There’s plenty of great things you can do for your body and mind, but you’ve got to start somewhere. And if we’re going to establish that starting point, this is it.

1. Drink More Water

This is probably the most important, and the best starting point for change. By the time you get thirsty you are already dehydrated. Nearly all of our systems do not function as well without proper hydration. We can live longer without food but can only go a few days without water. Dehydration can impact everything from mood to athletic performance and general body function.

Adequate water consumption can also reduce pain in your joints by keeping cartilage soft and hydrated. Hydration is how glucosamine helps reduce joint pain as the cartilage absorbs water. Flushes out waste in the form of urine and  sweat. Add in some fiber and you can also reduce the chances of constipation. Drinking water helps the skin do its job of regulating core temperature, improves color and texture of skin. Essential for proper circulation, serves as the body’s transformation system.

For people trying to drop some pounds, staying hydrated can serve an appetite and aid weight loss. Interestingly enough, many times when we think we’re hungry we’re actually thirsty.

ADVICE
-Drink 1/2 your bodyweight in ounces, ( if 160 lbs drink 80 o each day) Activity level comes into play.
-Carry a bottle with you everywhere
-Eat tons of raw fruit/veggies as they are dense in water.
-Urine should be frequent and lightly colored.

2. Strength Train

Become as relatively possible (as strong as you can for what you weigh) and lean.

Regular strength training will help with shedding pounds and maintain weight loss. In fact, studies have shown that women who trained 3x a week increased caloric expenditure in daily activity along with those burned with exercise.

Strength training doesn’t just make you strong. You can expect improved balance, posture, coordination, and even longevity. Another great takeaway is that it elevates endorphins which make you feel AWESOME. Lifting sessions loads of calories and can even help boost metabolism by 15%.

3. Meditate

No matter what happens we all need a way to release stress and disappear from the world for a few. Meditation is helpful for the body as it halts anxiety and increases our awareness. When awareness rises so does wisdom which is very important . Meditation also can bring emotional problems to the surface and truly aid you in clearing the mind.

ADVICE
Start with 10 minutes a day, every morning but don’t force it if not ready. Use whatever time to clear your head and shrug of the what if’s of the world. Find a place to sit, that speaks to you. It can be your bed, a park bench, the beach, actually even walking a nature trail. Be silent but present, experience what your mind is doing. Becoming for that very moment, second, minute one with yourself.

4. Smile

Neurotransmitters called endorphins are released when we smile, these make us feel better and release stress. Believe it or not, faking a smile or laugh works just as good as the real thing. The brain doesn’t know the difference between real or fake, it simply interprets the position of the facial muscles and causes a response. This is also known as facial feedback hypothesis. The more we stimulate our brain to release the chemical the more often we end up feeling happier.  This also acts as a natural pain killer.

Smiling makes you appear more approachable. Laughing even expands the lungs and stimulates homeostasis. Interaction with others is easier and more enjoyable when smiles and laughs are shared, and these behaviours are contagious, making others feel better too, and make you a more appealing and attractive person to be around. This in turn will have a positive effect on your well-being. Making you overall happier, more liked, and more wanting to be around your positive energy that will surely rub off on others.

5. Have More Sex

Seriously! It helps you sleep better for one.

After orgasm, the body releases a hormone called prolactin that releases a feel good stimulus. Sex also burns a good amount of calories, in fact, an average 25 minute session burns 101 calories and 69 for women. Sex is also known to lower blood pressure, stress levels, regulate hormones, and boost your immune system. Those who got “busy” on a weekly basis provided more protection from the common cold. Sex is even a natural pain reliever. Blood flow is redirecting the flow, alleviating pressure on pain areas.