Category: Walking

Can Grounding Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep?

Published on by Nikken

The modern movement of grounding or earthing began in the early 2000s when Clinton Ober began to research the effects of grounding on the body. Since then, numerous studies and research have been conducted on the efficacy of grounding, and the results have been promising.Here are some examples1:

  1. In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that grounding the body during sleep can improve sleep and reduce pain and stress levels in people with chronic pain.
  2. In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, researchers found that grounding the body can reduce inflammation in the body and improve blood flow.
  3. In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, researchers found that earthing the body can reduce inflammation in the body and improve immune function.
  4. In a 2013 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that grounding the body can reduce pain and improve mood in people with chronic pain.
  5. In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, researchers found that grounding the body can reduce inflammation in the body and improve sleep quality.
  6. In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, researchers found that earthing the body can improve balance and stability in older adults.

The Earthing Institute, a pro-grounding group, says that spending time connected to the ground can improve sleep, lower inflammation, ease stress, improve blood flow, and boost physical healing, among other things.2 

Researchers attribute many of their positive findings to the changes in cortisol levels of those who practice grounding. Results indicate that grounding during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronizes cortisol hormone secretion more in alignment with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile. Furthermore, subjective reporting indicates that grounding during sleep improves sleep and reduces pain and stress.3

The only true way to see if grounding can improve sleep or reduce stress for you personally is to try it for yourself. Allow your bare skin to be exposed to the elements on a daily basis, especially the earth. Consistency is key, so give yourself a few weeks or months of grounding to see some positive results!

 

1 https://www.nestacertified.com/earthing-exercises-for-improved-mental-and-physical-health/ Studies and Research on the Efficacy of Grounding or Earthing

2 https://www.webmd.com/balance/grounding-benefits

3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15650465/

Beginner’s Guide to Reconnecting with the Earth’s Energy

Published on by Nikken

You don’t have to be a guru to connect with the Earth’s energy and stay connected! According to Jagadish “Jaggi” Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, “The Earth is the basis of life. The more you are in touch with it, the better it is. If your hands and your bare feet are in contact with the earth, it will harmonize the physiological process in your system. Whenever it is in contact with the earth, the body reorganizes itself. Try to spend at least a few minutes a day in the garden, barefoot, touching plants or trees. This is a simple way to connect with the earth.”1

Primitive peoples (think cave men) lived similarly to animals, a way that was “down to earth.” With industrialization, the human race started distancing from the earth. Sadhguru explains, “Animals are very connected to the earth because they do not have the intellect and awareness that human beings have. When it comes to humans, their psychological space dominates over their existential presence. In a way, an earthworm experientially knows the connection to the earth, but it cannot consciously realize it. If you pull it out of the earth, it wants to go straight back into the earth. If you pull a fish out of the water, it wants to go straight back into the water. This is not only essential for survival but also just because of the familiarity of habitat. In that sense, they know the connection.”2

In recent decades, “grounding” and “earthing” have been studied and known to be simple and effective ways to incorporate connectivity in your daily regimen. Here are a few grounding activities to help you reconnect with the Earth:

•          Practice deep breathing. Count to four as you inhale, hold it and exhale twice as slowly. Slow breathing is a way to become aware of your body and to release tension.

•          Stretch. Notice how a dog or cat stretches throughout the day, especially when they are rising from a nap or a night’s sleep. It doesn’t have to be specific “poses” or asanas as in yoga or Pilates. Just stretch and focus on how you feel—try a combination of toe touches, arm raises, side bends or windmills.

•          Get wet outdoors. Taking a shower may help wash away some anxiety, but have you seen the joy that running on the beach and taking a dip in the ocean can bring to children and grownups alike? Look at the children playing with the garden hose on a summer’s day—they’re barefoot and spraying each other and without knowing it, connecting to the earth’s energies!

•          Be aware of your surroundings whenever you are outside. Use all five senses to connect. Consciously see, hear, touch, smell and taste. Obviously if you are not eating something, you are not actually tasting, but you can sense the “flavor” of the air around you.

•          Visualization can be powerful for grounding. Imagine roots growing from the soles of your feet into the earth, providing stability and strength.3 Visualization is a way for you to become physically one with the natural environment.

Grounding is another facet of empowered living and a way to help you feel good every day. When you can’t connect with the earth outdoors, the KenkoGround® is a simple way to bring grounding indoors—inspired by nature and adapted for contemporary lifestyles.

