For anyone who wants to start living more naturally, it is easy to look at all the advice and tips that are out there and feel a little overwhelmed. There are a million natural health philosophies out there, many of them conflict with each other, and some seem to become outdated as soon as they enter the world. That is why, for people who are new to natural living, it is helpful to start with the basics. Enact these seven little health-boosters into your life, and if they work, then you might consider getting into the more complex stuff.

1. Take a walk. No matter what other types of exercise you incorporate into your health plan, the one thing that should bid indispensable is your daily walk. Ideally, it should be outdoors so that you get the benefits of fresh air and sun. And if possible, get into the habit of taking a walk in the morning so that you get it out of the way early.
2. Cut what you can. Take a close look at your daily food and beverage intake, and consider whether there are unhealthy parts of your diet that could be removed outright. For example, while quitting coffee is not easy, doing so can give a big boost to your health. Also take a close look at any snacks and soft drinks that you rely on despite the fact that they do not help your health. Replace the things you cut with healthy alternatives.
3. Quiet your mind. Every day, find some time to get away from all your gadgets and communications devices and just relax. Meditation is one way to do this, but not everyone has success with it. Do whatever works for you. Just make sure you can relax for at least half an hour a day.
4. Try smaller meals. Instead of having three big meals every day, you can boost your metabolism by having four to seven smaller meals that are light and mostly consist of pure foods with are low in preservatives, sugar, and other unhealthy elements and high in nutrient content. If you need the satisfaction of a big meal, consider having a slightly larger lunch.
5. Stop comparing yourself to others. You want to be as healthy as you can be, but always keep in mind that every person is different, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Do not be hard on yourself if you can look like the models on the covers of fitness magazines. Instead, be the best you that you can be.
6. Improve your posture. Adopting a straighter posture is not easy. It takes extreme self-vigilance and a strong will to overcome years of holding yourself in your accustomed way. But standing and sitting straighter can have some surprising health benefits. It strengthens your muscles and back, improves your metabolism and circulation, and even puts you in a better mood. It also makes you look better.
7. Make sleep a priority. Too many people think of sleep as something that can be sacrificed in favor of everything else, but this neglects the fact that sleep, along with diet and exercise, is part of the trifecta that keeps us running smoothly. Do whatever it takes to make sure you get an amount of sleep that allows you to wake up with energy and stay strong throughout the day.

Marc Courtiol, a graduate from Cornell, is an accomplished health researcher on natural wellness and homeopathy. More of his work can be found here.