What are some ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

A healthy life is intrinsic to vitality, achieved through harmony with nature and spiritual inheritance, as ancient Indian wisdom suggests. Lifestyle plays a vital role, emphasizing the consumption of natural, whole foods and avoiding fatty and oily items. Physical fitness protects against disease, strengthening the body. Tailoring an exercise routine to one’s health and lifestyle, starting gradually with activities like walking, positively impacts overall well-being and fosters a healthier future. In this article, we will explain healthy lifestyle and the reasons for maintaining it being tough. We will also discuss some ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What does a healthy lifestyle mean?

According to World Health Organization, living in a way that lowers the chances of getting seriously sick or early death is possible. While not all illnesses can be prevented, many deaths from conditions like heart disease and lung cancer can be avoided by making certain lifestyle changes. Studies have identified certain behaviors’ that contribute to serious illness and early death, and this booklet is meant to help you change those behaviors’ and improve your health so that you and your family can live longer and healthier lives.

Why is it hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging due to several factors:-

1. Environmental factors: Unhealthy food options are often more accessible, affordable, and heavily marketed than healthy choices. Fast food restaurants, sugary snacks, and processed foods are often more readily available, while nutritious options may require more effort to obtain.
2. Social influences: Peer pressure, societal norms, and cultural practices can influence individuals to engage in unhealthy behaviours. For example, social gatherings often revolve around unhealthy food and excessive alcohol consumption, making it difficult to make healthy choices.
3. Habits and addiction: Unhealthy behaviours can become ingrained habits or even addictive, making it challenging to break free from them. Addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol, or certain foods can create physical and psychological dependencies that make it difficult to adopt healthier behaviours.
4. Lack of awareness: Many individuals may not have access to accurate information or resources to understand the importance of healthy behaviours. Limited knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and the long-term consequences of unhealthy choices can hinder motivation to change.
5. Emotional factors: Stress, emotional eating, and the desire for instant gratification can lead to unhealthy behaviours. Many people turn to unhealthy habits as a coping mechanism for dealing with emotions, which can make it difficult to adopt healthier alternatives.
6. Time constraints and priorities: Busy lifestyles and competing priorities can make it challenging to prioritise healthy behaviours. Work demands, family responsibilities, and other commitments may leave little time for exercise, meal planning, or self-care.

What are the effective strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle? 

 Here are 20 healthy lifestyle tips inspired by the World Health Organization (WHO):

1. Maintain a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limits processed foods and sugary drinks.
2. Engage in regular physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week, incorporating both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises.
3. Get enough sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night for adults.
4. Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
5. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
6. Protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated against preventable diseases.
7. Practise safe sex and use barrier methods to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
8. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
9. Take regular breaks from sitting and engage in physical activity or stretching to prevent sedentary behaviour.
10. Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting to prevent musculoskeletal issues.
11. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
12. Practise safe food handling and preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses.
13. Stay socially connected with friends, family, and loved ones, even if it means utilising virtual platforms during times of physical distancing.
14. Seek regular medical check-ups and screenings to monitor your overall health and detect any potential issues early on.

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