It’s easy to forget to take care of your body when work gets busy and your schedule is slammed. However, taking some time each day to ensure your mind and body are thriving can have lasting benefits. Here are eight things you should be doing to maintain your good health.

1. Drink Enough Water

Don’t let yourself be carried away by coffee or energy drinks. You only get about 20 percent of your daily water needs from the food you eat. You should drink between 11 to 16 cups of water daily, depending on your weight to ensure you’re not dehydrated. Monitor your body for symptoms like dry eyes, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramping that may indicate you haven’t consumed enough water recently.

2. Don’t Skip Meals

Your body uses a lot of energy to walk around and function as intended. Without the fuel it gains from food, you’re more likely to suffer brain fog and mood swings. If you’re attempting to lose weight by skipping meals, you may be increasing your chances of binge eating later. For every meal, you should be eating moderate portions full of essential nutrients and minerals.

3. Plan Physical Activities

There are more ways to get your body moving than just going to the gym. Instead of taking the elevator, consider walking up the few flights of stairs to your office. Take a quick walk around the block on your break to stimulate your body and mind. Try getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a day. Walking is a gentle and effective way to boost your mood, clear your mind and burn calories.

4. Relax Your Mind

Your brain doesn’t function well if you’re stressed out about work or something going on at home. You must take some time daily to sit down and do something you enjoy. Allow yourself to watch your favorite show or listen to music. You shouldn’t feel guilty for giving your mind some much-needed relaxation time. When you return to work again, you’ll feel much calmer and in control of yourself.

5. Avoid Sugars and Caffeine

Foods aren’t necessarily good or bad, but enjoying too much of one category can hurt your body. Too much sugar can make it harder to control your appetite. You may constantly crave it in your meals and find yourself snacking often. Caffeine is a mildly addictive substance that may decrease your exhaustion but also make it harder to fall asleep each night. Both sugars and caffeine should only be consumed in moderation to protect your body’s natural processes.

6. Monitor Glucose Levels

When you’re getting ready for a race or a big sports game, you likely prepare your body with a carbohydrate-rich meal. Control your glucose levels with a glucose disposal agent. This supplement fuels your muscles with glycogen and stops the carbs from being stored in your fat cells. It’s always a good idea to carefully monitor your glucose levels and improve your insulin sensitivity. You’ll also be able to better meet your weight loss goals.

7. Rest Your Body

Avoid viewing your daily sleep needs as a waste of time. Staying up too late or for days at a time has a huge impact on your ability to think and rationalize. Your immune system can weaken, making it easier for you to get sick. You’ll also feel more stressed and be unable to concentrate. Adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep a night to feel fully rested.

8. Meet With Friends

Don’t forget to socialize and go out with friends when you can. Along with being a great way to relax, socializing can even impact chemical levels in your brain. Being social helps you produce dopamine, boosting your mood and overall happiness. Maintaining close friendships allows you to create lifelong bonds with like-minded people. Enjoying yourself and exploring your interests increases the health of both your mind and your body.

It’s never too late to start taking better care of your health. Adding more water to your diet, eating better, resting regularly, and relaxing your mind can all boost your quality of life. Guarantee yourself a healthier and happier tomorrow by maintaining your good health today.