What matters most to you in life?

Let's be real, we've all thought about it. One day your life is going to come to an end. You're going to be sitting comfortably in your recliner, looking out the window, reflecting on all you've done. Did you take the chances and live life to its fullest, or did you end up working retail at the carpet store for the majority of your years? So, what would you like to see before your time is up? What do you herald as important? Is it luxury and excess? Perhaps it's starting a family and loving as much as your body permits.

One thing is for sure, and that is you want to live as long as possible. Our selfish gene begs us to survive and see out our days. This should mean that the absolute most imperative goal is one's health. Heart disease is the number one killer of adult men and women in the United States. If that isn't scary enough, 1/4 deaths is heart disease-related. The number one killer is the rampant fast-food culture we cherish and cling to. America supports an unhealthy relationship with lethargy.

What lengthens your life? Well, the World's largest physical study of more than 130,000 people across countries concluded that one in 12 deaths could be prevented with 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle have been proven. If living long is a goal, then start exercising more so that your mind and body can thank you.

Besides our sedentary traditions, there is another culprit that drains us all of life. Stress.

Seriously, stop stressing. You don't want a heart attack. I've been told many times by several wise people that the key to success is to stop stressing. There are numerous health benefits. Blood pressure and risk of heart attack will drop, you will feel more at ease, less anxious, and overall, better.

Learning to meditate will help lower stress substantially. Sitting still, and acknowledging all the thoughts that pass through your head and not letting them consume you is key to mindfulness.

Meditating at least once a day will reap numerous benefits. It's as simple as sitting in a quiet place and focusing on breathing. Try it out for ten minutes, and then next time for fifteen.

Notice how calm everything is.

Lastly, Sleep!

If you care about your well being and want to improve your mood, health, etc. in anyway, simply get adequate sleep!

It is not called beauty rest for a reason. Try and get at least 8 hours a day and you will feel taller, smile longer, and breathe better.

It is natural for teens and those in their twenties to be night owls, and eventually you will start to sleep sooner, but for now try and treat your body as nice as possible.

It will will thank you.