If living a healthy lifestyle seems like a tall order, take small steps to achieve your goal. Working toward positive goals is part of living life well, as it generates motivation on many levels. For instance, if you want to look your best, you need to be fit. If you want to be fit, you need the food and rest that fuel an active life. Take steps toward a balanced routine to avoid the strain of big ups and downs in your health.
Get the Right Nutrition
Fulfill your daily requirements for essential nutrients by checking the nutrition facts on the foods you buy. Tally the amount of protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber per serving, and make sure you get enough of these nutrients. Eating a variety of foods from all the food groups will help you reach your daily totals.
Reduce Some Nutrients
Limit the less beneficial nutrients that you need fewer of, such as fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar. Eat reasonable portions, even of healthy foods. This will help you control your weight and reduce your risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Also limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Be Active Every Day
Exercise daily to promote strength, growth and heart health. It's easier to be active when you have momentum, so create an exercise routine and stick with it. You can increase the health benefits of exercise, especially cardiovascular fitness, by gradually adding time or intensity to your workouts.
Maintain a Support Network
Connect with friends and family, or make new acquaintances for ongoing mental and emotional health. Having an outlet for your worries and a chance to share the good things in life fortifies you for life's stressful moments. Involve yourself in groups for opportunities to get and give support.
Get Quality Sleep
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of undisturbed sleep per night. Daytime naps, untreated insomnia and poor sleep habits hamper your body's ability to self-repair at night. To decrease your risk for colds, flu, accidental injury and poor mental concentration, schedule a regular bedtime and adequate rest into your personal routine.
Let Go of Stress
Reshape your attitude and take daily relaxation breaks in order to put stress in its place. A simple shift in priorities may be all it takes to let some worries go, accept others and deflect a sense of overwhelm by taking time out for yourself. Rethink and alter your reactions to stressful situations and break the worry cycle by going for a walk, playing with a pet or talking with a friend.
References
- FDA: Choosing Healthful Foods Using the Nutrition Facts on the Food Label
- USDA: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Be Active Your Way
- Washington State Department of Personnel: Resilience
- National Sleep Foundation: How Much Sleep?
- Helpguide: Stress Management
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