Many of us believe that we are “healthy” because we aren’t in the doctor’s office with a cold or taking some kind of medication on a regular basis. However, there are many other factors to consider when determining what truly being healthy should look and feel like. Staying out of the doctor’s office is not enough – you should be proactive in taking steps towards improving your wellness. It's important to highlight ways – big and small – that can support healthy living all year long.We’re presenting you with eight tips that, if practiced, can improve your body and overall health for the better!

1. Try eating smaller meals five times a day.

Eating frequently throughout the day boosts your metabolism and helps burn fat even while you’re not being physically active. The trick to eating 5 times a day and burning fat however, is making sure these meals are healthy choices, e.g., vegetables, fruits, good carbs, etc. It’s all about portion control.

2. Take vitamins.

Certain vitamins help increase your metabolism, energy levels and improve your hair growth and strength of your bones. Ask your general physician if which vitamins would be best for you to take if you’re not already doing so.

3. Try to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day.

We hear this all the time, but following through with this tip has so many advantages for you and your body. From constant hydration, to increased energy, to preventing dry mouth, to glowing skin – drinking water can make you look and feel better nearly a day or two after starting!

4. Wash your hands throughout the day.

There are bacteria on nearly everything you touch any given day. If you’re the average 9am – 5pm worker, be aware that the office is the No. 1 place to come in contact with germs. Do yourself this simple favor and stay clear of possible colds and sicknesses. And, carry hand sanitizer. It’s a good alternative if there’s no water to wash your hands.

5. Brush and floss your teeth daily.

It’s recommended for one to brush two to three times a day and floss at least once. This practice helps eliminate bacteria and plaque build-up in the mouth, and avoid sickness. Try to use mouth wash too – not only will it help with the bacteria, it will give you crisp, fresh breath! Plus, oral health plays a major role in your overall health so proper oral hygiene is an important component of your health routine.

6. Get some shut eye.

Seven to eight hours is the average amount of time physicians recommend individuals sleep every night. We need sleep to carry out tasks and make proper decisions at any given point in time. Try to not have irregular sleeping patterns – they can throw your body off on a whole day’s worth of activities.

7. Find an exercise routine (or a few) and stick to them.

A minimum of one hour of exercise three times a week will help keep your heart healthy and your weight balanced. If you can’t perform extreme physical activity, take a walk or bike ride around your block. Whatever the level of intensity, doing something is better than doing nothing.

8. Smile.

Smiling is one of the easiest things we can do and many of us don’t do it enough. A smile encourages positive thinking – and it’s the one tip that helps others. Your smile can be contagious, making other’s days brighter. But did you know that smiling also releases endorphins and serotonin which are your body’s natural ways to increase the feeling of happiness as well as reduce pain. Smiling can change your mood and gives you an added motive to take on new tasks and tackle others at hand. Most importantly, everyone looks their best when wearing a smile :)

Pretty simple, huh? We’re sure you’ve heard all of these ideas at one point or another and while some may be more challenging than others, all are possible to integrate into your daily routine. Now it’s up to you to get on the fast track to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Make it happen and make a commitment to being healthy year round!