10 mins to a healthier YOU

You don't need to make huge changes to feel better, little 'wellbeing wins' are the way forward

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Always busy? Not looking after yourself? A staggering 42% of Brits say 'not having enough time' is what prevents them from adopting healthier habits*. But you don't need hours or to put in lots of effort to stay fit and well. Our tricks can be slotted into a busy schedule when you need a pick-me-up. Got just 10 minutes - or even less? Here's what you can do.

PLAY ABBA

Then boogie! Those who 'let loose' and dance for roughly five minutes will raise their heart rate enough for it to be a significantly health-enhancing activity, found a US study. Four of those five-minute bursts were enough to constitute a day's exercise, suggested the research. 'Dancing also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which ease stress and anxiety,' adds online dance teacher Illana Gambril (dance-box.co.uk).

Try a fruity finish

If you find yourself lying in bed wired and tired, fix yourself a sleep-inducing bedtime snack. ‘Eating two kiwi fruits about an hour before bed can help you fall asleep quicker and improves the quality of sleep,’ says naturopathic nutritionist Laura Semmens (staywellclinic.co.uk). Kiwi fruit are rich in antioxidants and serotonin, which are beneficial in the treatment of sleep disorders.

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