1, 2 https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/connecting-with-earth-methods-significance

3 https://www.coreenergetics.org/grounding-techniques-in-body-psychotherapy-finding-stability-in-a-chaotic-world

5 Simple & Neat Grounding Techniques!

Do You Know Five Ways You Can Listen to Your Body?

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Our bodies talk to us every day but sometimes we don’t listen and miss out on some important cues that can help keep us in top physical and mental shape! To make sure you are feeling good every day, be sure to spend a little time alone with yourself and really listen to what your body is telling you.

Here are five ways you can listen to your body by asking a few questions:

1.         Do you feel rested, tired or so-so? Is your body telling you to get a good night’s sleep or do you feel energetic and ready to tackle the day? Do you need to break up your busy day with a nap? Restful sleep is an important part of feeling good every day and one aspect of practicing empowered living.

2.         How are you feeling mentally and emotionally? Are you sad and depressed, anxious or stressed out? Or do you feel calm and content? Paying attention to your state of mind can help you maintain high energy levels and to avoid a slump. Sometimes all it takes is getting up and taking a walk in the fresh air to feel stable again. Deep breathing, getting up and stretching, a few minutes of quality time with yourself—these are all simple ways to maintain your mental equilibrium.

3.         What do you like to eat and is it nutritious? Are you eating regular meals? Are you snacking in between meals when your blood sugar dips? Are you actually hungry when you eat, or are you eating mindlessly out of boredom? Do you have a good cut-off time in the evening when you stop eating until tomorrow morning? Overeating and undereating can both wreak havoc with your body and your overall mood, so are you eating more or less than usual? If you are, what is your body telling you? On the other hand, mindful eating or eating the right foods at the right times of the day—based on your personal preferences and needs—can help you feel good every day.

4.         When was the last time you exercised? Do you have a daily routine to get up and do something active? Exercise doesn’t have to be a full-out strenuous workout at the gym. It can be a brisk walk with your dog or a stroll with your toddler. It can be doing a few laps in the pool or doing chair yoga, stretching out on the mat or cleaning your kitchen. Setting aside time every day to do something active can help you feel good every day. Once you start, your body will remind you every day it’s ready for some movement.

5.         Quality time with people who are important to you is key to feeling good every day. Are you spending enough time staying connected to those you care about? Do you text or call your elderly parents? Do you text or call your adult children? Never underestimate the power of talking and laughing with someone you feel close to, whether it’s a friend, mentor or family member. It does wonders to cheer you up or you can be cheering them up!

Listening to the body means cultivating a mindful awareness of what it (you!) needs at any given moment, followed by honoring that need. This intuitive practice will help you understand and make decisions based on internal cues, rather than steamrolling past your own limits. Long-term, sustainable health comes when you listen to your body, and then respond with care, action, and compassion.1

1 https://lindywell.com/listen-to-your-body-strategies/?srsltid=AfmBOorRVWB2X-ZymDQsijV9BGE7JIWRiyMBMSmQ8zRIM26bj0Y9WTDf

Prebiotics and Probiotics Work in Synergy for Gut Health

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Everyone’s gut is semi-permeable, which means the gut allows some liquids or gases to pass through. The mucous lining of human intestines is designed to absorb water and nutrients into the bloodstream. The intestinal lining is supposed to act as a barrier to bacteria and other infectious particles inside the gut, but if the barrier does not function properly, it can allow toxins into the bloodstream.

The gut barrier function is a multi-layer system made up of a physical barrier which prevents bacteria from adhering to the intestines, and a deep functional barrier that is able to discriminate between pathogens and harmless microorganisms that may actually be beneficial. Made up of three main components—Biological barrier, immune barrier and mechanical barrier—the barriers allow essential nutrients and fluids to be absorbed while preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.

Probiotics and prebiotics are two parts of food that may support gut health. Probiotics are specific living microorganisms, most often bacteria or yeast that help the body digest food or help with symptoms of certain illnesses. They are naturally found in fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut.1

Probiotic supplements add to the existing supply of friendly microbes in the body. They function to fight off the less friendly or toxic microbes while also supporting the body’s immunity against infections. When working properly, probiotic supplements can help restore an imbalance or a deficit of beneficial microbes in the gut.

