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Essay on How To Stay Healthy

Students are often asked to write an essay on How To Stay Healthy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on How To Stay Healthy

Eating right.

Eating healthy is key to staying fit. Include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy in your meals. Drink plenty of water instead of soda. Treats like candy are okay sometimes, but not too much.

Staying Active

Exercise is important. Aim for an hour of physical activity every day. This can be sports, dancing, or just playing outside. Moving your body keeps your heart strong and helps you feel good.

Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is like charging your body. Kids need 9-12 hours every night. A good sleep helps you think better and stay alert during the day.

Staying Clean

Germs can make you sick. Wash your hands with soap, take a bath regularly, and keep your surroundings clean to avoid illness.

Managing Stress

Too much worry is bad for health. Relax by doing things you enjoy. Talk to friends or family when you’re upset; it helps to share your feelings.

Also check:

  • Paragraph on How To Stay Healthy

250 Words Essay on How To Stay Healthy

To stay healthy, the food you eat is very important. Imagine your body is like a car; it needs the right fuel to run well. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables because they are like the best gas for your body. Try to eat a rainbow of colors from these foods every day. Also, eat foods with protein like chicken, fish, beans, or nuts. These are like the car’s building blocks to help fix and grow parts of the body.

Moving your body is another key to good health. It’s like taking your car out for a drive so it doesn’t get rusty. Kids should play, run, or do sports for at least one hour every day. This helps your muscles get stronger, your heart pump better, and it can even make you feel happier.

Sleep is when your body fixes itself and gets ready for a new day. It’s like turning off your car’s engine to let it cool down. Most kids need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Make sure to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.

Drinking Water

Water is super important for your body. It’s like the oil that keeps everything running smoothly. Try to drink several glasses of water every day, and even more if you’re playing sports or it’s really hot outside.

Keeping your body clean helps you avoid getting sick. It’s like keeping your car nice and shiny. Wash your hands with soap, take showers, and brush your teeth twice a day to stay clean and healthy.

500 Words Essay on How To Stay Healthy

To stay healthy, one of the most important things you can do is eat good foods. Imagine your body is like a car. Just like a car needs the right fuel to run well, your body needs healthy food to work properly. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables because they are full of vitamins that help your body fight off sickness. Try to eat a rainbow of colors from different fruits and veggies each day. Also, eat whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread instead of white rice and white bread. Whole grains have more nutrients and fiber. It’s also good to have proteins like chicken, fish, beans, and nuts. Remember to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

Being Active

Our bodies are made to move, not just sit around. Kids should play and run for at least one hour every day. This helps your muscles grow strong and keeps your heart healthy. You don’t have to do sports if you don’t like them. You can dance, ride a bike, or even help out with chores around the house. Anything that gets you moving is good. When you are active, your body can work better, and you even sleep better at night.

Sleep is like a charger for our bodies. When you sleep, your body fixes itself and gets ready for the next day. Kids need more sleep than adults because they are still growing. Most kids need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. To sleep well, have a bedtime routine. This means doing the same relaxing things every night before bed, like reading a book or taking a warm bath. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, even on weekends.

Keeping yourself clean is a simple way to stay healthy. Germs can make you sick, but washing your hands with soap and water gets rid of them. Always wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and when you come inside from playing. It’s also good to take a bath or shower every day and brush your teeth twice a day to keep your body clean.

Being Happy

Being happy is a big part of being healthy. When you’re happy, your body feels good too. Spend time with friends and family, and do things you enjoy. Laughing and having fun can actually help your body fight off sickness. If you’re feeling sad or upset, it’s okay to talk to someone you trust, like a parent or teacher. Talking about your feelings can make you feel better.

Staying healthy is about taking care of your body by eating right, being active, getting enough sleep, staying clean, and being happy. When you take care of your body, you can do better in school and have more fun playing with your friends. Remember, little steps can make a big difference in how good you feel. So try to make healthy choices every day!

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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What is Self-Care and Why is it Important For You?

A woman on her deck, practicing self-care by journaling.

