Spring Clean Your Wellness Routine

These little changes lead to big results when it comes to good health.

- By Adele Jackson-Gibson

Nobody is a flawlessly healthy human-it's just not realistic. In fact, all the idealized picture of health you see online can actually cause more anxiety or make it more likely that you'll skimp on the good habits you do maintain. The key to living a life that supports the health of your heart, your brain, and everything in between? It comes down to consistency, most often doing the “right things, and taking it one step at a time when you want to make a change. Try these expert-backed moves-they're simple, and they'll have an impact.

Breathe your abs strong.

A strong core is essential for good posture, which helps ward off pain and prevent you from getting hurt doing ordinary tasks. Try it: Take a full breath in, letting your belly fill with air, then exhale. Focus on breathing into your rib cage, while keeping your abs tight, for 30 seconds. Start with three times daily and work your way up to one-minute sessions.

Doodle.

Scribbling allows the brain to rest and relax, and it's a mindful experience because it takes the focus off stressors and puts it on the task at hand, which relieves stress. And there's science to back that up: Multiple studies suggest that art therapy can help people cope with anxiety and depression.

Getting a handle on your mental health contributes to a healthy heart.

Put down your fork.