Living a healthy life is not easy, but it is possible! Healthy people know how to manage stress, get plenty of rest, and do everything in moderation. However, in our modern society, these healthy lifestyles may be difficult to follow. Listed below are some tips for living a healthy life:
Diet
In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of NCDs, or non-communicable diseases, as people are increasingly turning away from nutritious foods in favour of unhealthy options such as trans fats and sugar. The most common types of NCDs are obesity, diabetes, and digestive disorders, which are largely caused by an unhealthy diet. In 2011, India was reported to have a disease prevalence of 116 per 1,000 people. The aim of this programme is to improve knowledge of diet-related diseases and improve public health.
A diet for a healthy life should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods. Also, it should limit ultra-processed foods such as soda, highly processed packaged snacks, and meat. If time is limited, break up physical activity into three, 10-minute sessions. While exercising, avoid processed and fried foods. It is important to eat when you’re hungry and stop when full.
Physical activity
A person who engages in physical activity is likely to benefit from its many health benefits. Moderate intensity activity, or METs, is a moderate amount of exertion that involves the use of large muscle groups in rhythmic movements over a sustained period of time. This type of activity promotes cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. It also improves joint range of motion. The METs used in the assessment of physical activity may vary depending on a person’s age, body mass index, and efficiency of movement.
Exercise is any movement that requires energy expenditure, whether it is walking, climbing stairs, or doing manual work. Moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity are both beneficial for health and can include activities such as dancing, swimming, walking, and playing sports. These activities all improve health and fitness and are important for maintaining a healthy body weight. Increasing your activity level can lead to a healthier lifestyle, as well as a lower risk of chronic disease.
Moderate alcohol intake
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a moderate drinking limit is one or two drinks per day for men and women. It is important to remember that moderate drinking limits are not ‘batch drinks’; it is a matter of keeping within daily and weekly limit. The amount of alcohol a person should consume varies according to gender and age. Generally speaking, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that women drink one or two drinks per day, while men should limit their intake to two to three drinks a day.
The benefits of moderate drinking include lower risk of heart disease and stroke. It also protects against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, it is not recommended for young people, pregnant women, or people with liver disease. Also, it is not advisable for 30-year-old men to start drinking as it may increase their risk of alcoholic-related accidents. In addition, heavy drinking can cause damage to the liver and is responsible for nearly half of traffic accidents in the U.S. Heavy drinking can also lead to depression and interfere with relationships.
Stress management
Although stress is necessary to function, it is harmful to your health when excessive levels are caused by stressors. Not only is stress physically demanding, it weakens the immune system and impairs your overall health. It can aggravate the symptoms of some mental illnesses. In schizophrenia, for example, stress can increase hallucinations, while in bipolar disorder, it can trigger episodes of mania and depression. Fortunately, the good news is that stress management can be learned.
To minimize the negative effects of stress, start by avoiding the triggers of your life. Avoiding stressful situations by avoiding them and setting personal boundaries can help to minimize your stress levels. Make time for hobbies and social connections. If necessary, seek help from a mental health professional to develop healthy ways of managing stress. They can provide you with counseling and teach you strategies to cope with stress. In addition, they can also prescribe medications that can worsen the symptoms of stress.