Prebiotics are parts of food the body doesn’t digest but that may be used by microorganisms. Prebiotics mainly are in high-fiber foods,2 which enhance the probiotics by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. In a nutshell, prebiotics augment the good work that probiotics do. When mixed, probiotics and prebiotics are called synbiotics.

The introduction of healthy bacteria to your gut may lead to some benefits, including better digestion, improved absorption of nutrients, reduced inflammation, and an increased balance between good and bad bacteria.3 On the other hand, when prebiotics help boost the growth of good bacteria, it can lead to different health benefits, such as decreasing constipation, keeping the gut lining healthy and helping with calcium absorption.4

Some tips for empowered living through smart nutrition that promotes a balanced microbiome include:

•          Maintaining a fiber-rich diet. The more types of food you eat, the more diverse your microbiome becomes. A well-rounded diet can help feed all the different species of bacteria in your GI tract.5 Try to incorporate high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as raspberries, artichokes, beans and whole grains.

•          Sleep well. Stress levels skyrocket when you don’t get enough sleep. Stress affects the gut and the brain in negative ways, so establish a set bedtime routine and stick to it as well as you can.

•          Studies suggest that regular exercise can affect gut health in good ways, as movement promote healthy digestion and may even help increase the amount of beneficial microbes in your gut! You don’t need to run a marathon to achieve noticeable effects—even a leisurely walk daily can produce positive changes to your gut health.

•          Whether you like listening to calming music, playing an instrument, meditating or doing yoga, just choose what soothes you and do it on a regular basis. Why? Because it will prevent your stress levels from rising. High stress levels disturb gut health. Many of the microbes in your intestines can impact brain function, and too much stress threatens the balance of your microbiome,6 so prevention is best!

Try our Golden Gut Formula to support your gut health. Our special formula delivers both pre- and probiotics, and thanks to our innovative three-layer encapsulation technology, the beneficial bacteria are protected from stomach acid, ensuring they reach your intestines where they’re needed most. Our effervescent formula dissolves rapidly in liquid, bypassing the typical breakdown process of capsules and tablets, ensuring that the vital nutrients and probiotics are readily available to your gut, for maximum effectiveness.

1, 2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065

3, 4, 5, 6 https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/prebiotic-and-probiotic/

How Does Exercise Enhance Gut Health?

Published on by Nikken

We know that eating a healthy diet contributes to optimal gut health. Now clinical nutritionists and gastroenterologists are finding definitive proof that exercise can support gut health, too. The combination of healthy diet and exercise reigns supreme, but the discovery that exercise plays such a big role in gut physiology may help many couch potatoes to get moving!

“Exercise is one of the most powerful ways you can boost your gut microbiome. Your digestive tract is a muscle, and moving your body is good for all muscles, gut included. When we are physically inactive, the muscles in our gut also become less active. Over time, they lose their natural coordination and strength,” explains gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD.1

Regular exercise helps the gut find its ideal digestive pace. Each gut has its natural rhythm that keeps things moving. If it’s too fast, you might get the runs. If it’s too slow, you might be constipated, bloated or nauseated. Exercise helps the gut stay “just right” in terms of gut motility, that is, the movement within the gut.

During movement, especially exercise of a cardiovascular nature, the heart pumps harder in order to deliver blood and oxygen to the muscles. Part of that extra blood and oxygen goes straight to the gut. In other words, exercise improves circulation in the whole body, and that includes the gut, which helps the digestive tract work better to maintain the right balance of healthy bacteria.2

Gut muscles react to exercise the same way our visible outer muscles do. Biceps, quadriceps and abdominals visibly get more toned with regular exercise. What you don’t see are the internal gut muscles getting more toned. Even though not visibly more toned, improved regularity is proof that your exercise is paying off by helping waste process out of the body more effectively so your gut simply feels good every day.

Different types of exercise are being researched for their impact on the gut microbiome. There is evidence that low intensity exercise can help reduce the amount of time it takes food to travel through the digestive tract and be successfully pushed out as waste. This is important because this allows the gut microbiome to perform multiple functions effectively, including converting non-digestive parts of food into energy.3

In contrast, higher intensity exercise allows more oxygen to reach the brain and bloodstream. The brain and the gut are connected by the vagus nerve, as well as through molecules secreted into the bloodstream from the gut microbes and immune cells that travel from the gut to the rest of the body.4 The brain and gut are therefore in constant communication and regular periods of high intensity exercise enhance that interaction.

