It's January 5th and most of you have probably already flaked on your resolution to diet and exercise  Why do resolutions have to be so HARD?

Well, they don't actually.  I typically resolve to not smoke in the New Year--which is easy because I'm not a smoker.  Okay, that's probably cheating--but it is possible to make positive health resolutions which are easy to keep. 

Check out my list of ten health-improving goals for 2010:

1. Get more sleep - As I mentioned in another post, the proper amount of sleep is necessary for health and well-being.  Even if you just skip the 11 pm news and get to bed a half hour earlier, you'll be doing something to improve your health--without even breaking a sweat!
2. Drink more water - This is another resolution that is fairly painless to implement. Even if you give up one soda a day in favor of an 8-12 oz. glass of water, you'll be doing your body a big favor.
3. Watch (or read) less news - The upside of going to bed earlier isn't just getting the extra sleep, but the elimination of some unneeded stress as well.  Let's face it:  there's a reason for the saying "If it bleeds, it leads."  News broadcasts are all about crime, violence, war, strife--you rarely hear uplifting positive stories...Find a balance between being informed and being afraid to leave your house!
4. Laughter - While you're avoiding stuff that brings you down, actively seek out things that cheer you up.  Maybe it's the satire of The Onion or a silly video courtesy of CollegeHumor.com--or perhaps your favorite sitcom.  Whatever it is that makes you laugh, try to indulge daily.  As a stress reducer and mood enhancer, laughter truly IS the best medicine.
5. Stretch - Even if you're not an athlete--or any kind of fitness freak, a good stretch not only releases tension in your muscles and increases flexibility and range of motion, but the benefits of stretching include increased energy and circulation and stress relief as well.
6. Use it or lose it (pt. 1) - I'm not going to recommend that you do an hour a day on the treadmill (we both know how well THAT would go over!), but increasing your physical activity will go a long way towards improving your health--as well as prevent you from needing to be surgically removed from your couch.  If you normally take the elevator, try walking the stairs.  If you take public transportation, get off a stop early and walk.  Even if you put down the remote and get up off your butt and change the channel by hand (Horrors!), you help get your circulation pumping.  Your body was designed for movement--so move it already!
7. Use it or lose it (pt. 2) - Brain function also needs to be exercised so keep your cognitive skills sharp with a daily dose of problem-solving.  Whether it's a game of Sudoku, crossword puzzle, word games (I'm partial to Freerice.org which has the added benefit of fighting world hunger...) or brain teaser, exercising your brain now can help prevent memory loss later.
8. Socialize - Our relationships and connections with others have an impact on our health. Loneliness is bad for us, making connections is good for both the heart and soul.
9. Take care of something - Focusing on the care of something other than yourself has both mental and physical health benefits.  Volunteering decreases depression and increases life span.  Whether it's a charitable effort, a puppy or kitten or even watering and talking to your plants, nurturing others is a great way to both give and receive.

10. Hugs - Speaking of both giving and receiving at the same time--there's nothing that beats hugging for getting as good as you give.  The many health benefits of the hug include reduced heart rates, lower blood pressure and improved mood.  Plus it's free and easier than running a marathon! 

Got any easy ways to improve your health in 2010?  Share them with us in the comments below!