Everyone wants to know the secret to live a healthy and long life, but it is not something you can achieve overnight. You have to actively take care of both your physical and mental health if you want to live a healthy life. For instance, you cannot ignore your mental health and focus only on your physical needs. Our brains need a break too.

It might not be easy to change your lifestyle all over, but one can always try to lead a better life. You will have to put your time and effort into adopting new habits and sticking to them. Even small positive changes can set off a chain reaction, leading to better health and a happier life. If you want a healthy change in your lifestyle, you need to make better life choices and keep implementing them in your daily life.

Our habits can have a huge impact on our overall health, and maintaining good health is essential for overall well-being. These habits contribute to better health and help you take your next healthy step.

1. Keep on Moving

Human beings were meant to move. It’s how we evolved and got to the place where we are right now. Physical movement is basic for the development of the bones, muscles and maintaining our body system. Physical exercise plays a crucial role in supporting physical health and disease prevention by strengthening muscles, improving bone density, and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.

When we quit moving, we get lazy and lose stamina, movement, balance, and bone strength which can have long-lasting results. You don’t have to be a fitness freak or an athlete to stay fit; any physical activity will do.

We utilize our bodies in every way possible, so our physical activities should reflect our lifestyle. The more kinds of physical movement you do and the more boosted your stamina will be, thus the healthier you will be. Regular exercise and exercising regularly help maintain energy levels and improve blood flow throughout the body, supporting overall well-being. Try to incorporate different exercises that work on all your body parts to keep them active.

Your body is your most significant resource, and you only get one chance, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. The ideal approach to deal with it is to build up the will-power for exercising consistently. There are several physical activities for anyone to choose from; you can find one that suits you best. Whether, it’s going to the park for a 30-minute walk or joining a gym. Keep moving!

Exercise releases endorphins, so when you feel good inside, you will feel great outside. Physical exercise also contributes to overall physical health and disease prevention, helping you maintain a healthy body and reduce health risks. Your body will be in the perfect shape to tackle any issues.

2. Healthy Nourishment

Our bodies run on fuel; we provide ourselves all the required nutrients needed to function. Having a healthy and fully nourishing diet plan gives you more energy and expands your possibilities and mindset. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for overall well-being, as it supports both physical and mental health by providing the nutrients your body needs to function optimally.

Think of it like this; you fill up your car’s tank to get it running. The more high-quality fuel you use, the better mileage you get. What we eat reflects on how healthy we are.

We can’t expect that our bodies to do their best when we are not providing them the means. You don’t need to focus on a simple low-calorie diet to be healthy. Instead, you need to make sure you’re filling every requirement of your body by taking your protein intake, vegetables, fruits, and some cravings once a while.

Changing your diet can be hard, but you can start by making small changes in your routine and cutting off the things that have been harmful to you. Add more nutritional-filled meals and eat a little bit of everything. Including all food groups—such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats—ensures a balanced diet and helps your body get the variety of nutrients it needs. Your body needs all kinds of vitamins and minerals, so you have to keep a balance.

3. Prioritize Sleep

Just like our bodies need rest to function normally, our brain needs rest too. It’s very important to get a good night’s sleep every day so you can give yourself a break your body needs. A minimum of 8 hours of sleep per night has been recommended because it regenerates your body and mind and gets you started for a new day. Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to maintain adequate sleep, which is essential for preventing health conditions and supporting overall well-being.

Due to lack of sleep, we can fall prey to various health problems because our bodies will be tired and won’t have any energy to fight back. A bad sleeping schedule can weaken your immune system because you keep overworking and not giving your body the proper rest it needs. This can lead to a lot of mental and physical problems.

When we are asleep after a long day of work, our minds get the time to relax, recover and generate essential chemicals needed for us to function. Sleep gives you the chance to get your energy back and go back out in the world. Lack of sleep can cause difficulty in concentrating, loss of appetite, and stress. All this leads to an unhealthy lifestyle that no one wants.

4. Keep Your Mental Health in Check

Your brain is the most complex organ that means your brain needs a healthy lifestyle of its own. Maintaining emotional well being is essential for overall health, as it helps you build resilience and cope with daily challenges. Just like you can’t expect a sick person to do any work, a person with poor mental health also does not have the means to do any work. When your mental health is constantly tested, and you are under pressure, then your brain can go through a lot as a result.

