I am someone who does NOT enjoy exercise, not even when all it takes is 10 minutes a day. But I'm also someone, like many of you, who recognizes that exercise is important to our overall health. But that's not the only way to tell if you are being healthy or not. While a daily yoga practice or running outside can be great for your physical health, there's also your mental health to worry about, which is why it's crucial to devote 15 minutes a day to getting healthier.
More from MamásLatinas: 8 Super easy ways to do 10 mins of exercise without even feeling it
When it comes to ways to get healthy in just 15 minutes a day, you may already know that you should be engaging in some sort of physical activity, but what exactly? And when it comes to other ways to get healthy, what should you be doing? For me, I am lucky to have a dog, which forces me to take at least 10-15 minute walks twice a day. However, those that don't have a hard reason like a pet to get outside might have more trouble deciding just what to do with those much-needed 15 minutes a day.
According to yogi Yudy Arias, who worked with Colgate to develop some yoga tips in order to get you healthier thanks to #SonrisaColgate, one of the best things you can do for your health is to practice yoga. She especially recommends the lion pose, which relieves "tension in your jaw and chest," she said. Doing this pose will help you relax, maintain a healthy lifestyle and relieve anxiety and stress (which can bring on other health issues). For more easy ways to devote 15 minutes a day to getting healthier, here are some ideas.
1. Walk for 15 minutes a day to get health benefits.
According to Livestrong, walking for just 15 minutes a day won't lead to weight loss but it CAN lead to strengthening your lungs and heart, decreasing your risk of heart disease, strengthening your muscles, improving your bone density and relieving stress.
2. Get 15 minutes of moderate exercise to increase your life span.
According to Shape, a study found that you can add three years to your lifespan if you engage in moderate exercise daily. This can include exercise such as brisk walking. Researchers found that doing this amount of activity can also lower the incidence of cancer and cancer-related deaths.
3. Practice just 15 minutes of mindful meditation a day.
According to a Harvard study, you only need 10-15 minutes of mindful meditation a day in order to reap the benefits of a calmer mind. Researchers recommend starting your day with a 15-minute sun salutation, taking 15 minutes at lunch or even ending your day with a meditation app such as Headspace.
4. You can see results by starting with just 10 minutes.
According to Oprah, a study found that for those that are sedentary, starting with going from zero to just 10 minutes of exercise a day reaped the same heart health and overall fitness benefits as those who exercised almost twice as long.
5. Sign up for the "Take 15" challenge for quick and easy improvements.
According to the Huffington Post, you can sign up for the Take 15 challenge to improve your life 15 minutes at a time. Besides moving, other things you can do include getting sleep and drinking water. Bring it on!
6. Take a bath for 15 minutes to calm your mind.
According to another Huffington Post article, a great way to improve your health is to take a warm bath for 15 minutes (or, let's face it, longer is better too). A hot bath can also relax your muscles, which is great when paired with some walking earlier in the day.
7. Boost your energy with 15 minutes of morning yoga.
According to Health, another great way to improve your health with just 15 minutes a day is to try doing yoga in the morning. This morning yoga routine is great for anyone who wants some more mindfulness and other health benefits too.
