"Eat well and exercise" might be common advice, but it is the basis of a healthy, well-balanced life. The key to good health is to make permanent changes to your life. Jumping to extremes might seem appealing at first, but if you can't sustain the changes, they won't do you any good. Instead of trying strict diets and giving up all your favorite snacks, aim to make a single change every week or focus on one goal, such as giving up soda or doing something active every weekend.
Mental Health
If you want to stay healthy, you need to take care of your emotions as much as your body. Stress can take a toll on your health, increasing your risk of developing or worsening heart disease, obesity, depression, autoimmune disease and digestive problems. To stay healthy, find daily ways to deal with the stress in your life. What works for you might not work for others, so try a few different things to see what offers the best stress relief. Pilates, or yoga can help you let go of physical stress while helping you burning calories. Hiking or camping on weekends, as well as listening to music, going to the movies, buying a light book or practicing deep-breathing exercises, will promote relaxation as well.
Diet
A healthy diet is probably the most important element to leading a healthy life. Stop trying crash diets and instead concentrate on eating better. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less fried foods and sweets. Don't make it all or nothing, though. Instead, try to make one healthy choice every day so you can improve your diet without feeling too deprived. Eating less meat is another healthy choice. For at least a couple of meals a week, try tofu, beans, meat substitutes, lentils or a simple vegetable-based meal. You'll be cutting down on calories and saturated fat, which can lead to high cholesterol, obesity and other health problems.
Exercise
Staying active is also important for your health. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day should be your minimum goal, but this doesn't necessarily mean heading to the gym. Ride a bike, go swimming, take up hiking or learn to play tennis. Mix things up to provide more challenge for your body. Try playing a friendly game of soccer one day and lift weights the next. By doing both cardio and weight training, you'll be burning fat and increasing muscle at the same time.
Balance
According to Common Sense Health, many of the things you can do to lead a healthy life have to do with maintaining balance in your life. Finding a balance between work and play can help you gain a sense of financial security but also make you feel you're keeping your zest for life intact. Try to get a good night's sleep regularly, as this will help you battle stress, and increase your energy. Having a social life and fulfilling relationships also improves your emotional health, as does having a sense of purpose in life. Whether that means volunteering at a local animal shelter or simply spending more time with your kids, make sure you do something that makes you feel useful and satisfied.
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