Constant stress and responsibilities can lead to a person feeling burnt-out. Everyone needs a little break to stay relaxed and sharper. It has been proved that stress can cause a lot of physical symptoms that might turn serious if left untreated. You need to give yourself a break and figure out what is causing the stress in your life. Managing stress is crucial for both mental and physical health, as it helps prevent long-term negative effects and supports overall well-being.

Some people prefer meditating. You can find mediation apps, or go on YouTube to discover many different meditations and calming music. Whichever way you prefer, unwind and refresh your mind to live healthily.

5. Build Connections

Human beings are social animals, and that’s why human interaction is the key to living a healthy and happy life. You cannot spend a great life completely cut off from the people around you. Every person needs a companion in their life who helps them feel better. Healthy relationships are essential for emotional well-being, and spending time with others can greatly support your mental and emotional health.

Being social beings, we need constant connection with fellow human beings to fulfill some of our needs. When you build connections, you form a community, and you’re a part of it. Social connections play a vital role in reducing stress and supporting emotional well-being, and even reconnecting with an old friend can boost your happiness. It makes you feel like you belong somewhere and provides you with emotional support. This is essential if you want to deal with your worries and focus more on being happy.

The people in your life can help you learn, give your memorable experiences and listen to you. It helps a lot if someone is facing mental health problems because we all need someone to listen.

6. Brain Health

What do we mean when we talk about brain health? Mental health is part of it, but brain health is about eating right, taking proper supplements, and brain exercises. Meaning, if you can every day, or several times a week, do something to exercise your mind. Learning new skills can positively impact cognitive health and contribute to overall well-being. These can include memory games, word games, math problems, puzzles, or reading. All of these will exercise your brain, keep your memory healthy, and are also very enjoyable! Have a friend join you to make it a social event for healthy connection.

Mindfulness and Gratitude

Incorporating mindfulness and gratitude into your daily routine can be a game-changer for your overall well being. Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment—truly paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and the world around you without judgment. Whether you practice deep breathing, take a few minutes to meditate, or simply pause to notice the sensations in your body, these small acts can have a big impact. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost cognitive function, helping you stay focused and resilient throughout daily life.

Gratitude is another powerful healthy habit that can transform your mental well being. Taking time each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for—perhaps by keeping a gratitude journal—can foster a more positive outlook and help you appreciate the little things in life. This simple practice not only lifts your mood but can also improve sleep and strengthen your relationships, contributing to a healthier life overall. By making mindfulness and gratitude part of your daily routine, you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle stress, enjoy a more positive mindset, and experience a deeper sense of happiness and well being.

Screen Time and Technology

In our technology-driven world, it’s perfectly normal to spend a lot of time on electronic devices, but managing your screen time is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Too much screen time, especially before bed, can lead to sleep deprivation, increased stress, and even health problems like anxiety or trouble focusing. To protect your well being, try setting boundaries around your device use—limit screen time in the evenings, take regular breaks during the day, and make time for physical activity or a new hobby away from screens.

Being mindful of how and when you use technology can also help you build more meaningful relationships and improve your overall health. Prioritize face-to-face social interactions and spend time with people who share similar interests, rather than relying solely on digital communication. By adopting healthy habits around technology use, you can reduce stress, improve your focus, and enjoy better sleep. Remember, a balanced approach to screen time not only supports your mental health but also contributes to a happier, healthier life.

Here’s to a Healthier and Happier You!

Living a healthy and happy life takes a lot of work because it means letting go of your old and unhealthy habits. These habits will not only make your life better but will also improve your future by saving you from any health problems that you might face.

Living recklessly and not taking care of yourself can lead to long-term health problems. It’s important to listen to your body and brain and give them what they need. Maintaining healthy habits is the best defense against health problems and supports essential bodily functions like regulating temperature, lubricating joints, and keeping your organs healthy. The only way you can be healthy and happy is by building a new lifestyle for yourself. Make it fun and enjoy the process.

What are your tips and tricks for a happy and healthier you? Share with us in the comments at the bottom of this page. We want to hear from you!

Author bio: Myrah Abrar is a computer science graduate with a passion for web development, the Muslim Pro app, and digital marketing. She writes blog articles for Muslims & Quran.