A lot of things can be done in 15 minutes. But did you know that you could build a foundation of a healthy lifestyle in that same time span? The next time you find yourself with an extra quarter hour, give one of these ideas a shot!
These five healthy habits are easy to accomplish in minutes but can help boost your health in a big way.
Walk
A brisk 15-minute walk will burn about 75 calories (for a person weighing 68 kilograms), but it's also a quick stress reliever. If you can't get outside, try climbing stairs. Take a few minutes to get your heart pumping to give you a boost of energy so you'll feel refreshed when you get on with your day.
Apply Sunscreen
It only takes a minute to make sure your skin is protected from the sun's harmful rays. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, use a higher SPF and be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Stretch
You can benefit from stretching — whether you're planning on exercising or not. Spending 10 minutes stretching can increase flexibility, improve circulation, enhance coordination, improve posture and relieve stress.
Make a Salad
Did you know we're supposed to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day? In just a few minutes of chopping and tossing, you can up your daily intake with a healthy mix of greens, brightly coloured veggies, chunks of fruit and your favourite toppings, such as crumbled low-fat cheese or garbanzo beans. Keep the dressing light (vinaigrette or light Italian, for instance) so you don't overload on calories. With just one salad a day, you're a lot closer to achieving your five-to-nine goal.
While it may seem like a lot to take in at once, if you start incorporating these tips one by one, you’ll find them becoming a habit. And once that happens, good health will just be a part of your everyday!

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