What Does it Mean to Live a Healthy Lifestyle?

A healthy lifestyle is whatever feels good for you physically, emotionally and mentally. It can look different for everyone, but there are some things that most of us agree on to keep a healthy balance.

Healthy habits around nutrition, physical activity and daily routine can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, lengthen your life, save you money and improve your overall health. They can also make you feel happier and energised. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to do it either, though – small changes like adding herbs to your meals, walking to work instead of driving, or taking a few minutes each day for mindfulness can help.

Eat a well-balanced diet of low-sugar, low-fat foods with lots of vegetables and whole grains. Try to have a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, preferably more. This can be walking, sports, dancing or yoga.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid too much alcohol – which can cause weight gain and lead to heart disease. Cultivate relationships with family and friends that are supportive and nourishing, and find ways to play together, whether it’s a board game night or simply getting out and about for a picnic.

Mental health is as important as physical health, so take time out each day to relax and recharge. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help to reduce stress, which is associated with many chronic diseases and can be triggered by everyday events, such as work, money worries, arguments and relationship difficulties. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, talk to a doctor or therapist for advice.

Being physically active helps prevent and control risks behaviour, such as excessive drinking, smoking, unhealthy eating and lack of sleep, and can improve your self-esteem. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. It’s also beneficial to the environment, as it helps to reduce congestion and air pollution, as well as reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

If you’re not sure how to get started, remember that it’s better to aim for one new healthy habit a month, rather than trying to change everything all at once. And don’t be hard on yourself if you miss a habit occasionally – research suggests that it can take up to 21 days for a new behaviour to become routine.