While there is no unit of measurement for self-care, I personally like to compare it to calories, which are literally units of energy. That is, one calorie equals one unit of energy. Here, I see one unit of self-care as a unit of personal fulfillment. The more units of fulfillment one has, the higher their life satisfaction. Subsequently, individuals may find themselves more motivated, energized and purposed in their endeavors.

Though calories do give you energy, those alone are not enough to provide the type of fulfillment you're seeking. You must take time to not only appreciate your life but the positive impact you have on others. Regardless of intention, you cannot possibly keep going without having a strong foundation, which is built upon self-care. And, yes, healthy eating — which includes nutritious caloric consumption — is also part of this.

First, What Does Self-Care Mean?

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Although prioritizing self-care may sound like common sense, especially if you’re considering longevity, it’s often the first thing to go when you find yourself in challenging situations, whether because of bad health, a financial crisis, job loss, divorce or another significant life event. This is why it is important to keep it top of mind and not an after-thought, especially in challenging times.

Why is Self-Care Important?

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Burning the candle at both ends, so-to-speak, comes with significant consequences, which may include but are not limited to burnout, depression, anxiety, resentment and a whole host of other negative implications.

Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and more. From a physical health perspective, it has also been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke and cancer. Spiritually, it may help keep us in tune with our higher power as well as realize our meaning in life.

▸ What are the Benefits of Self-Care?

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Self-care offers numerous benefits for your overall well-being. Here are some key benefits:

  • Improved physical health: Engaging in activities like regular exercise, getting enough sleep and eating nutritious meals can enhance your physical health, boost your energy levels and strengthen your immune system.
  • Enhanced mental and emotional well-being : There are many reasons why mental health is important , and practicing self-care can help reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. It promotes better mental health by providing an opportunity to relax, recharge and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
  • Increased productivity and focus: Taking care of yourself allows you to recharge and rejuvenate, leading to increased productivity, improved concentration and better problem-solving abilities. When you prioritize your well-being, you have more energy and mental clarity to tackle daily tasks.
  • Better relationships: When you prioritize caring for yourself, you have more emotional resources to invest in your relationships. Taking time for yourself helps prevent burnout and enables you to show up as your best self in your interactions with others.
  • Increased self-esteem and self-worth: Personal care practices can boost your self-esteem and self-worth. By prioritizing your needs and engaging in activities that make you feel good, you send a message to yourself that you deserve care and attention.
  • Prevention of burnout: Regular self-care can help prevent burnout, which is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. By taking proactive steps to care for yourself, you can replenish your energy and prevent the negative consequences of burnout. This can be especially important for those working in the helping professions .

Self-care is vitally important. Without appropriate nutrition, physical activity, sleep and otherwise, you may be able to get by for a while but will ultimately burnout. This is not a matter of if but when.

How to Practice Self-Care

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Perhaps the single most common reason people give for not participating in self-care is due to a lack of time. While many of us have a lot going on, it’s imperative that we take time out every day for ourselves, even if minimally. And it doesn't have to cost a thing. You can even accomplish it in the convenience of your own home. 

Even if you only have 5-minute increments spread throughout the day to engage in self-care, that is certainly better than nothing. Over time, you may significantly enhance your overall health and well-being. Even if you are just beginning, there are results that may be realized almost immediately.

▸ What are Examples of Self-Care?

Examples of self-care do differ, even if minimally from person-to-person, but generally satisfy one or multiple of the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) eight dimensions of wellness ( SAMHSA pdf source ).

Though developed by substance use professionals, these dimensions conceptualize the domains of wellness that make all of us whole. 

Here are some suggestions to consider among each of the eight domains. Feel free to modify, replace, or consider your own as you go along. Remember, this is about you.

