So many things contribute to a happy life; fantastic friends, loving family, a fulfilling career, art, music, nature — the list is endless. Now take a step back and think…“without good health, would these things be nearly as amazing?”

If you were really honest with yourself, you know the answer is no.

That’s why nurturing your body in a consistent, healthy way is the most important commitment you will ever make. It’s how you are able to show up as the best and healthiest version of yourself, and be present for others to share your joy, talents and awesomeness.

Most importantly, dedication to nourishing yourself contributes to disease prevention and a longer, higher quality life, no matter what the state of your health may be right now. With focus and consistency, you can bring your body from a defensive stance into a place of balance and safety, and then to a stage of growth and improved health.

So if you’re ready to commit to yourself through better health, here are simple ways to get started:

Drink more water. Throughout the day drink 2.2-3 litres of water to flush out the system and stay hydrated, especially in a normal climate. Cells need water to operate efficiently and keeping them happy leads to a healthy body. The exact amount perfect for you will be based on your age, activity level, health, and climate.

Start doing things that support you in your committed new direction. It’s a very good idea to start adding or changing small things whether it’s a behavior, thought process, or an activity to support you in reaching your goal for better health. For example, if you want to relieve the cycle of chronic pain, one of your “small things” might be to drink more water everyday, as there is a strong correlation between pain and dehydration.

Invite your brain to join in and listen. Feeling guilty, frustrated and overwhelmed can happen when trying to get back on track with your health. Take notice. The most critical piece in committing to better health is to find ways to get your brain on board and really feel what’s behind those road blocks. A simple way to work through a block is by taking deep breaths as you “listen” and feel into what your brain is noticing.

Set yourself up to win. Have health check-in buddies and dedicated health practitioners in place to help with problem areas and overall momentum. Leave room for a little celebration when you’ve reached a goal.

Begin a regular exercise routine. Start one today. It could be simple as walking daily. The trick is not how much you do at one time, but how consistently you follow through.

The most important thing to remember — no symptoms does not equal good health. Give yourself the most valuable gift possible this holiday season and find a way to be the best, healthiest version of you, starting with these simple steps.