There’s no better time than the summer months to start or add to your exercise regimen. And, regular exercise helps the body crave healthy foods; healthy foods fuel your body for better performance during exercise!

Nikken launched Golden Gut Formula, loaded with both pre- and probiotics, so you not only help increase your beneficial bacteria but you’re nourishing them so they can multiply more rapidly. Adding Golden Gut Formula to a healthy diet and exercising daily may help accelerate your ongoing quest for empowered living! 

1, 2 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/gut-health-workout#:~:text=Your%20metabolism%20is%20your%20body’s,%2C%E2%80%9D%20explains%20Dr.%20Lee.

3 https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/new-microbiome-research-reveals-exercise-may-impact-gut

4 https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/03/gut-brain-connection-long-covid-anxiety-parkinsons.html#:~:text=Through%20direct%20signals%20from%20the,tracts%20are%20in%20constant%20communication.

How Important is Movement for Physical Well-Being?

Published on by Nikken

Most of us acknowledge that staying mobile is a necessary part of an active and empowered lifestyle. But can movement also improve overall physical well-being? In reality, movement can help us feel good every day. And best of all, it doesn’t take a gym membership or strenuous exercise—small daily movements, as long as they’re done consistently, may increase mobility and contribute to overall health.

Here’s how movement can positively impact six crucial parts of the body:

•          Muscles: More than 600 muscles in the body make up 40% of the human body’s weight. Movement helps strengthen those muscles, which help the body to maintain stability, balance and coordination.1

•          Bones: Movement helps build more durable, denser bones. Whether you choose resistance training, jogging, walking, hiking or balance training, such as Pilates and yoga, movement supports bone density.2 Movement and exercise may offer protection against osteoporosis and age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, also known as sarcopenia. Improved physical function can reduce the risk of falls and likelihood of serious injury if there is a fall.3

•          Joints: Flexibility and range-of-motion are important to keep the joints functioning smoothly. Stretching and being mindful of posture and how daily tasks are performed can help increase coordination and balance.

•          Brain: Researchers have made the connection between brain power and movement. As some people age and lose mobility, their cognitive functions deteriorate as well. Daily movement helps rejuvenate the structures within the brain that are linked to cognition. In rehab facilities, even those who are wheelchair bound are provided ways to “cycle” their arms, because movement is not limited to the legs!

•          Heart: Keep the heart pumping at optimal levels by moving every day. It used to be called aerobics and now it’s cardio. Increasing your heartrate through any form of cardiovascular activity done daily can help lower blood pressure, boost levels of good cholesterol and improve blood flow (circulation).4

•          Lungs: To breathe is to live, so keeping the lungs healthy is critical to physical well-being. Movement helps the lungs to improve cardiorespiratory endurance. Walking at a brisk pace is an easy way to help the lungs. And, mindfully inhaling and exhaling deeply is a small but healthy movement in and of itself!

Movement can help you feel better, look better and live better—it’s a natural way to lift your mood and spirits, to sleep better and to connect with nature and the people around you!

1, 2 https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/fitness/blog/blogs-just-move–the-six-benefits-of-everyday-movement

3 https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/health-benefits-exercise-and-physical-activity

4 https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing

What Do You Do to Feel Your Best?

Published on by Nikken

As adults we know and accept that everyone has good days and bad days. Children have to learn this and the sooner they realize even the bad days pass, the faster they stop tantruming. Even grownups may tantrum privately at home sometimes, but what can we do to feel good every day?

What you eat can determine whether you have a good day, bad day or stellar day! For example, complex carbohydrates can help boost serotonin, a “feel good” hormone. Examples of complex carbs include beans, vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Avoid simple carbs, such as sugary desserts—they will provide a spike in energy, but it will be short-lived and you will then “crash,” which is the opposite of feeling good.1

Protein-rich foods are known to release other feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and norepinephrine that not only energize but also help with focus. Good sources of protein are lean meat, poultry, legumes and dairy. Researchers have also found that omega-3 fatty acids, like the ones found in fatty fish and flax seeds, have anti-inflammatory effects, which may impact brain functions.2

On the other hand, you’d be smart to avoid highly processed or deep-fried foods. These types of foods are usually high in calories and low in nutritive value.

