The Dutch secret to good health!

The Dutch are among the happiest, healthiest people. Why? They make time for niksen, the art of doing nothing. And the less you do, the more joy and good health you'll have too!

Sleep deeply by enjoying the moment

When treating yourself to coffee, a warm bath or any other little indulgence, pause and think about how much you're enjoying yourself in that moment. A new study in Clinical Gerontologist found that taking time to savor positive experiences during the day leads to longer, sounder sleep at night. Appreciating joyful moments improves your mood, which makes you less likely to churn over stressful problems and lose sleep when you turn in for the night.

OR TAKE A CITRUS WHIFF! Inhaling the scent of bitter orange essential oil for 5 minutes twice daily reduces tossing and turning by nearly 56% in four weeks. Plus, it helps you fall asleep faster, a study in the International Journal of Community-Based Nursing and Midwifery found. Aroma compounds reduce anxiety, helping you drift off.

Dial down discomfort by daydreaming

The next time knee pain, a headache or another discomfort flares up, imagine a peaceful scene, such as lounging on a beach or watching a sunrise. In a University of Wisconsin study, folks who followed this easy visualization technique experienced a significant drop in pain right away. Researchers reveal that tranquil fantasies reduce worry and increase calm, which lowers pain sensitivity.

OR TURN ON TUNES!