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35 Simple Health Tips Experts Live By - A Series:

By Amanda Schupak

Here on the Well desk, we’re constantly asking experts for research-backed advice on how to eat better, stress less and generally live healthier, happier lives. But which habits really make the biggest difference?

To find out, our reporters went back to leading specialists they’ve interviewed over the years and asked them: 

What is the one health tip you learned in your work that you live by? 

These 35 tricks, life hacks, rules and reminders span nutrition, sleep, mental health, fitness, productivity and more. They all meet Well’s standard for excellence with a little extra credibility — they are practiced by the people who preach them.

When I find myself stuck in a pattern of negative thinking, I try not to complain for seven days. It retrains your brain to stop going down a negative path. I write “Don’t complain!” on a sticky note right by my bed so I see it when I wake up.

Dr. Kali D. Cyrus

Psychiatrist and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Medicine

Dark-chocolate-covered nuts (at least 70 percent cocoa) are almost a perfect food. They combine two remarkable nutrient-rich foods — nuts and cocoa — and are high in phenolics, minerals, healthy fats and fiber.

Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian

Director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University

Keep magazines, phones and any other reading paraphernalia out of the bathroom that will distract you from the task at hand — defecation! Studies show that extra time on the loo may increase your risk of hemorrhoids.

Dr. Sophie Balzora

Gastroenterologist and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health