In actuality, some of the best strategies to combat the effects of aging are time tested and common sense based. It seems in the never ending search for the quick fix, people are more willing than ever to open their wallet for marketing driven hype. Doesn’t it seem like there’s a new anti aging product coming out every month?

Without question, our health is the biggest obstacle to feeling and looking our best as we age. Whether the problems are nagging, occasional, or chronic, any health issue tends to age us both physically and mentally. The good news is, we can keep many potential health issues at bay by introducing a few simple changes.

While concentrating on physical health is important, it’s also appropriate to consider mental health. Keeping our mental health in optimum condition is a key to combat aging. Even though we’ll all get older, it doesn’t have to mean looking or feeling less than our absolute best.

Here are the top 10 anti aging tips you can start today:

1. Substitute one glass of water for a beverage you usually consume. We all know water is good for us. It helps the skin retain a youthful glow, and it’s important for our internal organs. Substitute a glass of the good stuff for one of your cups of coffee or your happy hour cocktail.

2. Get some sleep. Sounds simple enough, but the key here is making sure your sleep environment is as comfortable and as free from distractions as possible. Deep, restful sleep will invigorate you and add positive benefit to other aspects of your life.

3. Let’s go for a walk! Even a short daily walk has health benefits, as well as being a great stress reducer. Reducing stress is a key strategy to combat aging.

4. Take time to stretch at least five minutes per day. Stretching helps retain your flexibility, which diminishes significantly as we age. Stretch your upper and lower body every day and you’ll feel better, guaranteed!

5. Work on your balance. Have you seen older people who struggle with their balance? Balance is a skill that diminishes if we don’t work at it. Try simple balance enhancing movements like standing on one foot for 20 seconds. Doing this every day will dramatically improve your balance.

6. Incorporate mind challenging activities to stimulate your brain. Think of your mind as a muscle and make sure it gets a proper workout too. Puzzles, discussion groups, and even playing along with Jeopardy are good mental stimuli.

7. Look up an old friend. Have a friend you’ve fallen out of touch with? Reconnect! It’ll widen your social circle and give you something to look forward to, as well as helping to keep your mind sharp.

8. Substitute fresh fish for red meat once per week. Fresh fish is loaded with protein and all sorts of good-for-you benefits. It’s lean and easily prepared too!

9. Put your goals down on paper. Jot down what you want to accomplish tomorrow before you go to bed tonight. You’ll be surprised at how much of a positive difference this makes. You’ll awaken more refreshed and you’ll accomplish more than ever. Try it, it works!

10. Adopt a new friend and get a pet. Pet owners are known to enjoy more active, healthful lives. Pets bring a wonderful level of companionship and joy to our lives, not to mention being a built in personal trainer in the case of dogs. You’ll really appreciate all the joy that a pet companion will bring into your life!