Healthy habits for healthy living are essential for overall well-being and can help prevent a variety of health problems.
While they may be hard to develop, everyone should aim to incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle. This often requires a shift of mindset and a dose of self-discipline – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
Find out some healthy habits that can support healthy living!
A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide your body with the nutrients it needs, to function properly. You should also try to consume as little sodium, added sugar, and unhealthy fats as possible.
On most days of the week, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking. Regular exercise can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve cardiovascular health.
Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. According to recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation, adults should aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep to enable you to be fully rested.
| Age | Sleep recommendations |
| 65 and up | 7 to 8 hours |
| 18 to 64 years old | 7 to 9 hours |
| 14 to 17 years old | 8 to 10 hours |
| 6 to 13 years old | 9 to 11 hours |
Younger children have even greater sleep needs.
| Age | Sleep recommendations |
| 3 to 5 years old | 10 to 13 hours |
| 1 to 2 years old | 11 to 14 hours |
| 4 to 11 months old | 12 to 15 hours |
| 0 to 3 months old | 14 to 17 hours |
Poor sleep has been linked to several different negative impacts on our health, such as weight gain, increased calorie intake, worsened brain function and more.
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. It’s critical to develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as breathing exercises, regular exercise, or talking to a mental health professional.
Drinking enough water is essential for good health as every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies needs water. Traditionally we’re told we need eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, an amount that’s never been substantiated medically. Perhaps a better guide is to try to drink enough water that you urinate once every 2-4 hours, and the urine is light in color.
Another reason to go for water? Sugary drinks are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. If you aren’t a fan of plain water, add flavor with slices of orange, lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber.
To help develop and keep this habit, many devices, from “smart bottles” to numerous free apps, are readily accessible to keep you properly hydrated.
This includes regularly washing your hands, brushing your teeth twice a day, and caring for your skin.
Routine check-ups and screenings can help identify potential health problems early on and allow for timely treatment.
You can improve your overall well-being and lower your risk of certain health problems by adopting these healthy habits. It is important to remember that healthy living is a journey, and that developing new habits may take time. If you don’t start seeing results right away, don’t give up; the important thing is to keep pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
