9 simple healthy habits for a longer and happier life

Have you paid attention to your health lately? Are you guilty of pushing your body to its limit, and, in the frantic pursuit of your goals, making your health the least of your concerns? If the answer is yes, you need to implement healthy lifestyle changes. Good health ensures that you function at your best every day, and yet when it comes to protecting it, most end up overlooking their most valuable asset. While it’s easy to tell yourself that you are unable to focus on your health due to time constraints or a hectic schedule, here is letting you in on a secret. Turns out, you don’t have to spend several hours at the gym to build a healthy body. In fact, you can incorporate simple healthy habits into your routine that can help you to live a longer, healthier and happier life.

When your body feels good, the mind does, too. Healthy living is the foundation of your physical and mental wellbeing and it can be achieved by adopting a holistic and balanced approach to adopting healthy lifestyle habits that help you live a longer and happier life.

Healthy living is an ongoing process that requires your time and attention, and following healthy habits regularly and religiously may be easier said than done. However, if you start small and try to make consistent changes in your daily routine to improve your health, you can transform those changes into enduring habits.

Here are some healthy habits you can incorporate into your busy life to be healthier and happier every day.

Follow a healthy diet

Healthy eating means eating in moderation and ensuring your body gets the nutrients required to keep you charged throughout the day. For starters, you can begin your day with a nutritious breakfast. This can help you avoid overeating throughout the day. Prepare your meals using whole, fresh ingredients that are high in nutrients, fibre and antioxidants. Try to include whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts in your daily diet. Avoid a higher intake of red or processed meats. A study found that people who eat plant-based food have a 16 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. Avoid fad diets and keep healthy snack options handy. While everyone’s approach to healthy eating may be unique, the common factor is to build a mindful approach to food to improve your energy and productivity.

Set a sleep schedule

Getting a sufficient amount of uninterrupted sleep every night is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can improve your quality of rest and influence the day ahead. A proper sleep hygiene and a good night’s sleep can help you achieve greater productivity, a better mood, a sharp mind and an energetic body. The average recommendation is 7-9 hours of sleep each night. However, you may have a preference for how much sleep you really need.

Exercise daily

The benefits of getting your blood pumping every day include improved self-confidence, a better mood, a stronger body and improved mental clarity. Beginners can start by aiming for 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you are stuck at your desk all day long, it is all the more important to start moving. Take a stroll at lunchtime, use the stairs instead of the lift and get off your commute one stop earlier. If you are planning to start a regular physical activity, choose something you enjoy and can stick with. Try yoga, cycling, hiking, or a sport such as tennis or swimming to get your heart pumping.

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking is an effective step for improving your health and those around you. While smoking harms essentially every organ in the body, it can cause cancers, lung and heart diseases, vision problems and premature death. Since there is no safe level of tobacco use, the earlier you quit, the greater the advantage. Some immediate benefits of quitting include a lower heart rate and blood pressure, better blood circulation and fewer respiratory issues.