Good health is more than just the absence of disease or illness. It includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle that keeps you feeling positive and energetic.
Changing your lifestyle is a process that takes time. Start by making small changes that you can control. Try packing your own lunch, shopping for healthier foods, and cooking meals at home.
1. You Feel Better
People who are in good health typically have a positive outlook on life. When they have regular exercise, eat balanced diets and get enough sleep, their body is able to function properly.
Having good mental health is also important because it can help you deal with life’s stresses and challenges. If you’re struggling with depression or other mental illness, it’s important to seek treatment.
Another way that being healthy can make you feel better is by giving you more energy. If you’re feeling tired all the time, it may be because you don’t have a balanced diet or enough sleep. Making some small changes in these areas can dramatically improve your energy levels. This can allow you to be more productive and enjoy your daily activities without feeling exhausted.
2. You Look Better
Most people know that it is important to be healthy, but they may not be aware of all of the advantages that come with being in good health. When you are exercising regularly, eating well, and staying away from bad habits such as smoking, you will usually find that your body looks better than when you do not take care of yourself.
This can lead to a higher self-esteem and can even inspire others around you to make healthier choices in their lives. In addition, exercise has been shown to improve posture, which can help with mood, musculoskeletal problems, jaw pain, fatigue, and breathing efficiency.
3. You Have More Energy
It’s hard to function well if you are constantly running on empty. The key to having more energy is eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water and getting regular exercise.
Eating regular meals and snacks can help prevent energy highs and lows, says Danna Raphael, RD, a clinical nutritionist at HSS. Eat a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, like those found in lean meat, fish, dairy, eggs and nuts/seeds.
People who get enough sleep are more energetic, too. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to support your health and wellbeing. Try to keep a consistent bedtime and wind down routine, so you can fall asleep easily. Also, be sure to make time for physical activity—even if it’s just taking a brisk walk during lunch.
4. You Feel Better About Yourself
Healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest, can help to improve your mood. You’ll also be less prone to illness and injury when you’re in good health.
If you’re feeling down, spending time with friends and family can make a huge difference. It’s been shown that people with the lowest quality social connections have double the risk of depression than those with the highest quality relationships.
It’s easy to fall off the wagon when you don’t have a routine in place. It’s a lot easier to eat poorly when you don’t have scheduled grocery shopping trips, and to skip workouts when your day is hectic. Setting aside time to exercise, go on regular vacations and maintain a daily routine can all add up to healthier choices.
5. You Feel Better About Your Life
Many people find it hard to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine, especially when life gets busy. It is easy to fall off the wagon and reach for comfort food or skip a workout when you are feeling stressed, tired, or hungry.
While there are some factors in health that are out of our control (like genetic disorders), there are many things that we can change to improve our health and happiness, such as eating nutrient-dense foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These positive lifestyle choices can help us look better, feel more energetic, and have a higher quality of life.
When you are in good health, it can be a confidence booster and lead to more success in other areas of your life. Embracing a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up the things you love, like cookies or kale.