Are you tired of constantly feeling fatigued and run down? It's time to take control of your health and start living a healthy lifestyle. But where do you even begin?

The good news is, making small changes to your daily habits can have a big impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

In this article, we'll share ten essential tips to help you achieve a healthy and fulfilling life, from eating nutritious food to avoiding bad habits and getting regular exercise.

Whether you're just starting your healthy living journey or looking to revamp your current routine, these tips will give you the tools you need to live a healthy, balanced life.

How to keep a healthy lifestyle

One main thing most people regret later in their life is not adapting to a healthy lifestyle.  The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle is a journey that can bring lifelong benefits, including increased physical and mental well-being.  It can also prevent disease and avoid trips to the doctor for illnesses.

While many people are aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, actually adopting and sticking to healthy habits can be challenging. From daily exercise to healthy eating habits, cutting back on alcohol and stopping harming yourself and harming others by smoking, as well as prioritising restful sleep for starters, there are many changes that can be made to improve one's overall health.

However, the key to success in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just about making changes, but finding a way to make those changes stick. That's why we've compiled a list of ten essential healthy living tips to help you stay on track and live a healthier life. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your health to the next level, these tips can help you achieve your goals and live a life that you can be proud of.

So what is the key for how to keep a healthy lifestyle?

1. Eat healthy food:

One of the key components of living a healthy life is eating a balanced and nutritious diet. Our bodies rely on the nutrients in the food we eat to fuel the chemical reactions happening in our cells and to promote growth and overall well-being.

Eating a diet that includes a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, health-boosting herbs and plant-based foods provides essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function properly. Aiming for a balanced diet and portion control is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

However, if you find it difficult to incorporate enough vitamins and minerals into your diet through food alone, you can consider taking over-the-counter vitamin supplements from trusted brands. Some effective vitamin supplements are made by Nothing Fishy, Bioglan, Garden of Life, The Restored, Fushi, Rainforest Foods and BetterYou.

It is important to remember that over-consumption of food can have negative effects on our health, so it is crucial to find the right balance in what we eat. By following a healthy diet and portion control, you can take the first step towards a healthy and fulfilling life.

There is an old saying that “man is what he eats,” which means if you eat healthily, you will stay healthy.

Need some healthy recipe inspiration?  Start with these articles:

• Green smoothie recipe
• Cocoa and chia snack balls recipe
• Pumpkin soup recipe
• Bee pollen smoothie recipe
• Sweet potato soup recipe
• Healthy homemade ice lollies
• Healthy chocolate smoothie recipe

There are also many companies that exist, even for the busiest of people, to make eating healthily much easier.  Even snacking can be healthy too with the help of such companies.  Here are some ideas:

• Check out our allplants discount code and review for how to easily eat delicious plant-based food which is nutritionally balanced.
• Try Graze snacks and subscriptions for healthier snacking.
• Get £15 off as a new Riverford customer with our referral on delicious locally grown organic fruit and vegetables.

It can be difficult to eat well during special occasions and while the odd treat is OK, here are some ideas for how to eat healthy in the holidays. 

 

2. Be slow, yet steady:

Being slow, yet steady, is a key aspect of successfully adopting a healthy lifestyle. Making sudden, drastic changes can often lead to burnout, disappointment, and ultimately, failure. That's why it's important to approach the process of changing your habits gradually and with a long-term perspective.

Starting with small steps and building upon them is the way to go. For example, if you want to eat healthier, you could start by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Once you've become comfortable with that, you could add more whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. And as you progress, you can gradually reduce your intake of processed and junk foods.  Work on replacing them with better family eating habits that support good health.

In the same way, you can also work on gradually improving your exercise habits. Start with just 10 minutes of physical activity per day and then gradually increase it to 20, 30, and eventually an hour or more.

Or perhaps you want to work on a better and healthier morning routine for success and happiness?  Work out how you want the morning routine to look and then start implementing the changes daily over a week so you get used to it and don't feel like quitting instantly.

Making gradual changes allows your body and mind to adapt to the new habits over time. It's also easier to maintain the new habits since you won't be making too many drastic changes all at once. So, be patient with yourself, take it one step at a time, and soon enough, you'll find that you've made a remarkable transformation in your life and are on your way to a healthier, happier you! 

