Knitting and crocheting
Get out the wool and knitting needles! The repetitive nature of this activity with your hands sends signals to your body which immediately relax you and make you feel grounded. It is the same as with any other repetitive activity with your hands or body, such as colouring.

Going outdoors
Feeling stressed? Clear your mind with a stroll outside. Research indicates that Vitamin D from sunlight elevates your levels of serotonin, which makes you feel good. In addition to this, taking in your surroundings takes your focus away from your worries. Research has also shown that spending time in nature has been associated with decreased levels of mental illness such as depression and anxiety, increasing concentration and even faster healing. So go outside and spend some time in nature!

Playing with pets
Yes, that’s right. Your furry friend is keeping you healthier. Caring for a pet has been shown to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce feelings of loneliness and more! So go and spend some time with your little fur ball, and if you don’t have one, make friends with the cute cat down your street.

Meditation
Anyone can do it! You don’t have to dedicate your life to being a yogi. You can simply put aside a few minute of your day to close your eyes, relax and focus on breathing. Meditation has been linked with numerous health benefits such as improved digestion, reducing stress, and even reducing physical pain.

Dancing
Whether you’re going to a party or you’re at home blasting music, singing terribly and getting your boogie on, hitting the dance floor is a great way to improve your health. Studies have shown that it can help you lose weight, reduce stress, increase memory, improve heart health and more!  Who knew!

So when you go home from work tonight, will you be getting out the knitting needles, adventuring outdoors, hanging out with your furry friend, meditating or getting your boogie on?

References:

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20765943,00.html#best-get-out-of-your-head-0

http://news.health.com/2016/03/22/8-activities-with-serious-health-perks-that-arent-exercise/?xid=socialflow_facebook_health

http://source.southuniversity.edu/spending-time-in-nature-for-your-health-how-outdoor-activities-improve-wellbeing-102984.aspx

http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness-pictures/health-benefits-of-dance.aspx#06

Written by Monique Sparks

The post FIVE ACTIVITIES WITH UNEXPECTED HEALTH BENEFITS appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

MySmartBars aren’t your average snack. They’re made with simple, pure ingredients to create a beneficial balance of macronutrients and are packed with whole food ingredients, protein, organic coconut oil and more! MySmartBars come in two delicious Coconut Cashew and Dark Chocolate.

So what it so important about wholefoods and what are the benefits?

Whole foods are foods that are closest to their natural state and that means they give us more nutrients than highly refined foods. They are often made up of grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.

Whole foods contain a wide variety of nutrients in one food. These nutrients include phytonutrients, essential fatty acids and fibre. Whole foods are also rich in essential vitamins, minerals that cannot be synthesised in the body and therefore have to be obtained through diet.

Some of the benefits you will see from eating more whole foods include:

Better Digestion: Whole foods are high in fibre which is an essential nutrient for healthy digestion, and heart health combined. Whole foods are full of natural insoluble and soluble fiber to support digestion and regularity, along with keep you full.

More Satisfaction: Whole foods are delicious and filling. Their wide range means you can choose lots of different things to eat without the added nasties. After eating them your body is able to digest easily and best of all you’re not left feeling sluggish or over full, but instead satisfied and healthy.

Next time you’re thinking about eating that donut or chocolate bar, grab a MySmartBar instead. Know that you are making the smart choice for your health.We only have one body, so we need to feed it the best food we can.

MySmartBar sale date yet to be determined.

References:

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/news-story/fb54be4ff6a8c96c20954a97c1334c27

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/quick-benefits-youll-see-by-switching-to-whole-foods-plant-based-diet/

The post DELICIOUS GUILT-FREE AFTERNOON SNACK – USANA’S MY SMART™BARS appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.