by Kat Centeno

Created on: April 05, 2010

We all want to live longer and age gracefully. It is not always genetics that determines longevity. Your healthy well-being is dependent on your lifestyle choices. There are simple yet important steps that will jump start you to reaching your optimal health. Developing these habits is beneficial to your health.  

1. Drink lots of water. Water is vital to our health. It makes us digest our food better. It has no calories yet it fills us when we are thirsty and prevents us from dehydrating. Dehydration affects our body functions. Water gives us the vigor when we feel lousy. Water makes our skin healthy and supple.

2. Sleep well. We always wake up in a good mood when we have enough sleep. We can concentrate better on our task when we had enough sleep. The sleep-deprived are often cranky and tired. Having a good night sleep keeps us alert during the day. Sleep allows our body to take a rest and recharge.
 
3. Move around. You do not need to hit the gym to get your needed exercise. Just move around to keep those muscles working. It can be walking around your neighborhood or doing your chores. It will keep your blood pumping for a healthy heart. Your energy is up when you are in motion.

4. Wash hands. Germs are often spread by the objects we come in contact with. Infectious diseases are spread easily when touch our eyes, mouth or nose with unclean hands. It is also important to wash our hands when we prepare food and eat. Wash hands correctly by thoroughly scrubbing the area between your fingers.

5. Eat right. A balanced diet requires consuming the necessary nutrients needed by the body everyday. A right proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals are needed for a healthy body. This will help the body function efficiently. As they say, you are what you eat.  

6. Laugh. Be sociable. Having a positive attitude can improve you overall mental health. It is a great stress-reliever. We feel much better and happier when we laugh. When we laugh with friends and family, it keeps us connected with them and makes living worthwhile and much more meaningful. It fosters good relationship with others.

You do not need drastic changes in your lifestyle to live longer. Start with these simple steps and develop them into habits. When it becomes second nature to do these things, it is much easier to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

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