  • Emotional: Talk to someone, reflect, journal, read, do something artistic, listen to music, work out, take a walk, watch something that suits the mood (or does the opposite and changes it), cry it out, hug someone, cuddle, laugh, take a nap.
  • Environmental: Take a walk somewhere nice, breathe in fresh air, enjoy the sun, enjoy the night sky, avoid littering, pick up litter, reduce waste, use reusable products, recycle, clean your house, redesign a room.
  • Financial: Develop a practical financial plan, open a savings account, start saving (even if $1 per day), try saving even more if you are already saving, invest, cut back on unnecessary purchases, consider where you can cut corners, avoid credit cards, ask for a raise.
  • Intellectual: Read, listen to audiobooks, watch documentaries, complete puzzles, be mindful of the world around you, become curious, try something new, tap into your creative/artistic side, take a class, complete a program, graduate.
  • Occupational: Learn a trade, get your degree, train for a promotion, accept the promotion, put together your resume, polish your resume, apply for your dream job, take on a task you enjoy, open your own business.
  • Physical: Work out daily, take a walk, eat healthy, get your annual checkup, see the dentist, take medications as prescribed, avoid drugs and alcohol, get 7-9 hours of sleep , see the physician when you do not feel well.
  • Social: Meet up with friends and family, keep in contact with old friends, volunteer, go out, have fun, engage in healthy social media use, stay positive , utilize technology when distance is a factor, have a big laugh.
  • Spiritual: Meditate, pray, reflect, engage in yoga, visit a meaningful site, do right by others, practice mindfulness , consider your higher purpose and meaning, look to your higher power for support, love one another, help those in need.

Self-care is an important activity to do every day. Doing so will lead toward a better balance among your dimensions of wellness and lead toward improved overall health and wellness. Life is precious, and it is meant to be enjoyed.

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Essays About Health: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

Almost everyone would agree that health is the most important thing in life. Check out our guide on writing essays about health.

The concept of health is simple. It is the condition where you are well and free from disease or illness. When we are healthy, we are happier, more productive, and able to live a full life. There are many types of health, each helping us to survive and excel in different areas of our life, including physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health.

In the same ways, there are different ways to stay healthy, such as exercise, socialization, and self-care. These areas of health may not all be equally important, but each of them plays a vital role in making us the best versions of ourselves we can be. You might also find our medical words list helpful.

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5 Top Essay Examples

1. essay on how to keep healthy by diwakar sharma, 2. what it’s like living with depression: a personal essay by nadine dirks, 3. the advantages of eating healthy food by lindsay boyers.

  • 4.  A Helping Hand: An Essay On The Importance Of Mental Health Parity by Sydney Waltner

5. ​​Stop Trying to be Happy: Improving Your Emotional Health by Jacquelynn Lyon

7 prompts for essays about health, 1. what is the most important type of health, 2. do television and video games negatively impact mental , 3. freedom and public health, 4. how can you live a healthier life, 5. what causes depression, 6. mental health and eating disorders, 7. is “spiritual health” really necessary.

“I think there is no use in earning money in such a way that denies our health. Money is not important than health as it cannot return health and fitness back once we are ill. Thus health is always preferred over money as good health keeps us happy and free from various health issues. If we are healthy we can earn whole life but can’t earn if the health gets deteriorated.”

Sharma discusses the importance of health and ways to stay healthy, including eating nutritious food, drinking water, keeping a good sleep schedule, and exercising. In addition, he notes that it is essential to prioritize your health; do not work too hard or chase money to the extent that it affects your health negatively. You can also check out these articles about cancer .

“I was pleasantly surprised when—after around three weeks—I started feeling results. My intense feeling of overwhelming sadness and hopelessness slowly started to lift and the fears I had about not feeling like myself dissipated. I had worried I would feel less like myself on fluoxetine, but instead for the first time, in a long time—I felt more like myself and able to function throughout the day. Receiving treatment and building healthy coping mechanisms has allowed me to continue to function, even when a depressive episode hits.”

Depression is one of the first things people think of concerning mental health. In her essay, Dirks reflects on her experiences with depression, recalling her feelings of hopelessness and sadness, putting her in a dull, lethargic mood. However, she got help by going to a doctor and starting medication and therapy. Dirks also lists down a few symptoms of depression, warning readers to get help if they are experiencing a number of them.

