A healthy lifestyle in simplest terms is a way of living that reduces the chances of getting critical diseases, staying fit both mentally and physically. There is no doubt that daily habits and actions genuinely affect both short-term and long-term health and quality of life. Though all diseases are not preventable, many illnesses can be prevented by adopting certain habits in our daily lives. Studies show that worldwide many non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of mortality.
There are many ways one can attain a “healthy lifestyle”, let’s get through it:
- Have a healthy diet: It includes eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables per day, reducing fats, sugar, and salt intake. Always make sure that food contains the required amount of nutrients as recommended for every age group.
- Physically active: It can be anything taking a morning/evening walk, riding a bicycle, taking dancing lessons, or doing exercise daily. It is choosing something which you enjoy so the chance of sticking to it will be higher.
- Moderate alcohol intake: Many health sites recommend no alcohol at all but the lesser it is the better it is. As it has various risks to health like overconsumption of alcohol can raise triglycerides in the blood, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Be close to your loved ones: Studies show that the risk of depression is greater in people with low-quality relationships. So strong relationships or frequent conversations with your loved ones can support mental health. At least once a week conversation is a must either physically or virtually.
- Have a positive attitude towards life: A positive attitude towards life will lessen stress. Try to see life as a glass half full and believe in yourself.
Benefits of a healthy lifestyle
- Prevent diseases: A healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of illnesses to some extent genetic diseases also. A recent study shows that every 66 grams increase in daily fruits and vegetable intake was associated with a 25% lower risk of having type 2 diabetes.
- Another study shows that 11 minutes of exercise or any physical activity a day had a lower risk of death compared to those who don’t exercise.
- Pocket Friendly: An annual physical exam once a year is a must as it keeps you updated with your health conditions. Many health conditions that don’t show any symptoms like high blood pressure, etc. unless checked you don’t know that you are having such a problem until it becomes severe. If detected in the early stage by taking precautionary measures it will be beneficial towards health. Also, the frequent visit to the doctor will lessen, which will eventually save money.