Improving your overall health doesn’t have to be difficult. To get on the right track, here are ten simple changes you can make to begin living a healthier life:

Start Stretching

You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from stretching. As little as 5 minutes of stretching a day can improve your flexibility and help you avoid a wide range of mobility problems.

Put One or More Live Plants Inside of Your Home

Multiple studies have found that people who have at least one live plant inside of their home experience less stress and are happier on a daily basis. What’s really neat about this change is not only will it make you healthier, but it will also add character to your home’s interior.

Stop Drinking Calories

One of the biggest nutritional shifts of the last few decades is the number of calories that people now consume from drinks. Fancy coffee drinks and elaborate cocktails can have anywhere from 300 to 700 calories.In addition to water, if you still need something warm to drink try decaf green tea….its a healthier choice than coffee and has far less calories.

Complete a Body Cleanse

Following a 10 or 20 day program to eliminate toxins from your body can significantly improve your overall health.Some of the benefits of detoxing include lower cholesterol, more energy, better sleep and less joint pain.

Don’t Rush Through Your Meals

One reason people eat more than they actually need is because they don’t give their body time to digest.By slowing down and enjoying your meals, you will give your brain time to register the fact that your stomach is full.

Avoid Sitting for More than an Hour at a Time

Recent studies have found multiple problems that can arise from sitting all day. If you have a desk job, make sure you at least stand up for a few minutes at the beginning or end of every hour.

Start Lifting Weights

Free weights aren’t just for bodybuilders. Not only can resistance exercises help you build lean muscle that will give your entire body a toned appearance, but they can actually increase your body’s ability to burn calories.

Go for a Daily Walk

A lot of people believe that they don’t have time for cardio.However, cardio isn’t limited to 75 minute sessions on a treadmill. You can improve your cardiovascular health with a simple 15 minute daily walk.An additional benefit is the exposure to sunlight will help keep your circadian rhythm in sync.

Ask for a Different Side

Most restaurants serve sides that are some form of highly processed carbs.Instead of settling for these less than ideal complements to your meals, simply ask to substitute raw, grilled or steamed vegetables.

Smile

As silly as it may sound, smiling can make you healthier by improving your overall psychological state.This simple change is so effective that health professionals often incorporate it into their treatment of various conditions.

What change(s) are you going to make today?