50 Easy Ways to Be a Healthier Person

Clutter has been associated with a range of unhealthy behaviors. It is linked to problems with decision making and executive function. Clutter distracts by focusing one’s attention on something else and by providing too many stimuli, making it difficult to relax. Research has shown that people can get emotionally attached to objects just by holding them too often or keeping them around for a long time, resulting in clutter.

The importance of stretching increases as we age because as we get older, our muscles get shorter and become less elastic. Doing strength training and cardio activity without doing stretches contracts the muscles and puts you at risk for strains. Stretching improves flexibility, helps reduce the risk of injury, gives you greater range of motion, and also improves your workout.

Most people know they should be washing their bed sheets at least once a week. Sheets can accumulate dead skin cells, dust mites, and bacteria you can’t see. But after a while — usually about two years — bed linen fibers can start to break down and sheets may begin to tear. So before your sheets make you uncomfortable in bed, throw them out or, better still, donate them — even torn sheets can be recycled into rags or insulation.

Air filtration is often recommended for its clinical benefits, especially for people with seasonal allergies. Air filters prevent dust, pollen, dirt, and other pollutants from settling, thus reducing buildup. A poorly maintained filtration system, however, can become contaminated with dust, eventually worsening the air quality indoors. Basic air filters should be changed every three months, and every month or two if there are pets in the house. Some filters can be recycled so check with the manufacturer of your system.

You probably take very good care of your contact lenses — removing them every night (if they are that kind of lens) and cleaning them thoroughly before and after using them. But you should also do your due diligence when it comes to the lens case. The American Optometric Association recommends replacing lens cases once every three months. Otherwise, bacteria can form that cannot be cleaned with a disinfectant. Since they are made of plastic, most cases can be recycled.