Everyone wants to be healthy or improve their health, but making the change to live a healthful lifestyle can be intimidating. It might seem labor-intensive, expensive or simply not doable. But making little changes and adjustments can lead to good health and add up to a healthful lifestyle. If you have health problems or conditions, it may be best to consult with your health care provider before making major lifestyle changes to see if there are any guidelines you should follow.
Step 1
Quit smoking if you currently smoke cigarettes. According to the American Heart Association, smoking is the leading cause of preventable premature death in the United States. Cigarette use has been associated with coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack and some cancers, and quitting can help improve your health. If you don't smoke, try to stay away from other people's cigarette smoke; the American Heart Association adds that secondhand cigarette smoke increases nonsmokers' risk of heart disease by 25 to 30 percent.
Step 2
Eat adequate amounts of fiber. Fiber describes the indigestible parts of plant foods. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, lowers cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels, may help reduce the risk of colon cancer and makes you feel full longer, aiding in weight loss. Men and women 50 years old and younger should get 38 and 25 grams of fiber a day, respectively; men and women over 50 should consume 30 and 21 grams, respectively.
Step 3
Participate in some form of physical activity most days of the week. Moderate amounts of physical activity can help control weight, may reduce depression and anxiety, can help lower blood pressure and can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Gardening, walking and swimming laps in a pool for approximately 30 minutes are good examples of moderate amounts of activity.
Step 4
See your doctor for regular checkups so problems can be caught early, which typically leads to better outcomes, instead of waiting until a problem arises.
Step 5
Take steps to manage your stress. Deep breathing, yoga or stretching, or talking to a counselor can all help reduce feelings of stress. Stress symptoms can include headache, muscle ache, backache, anxiety and depression, insomnia and stomachache. Chronic and prolonged stress can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause other health problems. Learning how to manage your stress can help you feel more relaxed and contribute to better overall health.
