We constantly hear about drinking more water, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly—important Uncommon Wellness Habits That Make a Big Difference
We constantly hear about drinking more water, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly—important habits, no doubt. But what about the wellness practices that don’t always make the headlines? Sometimes, the most transformative habits are the ones we don’t immediately associate with health. If you’re looking to upgrade your well-being with something different, here are some lesser-known yet powerful habits to try, plus specific products, recipes, and exercises to help you implement them.
1. Oil Pulling for Oral and Gut Health
Why it matters: Oil pulling—swishing coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for about 10–15 minutes—helps remove bacteria, improve gum health, and support digestion by eliminating toxins before they reach the gut.
How to try it:
- Swish 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut oil (like Dr. Bronner’s Coconut Oil) in your mouth for 10–15 minutes.
- Spit it out (not in the sink, as oil can clog drains) and rinse with warm water.
- Follow up by brushing your teeth with a fluoride-free toothpaste like Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste for extra detox benefits.
2. Exposing Yourself to Natural Light First Thing in the Morning
Why it matters: Morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, improve sleep, and boost mood.
How to try it:
- Spend 5–10 minutes outside within the first hour of waking up.
- If sunlight exposure isn’t possible, try a light therapy lamp like the Verilux HappyLight for an energy boost.
Bonus Exercise:
- Try 5 minutes of light stretching or a sun salutation yoga flow outside to combine movement and sunlight exposure.
3. Gua Sha for Lymphatic Drainage
Why it matters: Gua sha helps with lymphatic drainage, reduces tension, and improves blood circulation.
How to try it:
- Use a gua sha tool like the Mount Lai Jade Gua Sha with a nourishing facial oil like Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Oil to gently massage your face and neck.
- Sweep in upward and outward motions, focusing on areas that feel tense (like the jawline and temples).
4. Eating Bitter Foods for Digestion
Why it matters: Bitter foods help stimulate bile production and improve digestion.
How to try it:
- Add bitter greens like arugula, dandelion greens, or radicchio to your salads.
- Drink digestive bitters (like Urban Moonshine Original Bitters) before meals to help with bloating.
Easy Digestive Tonic Recipe:
- Mix 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp ginger powder, and a squeeze of lemon into warm water and drink 15 minutes before a meal.
5. Listening to Binaural Beats for Focus and Stress Reduction
Why it matters: Binaural beats alter brainwave activity, helping with focus, relaxation, and sleep.
How to try it:
- Listen to Brain.fm or YouTube binaural beats playlists while working or meditating.
- Use noise-canceling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 for an immersive experience.
Recommended Frequency Ranges:
- 40 Hz for focus
- 10 Hz (Alpha waves) for relaxation
- 2-4 Hz (Delta waves) for deep sleep
6. Spending Time in Complete Silence
Why it matters: Giving your brain a break from noise helps reset your nervous system and improves mental clarity.
How to try it:
- Try 5–10 minutes of complete silence each morning or before bed.
- Use Loop Earplugs or Bose Sleepbuds to block out noise if needed.
7. Sleeping with Mouth Tape for Better Breathing
Why it matters: Nasal breathing during sleep improves oxygen intake, reduces snoring, and enhances deep sleep quality.
How to try it:
- Use SomniFix Mouth Strips or 3M Micropore Tape to gently keep your mouth closed at night.
- Pair with a humidifier (like the Levoit Ultrasonic Humidifier) if you experience dryness.
8. Scent-Association for Better Productivity and Relaxation
Why it matters: Associating certain scents with specific tasks can train your brain for better focus or relaxation.
How to try it:
- Use peppermint or rosemary essential oils while working to improve concentration.
- Diffuse lavender or sandalwood in the evening for relaxation with the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser.
9. Practicing “Soft Gaze” for Eye and Mental Relaxation
Why it matters: Staring at screens all day strains our eyes and brain. A soft gaze can reduce tension and improve mindfulness.
How to try it:
- Take 20-second breaks every 20 minutes to look at something far away (the 20-20-20 rule).
- Try eye yoga exercises, like slowly tracing an infinity sign with your eyes.
10. Hugging for At Least 20 Seconds
Why it matters: Longer hugs release oxytocin, which lowers stress and boosts happiness.
How to try it:
- Give someone you love a full-body, heart-to-heart hug for at least 20 seconds.
- No one to hug? Use a weighted blanket like the Gravity Blanket for a similar calming effect.
Final Thoughts
Wellness isn’t just about the basics—it’s about discovering small, unique habits that work for you. These lesser-known practices might not be as mainstream, but they can have a profound impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Which of these habits are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments!
