BY MONIQUE HART

Many women surge from task to task on a daily basis, constantly meeting the needs of those around them. Whether it’s soccer practice, the school play, or a trip to the grocery store, there is always something to keep them busy. From sun up to sun down, they run themselves ragged and rarely leave time for themselves.

If this is you, stop and ask yourself: How do I feel? Right here, right now, do you feel like the best you? If not, you can get there with just a few new daily habits.

01. GET 7 TO 8 HOURS OF SLEEP TONIGHT
A recent study showed that women who slept less than 5 hours per night were twice as likely to have hypertension as women who slept for 7 hours. Getting some extra ZZZs can provide benefits beyond feeling well rested.

02. DRINK MORE WATER
Replace all juices and soda with water. Substituting water for sugary, high-caloric drinks will help with weight loss and prevent constipation.

03. SIT UP STRAIGHT
Improving your posture helps your core muscles work better. Simply engaging your core can lead to a flatter, more toned mid- section and alleviates some back issues.

04. TAKE A DEEP BREATH
In stressful situations, taking deep breaths can slow your heartbeat and lower your blood pressure. Since stress can wreak havoc on both your mind and your body, managing it is a major key to well-being.

05. GO FOR A 30-MINUTE WALK
Working out for 30 minutes each day can lower bad cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL), and reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes. You're just steps away from better health.

06. READ A BOOK BEFORE BED
Reading signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. You’ll get to sleep faster, which will make getting the 7 to 8 hours you need easier.

07. EAT VEGETABLES OR FRUITS WITH EACH MEAL
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, fruits and vegetables contain fiber, which is more filling than processed foods. You’ll walk away from every meal feeling more satisifed and energized.

08. SIT DOWN AND SLOW DOWN
Sitting down and eating slowly gives your brain time to process that you’re full. This will help you eat less and consume fewer calories.

09. MAKE A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT

Having regular check-ups and screenings can prevent serious illnesses and even allow early detection of diseases. Staying healthy will help you stay on top of the demands of your hectic life.

10. FLOSS YOUR TEETH
Flossing is the most effective way to get in between your teeth and remove bacteria. Clearing out oral bacteria can prevent cavities and gum disease.

11. WASH YOUR HANDS MORE FREQUENTLY
Germs are everywhere, especially on your hands. You can transfer them into your mouth and nose, leading to colds and viral diseases. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds reduces the amount of bacteria and viruses you come in contact with.

12. STRETCH IT OUT
Light stretching can improve your flexibility and range of motion in your joints, in addition to decreasing your risk of injury. The best part is that you can do them anywhere, even in your kitchen, while you are preparing a meal.

13. GET SOME FRESH AIR
Going out in the sun for a few minutes each day will give you 80 to 90 percent of your daily requirement for vitamin D, which promotes bone growth, cell growth, and immune function. So, step outside and soak up the sunshine!

14. EAT BREAKFAST
Eating a healthy breakfast can improve your concentration, facilitate weight control, and increase your energy throughout the day. Even a quick food option (such as oatmeal) is better than nothing.

15. PUT SUNSCREEN ON
By protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful radiation, sunscreen can reduce your risk for premature sunburn, aging, and skin cancer. Many facial moisturizers do double duty and have sunscreen in them.

16. TAKE THE STAIRS
Climbing the stairs will result in deeper breathing and an increased heart rate, which promote blood flow to all areas of the body. The effort will also cause your body to release endorphins and relieve tension. So as you go up, you’ll get a little pick-me-up, too.

17. MAKE A MEAL PLAN
Planning out meals in advance can help you resist the urge to eat fast-food when hunger strikes. Having all of the ingredients on hand will make it easier to pull a healthy meal together.