If you want to focus on feeling your best consistently, develop healthy eating habits. When you eat well, you feel well and that makes it easier to avoid the food that may taste good for a few minutes and make you feel unwell much longer. For example, if you’re a fan of eating donuts or a sweet pastry for breakfast, see what happens when you switch to plain yogurt with fruit. Try tropical fruit for their natural sweetness or berries, which are high in antioxidants—you’ll be eating good protein and adding fiber, which helps with digestion.

Another food-related way to help feel your best is to take a real lunch break. Lunch is the middle of most people’s work days, and it is necessary pause for refueling your body. This means not only including nutrient-dense food but also taking time away from work and appreciating what you are eating. The temptation to eat while you work can be strong, but according to dieticians and medical researchers, getting away from your work, even if for less than half an hour, can help improve your energy levels, and even your mood.

There are many things you can include in your daily regimen to feel your best, like taking a walk, getting in touch with nature, and even something as simple as smiling! But what you put in your body can make a huge difference, so why not make a few changes and see how you feel?

To make any dietary swap easier, Nikken has Kenzen Vital Balance meal replacement mix, Kenzen Super Ciaga® powder for a delicious antioxidant beverage and our flagship Kenzen Jade GreenZymes®, “nature’s perfect food” that is rich in barley in powder form or capsules!

1, 2 https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-be-happy#daily-habits

Loving and Caring for Yourself

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Loving and caring for yourself is common sense, right? In reality, it’s a little more complicated because for many people, loving and caring for others is natural but self-love and self-care are not. Perhaps there’s a bit of guilt attached to “giving” to yourself, but if you don’t take good care of yourself, how can you possibly be well enough to take care of anyone else?

What does self-care and self-love actually mean? Anything you do to keep yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy is part of self-care.1 When you do anything involving self-care, you are being kind and loving to yourself.

The obstacles to consistently caring for and loving yourself come in the form of life’s curve balls. For example, when you face a job crisis, split up with a partner, experience the death of someone significant in your life, or any other pitfall, you may put self-care aside and focus on “it.” During those hard times, it is even more important to remember to take care of yourself, so that you do not become sick, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and more.

Perhaps the single most common reason people give for not participating in self-care is due to a lack of time. Even if you only have 5-minute increments spread throughout the day to engage in self-care, you may significantly enhance your overall health and well-being.2

•          Do something just for yourself every day. If you have a close friend or confidante, talk to that person. You can talk to yourself by journaling, doing something creative, or listening to your favorite tunes. Even taking a cozy nap is a form of self-love

•          Even if it is raining, try to get outside for a few minutes daily. Breathe in the outdoor air. If you choose nighttime to be out, look up at the sky. Appreciate the stars you can see. If it is warm enough for you to take off your shoes, experience the grass/sand/pebbles on your bare feet. If you can’t practice grounding outdoors, there’s always the KenkoGround® for indoors!

•          Exercise your brain. Make sure you choose an activity that has nothing to do with your job or whatever you do to make a living. Whether it’s a crossword puzzle, learning new vocabulary words or doing sudoku, this time of non-electronic “gaming” is beneficial and helps your mental well-being.

•          Try something new, whether it’s learning a foreign language, trying different food, practicing yoga, meditation or even walking backwards! Doing new things simply helps you feel good about yourself.

•          Proactively stay in touch with old friends and be open to making new ones, regardless of your age. Resist the urge to be a recluse, even when it feels easier to stay home by yourself. Take the first step to connect with your friends and local community, because humans thrive on having bonds.

As you practice self-care, you will be amazed at how it positively affects your entire state of well-being. What’s not to love about that?

1, 2 https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care

What is Empowered Living?

Published on by Nikken

At Nikken, we strive to be catalysts for positive change. We want to inspire individuals to transform their lives and create a ripple effect throughout society. We foster a global wellness community that empowers people to make a difference, where everyone has a purpose to positively impact the lives of others.

Empowered living involves actively taking charge of your choices, decisions and actions. Positive choices lead to positive outcomes, and in turn, to personal growth, prosperity and a sense of balance, vitality and connection to the world.

The 5 Pillars of Wellness are pathways to empowered living:

•The Mind cultivates a fulfilling purpose and pursues continuous growth to find peace through life’s challenges.

•The Body embraces natural movement and nourishes your body with wholesome foods and adequate hydration.

•The Family nurtures loving connections and shares the joy of empowered living with loved ones.

• Society fosters a supportive and inclusive community, where individuals feel a deep sense of belonging and a shared sense of purpose and identity.

