You probably know more or less the basics of living a healthy lifestyle as well as importance to live a healthy lifestyle. Some obvious first steps include eating more vegetables and superfoods and cutting down on sugars and alcohol. Sleeping, meditating, exercising, and keeping stress levels low are other key ingredients in the wellness recipe. But while it’s easy to write all these things down and even keep them in the back of your mind as you go about your day to day, how many of us can say that we are practicing these things regularly?
It can sometimes seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. It is possible to take a simple and realistic approach to live a healthy lifestyle that can be achieved every day.
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.”
Buddha
Ways to live a healthy lifestyle
Eat Unprocessed Foods as Often as Possible
Your diet should consist of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats like ground chicken and turkey, and grains. However, be sure to give yourself a break, whether it’s a little dessert one night, a lavish brunch with your friends over the weekend, or enjoying your favorite take-out meal every other week. Balance is key.
Walk more
It is essential to deny a sedentary working life whenever you can. If something is within walking distance, make the effort to travel on foot instead of by car. When you have time to spare, park farther than normal to increase your step count.
Reduce alcohol consumption
Limit alcohol consumption to once or twice a week, and try to have a glass or two of wine or one or two of your favorite cocktails at once. Not only is it better for your liver, but it’s also better for your wallet.
Pack your lunch
Skip the takeout or cafeteria and bring your lunch to work. Make a salad, a sandwich, or even leftovers from last night. Not only is it healthier, but it will also save money.
Tip: Meal preparation can help a lot with this. Spend Sunday nights planning the work week – your future self will thank you.
Take time off
Do you know those vacation days that have been accumulating at work? Use them, use them! Or at least take a sick or personal day. Taking time away from work can have physical and psychological health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, depression and stress.1 Also, a short break from work can increase your productivity when you return.2
Avoid negativity
You can begin to become what you allow in your life. Stay positive and optimistic (even when it’s hardest), and you can see things improve.
“The human body has been designed to resist an infinite number of changes and attacks brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to changing stresses on the body.”
Harry J. Johnson
End toxic relationships
That doesn’t mean you should leave people on a whim, but if you have a loved one or friend who is toxic to you or caused you pain and can’t resolve the situation, it may be time to consider walking away. Being open and honest with them, or even some form of therapy, could be a good first step before taking more drastic measures
Take a break from technology
We do almost everything on our phones, computers, televisions and tablets, so a digital break may seem impossible, but taking time off every day is a good thing. You can improve sleep, increase productivity, and deepen your connection with those around you. It doesn’t have to be a long break, either. Consider trying to detoxify the media for 30 minutes each day. You can encourage this by keeping your phone out of your room at night, taking a long walk without a phone, taking a bath, or making a habit of keeping technology away from the table.
Exercise
Exercise can improve stress, so you need to move every day 5. You also don’t have to go to the gym if that’s not your thing. Go for a walk, play tennis with a friend, swim, ride a bike, take a yoga class, or exercise online.
Read more often
Read anything. I just read. It stimulates the brain and improves brain function. Reading, which exercises your brain, can help keep the decline in mental decline in old age and possibly even keep Alzheimer’s at bay.6
Find a new hobby
Having interests outside of family and work will make you feel more satisfied. Consider learning to cook, play a sport, or volunteer.
Stop worrying about what other people think
It is not worth spending your energy on the opinions of others, especially when they become harmful to you. Be true to yourself and you will attract people who appreciate and value you for who you are.