How often have you sat down and decided to make radical lifestyle changes to become healthier and happier? While this is the goal for more than 90 percent of us, most of us don’t even come close to achieving it.
This is because the consequences of setting such a broad goal without dividing it into small achievable milestones often make attaining better health almost impossible.
It doesn’t mean you don’t have what it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle. It means that you are unclear on the ways to accomplish this goal. However, do not worry, as we are here to help you.
Here are six SMART goals to achieve your general purpose of a healthier and happier life. So, without further delay, let us get straight to the topic.
- Avoid Bad Habits
Drinking alcohol can leave a long lasting impact on your physiological as well as psychological health. Those who engage in it often suffer from many diseases and disorders, so it is important to curb bad habits and lead a productive and healthier lifestyle.
If you need help to get rid of bad habits such as alcohol, smoking, etc., you should reach out to rehabilitation centers like the Palm Beach Group. Institutions like this have a lot of resources to ensure that their patients receive high-quality care and that they can quit their bad habits without much problem.
- Eat A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet comprises all the following diets:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Proteins
- Fibers and Whole Grains
Add them to your diet and avoid indulging in excessive salts and sugars. As an adult, you must consume a good amount of fruits and vegetables daily. You can add vegetables and fruits to your diet by making a salad for lunch, or you can always make it a side dish for your dinner.
A healthy and balanced diet boosts metabolism and improves productivity and energy levels.
In addition, try eating at home and avoid takeout and dining at restaurants. It’ll save you a pretty penny, and you’ll be able to avoid the excessive amount of bad fats, sugar, and sodium that these foods have. They are known agents to lead to cardiovascular and diabetic problems.
- Be Physically Active
Regular exercise and physical activity are the holy grail of a healthy lifestyle. You may engage in a strenuous workout at the gym, go out for a jog in the morning, engage in meditation and yoga or even be active in chores and running errands throughout the day.
You must engage in at least 150 minutes of mild-intensity physical activity throughout the week. You can then increase this according to your stamina.
Engaging in exercise also boosts mood due to the active secretion of serotonin and dopamine while exercising. They are our body’s natural stress relievers.
- De-stress Everyday
Every single one of us experiences stress and anxiety. Both of these factors lead to deteriorated mental health. Stress is the response to a threat in the environment, while anxiety is a stress reaction.
Active physical exercise, a healthy and nutritious diet, and therapeutic breathing techniques significantly reduce stress and anxiety. You may also pursue a hobby or do something you love, like listening to soothing music, reading a magazine or book, playing with your pets, and even gardening. The possibilities are endless.
Ignoring mental well-being can have a direct impact on the physical well-being of a person. People who do not pay heed to their mental well-being often suffer from cardiovascular problems, hypertension, depression, irregular bowel movements, obesity, ulcers, and migraines.
Remember, you don’t need to take much time out to de-stress. Just 10 minutes of unwinding and relaxing your body and mind are enough. You’ll feel refreshed and energized.
- Healthy Sleep-Wake Cycle
People today concentrate more on making money at the cost of their sleep. This leads to them being tired and frustrated throughout the day.
As adults, we need eight hours of sound sleep daily. It helps our body recharge and improves our physical and mental well-being. Before bed, put away all your electronic devices, drink a cup of chamomile tea or take a relaxing bubble bath. Go to bed at a specific time so your body can set its biological clock according to it.
- Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is extremely important for a healthy lifestyle. You need to apply the 8×8 rule to your life, i.e., drink eight glasses of water (8 ounces each) every day.
You can divide this amount according to your ease throughout the day.
Moreover, ensure that you drink safe water. Unsafe and hard water often causes waterborne diseases. Check with your water filling and filtering stations regularly, and in case you are unsure whether the water is safe, you can boil it for one minute before drinking it.
Bottom Line
Improving your health and well-being can become much easier if you eat a healthy and nutritious diet, followed by regular exercise and a good night’s sleep. Moreover, staying hydrated and de-stressing are vital components of a healthy lifestyle.
Follow the above ways to lead a healthy life.