“A healthful diet is just as good for your brain as the rest of your body. Unhealthy foods are linked to a range of neurological problems. Certain nutrient deficiencies increasing the risk of depression. Other nutrients, like potassium, actually involved in brain cell function. A varied, healthful diet keeps your brain functioning properly, and it can promote good mental health as well.”

Boyers discusses some benefits of healthy eating, such as weight control, reduced risk of diabetes and cancer, and better brain function- an unhealthy diet is linked to neurological problems. She gives readers tips on what they should and should not eat in huge quantities, saying to avoid sugary foods and drinks while eating lean meat, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You might also be interested in these essays about nursing and essays about obesity .

4.   A Helping Hand: An Essay On The Importance Of Mental Health Parity by Sydney Waltner

“For three years I was one of those people hiding my illness. I was quietly suffering from depression and an eating disorder. My whole day revolved around my eating disorder and hiding it from everyone. This caused a lot of sadness, anger, and loneliness. I not only hid it from others, but I also tried to hide it from myself. I tried to convince myself that nothing was wrong because I did not fully understand what was happening.  I did not know what was making me hurt myself and why I could not stop.”

Waltner writes her essay about the importance of mental health and how it can also affect one’s physical health. She recalls her experiences with hiding her depression and eating disorder; they led to her immense suffering, but her parents discovered her illness before it was too late. She is grateful for how her life is now and encourages others to break the stigma around mental health issues and speak up if something is wrong with them. 

“Beautiful people, smart people, funny people, leaders, lawyers, engineers, professional clowns, everyone you’ve ever looked up to — they have suffered in their lives, and probably will continue to suffer at some point.”

The obsession with making yourself happy will forever have you either not valuing the present or will lead to despair when you do find it — and it’s still not enough. This cycle of self-abuse, dissatisfaction, and emotional isolation can paralyze us, hinder our actions, and mar our self-perception.

Lyon reflects on something she discovered in her first year of college: that it’s fine if you’re not always happy. She says that society’s pressure for everyone to be positive and happy 100% of the time is detrimental to many people’s emotional and mental health. As a result, she gives readers tips on being happy in a “healthier” way: happiness should not be forced, and you should not constantly compare yourself to others. 

Essays About Health: What is the most important type of health?

There are many types of health, each playing an essential role in helping us live well. If you were to pick one, which do you believe is the most important? You can choose mental well-being, physical well-being, or spiritual well-being. Use your personal experiences in defending your choice; be sure to support your stance with sufficient details. 

For a strong argumentative essay, write about the correlation between “screen time” or video games and television with mental health. Are they that bad for people’s mental health? Perhaps they are good for the mental health of some people. Research this topic and support your response with credible sources- there is no wrong answer as long as it is well-defended. For an interesting piece, conduct interviews to gather information.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many argue that some freedoms must be given up for the greater good. These include mask mandates, vaccine mandates, and stay-at-home orders. Write about whether or not public health should be prioritized over “individual liberty” and why. If so, to what extent? Answer this question in your own words for a compelling argument.

Essays About Health: How can you live a healthier life?

Like many of our cited essay examples above, you can write your essay on how to stay healthy. Give your readers some mental, physical, or social guidelines for being healthier, and explain why they are important. You can even do a more well-rounded guide; give a few tips for each type of health if you wish. 

As stated previously, a prevalent health issue is depression, which can stem from various factors. Look into the different causes of depression and explain how they lead to depression. In this essay, you can share your research on social factors, economic factors, and health conditions that can make a person more susceptible to depression. As this is a medical-related topic, use credible sources for your research. 

Many believe there is a correlation between mental health and obesity, anorexia, and bulimia—research how mental health issues can cause these issues or vice versa, depending on what you find. In your essay, explain the link between mental health issues and eating disorders and how they can affect each other.

Essays About Health: Is “Spiritual Health” really necessary?

A type of health commonly listed is spiritual health, which many religious people value. Should it be classified as something different? Many believe the components of “spiritual health” already fall under mental, social, emotional, and social health, so there is no need to classify it as something different. Reflect on this issue and discuss your stance. 

