Health Zone :12 Basic Tips For Being Happy & Healthy

More and more research is showing that the key to lifelong good health is what experts call “lifestyle medicine” — making simple changes in diet, exercise and stress management.

To help you turn that knowledge into results, we’ve put together this manageable list of health and wellness action steps.

1. Get lots of sleep : In order to maintain a healthy body, you will need 8-10 hours of sleep every day. This keeps you awake and alert, so you don’t have to drink caffeine and sugar-loaded energy drinks.

2. Laugh and smile : Smiling a lot makes your face look younger and it feels great. If you laugh a lot, it has been scientifically proven to keep you healthier.

3. Do nothing : Staying in a dark, quiet place without having any stressful thoughts for about ten minutes will leave you feeling refreshed. If you just relax, you will feel better and probably keep feeling good through the day. Just do this a couple of times a day.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. Try to get at least 5-9 servings a day.

5. Drink water : Good old H2O is key in making you run throughout the day. The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. It helps you re-energize and keep going. Not drinking enough fresh water leads to acne, headaches, and even dehydration. Do this, and you’ll stay in good condition.

6. Stretch! It feels great! : From when you wake up in the morning, to your gym class, this easy form of muscle exercise warms you up and makes you more flexible. If you continuously stretch each day, you will end up being really flexible and nimble. It keeps you running longer and gives you strength.

7. Run and jog:  This doesn’t necessarily mean run five miles every morning, but jogging or running for about 10 minutes at an easy pace definitely will keep you in shape. Try jogging for about 10 minutes 2 times a week.It will keep your muscles strong and fit every day.

8. Challenge yourself:  If you got 10 push-ups as your maximum, try going for 12! Little challenges like this keep your body nice and fit.

9. Do something you love:  Play with a pet, go swimming, or whatever you like! Doing things you love to do keep you in a good mood, and make you happier. If you had a bad day, ride a bike and take out your anger. Not only is this fun, but it lets you be yourself for awhile. Try it!

10. Feel good about yourself: There is always going to be someone in the room who does at least one thing better than you, so don’t compare yourself to other people! Find things you are good at, and use your talents!

11. Accomplish something: This will make you feel victorious! Performing a song or using your talents to amaze someone else makes you feel great!

12. Get a little exercise everyday: This will not only make you feel better, and make you look better, but help you to get through the day.