How to Live a Healthier Lifestyle

 How to Live a Healthier Lifestyle

The phrase 'healthy lifestyle' is an abbreviated definition of what it looks like to live a vibrant, active life with a healthy body and healthy mind. Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean drastic changes. Making gradual small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact.

What Is a Healthy Lifestyle?

You know the obvious behaviors that describe someone who is healthy and takes care of themselves. A healthy person doesn't smoke, tries to maintain a healthy weight, eats healthy foods with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber and, of course, exercises on a regular basis.

Then there are other elements to add to the list. A healthy person also knows how to manage stress, gets good quality sleep each night, doesn't drink too much, doesn't sit too much—basically, does everything in moderation all the time. When you look at everything that could possibly go into a healthy lifestyle, you can see just how hard all of those things are in our current world.

The good news is, you don't have to change everything at the same time. In fact, the trick to healthy living is making small changes—taking more steps each day,1 adding fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water, or saying no to that second helping of buttery mashed potatoes. One thing you can do right now to make your lifestyle healthier is to move more.

Benefits of Physical Activity

You know you need to exercise, but there are many excuses not to do it. You're too busy, don't know where to start, you're not motivated or you're afraid you'll injure yourself. Maybe you think exercise has to be really hard or it isn't good enough.

It's great if you can spend time exercising—meaning you're sweating, working in your target heart rate zone, or doing something to strengthen your body. But it doesn't always have to be that way. Moderate activities like chores, gardening and walking can make a difference.2

Whatever definition you have about what exercise is or isn't, the bottom line is that exercise is movement. Whether it's walking around the block or running a marathon, that movement is exercise and every time you move more than you normally do, it counts.

Healthy Weight Loss or Maintenance

Even if you opt for small changes, the benefits are still pretty amazing. For example, increasing your activity level can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight. If you are currently overweight, small steps toward that goal can have an impact.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that if you are overweight, reduction of 5 to 10% of your total body weight can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

In fact, you don't even have to have a goal to lose weight, especially if you have trouble sticking to a program. Why not focus on being healthy to start and not worry about the weight loss because as you move more, you may find that you start losing some additional weight too.

Other Benefits

The great thing about moving is that just a few minutes a day can have other lasting benefits, many of which you may not even be aware of. Just some of the benefits include:2

Enhances self-esteem

Helps maintain flexibility as you age

Improves joint stability

Improves memory in elderly people

Improves mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

Increases and improves range of motion

Maintains bone mass

Prevents osteoporosis and fractures

Reduces stress

Reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes

How to Increase Physical Activity

You can start the process of being healthy now by adding a little more activity to your life. If you're not ready for a structured program, start small.3

Reduce Screen Time

Schedule time when you turn off the TV and computer. Once a week, turn off all screens and do something a little more physical with your family. Play games, take a walk, do almost anything that will be more active than sitting on the couch. This can also serve as good quality time with the family.

 Taking Fun Walks With Your Kids

Increase Daily Steps

Look for small ways to walk more. When you get the mail, take a walk around the block, take the dog for an extra outing each day, or walk on your treadmill for five minutes before getting ready for work. When you're on the phone, pace around or even do some cleaning while gabbing. This is a great way to stay moving while doing something you enjoy.

 30 Easy Ways to Walk 2,000 More Steps a Day

Do Some Chores

Get housework done and increase daily movement at the same time. Shoveling snow, working in the garden, raking leaves, sweeping the floor—these kinds of activities may not be vigorous exercise, but they can keep you moving while getting your house in order.