Healthy living requires knowledge, patience and time to form habits that last. It can be challenging to stay motivated especially when the people around you are unhealthy.
Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you to keep your health goals. Also, spend time doing things you enjoy – whether that’s hiking, going for a run or even meditating.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
You should aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. This includes fresh, frozen and canned options. Try to include a variety of colors to get different vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals. You can eat vegetables and fruits in many ways, including raw, steamed, sauteed, roasted or grilled. Just be sure to avoid foods fried in oil or high in sodium.
Exercise regularly
Maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly are two of the major components that make up a healthy lifestyle. You can exercise in fun ways like picking fruit at an orchard, dancing to music, walking along the beach or hiking in nature, or gently stretching while watching TV. The key is to find a way to exercise that fits your personality.
Drink water
Hydration is crucial for healthy living. Drink water instead of sugary beverages and eat fluid-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Drink a glass of water with every meal and snack, and add ice cubes made from fresh fruit to your drinks for added flavor. Make sure to adjust your water intake depending on your activity level and outside temperatures.
Avoid tobacco and nicotine
Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and causes many diseases. Quitting can improve your health almost immediately, and each week, month and year you stay smokefree further improves your health.
When tobacco cravings strike, distract yourself by chewing sugarless gum, doing pushups or walking up and down the stairs. Or try stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for healthy living. Sleep may help prevent health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Those who don’t get enough sleep are at risk for high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, stroke, depression, poor mental health, and car accidents. Try to make sleeping a priority by setting a regular bedtime, and avoiding large meals and electronic devices before sleep.
Take care of your skin
You may think of skin as a superficial organ, but it is actually your first line of defense. Research shows that microbes that live on the surface of healthy skin can help boost your body’s infection-fighting immune system and keep you healthier. You can take care of your skin by washing it twice daily with lukewarm water and using a gentle cleanser suitable for your unique skin type.
Get enough sleep
While individual needs vary, most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can put you at a greater risk for weight gain and serious health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental illness. To improve your sleep, try to go to bed at the same time each night and avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before you hit the sack.
Drink water
Drinking water is an important part of healthy living. It helps to keep your body and brain hydrated. Try to drink eight glasses a day or more. It is also helpful to have water with meals and snacks, and to eat foods that are rich in fluids such as fruit and vegetables. Staying well-hydrated is especially important as you age. Drink water instead of sugary drinks and limit caffeine and alcohol.
