9 simple healthy habits for a longer and happier life

Along with eating right and staying active, healthy living includes getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation, managing stress, forming effective social connections, and much more.

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.

Drink in moderation

If you don’t drink alcohol, there is just no reason to consume it. And if you choose to drink occasionally, it is essential to not exceed a moderate amount. Cutting down on alcohol can help minimise the risk of many health problems, including cancer, liver disease and heart problems. Even drinking in moderation can disrupt your sleep patterns and affect your sense of judgement. Keeping a tab on your alcohol intake can help you reset your mind, improve your sleep patterns, and make you feel better all around.

Express gratitude

Gratitude is one of the most important healthy habits. It is a daily habit of being receptive and grateful for all that you have. A feeling of gratitude and appreciation helps attract more joy and abundance into your life. It also helps you cultivate positivity, which brings contentment and inner peace, empowering you to always do your best. You can start practicing gratitude by simply saying or writing one thing you are grateful for each day.

Spend time with your loved ones

Investing quality time in your friends and family can impact your health in more ways than one. Establishing meaningful social connections is one of the top indicators of happiness. Regularly making time for the people in your life will not only boost your state of mind but also contribute to your self-esteem and creativity. Moreover, spending time with your friends and family is a healthy way to relieve stress. Your loved ones can also encourage positive behaviours in you such as exercising and healthy eating, and discourage negative behaviours such as drinking and smoking. Overall, devoting time to positive relationships can help you make great lifestyle choices and also improve your mental health.

Be open to try new things

Human beings are essentially creatures of habit, and that is not exactly a bad thing. However, when every day is the same, it can become monotonous and can eventually put you in a rut. That is why it is important to shake up your routine from time to time. For instance, you could take an alternate route to work. Other ideas could be trying a new restaurant or cuisine, or reading a book from a genre you have not tried before. You can even sign up for a class or a workshop or do something that scares you. After all, it has been proven by research that trying new things can make you healthier and happier.

Relax your body and mind

For many of us, relaxing is a difficult job when our heads are constantly buzzing with all the things on our daily agendas. However, it is important to take some time to pause and clear the clutter in your mind. For some people, yoga or meditation could be the perfect way to relax. For others, simply engaging in enjoyable activities such as listening to music or spending time in nature might be more relaxing. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it has a calming effect on your mind and body and reduces your stress.

FAQs

Why is it important to follow a healthy diet?

It helps maintain energy levels, supports physical and mental health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

How does a consistent sleep schedule contribute to a healthier life?

Getting sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being. It also supports immune function and reduces the risk of various health conditions.

What are the benefits of regular exercise?

Regular exercise offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, increased energy levels, enhanced mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety, better mood, and increased self-confidence.

Why is it important to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking significantly improves overall health and reduces the risk of various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.