Healthy Living Idea One: Try Cyclical Sighing
When worry and fear begin to creep up, researchers say you can allay them with cyclic sighing. According to a 2023 study in Cell Reports Medicine, those who practiced this technique reported the greatest daily improvements in energy, joy and peacefulness compared with two other controlled breathing routines.
Want to try it yourself? Begin by inhaling through your nose. Then, take a second breath of air, but this time breathe deeply to fully expand your lungs from bottom where belly expands through middle where chest expands to top where shoulder lift. Finally, slowly exhale all the air through your mouth. The researchers recommend repeating this for about five minutes.
Healthy Living Idea Two: Plants To The Rescue
A tincture is made by steeping plants (roots, bark, leaves) in alcohol. The liquid that’s been extracted can then be diluted in water and sipped when you’re feeling down. This particular tincture is a blend of nine botanicals including licorice root and orange peel and has no added sugar. Interestingly, the tincture also harnesses Indigenous wisdom. Take the wild cherry bark, native to North America, the tree is related to chokecherries, and has been used for centuries to relieve coughs. The glass bottle easily slips into a purse, checked luggage or glove compartment. So, when you squirt a little of this tincture in water for soothing comfort you may just turn over a new leaf.
Wishgarden Herbs Serious Cough Soothing & Quieting, 2 oz pump, $26.99; wishgardenherbs.com
Healthy Living Idea Three: Med Ball Squat Toss
Dumbbells and kettlebells are a great way to amp up any routine, but they’re not the only weights at the gym. If you’ve never picked up a medicine ball (med ball), there’s no better time than now says Geoff Wintonyk, Senior Fitness Instructor at Fit Factory Fitness, as it offers full body conditioning. He says that the med ball squat toss is a great strengthening exercise. Begin with the lightest ball and work your way up. As the ball is weighted, energy is transferred from the lower body into most of the upper body. Squat as you catch and toss the med ball back and forth with a partner or against a wall.
Healthy Living Idea Four: Reduce Plastic at The (Home) Office
Whether you work from home or at an office, you’ve probably got a break room with snacks, and drinks at the ready. Often stocked with plastic cups, disposable plates and coffee pods, these rooms can quickly generate a ton of single use waste. Instead, opt for easy switches – ceramic cups, a French press or coffee machine, a canister of loose leaf tea.
This original article first appeared in the SPRING 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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