A healthy way of living is not attained through extreme dieting or overly intense exercise regimens. Instead, a healthy way of living is made up of simple consistent habits that are applicable to both the body and mind. Practicing small changes each day can increase energy, increase immunity and reduce stress leading to an overall improved sense of health and wellness.
Here are 10 easy-to-follow healthy lifestyle tips that have been shown through scientific studies to improve a person’s health and fitness.
1.A Balanced and Nutritious Diet
Healthy living begins with what we put into our bodies. We should all strive to eat a balanced nutritious diet consisting of:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
We should also limit the intake of processed foods, added sugars and refined carbohydrates. Eating a diet that is high in nutrient-dense foods gives your body the energy it needs, aids digestion, and helps improve brain function.
Tip: Try to eat meals that contain as many different colours as possible; colours often indicate different nutrients.
2.Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day
Water is essential for digestion, circulation and maintaining body temperature. Dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue, headaches, and inability to concentrate properly.
How much water should you drink?
As a general rule, most adults should drink between 6 and 8 glasses of water each day. However, adults who exercise or live in warmer climates will need additional water due to fluid loss through sweating.
3.Engage In Regular Physical Activity (You Can Still Call It ‘Exercise’)
You do not have to join a gym to maintain your fitness level. There are numerous benefits to engaging in regular physical activity:
- The Heart Becomes Stronger
- Your Mood Improves
- Your Anxiety & Depression Will Decrease
You can try out several forms of exercise including walking, yoga, stretching, riding a bike & working out at home for a minimum of 30 minutes each day.
4.Concentrate On Quality Of Sleep
The reason for sleep is to allow your mind, emotions and body time to rest. Inadequate sleep increases the risk of becoming overweight, being stressed out and developing chronic illnesses over time.
It is important to keep these healthy habits for sleeping.
Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
Avoid using electronics like televisions and computers before you go to bed.
Establish a sleep routine.
5.Effective Stress Management Techniques
Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on your physical health as well as your mental health. Managing your stress level will improve the quality of your attention, your level of happiness and your immune system.
There are many ways to relieve stress effectively:
- Use deep breathing exercises to relax.
- Practice meditation.
- Keep a journal.
- Spend time outdoors in nature.
6.Keep your Head Up
Like physical health, mental health is vital to our overall well-being. By staying positive, we increase our capacity for resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Things to Practice:
- Gratitude for others & yourself
- Self-love & kindness toward yourself
- Encouraging/supportive/self-talk
- Your thoughts shape your behaviours, therefore think carefully before you act.
7.Avoiding Harmful Habits
You can dramatically enhance your health if you limit or stop your negative habits such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or eating late-night junk food.
You will see long-lasting health benefits when you replace harmful habits with healthy ones.
8.Cultivating Stronger Social Support Networks
Having strong social support networks provides an individual with emotional stability and decreases the likelihood of him/her feeling isolated, lonely or depressed.
By spending quality time with their families or friends, being part of a community, or joining in on group activities that provide fun and support.
9.Stay Groomed and Keep Your Environment Clean
Your personal hygiene and environment can make all the difference between staying healthy or sick, as well as allowing you to be able to function mentally. Good hygiene and a clean environment are achieved through simple acts such as washing your hands regularly, brushing your teeth daily, and having your area organized and clutter-free.
10.Be Consistent, Not Perfect
A healthy lifestyle is a process and a lifestyle you create over time; therefore, you should work towards improvement, not perfection. Every small, positive choice you make continues to add positively to your life.
Remember, the key is that consistency will always outweigh intensity.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to live a healthy life. By implementing these 10 successful habits of healthy living, you will have a healthier body, calmer mind, and a more balanced life.
Begin with one of these habits today – your future self will appreciate it.
