Adapted from Lifehack
As much as we would like to find that magic pill, that easy diet, or that perfect balance of mind and body; becoming healthy involves commitment and making some changes to your daily life.
Here are the top 7 ways healthy people stick to a healthy lifestyle.
1. Eating a Clean Diet
There are many diets and advice as to what to eat. But when it comes down to it, simple is best. Our bodies are incredible machines, fuel it right and it will show you what it’s capable of. Include a diet of lots of vegetables, no preservatives, artificial additives or colors, limited sugars and no processed foods. The cleaner your food is, the more your body will process and absorb those wonderful nutrients you’re eating. What you put in you get out.
2. Some good ZZZZZ’s
Sleep is so important to our health and wellness. When we are in a deep sleep we are repairing, healing, releasing growth hormones, regulating hunger hormones, creating new cells, recharging our brain, supporting heart health, keeping our weight in check, motivating our mood, memory and so much more.
Winding down at night (turn off all technology, meditate, gentle yoga, bath) an hour before bed helps to quite the mind and body so you can have a peaceful sleep.
3. Positivity
Most healthy people tend to focus on the positive things in life. They keep their mental balance by not wasting precious energy on negative, sadness, or hopelessness and focus on hope, joy and a balanced outlook.
4. Manage the Stress
Long periods of chronic stress are damaging to our bodies, and slowly chip away at health. Hormones such as cortisol, adrenalin, and Norepinephrine are there for a good reason, to work our fight or flight mechanisms. These help us to flee from danger (fight a tiger, race across the street or jump into action) But in times of chronic stress when these don't shut off, our bodies take a toll. Healthy people learn how to keep their stress in check. Talking to someone, journaling, breathing techniques, are just a few you can use.
5. Cultivate Relationships
Healthy relationships are important for a balanced and healthy life.
It has been proven to boost mood and also improve one's quality of life. In the Blue Zone (The environment and lifestyle of the longest living people) healthy social interactions are one of the reasons life is prolonged in these regions. Finding quality social time with friends is key. Friends nourish the body and soul.
6. Move That Body
Our bodies are made to move and without them, we deteriorate. Exercise isn’t always easy, even for a healthy person; the consequences of a sedentary life are not worth it( heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression etc) Healthy people stick to a plan, make small goals, motivate themselves ( with the help of others, groups, goals) and move forward one healthy step at a time.
7. Recharge
Healthy people usually know when its time for a “Timeout”.
When we understand this isn’t a luxury but a necessity then we can be able to begin to balance our energy, become self-nurturing, accepting self-love, and desire to be a better, healthier self.
Switching to a healthier way of life may mean some changes and change isn’t easy. But taking small steps will help you from feeling overwhelmed. Go ahead; make the step to a long-term happier and healthier you.