5 Ways to Start Living Healthier Today

Everyone knows health is important. Money can't buy good health, and if you ruin your health, you may never get it back (at least, not without a lot of work). So why do so many people do so little about it? Being busy is the usual excuse, but considering how important maintaining good health is, it's really not a good excuse. So what are some easy ways to start living a healthier life today (even if you are very busy)?

1. Eat healthier- You may have difficulty finding time to make home-cooked meals, especially if you work, but the healthiest foods are not extravagant. Eating fruits takes no more effort than washing and peeling. Many veggies can be eaten uncooked, or eaten boiled with a little salt. If you are pressed for time, make family snacks out of fruits, vegetables, and cheese. Even family meals can be simpler and take little time by adding healthy fruits and vegetables or making a small investment in a crock pot, which will do a lot of the work for you.

2. Eat organic- It's incredible how many pesticides and antibiotics are added to our foods while being grown. Those chemicals are still in meats and produce when we buy and eat them, and they can affect our health. Even though you can't control what you eat at restaurants and at the home's of others, try to you more organic foods for your own family. You'll be happy you did in the long run, when your long-term health is stronger as a result of not having years of chemical exposure.

3. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day- this may be the most difficult thing for many people, especially moms. Who has 30 free minutes a day? If you get creative, you can find those 30 minutes to exercise while doing things you already have planned. Instead of driving to work, walk. Take your bike or stroll your baby to the market. Use a stepper or stair-climber while watching educational shows with your kids or watching the news. You can strengthen your heart and get your buns in shape even without extra hours in the day.

4. Take care of your teeth- Poor dental hygiene and gum disease is linked to a variety of maladies, including heart problems and throat infections. Simply brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, and visiting a dentist annually can keep your teeth and gums healthier, prevent bad bad breath, and keep you healthier overall. Take care of your teeth, and teach your family to take care of their teeth as well.

5. Sleep more- Like exercise, this is something many people feel they don't have time to do. You may not realize how you are wasting your time, though. If you are catching up on emails at night, tweeting, or otherwise wiling away the hours, you have to prioritize. Lack of sleep not only affects your health, it's also aging and affects your concentration and ability to focus at work or at home during the day. Try to sleep at least six hours a night. Seven or eight hours is even better. Getting enough sleep allows you to give everyone your best.

Penelope is a mom to one bunchkin and the author of Penelope's Oasis, where she writes about healthy living, beauty tips, and relationship advice.