Health and happiness are not that difficult to have in one's life. It just takes some attention and some action to insure that you have as much of both as you desire.

Far from being difficult, tiring exercises, getting healthy can be quite easy. A few simple acts or lifestyle changes can put you on the path to feeling happier and healthier faster than you can imagine...

You don't have to like exercise to be healthy. You don't even really have to do exercise to be healthy -- at least not in as much as creating a strict, hard-core diet and exercise routine. A few simple acts or lifestyle changes can put you on the path to feeling happier and healthier faster than you can imagine...

1. Eat breakfast every day

   Your mom was right, it's the most important meal of the day. Don't skip it.

2. Drink lots of water

   In these days of coffee, tea, sodas, seltzers, colas and coolers it's easy to think we're getting all the water we need, but nothing beats good ol' plain water. Eight glasses a day.

3. Get a good night's sleep As one who deals with sleep problems, I can tell you from experience, poor sleep patterns can quickly disrupt your life. Research shows that 6 to 8 hours of restful sleep is what most of us need to be happy and productive. If you're having problems sleeping, contact a doctor immediately.

4. Eat more fruit

   The old "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" saying may not be 100% true, but the truth is that fruit provides your body with need vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.

5. Start walking

   For short, nearby trips in the neighborhood, leave the car at home and take a walk. Do this a few times a week and the results will amaze you.

6. Turn off the t.v.

   Read a book, get outside and play with the dogs, have a conversation with your spouse. Look for things to do other than watch the telly, especially around news time.

7. Laugh

   Every day. A real, good, hearty, belly laugh. Look for the funny things that life has to offer. Share a joke with a friend. Share a lot of jokes. Laughter is good for the heart and soul, for your health and spirit.

None of these things requires you to spend a lot of money. None of them take much time or energy. But each one can, over time, dramatically improve your physical and mental health. Pick one or two to focus on this week and be healthy!

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Jim M. Allen, The Big Idea Coach, is a professional life, business & guerrilla marketing coach and the editor of MyNewAttitude.com. For more great ideas, read his Big Idea blog or subscribe to his free bi-weekly ezine.