Healthy Lifestyle Tips for World Health Day

We probably don’t need to tell you that 2022 hasn’t exactly gotten off on the right foot. Between the wax, wane, and pain of Covid and its variants, these unprecedented times of health concerns are taking us a bit off-script.

That’s why in honor of World Health Day, we wanted to share guidance and resources for supporting an overall healthy lifestyle. That means instead of focusing on a single healthy definition, we want to share a more holistic approach to healthy habits for your mind, body, and soul.

So, before you toss your calendar in the freezer to restart this year in a cool way, let’s delve into some starting points of a healthy lifestyle to begin a journey toward true wellbeing.

Until recently, the short and sweet healthy definition meant being free of any illness or disease. That was basically it. Whether you’re a ‘professional patient’ or rely on modern medicine to manage your illness or disease, by the old-fashioned healthy definition, you’re a healthy person.

The history of health has influenced us that when one hears of an illness or disease, the conventional immediate response is to address the specific part or concern showing symptoms or abnormalities. This approach is more about focusing on the part rather than the whole. And once upon a time, that definition made sense.

It’s time to grab those meds and patient appointment cards and pull back on those reins – the meaning of health has changed! The World Health Organization (WHO), which also sponsors the global health awareness World Health Day, defines health as a state of “complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Now, more than ever before in history, being healthy means being in a state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being. You can achieve that state by having a healthy lifestyle and habits for your mind, body, and soul. And that, our friends, is a more holistic approach to being a healthy human.

Often, we’re putting our physical selves last among busy schedules and daily stressors. This selfless manner, although admirable, can take a toll on your body and, most importantly, your health.

When you practice healthy lifestyle habits for your body, your overall well-being improves because you can take care of your body’s needs and be better equipped to then help others. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Check out these healthy habits that will do a body good – besides getting enough vitamin D!

#1: Accept your body
We can almost hear the deep sighs. Yes, it’s easier said than done. But the sooner you accept your body and its changes – and not the mainstream media’s ideas – the sooner you bring your body into zen with a healthy lifestyle.

#2: And at that, praise your body
There’s an old saying ‘a healthy mind lives inside a healthy body’. In other words, your mind governs and controls your body. It’s important to praise your body for what it does. Instead of focusing on that one part of your body that is ‘broken’, embrace how well everything else works.

#3: Drink lots of water
You know how milk does a body good? Well, the body is made up of 60% water! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help maintain your body’s fluid balance to transport nutrients throughout your body. That means you will more quickly reap the benefits of the healthy foods you eat!

#4: Speaking of eating healthy foods…
In order to maintain a healthy body (and skin), it’s crucial to stay hydrated and eat right. A balanced diet of healthy foods provides your body with the building blocks it needs to heal wounds, maintain elasticity and vibrancy, and balance the bacteria in your skin.

#5: Yes, a healthy body equals healthy skin!
Eating a balanced diet and healthy foods will have your skin feeling and looking fine in no time! Remember, you are what you eat. Sure, slips here and there are okay – we’re human, after all!

But living the cheeseburger in paradise dreams with sides of animal-style fries will make your skin as great as fast food (ho-hum). Do not pass ‘go’ and collect – go back to number 4 above.

#6: Take care of your skin with clean, natural products
Drum roll – if you practice the best clean skin care routine, you’ll be able to minimize the health risks to your skin and your body. Clean beauty includes products mindfully made that don’t contain toxic ingredients linked to harmful health effects.

#7: Really getting your zzz’s
Sleep is that part of the day where you can recharge physically and mentally. To achieve healthy sleep cycles, stick to a sleep schedule, and avoid alcohol intake and heavy meals in the evening.

#8: Be active
Physical exercise has many benefits like lower risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Mentally, exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, increase self-esteem, and boost mood.

#9: Try some om
Meditation releases your worries and allows your body and mind to mentally and physically decompress. Find a quiet, calm place, sit down, and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing and let your worries float away from you.

#10: Unplug from tech
Noooooo! But… yes. Refrain for a little while from texting, scrolling, liking, hashtagging, emailing, Snapchatting; you get it. A healthy approach instead of being attached to devices 24/7 would be to strengthen your social relationships. But do use that phone to call that friend or parent you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Nothing is better than being able to relax. Wait, what is that? Exactly! Our busy, often stressful days with a seemingly endless number of errands, deadlines, and responsibilities can leave us emotionally and mentally drained.

Check out this wide range of healthy habits that will help harmonize your mind with your body.

#1: Let it go; let it goooo
First, it’s time to check out – mentally! Calm yourself to establish a deep connection to your mind. Let go of any stressors weighing on you. If you don’t mind, then it doesn’t matter. So, let it go, let it gooooo!

#2: Practice mindfulness
A healthy habit for your mind involves acceptance and non-judgment of your present-moment experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Whatever the cause of your stress, how you judge the event can determine the health of your emotional wellness. The more accepting and non-judgmental you are of a situation, emotion, or sensation, the better chance you have at creating a healthy body and mind.

#3: Find silence
One of the best ways to enjoy silence is by meditation. The benefits of meditating are so plentiful that it made our list of healthy habits twice. Meditation is useful in clearing the mind because it helps eliminate distractions. When we meditate, we focus on the mind-body connection. See how it all ties together?

#4: Exercise your body
We know breaking a sweat through movement has a significant number of benefits, especially stress reduction – and oh, how we need some of that! If exercise is not your thing, walks are a great way to enjoy quiet time and reflect on your well-being while getting some fitness.

#5: Exercise your brain
Just like any other muscle in the body, the brain requires exercise to keep it strong and healthy. So, the phrase “use it or lose it” is key when it comes to your mind. What better way to build brain brawn while tapping into your inner lovely self than reading books or doing puzzles?

#6: Write in a journal
A thankfulness journal is a great way to pamper your mind and shift your mindset to positive things. Spending a few minutes reflecting on what you’re thankful for or on your best qualities can lift your spirits and give you that much-deserved self-love.

#7: Listen to podcasts
Finding a relaxing or inspirational podcast to listen to is a great way to unwind. They’re easy to turn on during the day at home. From tracks to relax to the sounds of nature, there are a plethora of podcasts to boost your mind.

#8: Take a nap
Give your busy mind the gift of rest. After a long and busy week, recharge your batteries by taking a refreshing nap. Keep your catnaps to about 30 minutes and not too close to bedtime.

#9: Learn a new skill
Continuing to learn throughout your lifetime is key to longevity. So, think about a hobby or skill that you are interested in or have put off due to life happening. Challenge yourself to learn about it or take a lesson.

#10: Take a bubble bath
Sometimes, nothing works better to relax your mind and body than taking a warm bubble bath. Consider creating a home spa space to refresh your body and soul. Grab your favorite beverage, have a soak, and toast yourself!

While we know the meaning of a healthy lifestyle has changed in recent years, it’s important to adopt a more holistic approach to life. Take care of all the aspects of your mind, body, and soul that make you, you. The more you adopt a healthy lifestyle and habits, the more you’ll be able to tackle whatever comes your way.