Have you ever wanted to live a healthier lifestyle but didn’t know where to start? Paralysis by analysis can prevent many of us from taking that first step. And the fact that there is so much conflicting health advice these days can become overwhelming. Fortunately, there is an easy solution, go back to basics. The basics are tried and true and will remain true 100 years from now.

Sleep is vital to good health. The body repairs, detoxifies and handles many health-maintaining processes during sleep. Everyone should try to sleep 7-8 hours a night.

Proper hydration is paramount to maintaining a healthy body. The body uses water as a medium for many life-sustaining chemical processes, for maintaining body temperature, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining healthy cortisol levels. One could write a thesis on the benefits of proper hydration.

The nutrition found in fresh raw produce is ideal for nourishing and cleansing the human body. An abundant supply and variety of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds should be the cornerstone of any health-building diet.

Exercise with the right amount and effort is instrumental in maintaining and improving the strength and mobility of the bones, muscles, and joints. Cardiovascular exercise is excellent at strengthening the heart and improving the circulatory system’s health. If you have never exercised or it has been a while, it would benefit you greatly to find a good coach or trainer to help get you started.

Last, but certainly not least, is relaxation. All work and no play is a very unbalanced way to live. Chronic stress can lead to or exacerbate many chronic health problems. Everyone needs to find time to relax. Finding time to indulge in your favorite hobby, visit loved ones, or listen to uplifting music. And no health routine is complete without a bit of meditation and prayer thrown into the mix.

So, there you have it, simply tried and true health basics to get you back on track to a healthy lifestyle.

Daniel Hardy is a Master Herbalist passionate about helping others regain their health with natural therapies. He also has degrees in exercise science and dietetics. Check out his website, danthenaturalman.com, and his YouTube channel: Dan the Natural Man, to learn more about natural healing.