Maintaining an optimal level of wellness is crucial to enjoying a higher quality of life. [Image courtesy of Moana Lani Spa]

Wellness is important to everyone—it impacts both our mental and physical health as well as our current state of happiness, yet we often overlook its value, placing it lower on our list of priorities. Fortunately, there are many different ways that you can enhance your wellness on a daily basis.

In honor of World Wellness Weekend, Brandon Claypool, Spa Director of Moana Lani Spa in Honolulu, Hawaii, has put together a list of 10 wellness tips that you can practice daily to improve your health and enhance your overall well-being:

1. Unplug and reduce stress.

Briana Tozour

Take time for yourself, do things you enjoy, and focus on yourself for personal growth and mental clarity. For starters, treat yourself to a spa day and enjoy a relaxing massage or facial.

2. Drink more water.

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It’s recommended that you drink half your body weight in ounces of water (i.e. a 150-pound individual should drink 75 ounces daily). Our bodies are composed of 60-percent water, which helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so that we can better absorb them, in addition to removing waste products. Proper hydration also affects your strength, power and endurance, helping to maximize physical performance.

3. Eat more plants and drink more greens.

Kimberly Nanney

Green fruits and veggies are very high in nutrients and help fight various diseases. Juicing provides quicker absorption into the body’s cells for faster results. Order a mixed green smoothie at your local health food store or start juicing at home to create your own custom blends.

4. Have an attitude of gratitude.

gabrielle cole

Stay positive, give to others, and treat yourself with kindness to help enhance your mood and refocus intentions. Reward yourself whenever you achieve a small goal, and pay it forward by offering others a helping hand or encouragement when possible. Every little act of kindness makes a difference!

5. Stay active.

Eneko Uruñuela

It’s suggested that you get a minimum of 20 minutes of cumulative activity daily for heart health and weight control. Take a walk on the beach, hike the nearest trail, go for a run with your dog, indulge in a sunset yoga session, join a gym or sign up for a dance class. Do whatever inspires you to get moving!

6. Reduce fat and alcohol in your diet.

Bobby Rodriguezz

Extra calories end up stored as fat in the body, and consuming unhealthy foods and drinks (like alcohol) can lead to quicker weight gain. Keep your fat intake low and replace processed foods with natural ingredients like eggs, protein, fresh vegetables and fruit in order to maximize the nutrients that your body absorbs. You’ll notice an increase in alertness and energy, not to mention a slimmer waistline!

7. Spend time outside.

Ivana Cajina

Enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine to release endorphins and improve mental health. Sign up for a surf lesson, go for a nice bike ride, or enjoy an afternoon picnic at the park. There are plenty of ways to spend time outdoors—be creative!

8. Sleep more.

Annie Spratt

Get a consistent eight hours of sleep nightly to help rejuvenate and repair the body and slow the aging process. Sleep is when your body heals and repairs itself, helping you recharge for the next day.

9. Add one new healthy food to your diet each week.

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Adding variety to your diet helps to create a well-balanced meal plan. Eat foods from each food group daily—different colors indicate different nutrient profiles, so focus on getting a little of each color in your diet every day to maximize the nutritional benefits.

10. Prioritize preventative health screenings.