Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social status.
The journey to healthy is personal and unique to each person. For one person, healthy may mean walking a mile five times a week and eating fast food once a week while for another it may be training for two marathons a year and following a keto diet with no alcohol. Both lifestyles can be considered healthy because they are helping people maintain a balanced lifestyle that reduces their risk of chronic diseases, but the path to healthy is different for everyone.
Having good healthy habits is important to ensure that you live longer and enjoy your life. Some of these healthy habits include maintaining a balanced diet, getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, exercising regularly, drinking in moderation, not smoking, avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol and stress, and spending time with friends and family. Practicing these healthy habits will help you have more energy to spend on your hobbies and interests and will also reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet means choosing a variety of nutritious foods that are low in added sugars, salt and saturated fats and high in fibre. Choose whole grains over refined flour, eat more fruits and vegetables and lean meats and fish. It also means using cooking methods that are lower in fat and calories (baking, broiling, steaming and sauteing).
Staying active is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can help improve muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. It can also help reduce depression, anxiety and stress. Aim to be physically active for 30 minutes a day by doing activities that get your heart rate up and keep you moving. Walking, cycling, swimming and dancing are all great choices. If you’re not used to being active, start off slow and increase your activity level gradually.
Being mentally healthy is just as important as being physically healthy. Having good self-esteem and feeling emotionally stable helps you deal with life’s stresses more easily. Keeping your mind active with hobbies and socialising can help reduce depression and loneliness. If you feel stressed, talk to your doctor or a counsellor.
Having healthy relationships is important to your emotional and psychological well-being. Aim to spend time with friends and family in person, as well as catching up over the phone or online. Maintaining a good work/life balance is also important, as is looking after your mental health. Stress can have a big impact on our mental health so try to find ways to manage it, such as relaxation techniques, exercise or talking it out with someone you trust. Getting enough sleep is also very important for our mental health. If you’re having trouble sleeping, speak to a healthcare professional.