14 tips and habits to help you create your healthiest lifestyle
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore different types of habits and how good habits can help you be healthy. Plus, tips and habits to help anyone create their healthiest lifestyle.
Most of us aspire to lead a healthy life, but the path to achieving it can seem daunting. By integrating a few effective, manageable habits into your daily routine, you can make significant strides toward your healthiest lifestyle. Explore the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and types of habits to get started on living healthily.
What is a healthy lifestyle?
A healthy lifestyle is about feeling strong, energetic, and happy. It's where you wake up feeling good, with the energy to do the things you love. Your version of a healthy lifestyle is personal to you. Look for the balance that makes you feel your best, inside and out.
Why is a healthy lifestyle important?
Physical health: Eating well and exercising regularly can help prevent many illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.
Mental health: A healthy lifestyle includes taking care of your mind. Regular exercise, good nutrition, and sufficient sleep can greatly improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Longevity: Research has shown that healthy habits can add years to your life. But it’s also important to live those extra years with a better quality of life.
Energy and vitality: Good nutrition and exercise help you feel more energetic. This means you can play with your kids, go on adventures, and tackle your daily tasks with more enthusiasm.
Emotional wellbeing: Physical health benefits can influence your emotional health. When you feel good physically, you're likely to have a more positive outlook on life.
7 healthy habits to incorporate into your life
Creating a healthiest lifestyle involves building habits that positively impact your physical and mental wellbeing. Start by incorporating one or two habits into your daily routine and grow toward your healthiest lifestyle from there.
1. Drink plenty of water
Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is essential for your body's functions like digestion, temperature regulation, and joint health.
2. Eat nourishing foods
Explore the benefits of mindful eating by choosing foods that fuel your body and mind. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. Planning your meals can help you make healthier choices and avoid last-minute, less nutritious options.
3. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise strengthens your heart, boosts your mood, and increases energy levels. Find activities you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
4. Get good sleep
Prioritize your sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body repair itself and your brain process information from the day.
5. Spend time outdoors
Connect with nature—it can improve your mood, increase your vitamin D levels, and help you feel more relaxed and grounded. Even a short walk in a park can make a difference.
6. Make time to play and explore
Channel your inner child and engage in activities you loved when you were younger while exploring new activities you’ve always wanted to try. Make time to enjoy hobbies, try new activities, or simply play to help boost your creativity and reduce stress.
7. Practice mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and contribute to emotional stability. Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time you spend meditating, and notice how opening the door to a regular mindfulness practice boosts your health and happiness.
The different types of habits
Leading a healthy lifestyle means creating a balance of different types of habits that contribute to your overall wellbeing to establish a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle.
Social habits
Socializing is essential and can lead to a sense of belonging and support, which is vital for your emotional health and mental wellbeing. Create comfortable relationships and connect with others by spending time with family and friends, joining a club, or participating in community events.
Emotional habits
Emotional habits can include journaling, talking to a friend, or seeking professional support to help you understand and manage your feelings. Create a foundation for emotional resilience and stability by acknowledging and addressing your emotions.
Health habits
Health habits are those most often associated with a healthy lifestyle. They can include eating nutritious foods, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga. Health habits can help maintain a stronger, healthier body and better mental health.
Productivity habits
Productivity habits help you accomplish your goals without unnecessary stress. This could involve organizing your space, setting clear goals, or breaking tasks into smaller steps. By being productive, you make the best use of your time and energy, leaving more room for relaxation and enjoyment.
Spiritual habits
Regardless of religious beliefs, spiritual habits can include meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in activities that give you a sense of peace and purpose. These practices can help you feel connected to something greater than yourself and provide a sense of calm and clarity in your life.
The impacts of having a healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can be one of the most beneficial decisions you make for yourself. It can positively influence every aspect of your life.
Boosts physical health
A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Regular physical activity and a range of nutritious foods can strengthen your heart, bones, and muscles, and help the body remain strong. Your body can heal quicker and resist illness better.
Enhances mental wellbeing
Healthy habits like exercise, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition are crucial for mental health. Physical activity sometimes releases feel-good hormones, which can enhance mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. A good night's sleep can improve cognitive functions like memory and concentration, while a nutritious diet can positively impact brain health.
Improves emotional stability
Regular exercise, healthy eating and sufficient rest can lead to improved self-esteem and a more balanced emotional state, so you can handle stress and emotional challenges more easily.
Encourages long-term wellness
Living a healthy lifestyle helps you remain active, energetic, and capable of enjoying a longer life to its fullest.
Helps build better relationships
When you feel good physically and mentally, you have more energy to invest in your family, friends, and community, leading to stronger, more meaningful connections.
How to be healthy: 7 tips to get started
By following these tips toward a healthier lifestyle, you're setting the foundation for a happier, more fulfilling life. The journey to health is personal and unique to you, so embrace it at your own pace and in your own way.
1. Start small and progress gradually
Begin with manageable goals. If you're new to exercising, start with short walks and gradually increase the duration. If you’re trying to eat healthier, try adding one serving of fruit or vegetables to your meals each day instead of depriving yourself of foods you enjoy.
💙 Discover The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals to help you gain clarity and stay motivated on your journey to a healthier life.
2. Track your progress
Keep a record of your journey. Use a journal, app, or simple checklist to track your daily activities, and how you're feeling. Seeing your progress over time can be a great motivator and can help you identify what's working well and what might need adjustment.
3. Be patient and kind to yourself
Understand that change takes time. It's normal to have days where you don't go for a walk and you rest instead, or you enjoy a slice of cake at a celebration.
💙 Explore Self-Affirmations as a way to send love to yourself on your journey to a healthier lifestyle, whatever that means for you.
4. Educate yourself
Read books, watch informative videos, or browse reliable websites to understand the basics of nutrition, exercise, and mental wellbeing. Understanding the why behind healthy living can make healthy habits easier to adopt.
💙 Learn about The 4 Pillars of Health with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee so you can start living a healthier life today.
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