Between school, or work, hanging with our friends, attending family functions, going out, there doesn’t seem to be a time for us to sit down and look at our health. Healthy living is a vital part of a young person’s life. It means both physical and mental health functioning well together in a person. Consider the following steps to improve your health, without breaking a sweat.
1. Take Stock.
Your first step toward healthy living is to get a handle on your health status right now. You can do that by catching up on your routine screening and immunization.
2. Prevention Is Better Than Cure.
If you know that you have chronic health problems, whether its heart diseases, diabetes, depression, arthritis, or other conditions, treatment is an obvious priority for healthy living. The same goes for risky behaviors, such as smoking, and addictions of any kind.
3. Exercise.
Go on a hike, walk with friends, take a zumba or karate class, or whatever you enjoy. There’s no need to stick to cardio equipment in the gym if you’re dreading it and you don’t like it.
4. Upgrade Your Diet.
Have more fruits and vegetables with your meals. Stock your pantry with healthy fare and bring healthy snacks with you so you’re prepared when you get hungry.
5. Manage Your Stress.
Develop positive coping skills, such as meditation and visualization, and look for activities, such as yoga or exercise, to keep your baseline stress level in check. Find ways to handle stressful situations that flare up without warning.
6. Sleep Better.
Sleep at least 8-9 hours a night. This is the time where your body gets to rest without disturbance, and your brain is at a calmer stage.
7. Have Healthy Relationships.
Healthy living isn’t just about your personal habits for, say, diet and activity. It’s also about your connections with other people, your social network.
8. Challenge Your Mind.
Participating in mentally stimulating activities, especially activities that involve other people, may be good for the brain.
9. Do Not Hold Grudges.
Holding things for a long time in your heart can be fatal. Being a forgiving person, takes away the burden from your shoulders and you remain at peace.
10. Be Generous.
Giving does not necessarily mean material stuff, even giving someone your time, your ear to listen, can make you feel very good about yourself as a person.