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining “what is persuasive writing ?”

If you’re stuck picking an essay topic, check out our guide on how to write essays about depression .

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Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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5 Healthy Writing Habits (For Less Stress and Better Writing)

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Written by  Emily Wilson

The impact of effective writing skills 

Most of us write every day. Answering emails, drafting applications, compiling reports—the ways we use our writing skills are nearly endless.

Yet few of us take the time to pause and really invest in our writing ability.

This behavior is to our detriment. Effective writing skills positivity impact both professional and private life. Think of it this way: the skills that you'd use to create a well-reasoned argument in a research paper or work proposal are the same skills that you'd use to negotiate personal boundaries or express yourself in a private disagreement. Strong writing skills increase your confidence in expressing yourself clearly. In turn, this reduces the stress that most writers feel during the writing process. 

Learning to improve your writing skills simply takes time and a measure of discipline. Over my years learning from professional writers and editors (and working as a professional writer and editor), I've discovered five key healthy writing habits, which I've personally found to be very helpful. If you incorporate them into your own writing process, I'm confident that these habits will help you:

  • Reduce stress in your writing process and
  • Develop clear, concise writing .

5 healthy writing habits (for less stress and clearer, more concise writing)

1. always have an outline.

In many ways, writing is more like being a wilderness guide than a reclusive creative genius. As a writer, it's your responsibility to guide your reader through your text. Moreover, depending on who your reader is, you must design a route that is either well-reasoned and orderly or laden with carefully constructed twists, turns, and compelling mysteries .

If you don't know where you're going, you cannot guide someone else there effectively (let alone do it with style). Outlines force you to always keep your destination in mind, which has a two-fold effect.

First, it saves you the stress of writing into a shapeless void. Second, this habit encourages concise writing because, in knowing where you want your reader to go, you'll be more likely to create compelling, direct routes there (rather than, say, sending your reader down a series of unrewarding side trails).

This isn't to say that you should never deviate from your outline. Some of the best writing occurs that way. However, writing with an outline in mind increases your chances of enjoying a stress-free writing process and encourages you to be clearer and more concise in your writing. 

2. Make breaks an essential part of your writing process

Writing is intense creative work. You cannot do it on autopilot, and you cannot do it well when you are running low on creative energy. Few people in this world can write for eight hours straight every day.

It is absolutely necessary to balance your writing time with routine, non-creative tasks. This gives you the time and space you need to refresh your focus and return with a clear head. These breaks save you the stress of creative burnout, and they help you keep the quality of your content high. If you're not exhausted, you'll be much more likely to craft thoughtful, concise sentences rather than desperately forcing out a string of words to meet your word count.

If you're having trouble incorporating longer breaks into your schedule or are under a very tight timeline, consider giving the Pomodoro Technique a try. This popular technique involves focusing for a 25-minute chunk of time before giving yourself a five-minute refresher break. It can be very effective if you have many distractions in your workspace, such as kids, that require frequent attention.

3. Embrace the fact that your first draft will be horrible

Many writers struggle with perfectionism. It's a massive source of stress in both the writing and editing industries. Constantly questioning the quality of your work and trying to make every sentence perfect (particularly while writing your first draft) is a recipe for disaster. It's a time-consuming habit that will make your deadlines come screeching toward you.

Embrace the fact that first drafts are for mistakes. Moreover, for the health of your writing process, it's important to give yourself permission to write an imperfect first draft. Great writing isn't some magical process that happens in one grand coffee-fueled go. Rather, it is a multi-step process that requires lots and lots of revision.

Your first draft isn't the end. It's the beginning. It's where you'll be able to see what works, what doesn’t, and what's clear or muddled within the context of your entire work. Looking back and thinking that your first draft was horrible is a good sign. It shows that you're improving your current writing project while  improving your long-term writing skills .

4. Invest in a good editor (use them as a test audience)

Anyone who writes knows the value of a good editor . Whether it’s a friend, a professional, or maybe even your mom, having an outsider's perspective on your writing is worth its weight in gold. That being said, hiring a professional is often the best way to obtain an objective opinion or keep the peace if your family and friends are tired of reading your drafts.

