HOW TO Take Better Care of Yourself

Have a healthier, happier 2024! We tend to associate "joy" with the holiday season, but striving for happiness should happen all year-even after the wrapping paper and tinsel have been packed away. A big part of that involves taking care of your health, both mental and physical. Here are 28 ways to do just that - at least a few will work for you!

- MARISA COHEN

1. Make time to smile.

From laughing on the phone with an old friend to listening to Beyoncé to playing with your dog, don’t let joyful moments get elbowed out of your schedule, says Tochi Iroku-Malize, M.D., M.P.H., board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Embracing joy can help you build resilience and avoid burnout.

2. Help your mood soar.

Go for an a.m. walk to take in the chirping of the birds—research says that listening to their songs can improve your mood for up to eight hours.

3. Just breathe.

You may have heard about the calming benefits of mindful breathing, but it can be tough to remember the technique. Luckily, that doesn't matter, says Michelle Di Paolo, Ph.D., of Stress and Relaxation Services of America. "Many people worry about the 'right way' to breathe deliberately, but when you overthink it you're missing the benefits," she says. "Any intentional, gently slowed breathing will lower stress."

4. Stretch it out.

Every time you get up from sitting, put your hands where your lower back meets your hips, says Liza Egbogah, D.C., a chiropractor in Toronto. Take a deep breath in and, as you breathe out, slowly look up to the ceiling and then try to see the wall behind you. Take five deep breaths, then slowly come back up. This helps decompress your spine and improve your posture, which reduces stress and improves mood.

5. Swap your fats.

Eating heart-healthier can be deliciously joyful. Cooking veggies? Use olive oil in place of butter. Making a sandwich? Spread creamy avocado instead of mayo.