How a simple life can keep you healthy

1. Choose happiness

Happiness guru Ben Renshaw, author of a book called The Secrets of Happiness, argues that choosing happiness gives an instant boost to your immune system. "Instead of waking up and wondering what you need to do every day, make the immediate decision to be happy," he says. "You're a human being, not a human doing."

2. Get moving

Although you should restrict more strenuous workouts to once or twice a week, some daily activity is beneficial in maintaining cardiovascular health. Think simple: a morning dance to the radio; a jog during your lunch hour; a cycling trip to the supermarket.

3. Skin brush

Before washing, a brisk skin brush in the morning, using a bodybrush or loofah, stimulates blood circulation, aids lymphatic system functioning and drainage and fights the curse of all women -- cellulite. Use long, firm strokes in the direction of your heart.

4. Wash your hair

Why? Trichologist Philip Kingsley says: "Your hair looks better when washed, and when you shampoo the hair you exercise the scalp, which helps maintain healthy hair by keeping a healthy blood flow to the follicles."

5. Treat your skin

Choose a gentle daily exfoliant for instant glow. Then moisturise - "not only to rehydrate", says Sally Penford, "but to protect your skin from pollution and sun."

6. Take breakfast

"Avoiding breakfast has a detrimental effect on blood sugar levels," says dietician Frankie Robinson. "Have a nutrient-filled option such as wholegrain toast with a high-fruit jam, or fruit and yoghurt."

7. Love your digestive system

The balance of bacteria in your gut can be upset by changes in diet or following antibiotics. A daily course of probiotics - found in live yoghurts, and drinks such as Yakult - can help replace the good bacteria.

8. "Just be"

"Take five minutes of quiet time each morning to just 'be', to stop and reflect, before you start rushing about for the day," says holistic nutritionist Dr Gillian McKeith. "Don't think. Don't Do. Just Be. Those few valuable minutes will help to balance your biochemistry."

9. Have a white tea

"White tea is the healthiest variety of tea available, especially if you choose organic white tea," says world-renowned tea authority Mike Brehmes. "With three times the antioxidants of green tea, it has fantastic anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties."

10. Let there be light

Depending on the time of year, you may not be experiencing enough beneficial light. Daylight lifts mood and regulates biorhythms. Working all day in an office can deprive you of daily light quota. Take a lunchtime walk to expose yourself a little to natural light, but remember the sunblock.

11. Power lunch

"Avoid refined carbohydrates such as bread and pasta which are metabolised quickly and can leave you feeling sluggish in the afternoon," says nutritionist Brigid McKevith. "Eat a protein-rich and nutritious meal such as a vegetable salad with some grilled chicken, or salmon with pulses. Sandwiches are popular options for lunch, but aren't necessarily the best for you."

12. Water, water ...

Keep a daily eye on the colour of your urine: yellow may be mellow, but a pale straw colour is the one to aim for. Up your water intake if it's darker - and keep checking it regularly to keep your kidneys in optimum shape.

13. Laugh loud

A good session of laughter gives your respiratory system a super workout, helps relax muscles, exercises the heart and gets your adrenal glands working, releasing feel-good hormones. Hire a comedy video, go and see a comedian, read a comic - whatever it takes to get you belly laughing.

14. Focus on the good

Work problems, relationship issues, troubles in the world at large can all conspire to get you down. Focus on something positive and start to look forward to it, every day until it arrives.

15. Take a quick time-out

A minute is sometimes all you need. Find a quiet room. Sit down. Relax. Shut your eyes. Imagine yourself on a beach. Take a dozen slow, deep breaths, exhaling fully after each. Then return to work - revitalised.

16. Treat yourself ...

To a little of what you fancy. Two squares of pure dark chocolate - rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals - come strongly recommended.

17. Eat your fruit and vegetables

Aim for seven or eight portions. Go for a wide range of colours to ensure a diverse selection of nutrients and antioxidants.

18. Drink redbush

Studies have shown that rooibos (redbush) tea acts as an anti-viral agent and relieves joint and muscular inflammation - ideal for fitness fanatics. It's caffeine-free, too, and has been drunk in South Africa for centuries, where it's purported to offer an abundance of health benefits.

19. Invest in a relationship

Be it with your partner or a friend. This can be something as simple as cooking someone special a surprise meal or buying them a gift. It'll make you feel good and remind you of the important things in life.

20. Sleep

Seven to eight hours of sleep is vital. Less leaves you lacking concentration and feeling sluggish. If you have difficulty unwinding, try this relaxation technique: tense toes, relax them; tense feet, relax them - carry on like this, working up to your scalp, slowly tensing and relaxing and your body will soon drift into a soothing slumber.