• Finances flourish from purposeful action. It’s not just about having a purpose but requires actively working for it and managing resources wisely.

Empowered living is not about being perfect or seeking perfection. It is about finding ways to feel and be well every day. It is about maintaining a state of well-being where there are consistently positive emotions, the ability to function both physically and mentally at optimal or near-optimal levels, and a sense of balance within oneself and with the environment. When we experience empowered living, we feel energized, focused and capable of achieving our goals.

Nature provides us with the sources for empowered living — clean air and water, soil to grow food, earth to ground us, conditions for restful sleep. Nikken technologies are inspired by nature: negative ions, ceramic reflective fibers, minerals from the earth, natural water filtration systems, sustainable marine plant life, magnetics, and more, are combined to produce Kenzen® nutrition, PiMag® water, Kenko Balance, Sleep & Support and True Elements® skin care. Nature serves as the source of smart nutrition, smart hydration, restful sleep, vital energy, fresh air and nourished skin.

This year and every year, practice empowered living and experience hope, happiness, joy and prosperity!

Do Something to Feel Good Every Day

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Doing something to feel good every day seems natural, but think about it. Do you consciously behave in ways to that make you feel good? Feeling good is not just about physical well-being. Your brain tells you to feel good or not, so mental well-being is also crucial.

The first step to feeling good every day may be by creating intentions. By doing so, feeling good comes from conscious acts. You can then alter your behavior to establish positive habits that become second nature and no longer require questioning and searching for answers.

Feeling good, both mentally and physically, often depends on a few basic activities. Try it and see if it makes a difference in how you feel!

•          Get enough sleep. You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so getting plenty of rest is a no-brainer. Without enough restful sleep, your brain and the rest of your body cannot function optimally. When you don’t get enough sleep, not only do you suffer from brain fog and bad moods, but ironically you can gain weight, raise your blood pressure and weaken your immune system.

•          Spend some time outdoors every day. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes or a brisk walk around the block, being outside (rain or shine) can elevate your mood or create an optimistic attitude as well as lower blood pressure.

•          Do some kind of exercise consistently—whether it’s walking or working out, swimming or biking—your body will look forward to how well it feels, and you will have created a wonderful lifelong habit.

•          Be helpful. You don’t have to formally volunteer somewhere to be helpful. You can hold the door open for someone, let someone go in front of you in a supermarket queue, give a fellow driver the right of way in crowded traffic, or simply smile at strangers. You may or may not make someone else’s day better, but you definitely will feel pretty good yourself.

•          Drink enough water. By the time you actually feel thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated, so make it a conscious habit to sip water throughout the day. If it’s PiMag® water, even better—because then you’re drinking alkaline water that efficiently hydrates.

•          Meditate or spend a few minutes daily doing nothing. This is practicing the art of true relaxation. Doing nothing for a short period of time, from a few minutes up to an hour, may resemble meditation; however, not everyone is a natural meditator, while everyone is able to do nothing, whether laying down, sitting up, standing or leaning.

•          Interact with an animal. If you have a pet, this one will come naturally. Pet your dog, cat or bunny. Something about the sense of touch against their fur is calming and soothing. Converse with your parakeets. No pets? Go outside and listen—birds, crickets, insects have a symphony of their own and gives you a break from your own inner dialogue.

•          A good diet definitely is key to feeling good every day. One specific part of a healthy diet is fiber. Fiber keeps you regular and being regular is one way to feel good every day. Make sure to eat plenty of fiber. Examples of digestible or soluble fiber are beans, Brussel sprouts, yams, apples, carrots and asparagus. Examples of indigestible or insoluble fiber are kale, cauliflower, spinach, peas, nuts and pears. You can’t go wrong if you eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables—the more colorful, the better.

•          There’s nothing that compares to the feeling of doing something creative. Do you enjoy cooking? Painting? Playing or listening to music? Do you crochet, knit, practice carpentry or build mobiles? Do anything you enjoy that is not related to your work and notice how good you feel.

•          Laughter not only helps boost your immune system, but it also triggers your body to release endorphins and other hormones that make you feel good! So, spend time with your buddies who laugh with you, watch some standup or tune into your favorite comedies.

For the whole month of January, select filters are at 20% off, so you can breathe in clean air and energize as well as hydrate and cleanse with PiMag® water—two ways to feel good every day!