Written By Finnegan Pierson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
A healthy lifestyle encompasses a complete and balanced focus on wise choices for mental, physical and social wellness. Practicing healthy habits can lead to living a longer and happier life. The steps needed to lead a healthy lifestyle are relatively straightforward. Making healthy habits part of everyday life is a choice, and even though maintaining the balance over time can seem difficult, the process is within your control.
Here are important steps that will lead to a healthier life.
Include Physical Activity for a healthy lifestyle
Regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity facilitates a healthy body weight, strong bones and can help prevent depression. The American Heart Association advises adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, but the most important point is to get moving and keep at it.
Pick an activity you enjoy and do not be afraid to mix it up, so exercise remains fun. If working out with someone else helps keep you motivated, then find a friend with compatible interests and activity levels. Physical activity does not have to be an organized sport or workout routine.
You can incorporate exercise into daily activities. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park the car at the end of the lot instead of near the door. Take a walk with the dog or your kids.
Before starting a challenging exercise routine be sure to consult a doctor, especially if you are not used to being physically active. Whether just starting with an exercise program, or increasing intensity to achieve a new goal, your body will benefit from a boost of protein.
Protein helps build muscle, aids with recovery after workouts and may also assist with weight loss. A post-workout shake made from a protein powder makes it easy to get the added nutrients you need without extra fat and calories.
Eat a Proper Diet for a healthy lifestyle
Eating healthy all the time may seem hard, especially when our lives are so busy. It is easy to just grab any available food but keep healthy foods accessible and you will be less likely to opt for sugar and fat loaded choices when in a hurry. The type of calories consumed is just as important as the number of calories. A healthy diet should include 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Nutrients in fruits and vegetables give you energy and sustenance. Including them in your daily diet may reduce the risk of some cancers, heart disease, stroke and other life-threatening illnesses. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables are good for the eyes, skin and immune system. Other foods to include as part of a balanced healthy diet are protein, low-fat dairy products and whole grains.
Drink Plenty of Water for a healthy lifestyle
One of the easiest steps you can take towards a healthy lifestyle is drinking water regularly throughout the day. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a daily intake of 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women. In addition to hydration and nourishment, water cleanses the body of toxins, balances body temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, controls weight gain and energizes muscles - all contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Get Enough Sleep for a healthy lifestyle
Sleep is as important for a healthy lifestyle as keeping active and having a proper diet. The amount of sleep each person needs is different, but an average of seven to nine hours each night is a good target. A restful night can help with appetite control, muscle recovery, blood flow, risk for disease, overall mood, and the ability to deal with stress.
Take Care of Mental Wellbeing for a healthy lifestyle
Mental wellbeing is equally as important as physical aspects when it comes to building a healthy lifestyle. Take time for yourself, maintain a good support system and do not be afraid to ask for help. Talk with a professional if you have extended feelings of unhappiness, negativity or depression.
Manage Stress for a healthy lifestyle
High stress levels can impact both physical and mental health. Enjoying activities that help you unwind and relax is crucial for keeping stress under control. Exercise, meditation, socialization, reading, listening to music and good sleep are some stress-coping mechanisms.
The individual steps that contribute to a healthy lifestyle are interdependent, with overlapping advantages. It is important to take all these steps to ensure a balanced healthy life.
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Written By:
Finnegan Pierson loves business and has a passion for Health and technology. Even more interesting is the combination of the two. As a freelance writer, Finn hopes to influence others so they can have positive life experiences.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash