5 Things You Need To Do For A Healthier Lifestyle

By Siew Ching

Make 2023 the year of better health!

2023 is just a few sleeps away – can you believe it? Obviously, topping many people’s list for the things they want to achieve come the new year is to be healthier. But did you know that being healthy takes more than just exercise and eating right? In reality, a healthy lifestyle is not just being active and maintaining a healthy weight; it’s also about keeping a positive attitude and a strong mental health.

In our list of what you need to do for a healthier lifestyle, you won’t find things like eat more veggies and exercise at least 30 minutes a day because you already know all that. Instead, you’ll find things that will help you take your health to a more wholesome balance so 2023 is not just about being physically healthy but also mentally well and more importantly, being happier! Ready to rock 2023 by being a healthier you? Start with these five tips.

#1 Manage your stress better
When you are stressed, your body takes both a physical and mental toll. Physically, your immune system takes a beating, and that makes you more susceptible to falling sick. Notice how when you are swamped at work, you end up spending more days in bed after nursing either a cold or fatigue? That’s what stress does to your body short term wise but if you don’t control your stress, it can have long-term impacts such as heart disease, digestive problems and high blood pressure. Mentally, stress makes you anxious and unable to focus so your productivity takes a hit. If the stress is chronic, you end up being depressed and find it difficult to fall asleep.

Do yourself a massive favour for 2023 – learn to manage your stress better! You can start with exercise as this helps boost the release of the mood-lifting hormones endorphins. Pick up mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga or even taking a solitude walk in the morning for 15 minutes – they’ve all been proven to help lower stress.

#2 Sleep at least seven to eight hours per night
Yes, you hear this often too but hands up who’s guilty of cutting back on these precious hours? Whether it’s work, Netflix or TikTok that’s robbing you of sleep, make it a point to prioritise sleep as it is one of the best things you can do for yourself as you embark on a healthier lifestyle. Sleep deprivation can cause serious health conditions as well as negatively affect your mood. It also impacts your motivation and productivity, making you feel less inspired to want to do anything.

Also, remember it’s not just about quantity but also quality. Try strategies to improve your sleep, like creating a relaxing environment by minimising light and noise, and establishing a bedtime routine that involves shutting off and shutting down to get your mind and body prepared for a restful sleep. With improved sleep quality, you will experience better health and improved emotional wellbeing – and that’s what we want to aim for in 2023.

#3 Maintain good relationships
Remember how during the pandemic lockdowns there were times when you felt alone, isolated and lost? And how your mood became better as the lockdowns were lifted and you were able to catch up with friends and family? That’s what good relationships can do for your wellbeing – put simply, it makes you happier! Spend time with people you enjoy being around and connect with those who are positive. People with negative outlooks or complain often will only drain your energy. Foster good relationships with those who matter so you know you will always have the support you need in times of need. Be that friend to someone else too!

#4 Do something you enjoy each day
What are you passionate about? What makes you smile? It doesn’t have to be something grand but doing something you enjoy every day – whether it is listening to your favourite BTS song or a quick doodle on your sketchbook – can help you be more positive and look forward to every day. Putting effort into these favourite things is an easy way for me time, which is important for mental health. Think of it as a quick escape from work and life where for just 10 to 30 minutes, you focus on just your happiness. It’s amazing what being happy and blissful can do to your physical health too!

#5 Be conscious of your decisions to be healthier
Choose to eat better. Make time for exercise. Opt for fresh instead of processed food. Schedule in holidays. Read a book. Meditate. There are many ways to be healthier and it’s all up to you to make that decision. Make the right choice – from eating to exercise to life choices. Remember that physical and mental health are connected – you can’t have one without the other. But remember to cut yourself some slack! It’s OK to indulge once in a while or to have a bad day. Live in moderation, manage your expectations, and learn as you go!

Share some of your tips on how to lead a healthier lifestyle with us on Twitter @Graduan.

Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash.

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