Chew more, think faster
Chewing gum- especially mint-flavoured- has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, improving memory, attention and even reaction times. It can also help reduce stress and keep you alert during long tasks( like studying).
Weird but true: Just the act of chewing seems to wake up your brain.
Pickle power
Athletes and trainers swear by it and science backs it up. A small shot of pickle juice can stop muscle cramps faster than drinking water or sports drinks. Researchers think the vinegar and salt activate nerves in the throat that send signals to the brain to stop the cramp reflex.
Laugh it off: Nature’ s funniest painkiller
Real, belly-aching laughter causes your brain to release endorphins, your body’ s built-in feel-good chemicals. And, to top it all, these endorphins bind to the same receptors as morphine, making laughter a legitimate( and free) painkiller.
One study from Oxford University found that 15 minutes of hearty laughter increased pain tolerance by about 10 %.
Apples vs anxiety
The crisp, familiar scent of apples, especially green ones, has been shown to help reduce feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety in confined spaces. Researchers believe the aroma may have a calming effect on the brain, potentially lowering stress responses and promoting a sense of spaciousness.
So, next time you feel boxed in, a whiff of apple might help you breathe a little easier.
Goosebumps to beat the chill
Goosebumps are the body’ s ancient way of staying warm. When you’ re cold, tiny muscles at the base of your hair follicles contract, making hairs stand up … what we see as goosebumps. For our furry ancestors, this fluffed-up hair helped trap heat. Today, we’ ve lost most of that fur but the reflex has stuck around, like a biological throwback jacket we forgot to return.
Tiny but mighty cranberries
Cranberries may be small but they pack a serious health punch. Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they help fight off urinary tract infections, support heart health and may even improve gut bacteria.
But it’ s best to go easy on the sugar-loaded juice, rather opt for unsweetened or whole cranberries to get the real benefits.
Nature’ s mood booster
Catching some rays isn’ t just about vitamin D, it has been proven to help lift your mood. Sunlight helps regulate your body’ s production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone linked to happiness and calm. Just 15-30 minutes of natural light a day can help reduce symptoms of depression, especially in those with Seasonal Affective Disorder( SAD). It also helps reset your circadian rhythm, improving sleep, which is closely linked to mental health.
So, a little sunshine doesn’ t just feel good … it’ s neurological self-care.
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 / 2025
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