8 Ways for Living A Healthy Lifestyle

BY FIRST FAMILY INSURANCE March 29, 2020
header-2-8ways-for-living-a-healthy-lifestyle

Eat right, exercise: that's the advice you're likely to receive from any healthcare provider, dietician, physical trainer or other health-focused professional you ask about how to live a healthy lifestyle.

 

Yet, those simple words can be difficult to achieve for today's busy adult. Still, it's worth noting that the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle far outweigh what might seem at first to be a boring, tedious task. 

 

Adhering to a healthy lifestyle can lead to a longer, happier and more fulfilled life for most adults. Additionally, maintaining your health can also have financial benefits, you won't be forced to visit the doctor as often, you won't be faced with high prescription costs for chronic diseases and your insurance premiums could be more affordable later in life.

 

Are you ready to get started with a healthy lifestyle? The following are eight tips to jumpstart your happy, healthy life.

 

 

1. Eat A Balanced Diet

Fueling your body with a variety of healthful and wholesome foods is a key factor in living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, can make all the difference when it comes to one's health.

 

It's recommended you stay away from eating large quantities of food with high counts of saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sodium.

 

However, these items in moderation aren't always so bad. For instance, if you have a high-fat lunch, consider balancing the meal with a low-fat dinner.

 

 

2. Drink Water/Not Sugary Drinks

Stay hydrated. Drinking water each day is great for your overall health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.

 

In fact, drinking water can help regulate your body temperature, help your joint movement and rid your body of waste.

 

Additionally, drinking water helps prevent dehydration, a condition, the CDC notes can caconstipation, kidney stones, and other health issues.

 

Though there are no strict guidelines for how much water one should drink to maintain a healthy lifestyle, many studies have found that adults should consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

 

While you might consider swapping that glass of water for a soda, that's not a healthy lifestyle choice. Drinking an excessive amount of sodas and other sugary drinks can lead to serious health problems, according to the Boston Public Health Commission.

 

In fact, drinking just one 20-ounce bottle of a sugary beverage per day can result in gaining 25 extra pounds per year, which can then lead to issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

 

3. Exercise/Move Your Body

Physical exercise is good for your mind and body.

 

The Mayo Clinic notes that regular exercise helps combat health conditions and diseases, such as stroke, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and other health problems.

 

According to the U.S. Department Health and Human Services, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Lifting a moderate amount of weights twice a week is also recommended.

 

You don't have to run a marathon or partake in high-intensity exercise classes to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Just like your nutrition, moderation can go a long way. Consider going on a long walk or taking a run with friends.

 

 

4. Maintain A Healthy Body Weight

Your overall health can be greatly impacted by your body weight. Ensuring that you maintain a healthy weight not only helps you in achieving your current health goals, but those in the future.

 

In fact, bodyweight can be a contributing factor when it comes to developing serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

 

As you look to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends you take into consideration your environment, family history, genetics, and behaviors.

 

Many of the same things you're already doing to living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating right and exercising, will contribute to your healthy body weight over time.

 

5. Eliminate Smoking

Eating well and exercising are just part of the healthy lifestyle puzzle. Removing harmful elements is a key piece, as well.

 

For instance, you shouldn't smoke or tobacco. Those who tobacco products are more likely to develop diseases and have a shorter life expectancy than those who don't, according to the Mayo Clinic.

 

Even if you're a long-time smoker, quitting now can make a big difference in your health. Over time, you'll find yourself having more energy and able to breathe a little easier.

 

 

6. Get Enough Sleep

If you're not getting enough quality sleep, you're not maximizing your health.

 

To achieve healthy sleep, adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep each nice, avoid common sleep disruptors such as caffeine and alcohol, and maintain a routine, like going to sleep and waking at the same time each day.

 

Maintaining these healthy sleep habits promote performance and productivity in your life, according to the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project.

 

Additionally, healthy sleep habits can help lower your risk for certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

 

7. Visit Your Doctor

Regular visits to your primary care physician for examinations is also a key factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 

The CDC recommends regular health exams and tests, as they can help you identify health problems before they start. By visiting your doctor and undergoing periodic health exams - like your annual check-up or a routine physical -  you are taking steps toward a healthy lifestyle and giving yourself the chance to live a longer, healthier life.

 

 

8. Consider Your Mental Health

You're working hard to achieve physical health, but you shouldn't discount the benefits of mental health, either.

 

In fact, mental health is part of your overall health. If you're feeling stressed, depressed, anxious, or experiencing other mental health conditions, it might be beneficial to visit a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.

 

Mental health office visits can provide you with the tools you need to address factors in your life that might be affecting your overall health.

 

Additionally, managing stress can help boost your immune system, give you more energy and decrease your chance of becoming afflicted with health issues cut as diabetes.

 

With these tips, you're well on the way to achieving a healthy lifestyle, and all its benefits.

Eat right, exercise: that's the advice you're likely to receive from any healthcare provider, dietician, physical trainer or other health-focused professional you ask about how to live a healthy lifestyle.

 

Yet, those simple words can be difficult to achieve for today's busy adult. Still, it's worth noting that the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle far outweigh what might seem at first to be a boring, tedious task. 

 

Adhering to a healthy lifestyle can lead to a longer, happier and more fulfilled life for most adults. Additionally, maintaining your health can also have financial benefits, you won't be forced to visit the doctor as often, you won't be faced with high prescription costs for chronic diseases and your insurance premiums could be more affordable later in life.

 

Are you ready to get started with a healthy lifestyle? The following are eight tips to jumpstart your happy, healthy life.