Try out these weird health hacks that are actually backed by science!
1. Eating dark chocolate
A 2017 study found that dark chocolate can significantly lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol by 14%, and increase nitric oxide.
2. Humming while exhaling
Research has shown that humming while exhaling can significantly improve your sinuses. Humming while exhaling increases nitric oxide by 15 times, which can help you relax and lower your blood pressure.
3. Standing on one leg for 30 seconds
A 2014 study in the journal Stroke found that standing on one leg for 30 seconds increases gray matter volume, which includes the hippocampus. This can improve memory and increase cognitive scores by 13%.
4. Sniffing something
A 2013 study found that sniffing rosemary oil can increase cognitive function and memory by 18%. Three other studies found that sniffing lavender oil can significantly lower anxiety, improve mood, increase sleep quality, and decrease daytime sleepiness. Smelling peppermint oil can increase sustained attention, improve reaction time, and improve respiratory efficiency. It can also decrease tension headaches. Eucalyptus oil has the most potent effect on your respiratory centers. Smelling frankincense oil decreases neuroinflammation, directly improving memory and lowering anxiety.
5. Dry, warm socks
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that wearing dry, warm socks to bed can increase sleep by 32 minutes and improve sleep quality.
6. Forest bathing
Walking in the forest for 20 to 30 minutes can boost immunity and provide tremendous stress relief. It increases natural killer cells, which fight cancer and viruses. Forest bathing can elevate mood, reduce blood pressure, and decrease cortisol by 27%.
7. Singing in the shower
Singing loudly in the shower for 5 to 10 minutes can boost immunity by 37%, decrease cortisol by 19%, and increase lung function by 14%.
Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.