3. Drink plenty of water:

Drinking an adequate amount of water is crucial to maintaining a healthy body and an easy way to start taking charge of your health immediately. It helps regulate blood pressure, prevent constipation, reduce hemorrhoids symptoms, flush out toxins and bacteria, and protect our tissues and organs. However, despite the numerous benefits of water, many people fail to drink the recommended amount of water per day, which is approximately 16 cups for men and 12 cups for women, or around 6-8 glasses per day.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors have emphasised the importance of drinking enough water, including drinking warm water, as it may help to boost immunity and fight off viruses.  Some even recommended increasing the average daily intake.

Making it a habit to drink enough water every day can bring a variety of health benefits and improve overall health. So, it is essential to make sure we drink plenty of water every day and meet the recommended daily intake. You can also use a hydration tracker or set reminders to help you keep track of your water intake throughout the day.

Click here to learn about the benefits of drinking distilled water.

4. Avoid bad habits:

Avoiding bad habits is a crucial step in the journey towards a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it have a direct impact on your physical health, but it also affects your mental and emotional well-being.

Bad habits, such as smoking, vaping, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating patterns, and prolonged exposure to screens, can harm our body in several ways. For example, smoking causes lung cancer and heart disease, while excessive alcohol intake leads to liver damage and impairs our judgement.

Moreover, unhealthy habits like consuming high amounts of caffeine, artificial flavors, and sweetened drinks can lead to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other worrying symtpoms that mean you should see a doctor. In addition, neglecting good sleep hygiene and living in an unhygienic environment can also impact our overall health negatively.

You must consider altering these bad habits if you want to achieve a good healthy life. Therefore, it's important to identify and replace these unhealthy habits with better practices. This can include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, and creating a clean and organised living space. By doing so, you'll not only feel better physically, but you'll also have a more positive outlook on life.

Are you a smoker?  How about joining in with Stoptober to give you the motivation you might need to quit smoking?  Or why wait?  Quit sooner as it's one of the best things you can do for your health!

 

5. Exercise:

We can not emphasise more on the effects of exercise on our health. Exercising is one of the main tips we can use to improve health.  Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is an essential aspect of wellness. Not only does it help to strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles, but it also improves blood circulation, boosts immunity, and reduces the risk of various chronic diseases.

Walking in the park or taking a leisurely stroll is not enough to get the health benefits of exercise. It requires effort, commitment, and dedication to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

The recommended amount of exercise is 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. This can range from jogging, running, swimming, yoga, weightlifting, aqua aerobics or any other form of physical activity that raises your heart rate and gets your body moving.

For those who are new to exercise or have not been active for a while, starting with low-impact activities like walking or cycling is advisable. As you become stronger, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workout.

Exercise not only benefits your physical health but also has a positive impact on your mental health. Regular physical activity can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.  It's also a great way to burn calories to maintain a healthy weight or shift any extra weight.

If you can't find the time to go to the gym, why not consider setting up a home gym? With a few pieces of exercise equipment, you can get a full-body workout in the comfort of your own home. And if space is a problem, you can consider investing in a garden room. Garden rooms are a great way to create an extension of your home without the need to build a physical extension.

Or if the cost of a gym membership is an issue, then look into other options.  You don't need an expensive gym membership nowadays to exercise!  You can choose at-home workouts both indoors or in your garden if you have outdoor space.  There are plenty of free public footpaths you can walk, jog or run.  There are large outdoor spaces with parks and fields you can utilise - many even have adult gym equipment you can use for free.  Some local parks, like ours, even have full-sized tennis courts which can be used for free by the local community.  All you need to invest in is some tennis racquets, which aren't too expensive for a budget beginner set, and some tennis balls. You may even be able to find some preloved tennis gear as we did at our local tennis club.

Excuses are no longer valid when it comes to exercise. No matter where you are or what you do, there is always time for some sort of physical activity. It can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a brisk daily walk.  If you're at home a lot then there are lots of workouts at home that can be completed, even in small spaces. 

So, start today and make exercise a part of your daily routine. Your body will thank you for it!

 

6. Watch your BMI: 

Maintaining a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) is important for overall health and wellness. It is a simple calculation that provides a rough estimate of the amount of body fat based on height and weight. The normal range is considered to be between 18.5 to 24.9.

However, it is important to note that BMI is not a perfect measurement as it does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass. It is recommended to measure body fat regularly and aim to keep it within a healthy range. This can be achieved through a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

In addition to BMI, other indicators of health such as body fat percentage, waist circumference, and overall physical appearance and energy levels should also be taken into consideration. Consulting a healthcare professional can also provide personalised recommendations and help monitor progress towards a healthy BMI and overall health.

