7 Healthy Lifestyle Tips That Promote Good Health

This blog post will discuss 7 tips that will help you cultivate a healthy lifestyle

Keeping up with the theme of your glow-up year, cultivating a healthy lifestyle is fitting when you think of becoming your best self. We’re already 4 weeks into the new year, and while many have neglected their New Year resolutions, I’m here to bring you back to focus and highlight the importance of actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

This is not to fault you if you haven’t been making conscious choices towards wellness. Rather my goal is to identify what “healthy” means and provide practical tips that will make you feel more fulfilled and content with your life.

What is A “Healthy Lifestyle”?

The word, healthy, can be triggering for some because the media has engrained in us an idea of what this should look like. I used to think of healthy as someone who drinks 2-3L of water daily, exercises 4x a week, doesn’t smoke or do drugs, gets enough sleep – the list goes on. However over the years, I’ve redefined what healthy means for me. In my opinion, a healthy lifestyle can be defined living a balanced life. A balanced life is more of a happy medium instead of a polar extreme. This means that there isn’t a one-size fits all meaning, yet instead this can show up differently for everyone yet consists of a balance of good/bad characteristics.

Benefits of Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle has a strong return on investment for those who practice these habits. Healthy lifestyle choices will have you on a positive receiving end across various aspects of life. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Improved Physical Health: Healthy living reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
• Increased Energy Levels: Eating a balanced diet and practicing regular exercise can boost energy levels, helping you feel more alert and productive throughout the day.
• Better Mental Health: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. A healthy lifestyle also promotes better sleep, leading to improved overall mental well-being.
• Stronger Immune System: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, combined with regular exercise, can strengthen the immune system, making it easier to fight off illnesses and infections.
• Improved Cognitive Function: A healthy lifestyle can help maintain brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet have been linked to better memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.

How to Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits

From nourishing your body to nurturing your mind, here are seven key tips to help you live a better, healthier life.

Nourish Your Body with Nutrient-Dense Foods

The golden rule of life is, you are what you eat. Therefore, building healthy lifestyle habits begins with what you put into your body.

It’s important to focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats regularly. Whether it’s grocery store-bought produce, farmer’s market produce, or frozen produce, these all play a key part in fueling your body and positively impact your mood and energy.

I admit, I like to indulge in the fried meal occasionally, but nothing will ever beat a home-cooked meal made using whole foods. The more you focus on eating whole earth-grown foods and move away from overly processed and ready-made meals, the better you will feel, physically mentally, and emotionally. If you’re unsure of where to begin to build healthy eating habits, read up on these four principles to maintain healthy eating habits I listed in a previous blog post.

Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

The saying “eight ounces of water a day” is not truly a one-size-fits-all according to the experts. It is more unique depending on your activity level, body type, gender, and lifestyle. However, one fact remains true which is that water is essential for numerous bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.

Drinking copious amounts of water can seem intimidating for some, however it is doable. If you’re currently undergoing any cleanse or diet, it’s important to flush your body of toxins and water is the way to do it. With the candida diet, water will be a staple in your daily regimen, so implementing a routine that allows you to drink the daily requirement will help you in the long run.

Make it a habit to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Download apps (I use the Water Reminder app…literally) to keep you accountable. Buy 2L refillable and BPH-free water bottles and keep it with you all day. Opt for water over sugary beverages, water first thing in the morning, and measure the look and feel of your energy, mood, and growth of your skin, hair, and nails (as increased water intake can help promote growth and quality of your body).

Move Your Body Regularly via Exercise

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Find activities that you enjoy, whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, yoga, or dancing, and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

I read something that said one hour a day is approximately 4% of your day. It puts into perspective how achievable it is to dedicate a piece of your time to an activity. Incorporating movement into your daily routine can boost your mood, increase energy levels, and improve overall fitness.

Get A Sufficient Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. You heal, grow, process events in the day, and more during your sleep. Cultivating a solid sleep schedule where you aim for at least 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to allow your body and mind to recharge and repair.

If you have trouble falling asleep, there are apps such as Calm that include sleep stories or meditations you can listen to that help relax your mind. Or maybe it’s about creating a relaxing bedtime routine, one where you limit screen time before bed, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to restorative sleep. Try this out for at least a week and let me know if you have any positive outcomes from prioritizing your sleep.

Manage Stress Effectively

I cannot stress this enough, chronic stress can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. How you manage stress can be your saving grace because, in life, we are always going to deal with stressful events or situations. Adopting positive stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, movement, and more will put you at an advantage and equip you with the tools to lessen life’s stressors which will have a direct and positive impact on your quality of life.

Cultivate Positive Relationships and Social Connections

Healthy relationships and a strong support network are vital components of a fulfilling life. It’s essential to surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, and communities that uplift and inspire you. As humans, we naturally gravitate towards like-minded groups and communities. We like to feel a part of something, like a tribe. Cultivate your tribe and then make time for meaningful connections.

Practice Mindful Living and Self-Care

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s important to carve out time for self-care and introspection. Practice mindfulness by being present in the moment and cultivating gratitude for the blessings in your life. This looks different for everyone but what’s important is to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it’s reading, being social with friends, or pursuing creative hobbies.

Conclusion

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is a journey that requires commitment, consistency, and self-awareness. By nourishing your body, prioritizing movement, managing stress, and fostering meaningful connections, you can cultivate a life filled with vitality, balance, and well-being. Start implementing these seven key tips today and take proactive steps towards living your best, healthiest life.

Remember, small changes can lead to significant transformations, so embrace each step of your wellness journey with intention and compassion for yourself.