11 Small Steps You Can Take Today To Live A Healthy Lifestyle

Because there is only so much kale one person can eat.

1. Drink. More. Water.

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Water is the sweet, sweet elixir of life. Since all of the systems in our bodies need water to function, the most basic step for kick-starting your health is to make sure you're drinking the NHS-recommended six to eight glasses of fluid a day.

Pro tip: Coffee and tea count toward this, and so does skimmed milk, which will also help raise your calcium intake.

2. Get into mocktails or juices.

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Reducing your alcohol intake can lead to revived sense of energy. Replace every other drink with water, juice, or a discreet mocktail on a night out, and you'll feel a lot better for it the next day.

3. Go for a five-minute power walk.

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Sitting for too long is bad for your health, and so is staring at a screen for too long, so get up and get power-walking. Whether you nip out for a quick five or simply take a loop around your office floor, it'll help you get your daily steps up and give your eyes a rest.

4. Give your hands a good wash.

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Flu, food poisoning, and other communicable illnesses can deplete your health and energy, so an essential tip to keeping healthy is washing your hands in soapy water for 20 seconds minimum on a regular basis.

Take particular care to do it after handling raw food, using the bathroom, and coming into contact with animals.

Treat yourself to a fancy soap and hand-washing will feel like a joy, rather than a chore.

5. Ask your doctor whether you're up to date with your vaccinations.

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Yep, vaccinations aren't just for kids or for when you're going on holiday – they're not only an important part of staying healthy, but they also help stop the spread of some diseases. So by making sure that you're up to date, you're not only helping yourself to stay healthy but also helping those around you too!

6. Permission to get your eight hours: granted.

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Not only does a lack of sleep make you feel like you're walking through treacle, it can also put you at higher risk for a variety of serious health conditions, so it's important to view getting your 40 winks as an essential preventative measure.

7. Ban yourself from taking the escalator.

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Yes, you might get everywhere a bit slower, but slow and steady wins the race, remember! Put a temporary ban on taking escalators or lifts and stretch your legs a bit more by taking the stairs.

8. Change up your commute every once in a while.

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Break away from a packed train or leave your car at home once in a while and use your commute as an opportunity to pack some exercise into your busy schedule. Even if it isn't realistic to walk or cycle into work every day, doing it once in a blue moon will help you to reach any fitness goals you may have set and is a great way to refresh your mind before a hectic day in the office.

9. Get your lunge on.

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Stretching helps reduce muscle stiffness and can help you relax and reduce stress. It's also essential before doing any exercise, as it can help to protect your joints and muscles, so learn to embrace and enjoy it.

10. Take a time-out and meditate.

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You can improve your mental well-being by practising mindfulness through meditation. There are many different approaches and systems, so don't be afraid to try different apps, books, and suggestions to find a method that's right for your peace of mind. Plus, you can literally meditate anywhere and at anytime so getting your zen on doesn't have to involve wearing expensive gym clothes or finding a quiet spot in up a mountain somewhere.

11. Get to know your body.

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Everybody is unique, so there is a lot to be said for just being aware of your own body, what your baseline is, and what makes you feel good. Knowing when something's not quite right is the first step in getting help for it, whether it's a strange pain or flu symptoms or conducting a regular breast self-examination.

Not sure whether you are up to date on the vaccinations you may need? Speak with your healthcare provider for advice and guidance. The Vaccinate for Life tracker (produced by GSK) can also help this conversation and is one more way to help you stay healthy

UK/VGU/0001/19a, date of prep. April 2019