Being healthy is at the top of most people's list, but unfortunately, they never achieve true health. Good health gives you more energy, helps you accomplish more, and makes you feel wonderful about yourself. But in order to be healthy, you must act in a healthy way. Here are ten great tips for living a wonderful, healthy life.

(1) Supplements & Vitamins - While some supplements and vitamins on the market are not worth buying and some, such as Ephedrine, have been proven dangerous, other sources are healthy. Most important, you need to understand what it is you are taking, and strictly follow the dosage just as you would medication that has been prescribed. Many supplements that are good for overall health grape seed extract, Glucosamine, aloe vera, and Selenium. Vitamins to consider would include Vitamin E, Vitamin C, B-12, Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium.

(2) Eliminate Stress - You have probably heard this before. Stress is a key contributor to poor health. Study after study has found that when a person is stressed, the body reacts. The result of stress could be high blood pressure, tension headaches, upset stomach, poor posture, and so on. Keeping stress in check will help you manage your overall health much better.

(3) ZZZZZZZZZZZZ - Does sleep really effect health? You bet it does. During sleep, your body is resting and recovering from all the work it has done throughout the day. Your serotonin levels are brought back in line, your muscles relax, and your mind is allowed to clear itself in preparation for the next day. If you are not getting the proper amount of sleep, you will notice it in a physical way. While there is no magic number, usually between six and eight hours a night is appropriate. If you have difficulty getting to sleep, before you climb into bed, try Yoga, listening to soft relaxing music, a glass of wine, or if you can talk someone into it, a good massage.

(4) Laugh It Off - The medical field has proven that laughter actually works with your body toward good health. Have you ever heard the expression, “Laughter is the best medicine?” The truth is, when you laugh, several positive things happen. Your muscles relax; stress hormone product is reduced; you forget about pain, your body’s immune system is improved; high blood pressure is lowered; the heart and lungs are strengthened; and overall, you feel better!

(5) Eat less later in the day - Everyone knows, whether they want to admit it or not, that reducing calories will help you lose weight. However, just as you should reduce the calorie intake, you need to know when to eat. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the one meal that should not be missed. Lunch should be healthy but less than what you ate for breakfast. As you approach dinner, eat healthy but light. Avoid after dinner snacks or eating before bed!

(6) Nutrition - People often confuse “dieting” with nutrition. Your body needs to have nutrients replaced, whether through foods being eaten or supplements. Do you remember what you learned in elementary school about the four major food groups? As adults, eating balanced meals from these food groups still applies. It is important to remove the “junk food” from your diet and stick with healthy foods. If you do not like certain things such as fruits or vegetables, be sure you are taking a supplement to get the nutrients needed. Another consideration is if you are a vegetarian. There are certain benefits taken from meat such as Iron and B-12 that you should consider taking a supplement for in exchange for the meat.

(7) Meditate - Find some time away from noise and distractions for you. Meditation can come in many forms. Whatever way you meditate, ensure that you are in a quiet place with soft lighting, sit with good posture and in a comfortable position, practice slow, rhythmic breathing, and concentrate on something calm and relaxing. Meditation is a great stress reducer, which is vital for good health.

(8) Water - Water is excellent for the body and good health. Water helps flush out toxins, and other unwanted things lingering in the body. Water replenishes fluids that help lubricate the internal body, keeps you hydrated, reduces hunger, which helps with weight loss, and helps to make skin look smooth and young. If you are not used to drinking water, it may seem hard at first, but very quickly, you will enjoy the clean, refreshed way it makes you feel. At a minimum, you should drink 64-ounces a day or more if you can.

(9) Teeth - Often the care of teeth and gums is overlooked as potential health risks. However, with the oral cavity being the main way in which parasites, bacteria, yeast, and fungus get into the body, taking time to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth is important. Keeping your mouth clean is a great way to benefit your health.

(10) Attitude - A negative attitude can have a negative impact on your health just as a positive attitude can your health in a positive manner. Living well has a direct correlation with a positive outlook. Keep smiling and try to find the good in life, even when things are tough.

These tips are exerpts taken from the book, 404 Self-Improvement Tips by Bob Bastian. You can download the book for free, by simply right clicking here and “save target as”.