7. Keep a positive attitude:

Having a positive attitude can not only enhance one's mental health but also have a profound impact on physical health. The benefits of a positive outlook have been widely studied, and research has shown that it can lead to increased lifespan, better physical and psychological well-being, and improved management of stressful situations.

Studies have shown that people with a positive outlook tend to have lower levels of stress hormones and stronger immune systems, which can help protect against disease. Furthermore, they are more likely to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and healthy eating, and are more likely to stick to these habits over time.

Additionally, a positive attitude can also improve one's relationships and social interactions, which can have a positive impact on mental and emotional health. When people feel good about themselves and their life, they are more likely to engage with others, form strong connections, and experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

In conclusion, cultivating a positive attitude is an essential aspect of achieving and maintaining good health. Whether through meditation, mindfulness, gratitude practices, or other self-improvement and self-care techniques, it is crucial to focus on the positive aspects of life and to maintain a hopeful and optimistic outlook.

Check out these top tips to boost your mood and feel great!

8. Take a break:

Taking a break from your daily routine is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. By taking breaks and giving yourself time to relax and recharge, you can improve your work-life balance and reduce stress levels.

Whether it's going on a trip, exploring nature, reading a book, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with loved ones, taking time for yourself can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

Additionally, taking regular breaks can also prevent burnout and reduce the risk of visiting the doctor or emergency hospital visits due to stress-related illnesses. Don't neglect the importance of taking breaks as a vital way to look after yourself properly, so be sure to schedule time for yourself regularly.

If you're a parent then read why taking a break without the kids is so important.

 

9. Take care of your emotional well being:

Emotional wellbeing is as essential as mental and physical wellbeing. The emotionally stable person has better self-esteem, is less defensive, is competent and self-reliant, and above all, optimistic to learn from adverse life experiences. 

In short, emotional wellbeing motivates you to enjoy and live a healthy life. However, achieving and maintaining emotional wellbeing can be a challenge. The daily pressures of work, family, relationships, and life's uncertainties can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing. It's crucial to recognise the signs of emotional distress and take steps to address them.

Start by developing a positive self-image and learn to accept yourself as you are. Engage in activities that you enjoy, and make time for yourself. It's also important to maintain a support system of friends and family who you can rely on for emotional support.

Take care of your mental health by practicing self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in physical activity. Additionally, finding healthy coping mechanisms like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help you deal with stress and emotional turmoil.

Most importantly, learn to identify and manage stress. Chronic stress can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems and reduce your emotional wellbeing. Take time out to relax, meditate, or engage in activities that make you happy.  Even simple acts like chewing gum can reduce stress levels, however, you may need to seek therapy and counselling to help improve your emotional well-being during periods of high stress or anxiety.

10. Have a good night's sleep:

A good night’s sleep refreshes our mind and body. The importance of a good night's sleep cannot be overstated. A sound and restful sleep is crucial for maintaining good health, both physically and mentally. On average, adults require a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night to rejuvenate their mind and body. This time is crucial for the growth of our body and its various organs, as well as for the repair and relaxation of our brain.

During deep sleep, our bodies release chemicals and hormones that are necessary to strengthen our bones, improve our mood, and boost our immune system. These hormones also provide us with the energy we need to go about our daily activities. Furthermore, sleep has a significant impact on our mental health. People who consistently get a good night's sleep are less prone to depression and anxiety and tend to have a more positive outlook on life.

Therefore, it is imperative to prioritise sleep and ensure that we get enough quality sleep each night. This includes creating a sleep-conducive environment, avoiding screens before bedtime, and engaging in a relaxing bedtime routine. By taking care of our sleep, we can reap its numerous benefits and maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.

Final word on how to keep a healthy lifestyle

In conclusion, leading a healthy life is crucial for our overall wellbeing. It includes a combination of various factors that work together to enhance our mental and physical health. Here's a summary of the key points that were discussed:

1. Eating healthy food
2. Be slow, yet steady
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Avoid bad habits
5. Exercise regularly
6. Watch your BMI
7. Keep a positive attitude
8. Take a break
9. Take care of your emotional well-being
10. Have a good night's sleep

By incorporating these tips into our daily routine, we can make a considerable impact on our health and overall wellbeing. Remember, change takes time, so be patient and consistent in your approach. Small steps lead to significant changes, and with persistence, we can keep a healthy life and fulfilling life.