Often times, the biggest obstacle to feeling young is our health. Nagging, chronic health problems often get in the way of feeling our best and doing our best. While some health conditions are unavoidable, others are easily kept at bay by simple alterations to our daily routines.



While concentrating on physical health is important, it's also appropriate to consider mental health. Keeping our mental health in optimum condition is a key to combat aging. Even though we'll all get older, it doesn't have to mean looking or feeling less than our absolute best.

Here are the top 10 anti aging tips you can start today:

1. Make a quick list of all the beverages you drink in a day. For just one of those beverages, substitute a glass of water. Hydration is extremely important, and helps your skin tone as well as helping your internal organs perform their functions.

2. Get some sleep. Sounds simple enough, but the key here is making sure your sleep environment is as comfortable and as free from distractions as possible. Deep, restful sleep will invigorate you and add positive benefit to other aspects of your life.

3. Just a little exercise. Go for a walk, pedal a bike, go dancing ... whatever strikes your fancy! Exercise burns calories and reduces stress. As you may know, stress is a major contributor to premature aging.

4. Take time to stretch at least five minutes per day. Stretching helps retain your flexibility, which diminishes significantly as we age. Stretch your upper and lower body every day and you'll feel better, guaranteed!

5. Don't lose your balance. Balance is a skill that we lose as we age, particularly if we don't work at it. Try standing on one foot for 15-30 seconds, and repeat with the other foot. This is an excellent way to keep or even improve balance.

6. Work your mind like a muscle. Keep your mind nimble by engaging in challenging mental activities. Try to learn something new every day by seeking out knowledge and activities that focus on knowledge building.

7. Look up an old friend. Have a friend you've fallen out of touch with? Reconnect! It'll widen your social circle and give you something to look forward to, as well as helping to keep your mind sharp.

8. Substitute fresh fish for red meat once per week. Fresh fish is loaded with protein and all sorts of good-for-you benefits. It's lean and easily prepared too!

9. Write down what you want to accomplish. Writing down goals is sometimes considered trite, but it works, especially in terms of focus and energy levels. Before you go to sleep, jot down what you want to accomplish the next day. You'll awake more energized and ready to get things done.

10. Adopt a new friend - get a pet. There are millions of shelter animals just waiting for someone to love. Studies show pet owners live more active, rewarding lives and are in better health. You'd be surprised how much an animal companion adds to the enjoyment in your life.