As the baby boomer generation nears retirement age, numerous companies continue to target us for new anti aging products. For the most part, the best anti aging strategies are common sense based, without the need to dip into your wallet.

Often times, the biggest obstacle to feeling young is our health. Nagging, chronic health problems often get in the way of feeling our best and doing our best. While some health conditions are unavoidable, others are easily kept at bay by simple alterations to our daily routines.

In order to combat the aging process, we need to place equal emphasis on our physical and mental well being. As we age, we tend to focus on our physical health. It's equally important to monitor our mental health as well, especially since optimum mental health can actually help us overcome physical health challenges.

Here are the top 10 anti aging tips you can start today:

1. Instead of that second cup of coffee, drink a big glass of water instead. Everyone knows that water is good for us, so why not take advantage? Water helps your skin, the digestion process, and function of key internal organs.

2. Get more sleep. If it sounds easier than it is, take a good hard look at your sleep environment. Remove as many distractions to your sleep as possible, including sound, light, and mind clutter. It isn't necessarily how many hours you sleep, its the quality of sleep you receive. A deep, restful sleep offers positive effects and several important aspects of your life.

3. Let's go for a walk! Even a short daily walk has health benefits, as well as being a great stress reducer. Reducing stress is a key strategy to combat aging.

4. Take time to stretch at least five minutes per day. Stretching helps retain your flexibility, which diminishes significantly as we age. Stretch your upper and lower body every day and you'll feel better, guaranteed!

5. Work on your balance. Have you seen older people who struggle with their balance? Balance is a skill that diminishes if we don't work at it. Try simple balance enhancing movements like standing on one foot for 20 seconds. Doing this every day will dramatically improve your balance.

6. Incorporate mind challenging activities to stimulate your brain. Think of your mind as a muscle and make sure it gets a proper workout too. Puzzles, discussion groups, and even playing along with Jeopardy are good mental stimuli.

7. Check in with old friends. If you're like most people, you've said to yourself more than once, "whatever happend to so and so?". Reconnecting with old friends increases your social circle, giving you something to look forward to and helping to keep your mind sharp.

8. Eat more fresh fish. Fish is extremely good for you and offers significant vital nutrients. And no, a big platter of fried fish doesn't count! Substitute fresh fish for red meat at one meal per week.

9. Put your goals down on paper. Jot down what you want to accomplish tomorrow before you go to bed tonight. You'll be surprised at how much of a positive difference this makes. You'll awaken more refreshed and you'll accomplish more than ever. Try it, it works!

10. Adopt a new friend - get a pet. There are millions of shelter animals just waiting for someone to love. Studies show pet owners live more active, rewarding lives and are in better health. You'd be surprised how much an animal companion adds to the enjoyment in your life.

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Jim Hofman is an author who tries to enjoy each day. If you liked these ten anti aging strategies, stop by Jim's online resource for more anti aging articles and anti aging tips.