5 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of a good life. While it does not take much to achieve this lifestyle many people these days are unable to follow it owing to several reasons such as professional commitments, lack of determination and personal issues. It takes a good amount of determination to lead a healthy lifestyle these days. With so many tasks to accomplish during the day, our health often takes a backseat. It is important to realize the need to follow a healthy lifestyle and understand the ways in which it can be achieved.

A healthy lifestyle mainly includes following healthy eating habits, taking adequate sleep and squeezing in some time for physical exercise each day. However, most people get so caught up with their daily grinds that they neglect their health. Ignoring your health is the worst thing you can do to yourself. Many people realize this only after they develop some health issues.

It is time people should understand that our health is of utmost importance, and it is only when we are healthy would we be able to work efficiently on other aspects of our lives. Developing healthy habits requires just a few changes in the daily routine. These changes eventually become a habit and before you know you are on your way to a healthy lifestyle.

It is better to take out some time to follow the healthy habits shared above when you are still young and fit to avoid health issues later in life. The following tips help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

1.) Move throughout the day. Walk (even in place) during meetings, or when you can, go outside in the morning to get vitamin D too! Take stretch breaks, you can do stretches every hour & also just when you need to move more. Walking after dinner has been shown to have health benefits like blood sugar control.

2.) Make time to clear your head. Just 3 minutes focusing on your breath can lower your blood pressure. Try square breathing—for a count of 3-4 each: inhale, hold, exhale, hold, repeat. Try lengthening the counts as you practice.

3.) Eat more plants & whole foods. Focus on fresh or dried herbs & simple food prep. Roasted vegetables = fiber candy! Canned beans = dinner time shortcut!

Nutrition Stripped is my favorite source for interesting, healthy recipes.

4.) Get 7-9 hours of restorative sleep. Prepare by disconnecting (1-2 hours, or even 30 minutes, before bed), avoiding alcohol (3-4 hours before), unloading your mind, etc. A winddown routine can be hugely beneficial: a great time to journal or do your meditation be it square breathing.

5.) Positive social connection. Talk to people as much as possible. Challenge them to a plank-off to strengthen your core while you’re at it…then laugh when you’re finished. Smile!

“Health is Wealth”. It is indeed but seems like our generation has forgotten it. It is time to slow down and take a look at the way you are living and treating your body. You may make more money, win friends and afford the luxuries of life with the lifestyle you are following but you are shortening your life span. Take charge of your life and switch to healthy habits while there is still time.