be dangerous. Keep excursions slow to build up your muscles and callouses. Always consider the surface you're walking on. Grassy surfaces are generally safer than hard surfaces.

Exercise When You're Tired or Sad

You know that you need to exercise regularly, but if you're feeling really tired, or if you struggle with depression, you may think that resting is the best for your body. It turns out, exercise is the antidote!

Physical activity can give you an energy boost, even if you didn't sleep well or you don't have time for a nap. Because it is so effective at giving you an energy boost, it also has the ability to reduce feelings of sadness and depression.

You don't have to spend time at the gym either. A simple walk will do!

It's important to follow conventional advice when it comes to your health, but there are plenty of other things out there that will alter your physical and mental health for the better. Don't be afraid to give something new, and slightly offbeat, a try!

© MD News Daily.