Besides its many other benefits, editing is a valuable opportunity to take your writing out for a test run. It's a chance to see what resonates with your reader and what might be confusing. This is especially useful if your reader may not have as much in-depth knowledge as you do about a non-fiction topic or if you are introducing your reader to a fictional world that they are unfamiliar with.

Investing in a good editor helps reduce your overall stress. Writing is a solitary pursuit, and simply inviting someone else into your process can be a relief. For example, with an editor, it's not just you stressing about incorrect commas or typos. Now, you have the support of a trusted individual to help you catch errors, correct muddled text, elevate your tone, and prepare your writing for its grand debut.

5. Learn how to say goodbye

After spending so much time revising your writing, it can be very difficult to finally let go. For example, maybe you know an academic who has been drafting their manifesto for well over a decade or a friend who is constantly working on their screenplay. Or, perhaps, you belong to the silent majority of us who rewrite our emails over and over.

Revision is a necessary part of the writing process. It helps you improve your writing skills and develop clear, concise writing. However, like all good things, too much of it can be a problem. Theoretically, you could continue editing your work forever. However, if you do, you're effectively stifling the impact your words could have made in the world.

Learn to trust that your work is enough. Editing is important, but don't use it as an excuse to never share your work.

Enjoy stress-free, clearer, more concise writing

And with that, we've reached the end of this article. Use these five healthy writing habits to reduce stress while improving the clarity and concision of your writing.

It takes time and patience to implement any change; however, these habits are well worth the effort. With them, you should find yourself happier not only with your writing but also with the time you spend devoted to the task.

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  • Healthy Lifestyle Essay

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Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

The top secret of being physically fit is adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, taking good care of self, healthy sleep habits, and having a physically active daily routine. Lifestyle is the most prevailing factor that affects one’s fitness level. A person leading a sedentary lifestyle has a low fitness level whereas living a healthier life not only makes a person fit but also extends life. Good health has a direct impact on our personality. A person with a good and healthy lifestyle is generally more confident, self-assured, sociable, and energetic.

A good and healthy lifestyle allows one to relish and savor all the pleasures in life without any complications. Even all the wealth is less valuable when compared to sound health. Having all the luxuries in the world does not fulfill its purpose when one is continuously ill, depressed, or suffering from a significant health complication. A healthy person has a clear and calm perception of everything without prejudice. His actions and decisions are more practical and logical and are hence more successful in life.

A good habit is a key factor for a healthy lifestyle. To maintain a stable body and mind, one needs to inculcate good habits. Waking up early in the morning, regularly exercising or a good morning walk helps to keep our body energetic and refresh our mind. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet throughout the day is vital for maintaining a good lifestyle. Too much indulgence in alcohol or smoking excessively is not at all appropriate for a healthy lifestyle.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is important for maintaining a good lifestyle. When we are self-disciplined then we are more organized and regular in maintaining good health. A disciplined life is a regulated life. A man without discipline is a ship without a rudder. Discipline needs self-control. One who cannot control himself can seldom control others. The level of discipline and perseverance largely determines a person’s success. Self-discipline is the act of disciplining one’s own feelings, desires, etc. especially with the intention of improving oneself. It strengthens our willpower. The stronger our will power the positive will be our decision. It enables us to conquer our own self.

Punctuality

Punctuality is the habit of doing things on time. It is the characteristic of every successful person and everyone must observe punctuality in order to win success in life. Punctuality is necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It should become a habit with us. A punctual person is able to fulfill all his responsibilities and hence is treated with respect in society. It is needed in every walk of life.

Diet is an important component for overall fitness and works best in combination with exercise. A balanced diet and exercise regularly help to maintain good health. It is necessary to reduce weight if one is overweight or obese, failing which one cannot be physically fit for long. For people with obesity, more exercise and a strict regime are necessary, preferably under guidance. There are many ways of making the diet healthier.

Use less sugar and salt while cooking food.

Use less oil while cooking. Avoid deep-frying as much as possible. 

