40 simple hacks that can make your life healthier, brighter and more efficient

A majority of the New Year's resolutions people set are health-related, which include to eat better, exercise more and lose weight. Those are lofty, ambitious goals that may be difficult to achieve. But being even just marginally healthier doesn't require a lot of effort. To help, here are 40 easy wins — life hacks, if you will — that will almost certainly make your everyday existence brighter, more efficient and, therefore, healthier.

1. Move every hour — even if it's just to walk to the bathroom or to do some light stretching.

2. Put on a podcast (or your favorite TV show) while you walk or work out. Chances are, it will help you stick with it longer.

3. Try a low-pressure version of the "no buy" challenge. Skip purchasing coffee or take out for a month — then treat yourself to something nice with the cash you saved.

4. Embrace "girl dinner" and the "carnivore board." Keep crackers, cheese, sliced meat and pre-cut fruit and veggies in your fridge for when you can't bother to cook.

5. Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. Famished shoppers are known to buy more (and higher-calorie) food than they need, so try to sneak in a quick snack before heading to the store or putting in your online order.

6. Mute (or leave) any group chat you’re not actively participating in.

7. Hit the sauna post-workout. Research says there are health benefits like improved heart health and pain reduction.

8. Put a fruit bowl on your desk (or kitchen island, or wherever you’re most likely to graze). Studies show you’re more likely to snack on healthier foods like fruit when they’re easy to grab. Keep a bowl of almonds handy, or stock up on bananas, apples and clementines so you literally have a nutritious treat right under your nose when you need it (and are therefore less likely to pay some food delivery app $20 to fetch you Doritos).

9. Toss grapes in your freezer. Frozen grapes are a refreshing snack — and eating them may actually improve your mood.

10. Create a shared digital calendar for your family. Let everyone update accordingly.

11. Throw a couple of reusable shopping bags and a pack of tissues in your car. You just never know when you’ll need to shop, lug stuff around, clean up or touch something gross.

12. Carry your groceries into your home. It counts as "incidental" exercise and can cut your heart attack risk.

13. Play Wordle or do a crossword puzzle daily — it can boost your brain health.

14. Keep dark chocolate chips in your cabinet. Sprinkle them on yogurt, oatmeal or peanut butter and sliced bananas for when you need a just-sweet-enough pick-me-up with some health benefits.

15. Fire up a fun, high-energy anthem when you need to tackle a loathsome cleaning task. “Flash’s Theme” by Queen or "HOT TO GO" by Chappell Roan are our top picks.

16. Start applying sunscreen to your hands if you aren’t already. (We are wearing sunscreen daily, right?)

17. Slather on sunscreen pre-flight, too. UV rays sneak in through the window.

18. Stop feeling guilty about turning down an invitation. The host won’t be as offended as you might think.

19. Find a hydration routine you can stick with, whether that means guzzling flavored sparkling water or splurging on the latest trendy tumbler.

20. Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Consider it your reminder to eat breakfast, even if it's a small one.

21. Pass on plastic water bottles when it's possible. Tap water is often healthier, according to science — not to mention cheaper and better for the environment.

22. “Eat the frog”: Try this prioritization strategy, which suggests doing the task you’re dreading the most (calling your accountant, getting your oil changed, whatever) first so you can get it off your plate.

23. Get a library card. Use it for books (duh) but in some places, like in Los Angeles, you can take out sewing machines, gardening tools or even get free passes to national parks and museums.

24. Stop telling yourself that your nightly glass of red wine is good for your health. (Sorry.)

25. Instead, try a mocktail. This Apple Cider and Ginger Mocktail is nutritionist-approved.

26. If you have kids, stop introducing yourself as just “River’s mom” or “Charlie’s dad” to other parents. You have a name — and so do they!

27. Buy four new soft-bristled toothbrushes (or replacement heads) to use this year, swapping them out every three to four months.

28. Make an appointment (daily, ideally) on your work calendar that’s just for you. Use it to walk around the block, squeeze in a short workout, read a chapter of your book, sit outside ... whatever you want.

29. Put your phone in do-not-disturb mode when you’re driving (or, honestly, just need a break from notifications).

30. If the label says “Dry clean only,” don’t buy it. (Unless you really, really love it enough to run an errand every time you want to wear it.)

31. Be a "weekend warrior." A 2024 study found that getting the bulk of your exercise in on Saturday and Sunday (or whatever your days off look like for you) is just as good for you as breaking it up throughout the rest of the week. Plan a long hike or hit up a fitness class when you have more time in your schedule.

32. Try the "poop rule." It's a gross, but helpful decluttering tip: If that object had poop on it, and you would toss it rather than clean it, it no longer serves your space. Time for it to find a new home!

33. If a friend comes to you with a problem, ask if they are looking for advice or just need someone to vent to. If it’s the latter, focus on listening instead of sharing unsolicited opinions.

34. Replace that dingy old pillow you’ve owned since college. Yes, that yellowing sack of feathers has conformed to the shape of your head, but it’s also a health hazard, experts warn. Time to upgrade.

35. Find one plant-based meal you love. Studies show that a plant-based diet comes with a lot of health benefits, but if you’re not ready to take the plunge, consider swapping out just one meal a week. The goal is to find at least one dish you want to eat again and again so it’s easier to make it a regular habit.

36. Carry a book around. Waiting for your doctor’s appointment? Read. On the subway? Read. Your kid fell asleep in the car and if you try to move him he won’t nap again? Find a parking lot and read.

37. Book a way-in-advance reservation for that restaurant you’re desperate to check out. No openings until May? No problem! It will give you time to squirrel away some money for the meal.

38. Adjust your thermostat before bed. Health experts say the ideal temperature for sleeping is between 68°F and 72°F.

39. Rot in bed for a day. It's like pressing a giant snooze button on life.

40. Snuggle with a stuffed animal for better sleep. Might we suggest Clyde the Capybara?

Got a "life hack" you'd like to share? Share your tried-and-true advice in the comments below.