If you asked 50 people what a healthy lifestyle looked like, chances are there would be 50 different responses – each person needs their own path towards becoming healthy. There is no universal definition of health.
Making gradual improvements in your daily habits is the key to becoming healthier over time, such as: eating a balanced diet; exercising regularly; managing stress effectively and getting adequate rest. Below are a few suggestions.
Exercise regularly
Staying healthy requires making changes to your everyday routine – such as exercise, healthy diet, enough sleep and managing stress effectively as well as connecting socially.
Regular exercise increases energy levels and mood, as well as helping prevent or manage health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Furthermore, exercise may reduce symptoms associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic low back pain, while attenuating severity of symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
Finding physical activities you enjoy will increase your likelihood of sticking with them over the long run. Setting goals when starting a fitness regime will give you something tangible to work toward and will keep you motivated when things become tough. Aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days during the week for best results.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating healthily is vital to protecting against diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and anemia; maintaining a healthy weight; and providing energy needed for daily tasks.
A healthy diet should include food from all major food groups. It should be low in fat, sodium and added sugars while providing ample whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and lean proteins.
Keep your health habits a priority and don’t give up, even when things get hard. Remember that changing your lifestyle won’t happen overnight; be patient and focus on making small adjustments that add up over time. For assistance getting started, create a wellness plan with goals and step-by-step instructions on how to improve it; find apps or podcasts dedicated to health that will motivate you in staying on the right track;
Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential to overall health, yet many struggle to find enough rest each night. Sleep can strengthen immunity, boost memory and enhance your mood – essential elements in living a healthier lifestyle alongside balanced nutrition, regular exercise and managing stress.
A healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of diseases, keep you physically and mentally fit, extend lifespan and save money and benefit the environment. Healthy behaviors include eating right, exercising regularly, getting sufficient sleep and limiting alcohol and smoking – though what this looks like for each person may differ; most agree however on some essential elements required to attain and sustain a healthy lifestyle:
Manage your stress
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but too much can have serious repercussions for both mental and physical wellbeing. Finding ways to alleviate it and make time for rest and relaxation are essential – exercising, reading, writing, meditation or talking with friends may all provide much-needed respite from anxiety. Furthermore, unhealthy coping mechanisms like binge eating or excessive drinking should be avoided whenever possible.
Establishing a healthier lifestyle takes time and dedication; don’t give up if the results don’t show immediately. Try adding one new healthy habit at a time until these become part of your routine and become part of who you are.
Remember, new habits can take 21 days or more to fully become part of your lifestyle, so be patient as this process takes place – don’t compare yourself with others – everyone’s journey differs and be sure to consult your physician prior to making any major lifestyle changes.