10 Ways to Lead a Healthy Life

What is the secret to living a long and healthy life? To some, it may seem like one of life’s biggest mysteries, but there are certainly ways to increase your chances of health and longevity. Here are 10 ways to lead a healthy life that you can use every day to help yourself live longer and stronger.

1) Get 8 hours of sleep every night

Not getting enough shut-eye can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and weight gain. No one wants that! Aim for 8 hours each night for optimal health. If you need help sleeping, try something like lavender oil. It’s natural, smells great and it’s been shown to promote relaxation and sleep.

2) Use your commute wisely

When you’re commuting from point A to point B, chances are that you have some downtime. Instead of just letting it go to waste or getting lost in your smartphone, use your commute wisely. Listen to podcasts or audio books that can make you wiser or help you boost your professional skills. Or take part in an online course via platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and edX.

3) Drink water and take breaks throughout the day

Hydration is crucial for overall health, and taking breaks from work every once in a while is necessary for recharging your batteries. Remember: your body needs food and water to function, just like your computer or cell phone. Without it, you run into issues quickly. You’ll also increase productivity by staying hydrated: studies show that people who drink enough water tend to be more productive than those who don’t.

4) Pay attention to what you eat

Your diet is incredibly important to your health. Eating healthy foods (like vegetables and fruits) can help you lose weight, lower your risk of heart disease, and manage other chronic conditions. Try eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, along with lean proteins like chicken or fish. Nuts and seeds make good snacks—they’re high in fiber and protein.

5) Exercise daily

The number one thing you can do for your health is exercise daily. Exercise makes you healthier and happier, improves your sleep quality, boosts your memory, and reduces stress. People who work out on a regular basis tend to be more productive at work, less anxious during stressful situations, and more creative in general.

6) Stay motivated with challenges and competitions

Motivation is key when it comes to staying fit and healthy. Having someone or something that motivates you is one of your best bets for staying on track, which is why finding ways to challenge yourself can make all of the difference. Try setting up an at-home competition with friends, co-workers or family members by creating challenges like who can run further or who has more pushups and then rewarding (or punishing) winners based on specific criteria.

7) Keep a clean environment

Health experts say your environment has as much of an impact on your health as you do. A clean, organized living space can have an uplifting effect that keeps stress at bay and may even improve circulation, according to The Wall Street Journal. Whether you’re cleaning up clutter or picking out fresh paint colors for your new apartment, getting rid of excess stuff is likely going to make you feel lighter, both physically and mentally.

8) Get enough sunlight each day

It’s best to get some sunlight each day. If you can’t manage it, then it is a good idea for you to supplement with vitamin D. The problem here is that most people don’t get enough sunlight, but if you avoid exposing yourself to UV rays, then you could also suffer from an over-production of melatonin—so be careful! This means avoiding sunglasses as much as possible and going out in midday instead of at night.

9) Prioritize health when making decisions

Whether it’s eating your vegetables, exercising regularly, or going to bed early, when you prioritize health at every turn in your life, you’ll find that you not only lead a healthier lifestyle but are also more productive and focused in your day-to-day life. Prioritizing health means eliminating stress whenever possible so that you can take care of yourself physically and mentally. No matter what else is going on in your life, make time for yourself!

10) Eat healthily even on days off!

We’re all guilty of those 3 p.m. cravings; luckily, there are plenty of snacks that will curb your hunger—and keep you from going off track! If you find yourself in need of a quick fix, try these 10 healthy options for when you’re on-the-go: 1) Nuts 2) Fruit 3) Greek yogurt 4) Cheese 5) Unsweetened oatmeal 6) Plain popcorn 7) Popcorn with salt 8 ) Apple slices 9 ) Whole wheat crackers 10 ) Baked tortilla chips

It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. This isn’t something you can do alone, either. It takes will power and support from your friends and family. So seek help when you need it, be honest with yourself about where you fall short, and get healthy today!