We know it is important to be healthy, however, being healthy does not feel or look the exact same for everyone. It frequently includes certain foods for meals, healthy snacks, and physical activity, however it encompasses quite a bit more. Numerous research articles demonstrate how living a healthy lifestyle aids in living longer and provides more pep in our step for the journey. This article by Considerable.com shares that certain healthy habits can extend life by more than 10 years.
Many people equate consuming a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise as the foundations for healthy living. Diet and exercise help bolster physical health, still, we need to include things that boost our mental, social, and spiritual health too.
What makes up a healthy life?
Eating a balanced diet includes consuming the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, limiting red meat and watching sugar intake. For over a decade, the CDC has been recommending that anyone over 18 years of age should be incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise to their routine. Both of these aid in your physical well-being. By focusing on ways to limit stress and getting quality sleep, you simultaneously improve your physical and mental health.
Over the last decade another determinant of health has gained traction, social health. The Community Access Network shares how building meaningful relationships, developing good communication skills, and creating a strong support system all reinforce better social health. It is important to recognize that our motivations and interactions with others help us maintain our well-being.
“It is health that is real wealth, not pieces of gold or silver.”
Gandhi
Why is it important to be healthy?
In the beginning of this article, we discussed how living a healthy lifestyle can extended life expectancy, but it has a plethora of other benefits. Regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet provides you with more energy. Exercise also stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins. These endorphins increase your energy levels and promote the release of toxins associated with disease and infections. Therefore, being healthy assists us in avoiding certain diseases and illnesses. Conditions such as high blood pressure, reduced risk of developing diabetes, and keeping cholesterol levels in check are just a few.
Being healthy provides confidence, a sense of personal empowerment, better mental health, and improved physical intimacy. It is not difficult to see how a person who possesses self-confidence is more likely to be perceived positively by others. The physical and inner strength gained by engaging in healthy behaviors creates mental agility. This development of intellectual acumen can lead to less depression and anxiety without using anti-depressants medications. Lastly, being healthy can improve your physical intimacy. It can lessen the likelihood of developing sexual issues and sexual dysfunctions. Concerns we would all like to delay as long as possible.
Being healthy is a frame of mind! It also takes willingness and coordination on that part of the individual. The goal to live a healthy lifestyle is within all our reach if we can continually take small steps. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish.
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