“Backed By Science”: 8 Curious Habits People Don’t Know Boost Mental And Physical Health

Who doesn’t want to get healthier? Whether you aspire to put more veggies on your plate this year or start training to run a marathon, it seems like we can always be doing more for our bodies. But making drastic lifestyle changes can be daunting, and we often set ourselves up for failure by being too ambitious.

So if you want to improve your mental and physical health, it’s best to start with small, easy habits. And if you’re looking for some ideas, Nicholas Takada recently shared a list on TikTok that you might be interested in. Below, you’ll find all of his creative yet science-backed tips, as well as some of the replies and ideas viewers shared.

Living a healthy lifestyle comes with countless benefits

Young woman in sportswear stretching outdoors enjoying mental and physical health benefits in natural sunlight

Image credits: freepik (not the actual image)

So here are some simple habits you can pick up that might go a long way in improving your mental and physical health

Black and white illustration of a girl surrounded by surreal images representing weird habits that improve mental and physical health.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Pixelated figure walking backward with text explaining backward walking benefits for mental and physical health improvement.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Abstract blue circular pattern with text explaining humming as a weird habit to improve mental and physical health.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Alt text: Eating meals outside for sunlight exposure boosts serotonin and activates the parasympathetic nervous system for better health.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Woman in denim leaning against oversized shoe, illustrating ankle circles to improve mental and physical health.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Illustration showing a weird habit that improves mental and physical health by stimulating the vagus nerve and calming anxiety.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Person demonstrates hanging from a bar exercise, highlighting weird habits that might improve mental and physical health benefits.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Abstract figure with colorful symbols and text about chewing habits, related to weird habits improving mental and physical health.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Person balancing on one leg brushing teeth, demonstrating weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Image credits: tripicaltakada

Prioritizing your health can greatly improve your life satisfaction

Focusing on your health may seem boring, especially if you’re young and want to stay out until 5 a.m. every weekend then eat a kebab before sleeping late into the afternoon. But the reality is that we’re all given only one body in this lifetime, so it’s wise to take good care of it.

Verywell Mind notes that even small health issues like aches and pains can take a significant toll on your wellbeing and stress levels, so it’s best to make your health a priority. Imagine how much happier you would be if that nagging back pain suddenly disappeared or if you didn’t have to worry about your knees flaring up before going up a flight of stairs. 

Pain and stress make all aspects of life more challenging than they need to be, including working, maintaining relationships with loved ones, playing with your children or even enjoying a day off by the pool. So what are the first steps we can take in improving our health? 

I don’t mean to sound like your mother or father, but seriously, eat your vegetables. Verywell Mind explains that eating a balanced diet can have a major impact on your mood, energy levels and overall health. It’s fine to eat that slice of cake every now and then, but your body will thank you for getting a healthy intake of fruits and veggies every single day too.

At the same time, sleep should always be a priority if you want to improve your health. We all should be getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted Zs each night. In fact, women typically need even more. So start enforcing that bedtime, ladies!

Image credits: Natalia Blauth (not the actual image)

Building healthy habits takes time, so it’s best to start with activities you enjoy

It’s also a good idea to stop drinking caffeine in the afternoon, and make sure that your bedroom is dark, peaceful and a comfortable temperature. That way, you’ll be able to get that rest that your body so desperately needs.

Now, we all know that exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle as well, but that doesn’t make it any easier to get up off the couch and head to the gym. So the most important aspect is getting into the habit of working out. 

The CDC reports that, unfortunately, less than half of American adults meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic activity. And less than a quarter meet the guidelines for muscle-strengthening activity. 

So when you’re looking to start a new form of exercise, finding something that you enjoy is the first step. Don’t force yourself to run if it feels like t*****e, and don’t feel the need to lift weights if you find it boring. 

Look for an exercise class in your city or a video on YouTube that you actually look forward to participating in. You could even buy a bike or start swimming at your local pool if you prefer being outside. It doesn’t have to be complicated; just get moving and, over time, the habit will form.

We would love to hear your thoughts on these tips in the comments below, pandas. What easy habits have you formed that went a long way in improving your health? Feel free to weigh in, and then you can check out another Bored Panda article featuring health advice right here. 

Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual image)

Viewers appreciated the tips, and some even shared additional healthy lifestyle hacks

User sharing a weird habit of walking backwards in circles and humming, related to improving mental and physical health.

Comment about brushing teeth with less used hand for better control over mind, a weird habit linked to mental and physical health.

Comment about eating meals outside as a weird habit that might improve mental and physical health, with emojis and no balcony mention.

Comment on weird habits that might improve mental and physical health, with a humorous take on eating meals outside.

User comment by Kiki expressing interest and love for the content related to weird habits that improve mental and physical health.

Comment saying healing through humming, illustrating weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Comment on a social media post discussing weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Social media comment expressing enjoyment of eating meals outside, reflecting weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Comment praising easy habits that can improve mental and physical health, posted by user just someone.

User comment on social media about trying a weird habit related to mental and physical health, mentioning humming and laughing.

A social media comment stating the user already practices weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Person sharing thoughts about weird habits that might improve mental and physical health in a casual online comment.

User comment on TikTok about staying on one side, illustrating weird habits that might improve mental and physical health discussion.

User comment on a discussion about weird habits that might improve mental and physical health, highlighting interest and body curiosity.

User comment about cats getting scared due to humming, illustrating weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Comment saying they’ve always been humming when stressed, illustrating weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Screenshot of a social media comment showing a person excited about brushing teeth, related to weird habits and health benefits.

Comment about starting morning with weird habits that might improve mental and physical health by balancing and mindful routines.

User comment about feeling amazing after a scooter ride in the rain, reflecting weird habits that improve mental and physical health.

Commenter Amy Pudliszewska discussing weird habits that might improve mental and physical health by easing body pain.

Comment saying This is perfect with 6 likes on a white background, illustrating positive feedback for weird habits that improve mental and physical health.

Social media comment discussing weird habits that might improve mental and physical health with a smiling user profile picture.

Social media comment expressing strong agreement with post about weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Comment saying "I always brushed my teeth by standing on one leg," illustrating a weird habit that might improve mental and physical health.

Comment on social media post discussing weird habits that might improve mental and physical health in a casual tone.

Comment stating someone was already doing six weird habits that might improve mental and physical health without realizing it.

Comment on a social media post showing a green smiley face avatar and text discussing weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

User posting positive comment on social media about weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Screenshot of a comment saying "i always do number 8 idk why," related to weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Comment about life hacks related to weird habits that might improve mental and physical health on social media.

Comment about walking while brushing teeth as a weird habit that might improve mental and physical health.

Comment on social media post expressing a belief in subconscious signals related to weird habits improving mental and physical health.

Social media comment asking for games like sudoku and memory that improve mental and physical health habits.

Comment on social media discussing science with enthusiasm, related to weird habits that improve mental and physical health.

User comment about doing ankle circles as a weird habit that might improve mental and physical health for muscle relief.

Screenshot of a social media comment discussing weird habits that might improve your mental and physical health in a casual tone.

Comment about doing ankle circles while pressing tongue on the roof and humming to improve mental and physical health.

Screenshot of a social media comment discussing ankle circles and their impact on physical health and mental well-being.

Comment about walking backwards to remember things, illustrating weird habits that might improve mental and physical health.

Screenshot of a social media comment sharing a weird habit that might improve mental and physical health.

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