As we all know, health goes beyond physical fitness. Healthy is when a person is in good health. It can be difficult to maintain well-being in all three spheres of life. However, I know people who can do it all and lead a happy and healthy lifestyle. Six of these people’s most important habits are what I consider the keys to their health. Let’s get started.
1) THEY EAT TRUTHFULLY
Thoughtful eating does not necessarily mean that they eat a particular diet, or that they eat only salads. The most energetic diet I have ever seen is the one that I see in the fittest people I know. They eat a variety of foods, including burgers, pizzas and chocolates. Some days, they eat sprouts, greens and fruits. These people eat according to their workouts most days. They eat more during training days and less on rest days. They are also less likely to cheat or have cravings.
2) THEY ARE CONSISTENT
Consistency is key. This principle applies to everything. Consistency will help you achieve your goals, regardless of your diet, exercise routine, activities, or healthy lifestyle. It is easy to get overwhelmed nowadays. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are key. It would be helpful to remember that many people who have a beautiful beach body year round, also have the same 24 hour exercise routine. How did they do it? You have choices, my friend! They chose to be consistent and healthy. It’s a rewarding journey when you are consistent.
3) THEY GET PROPER SLEEP
As important as proper exercise and a healthy diet is sleeping well, so is getting enough sleep. A good night’s sleep is vital for both mental and physical health. People who aren’t getting enough sleep are more likely than others to get heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Proper sleep is essential to keep your heart healthy. You can have a reduced immune system and increase your risk of infection and disease if you aren’t getting enough sleep. Sleep also influences metabolism. Even a healthy individual, someone can get pre-diabetes symptoms from just one night of sleep interruptions. My friends who are healthy do not sacrifice their nighttime sleep. Many people also take an hour-long nap in the middle of the day.
4) THEY LOOK AT NEAT
Perhaps you are wondering what NEAT actually is. You are in luck! Non-exercise activity temperature (NEAT) is the energy that we use for everything other than sleeping, eating and athletic-like exercise. These include walking to work, typing and yard labor. These people are heavily involved in these activities, which increases their energy expenditure. Walking is a favorite pastime for most people who I consider healthy. Others enjoy leisure activities such as gardening and fishing. They have two main advantages. They are more active and burn more calories, so they have to work out less. The other benefit is that people feel more connected with others and that it improves their social wellbeing. It is a healthy habit.
5) THEY TAKE BREAKS
It is important to take breaks and get some rest from what you are doing. It can seem like you’re putting off the work you should do, which could lead to you stalling your goals. This is not true. It has been proven that adequate rest and breaks can increase productivity and help you achieve your goals. This is one of the most important healthy habits. Proper rest days are crucial for your body’s ability to grow and adapt. This is also true for your mental health.
6) THEY VALUE EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Being healthy is about having a strong body that you feel confident in. As I mentioned before, mental health is as important as physical health. Mental health can have an impact on a person’s decisions and choices, so it might be more important than physical fitness. Both science and those who are the fittest agree that our mind is interconnected with our body. They maintain a strong network of friends and healthy relationships. They are aware of the importance mental health is to them and have made it their top priority. Emotional well-being is essential for maintaining a healthy heart.
We are here! See? These simple, yet amazing habits allow them to be ahead of the rest of us when it comes to health. These are just a few of the many ways you can live a healthy lifestyle. Are there any other habits you would like to share? Please comment below!