She Knows The Rules: 12 things you can do every day to improve your health and wellbeing 12 things you can do every day to improve your health and wellbeing ================================================================================ Amanda Stevens on 07/09/2009 16:23:00 *Step up to burn more calories Not getting enough exercise during your workday?  Get off the bus a few stops early and walk to work instead. Or use the stairs at home or the office to get a mini-workout. Skip the elevator and walk the stairs for a few floors every morning. And don’t forget that walking down stairs is excellent for toning your calves and improving your posture.  *Take a multivitamin to supplement your diet A daily multivitamin is the most convenient way to give your body the nutrients it needs to propel you through your busiest days. Try BioSource Women’s Wellbeing Formula, which is formulated multivitamin with vitamin B6, calcium and iron, essential ingredients for women on the go. Available from Priceline. *Try a new kind of stretch If you need an energy infusion, yoga or pilates will help lengthen your muscles, strengthen your core, and calm your mind. Pop a DVD in after a long day and stretch your way to a relaxed state at home. Or join a regular class with a friend and enjoy a juice or smoothie as a treat afterwards. *Colour yourself slim An apple a day will do more than keep the doctor away – it will keep the kilos off too. Add two extra portions of fruit and veggies to your meals each day for an easy way to cut your calorie intake. And don’t forget to follow the rainbow – eat from all colour groups, including blueberries, sweet potatoes, capsicums and tomatoes, all of which are antioxidant and fibre rich. *Take a mental siesta Instead of racing through your to-do list, schedule in time every day to just chill out. Reserve 10 minutes during your lunch hour to sit on a park bench and people watch, or take a walk with your mp3 player set to your favourite music. Doing something pleasurable helps you be in the moment, and lower anxiety and stress. *Switch your drinks If you’re reaching for a coffee in the afternoon, try swapping it for herbal tea or fruit water instead. Coffee can dehydrate and lead to broken sleep, so savour your morning cup and try an alternative pick-me-up when you feel an afternoon slump coming on. Mint, ginger and pomegranate herbal teas will energise and hydrate. *Get on the defense Regularly consuming 500 milligrams of vitamin C may help boost your immune system, but for a powerful defense against getting run down, take BioSource’s Immune Plus supplements with your daily C and protect yourself from catching that pesky cold that’s making its way around the office. *Try a new hue When was the last time you tried a new colour on your eyes or lips? For a fresh look that won’t break the bank, play with some new hues – navy liner makes eyes look brighter, and is a nice change from black or brown. Similarly, a pretty coral or pink gloss can make your teeth look whiter in seconds.  *Eating three meals a day? Research shows the best way to keep your metabolism humming is to eat all day. The new way to stay lean, conquer cravings and get energised is to master the mini meal. Try eating six small meals during the day – dried fruits, nuts, hummus dips and wholegrain crackers are easy to reach for and they’ll keep you feeling full to prevent overeating at night. *Phone a friend Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is connecting with our loved ones. Too often, our schedules are filled with work and home responsibilities and we realise we haven’t made time for our friends. Grab your phone and call someone you haven’t talked to for a while – you’ll feel great and maybe inspire them to do the same. *Go for grains Next time you order lunch or dinner, swap the white, starchy foods for brown, wholegrain ones. Whole grains are essential for healthy hearts, and they are rich in fibre and will lower your cholesterol when eaten regularly. Try wholegrain pasta, bread and rice with your favourite fillings and toppings. *Plan ahead Take 20 minutes to plan the week ahead. Create a shopping list and stock up on healthy food to make at home and take to work for lunch. Write your work-out plans in your diary to commit to using the gym, and keep your gear ready to go in a bag. With a healthy attitude and some great new habits, it’s time to shine!