Healthy does not necessarily mean you have to turn into a body builder or aerobics instructor. There are many simple things you can do that make a big positive impact on your well-being, and what benefits your body usually benefits your mind. Start simply. If you aren’t getting any exercise at all, just jog around your living room for fifteen minutes a day. Do a few of those calisthenics we all remember so well from high school. Walk around your neighborhood, and if you can find some hilly terrain, be sure to take it on. Walk backwards up a hill to find all kinds of muscles you didn’t know you had. Yoga is very popular right now for stress relief as well as keeping your body in condition. If you don’t feel you’re ready to sign up for a class, you can follow along with TV shows or find videos on the Internet.

Don’t forget to breathe! Take some deep breaths several times a day and be aware of your breathing as you go about your daily activities. Keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water. If you find plain water too dull, add a bit of juice. Soon you’ll find you don’t care for soda as much any more. Not only is that good for your body, it’s great for your pocketbook.

Keep your mind sharp. Learn to play a musical instrument. You can find electronic keyboards that teach for around $150. If you already know how to play the piano, take up guitar. While some video games are mindless, many are stimulating and require memory or puzzle solving. Start a journal to keep your thoughts organized. Write fiction to expand your imagination.

Declutter your life. Get rid of things you don’t use — and never will. There is a glorious feeling of victory that comes with winning the battle over junk. You may not be able to get rid of everything, but give it your best shot and be sure to properly organize what’s left so that you can help keep things in their place. Donate or recycle what you can, and get a good feeling from helping others and the environment.

These are just a few thoughts to get you thinking of other ways to improve your life. Keep your body, mind and home healthy. Often, the biggest improvements come from the simplest ideas.