Healthy is a state of being free from disease or injury. It also means having enough energy to do the things you want and need to do each day. A healthy lifestyle includes eating well, getting plenty of exercise and sleeping enough each night. It also includes not smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol use. People who are healthy generally visit their health care providers for annual checkups and screening tests. They follow recommended vaccination schedules and get a tetanus booster every 10 years. They also manage their chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, with medication and other treatments.
Having the energy to do the things you enjoy and complete your daily to-do list is an important part of being healthy. When you don’t have the energy to do what you need or want to do, it can affect your mood and your relationships with others. It is also a sign that you may not be taking good care of yourself.
Eating a healthy diet means having a variety of foods from the major food groups each day, in the amounts that are best for you. This helps you get the nutrients you need to stay healthy, support growth and development, and reduce your risk for diseases. Healthy eating emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, beans and nuts, and low-fat dairy products. It also limits added sugars, sodium (salt), and saturated and trans fats.
Regular physical activity helps you maintain your weight and muscle strength, keep your heart strong, and lower your blood pressure. It also helps manage stress and boosts self-esteem. Make sure to choose activities that you enjoy and try to do them at least 30 minutes each day. If you don’t have time to go for a long walk, try taking a short one at least once or twice a week. If you like to dance, join a class at a local gym. Having strong relationships with family and friends can help you feel supported, which is another part of being healthy.
You can find many ways to be more physically active, including walking, dancing, playing sports or games, swimming, riding a bike, gardening and hiking. You can also find ways to be more mentally active, such as reading, doing word puzzles or Sudoku, playing cards or a board game with friends, or spending quality time with your children.
Having the right mindset is just as important to being healthy as choosing the right foods and exercising regularly. You need to believe that you can make positive changes and commit to them over the long term. Also, it is important to recognize that some factors that can influence your health, such as genetics and environment, are not under your control. However, by making healthy choices, you can greatly reduce your risk for disease and have a positive impact on your lifelong health. By following these tips, you can become your healthiest self.