If you have answered `no` to questions above, try to correct your habits by making small changes in your everyday living.

Define Your Goals
Knowing what you want to achieve is essential if you are to plan a program for a healthier, fitter lifestyle. For example, your goals could be

Whatever your goals are, adopt a positive attitude to achieve what you want to. Try to set yourself realistic targets, and be determined to improve.

Action Plan
The next step is to put together a plan of action, using the S.M.A.R.T method to help you achieve your goals.

Use the following guidelines as you plan for a healthy beginning

S is for specific.

Define your goals clearly and list them down in order of priority. For example:

1. Increase flexibility
2. Start morning walks
3. Eat fruit for breakfast

M is for measurable.
It is important to keep track of how much you are progressing. Are you able to walk longer than when you started out ? Are you able to sleep better ? Are you drinking enough water? When you watch your progress you are motivated to keep going.

A is for action.
Don`t just think about it, ACT ! Once you`ve made up your mind to do something take the required action. For example,

It`s the action that takes you closer to your goal.

R is for realistic.
Don`t try to conquer the world in a day. Instead aim for small but important changes. If you are too hard on yourself, you could get discouraged or even hurt yourself. Start slowly, gradually building up the effort you put in.

T is for timed.
Set yourself a time limit. Without a time limit you may tend to forget about your goal or let it meander on for too long. Having a time limit also allows you to measure how well you`ve done in certain period of time.

The components of a body are like that of a car. The better condition you keep them in, the better their performance. Remember, small changes in your day to day living habits can make a big difference to your health. And lastly - BE POSITIVE you can achieve whatever you want if you set your mind to it.

Text courtesy: Namita Jain, clinical exercise specialist