Everyone wishes to stay healthy – at least subconsciously. But people tend to take their health for granted as long as they don’t experience any physical or mental problems. Once back pain and migraines are part of their everyday life, people start to think differently.

But it doesn’t have to get that far! Here are 10 ideas on how to lead a healthier lifestyle right now, so you hopefully never have to deal with these unpleasant things of life…

1. Exercise

It has been scientifically proven over and over again. People who exercise regularly live healthier and can expand their life span by many years. A study published in 2012 has proven that “higher levels of physical activity were associated with greater gains in life expectancy, with a gain of 4.5 (…) y(ears) at the highest level”.

Bottom line: Exercise regularly. Get yourself an exercise plan today! If you are not a fan of going to the gym, you can opt for outdoor activities like hiking , cycling etc. Outdoor activities are also a great way to relieve stress and clam your feet. You can read about them on savvyexpeditioner.com and make them a part of your weekly routine.

2. Monitor Your Diet

Living healthy equals eating healthy. The problem is that many people don’t really pay close attention to what they are eating throughout the day. A simple solution to the problem is to note everything you eat down into a food diary for at least 4 weeks in a row. After a couple of days you will start to get a feeling for what and how much you eat. This is a great starting point, if you want to cut unnecessary fat or sugar.

Bottom line: Monitor your diet by keeping a food diary.

3. Stick To Organic Food

There are too many toxins and pollutants in our environment that sooner or later all end up on your plate. So if you have the budget, stick to organic food only. More and more supermarkets expand their product range on biodynamically produced fruits and vegetables.

Bottom line: Choose 100% organic food, if possible.

4. Filter Your Water

Environmental toxins and pollutants can also be found in our tap water in ever increasing quantities. There is no point in buying expensive organic food, if you ingest all those harmful substances through the water you drink. Start filtering your water by installing a purification system in your home and you will have a neverending amount of fresh and healthy drinking water.

Bottom line: Get a water filter system for your home.

5. Cut Out Alcohol

Alcoholism is one of the most common addictions affecting Americans. Consumed in large quantities, alcohol is the most harmful drug that is legally available in our country. We all know what it does to our body after a long night of partying, so try to cut it out. Real friends won’t put you under pressure for sticking to soda.

Bottom line: Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.

6. Go Outside

Especially young people spend too much time inside. They either play with their computer or Playstation or watch TV. It’s important to go outside and get some fresh air. You will feel better after a relaxing walk, trust me.

Bottom line: Get off your couch and go outside.

7. Stop Watching TV In The Evening

The Telegraph has quoted a study that found that some people are constantly lacking sleep. According to the researches this has nothing to do with a lack of time, but with watching TV in the evening for too long. “(…) watching less television in the evening and postponing work start time in the morning appear to be the candidate behavioural changes for achieving additional sleep and reducing chronic sleep debt.” is one result of the study.

Bottom line: Watch less TV in the evening and go to bed earlier.

8. Spend More Time With Your Beloved Ones

This is an easy one! Spend more time with the people you love. These people make you happy and you make them happy. That’s a win-win!

Bottom line: Spend more time with the people you love.

9. Dump Negative People

We all know these people that are always in a bad mood. No matter what you do and what’s happening, chronically pessimistic people will always find a way to pull everyone around them down. Maybe it’s what makes them happy, but you don’t need that in your life, because you probably have enough to worry about already.

Bottom line: Get rid of people pulling you down.

10. Pay Attention To Your Thoughts

Our brain is tirelessly producing thoughts around the clock and large proportions of it we don’t even notice. If your day didn’t start as you anticipated and you are in a bad mood, watch your thoughts and escape the downwards spiral. Don’t let your subconscious mind ruin your day.

Bottom line: Watch your thoughts and change your focus, if necessary.

Start Slow

You don’t have to make drastic changes to lead a healthier lifestyle. It’s ok to start small and make progress from there. It’s easier to adapt to changes and create new habits, if you don’t expect yourself to make a 180 degree turn in 2 days. From the 10 ideas listed above, pick out 1 or 2 and try to implement them today.

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Author Bio: Sandra Caldwell is a health, fitness & lifestyle blogger and loves to enjoy a long walk along the beach with her dog Maya.