8 simple tips to better health and happiness

8 simple tips to better health and happiness

1. Take five deep breaths when you wake up each morning;

2. Drink one glass of water upon awakening and one before each meal; drink another three to four glasses of water throughout the day, and more if you have been perspiring or thirsty;

3. Get some exercise every day;

4. Get a goodnight’s sleep, seven to eight hours of restful sleep;

5. Make a list of everything you are grateful for; include the positives you have experienced over the last year;

6. Forgive those who have wronged you so that you are no longer bitter towards them; this will add days, weeks, months, even years to you life for some;

7. Pray a thankful prayer;

8. Do something nice for others each day; this will add days, weeks, months or years to your life.

The aloha spirit, focusing on love, kindness, gratefulness and compassion to all others, is known to improve health. So, please, share your aloha with others.

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Jeff Rutgard is the medical missions director for Project Vision Hawai‘i – Hawaiian Eye Foundation. He was on the Board of Native Hawaiian Health Agency on Kaua‘i in the 1990’s and continues to maintain an interest in the health of Native Hawaiians.