It seems every day I hear more people complain about not feeling well. They say things like, “I need to go see my doctor.” I have spent most of my life pursuing better heath and guess what. I barely ever go to the doctor.

Now don’t get the wrong idea I am not saying we don’t need doctors, sometimes you just have to go for immediate care. It’s one of the most admirable professions in the world and they have worked hard to get to where they are.

However one of the most common misconceptions ever is, “My doctor takes care of my body.” Your doctor will guide you and give you advice and prescribe appropriate medications, when you’re sick. But I prefer to treat my health with preventive care rather than to wait until I get sick and then react to my body’s symptoms with a prescription or OTC drug. The truth is your health is your responsibility! Not your doctor’s, not your spouse’s, and certainly not the hot dog vendor.

Besides, when you have to see the doctor, it takes your precious time. Time that a lot of people really can’t afford to give. Most of us only get a few vacation days per year. It also takes your money, and it’s just not on most people’s list as to how they want to spend an afternoon. Over the next several days I will be sharing information on how to improve your health and feel better today without taking a trip to the doctor’s office.

1) Get More Exercise

Have you ever sat around the house all day and never felt good? I know we all deserve those days to sit around and relax but take 20 minutes and go do something active. You don’t have to run for miles at a time to feel better. Take a brisk walk around your neighborhood with your spouse. Play basketball with the kids. It has been well documented for years the physical benefits of exercise but it was just recently discovered that it also stimulates the mind and is a proven mood booster.

Stay tuned for the next installment of this series. To have these articles delivered straight to your inbox sign up for our newsletter today.