Eat more fruits daily. They provide more vitamins and minerals to our bodies.

Add sprouts of gram and moong dal to at least one meal in a day. Add fiber to your diet. Use whole grains instead of polished cereals. Eat lots of salad and yogurt.

Eat fermented food regularly. Fermented food contains many useful bacteria that help in the process of digestion.

Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases

By adopting a healthy lifestyle one can avoid lifestyle diseases. The following are some ways in which we can prevent lifestyle diseases.

Eat a balanced diet that contains important nutrients. One must include more fresh fruits and green vegetables in the diet. Refrain from eating junk food. Stay away from foods that contain large amounts of salt or sugar.

Exercise regularly. Spend more time outdoors and do activities such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling.

One must avoid overindulgence in alcohol, junk food, smoking, and addiction to drugs and medicines.

Avoid spending too much on modern gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, televisions, etc. Spend time on these gadgets for short intervals of time only.

Set a healthy sleeping routine for every day. Waking early in the morning and going to bed early at night should be a daily habit. Lead an active life.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bad food habits and an unhealthy lifestyle such as less or no physical activity may lead to several diseases like obesity, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, anemia, and various heart diseases. An unhealthy lifestyle reduces productivity and creativity in a person. It also adversely affects moods and relationships. It leads to depression and anxiety in human beings.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only makes a person confident and productive but also drives him to success. A person with a healthy lifestyle will enjoy both personal and social life.

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FAQs on Healthy Lifestyle Essay

What Do You Understand about a Healthy Lifestyle?

A healthy lifestyle is a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, taking good care of self, healthy sleep habits and having a physically active daily routine.

How is Punctuality Important for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle?

Punctuality is the habit of doing things on time. It is the characteristic of every successful person and everyone must observe punctuality in order to win success in life. It should become a habit with us. A punctual person is able to fulfil all his responsibilities and hence is treated with respect in society. It is needed in every walk of life.

What Happens When One Does Not Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle?

When one does not maintain a healthy lifestyle then several diseases like obesity, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, anaemia and various heart diseases can occur. An unhealthy lifestyle reduces productivity and creativity in a person. It also adversely affects moods and relationships. It leads to depression and anxiety in human beings.

What are the Main Factors that Determine a Good and Healthy Lifestyle?

In order to maintain a good and healthy lifestyle, one must be self-disciplined, self-motivated, maintain punctuality and have good habits like waking early in the morning and maintain a regular fitness regime and a balanced and nutritious diet.

Is writing an essay hard?

Essay writing is a difficult task that needs a great deal of study, time, and focus. It's also an assignment that you can divide down into manageable chunks such as introduction, main content, and conclusion. Breaking down and focusing on each individually makes essay writing more pleasant. It's natural for students to be concerned about writing an essay. It's one of the most difficult tasks to do, especially for people who aren't confident in their writing abilities. While writing a decent essay is difficult, the secret to being proficient at it is reading a lot of books, conducting extensive research on essential topics, and practicing essay writing diligently.

Why is it important for one to aspire to have a healthy lifestyle?

A healthy lifestyle is an important way for reducing the occurrence and impact of health problems, as well as for recovery, coping with life stressors, and improving the overall quality of life. An increasing collection of scientific data suggests that our habits have a significant impact on our health. Everything we eat and drink, as well as how much exercise we get and whether we smoke or use drugs, has an impact on our health, not just in terms of life expectancy but also in terms of how long we may expect to live without developing chronic illness. A large proportion of fatalities are caused by conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, joint disease, and mental illness. A healthy lifestyle can help to avoid or at least delay the onset of many health issues.

How to download the Essay on Healthy Lifestyle from the Vedantu website?

The Essay on Healthy Lifestyle, which is accurate and well-structured, is available for download on the Vedantu website. The Essay is accessible in PDF format on Vedantu's official website and may be downloaded for free. Students should download the Essay on Healthy Lifestyle from the Vedantu website to obtain a sense of the word limit, sentence structure, and fundamental grasp of what makes a successful essay. Vedantu essay is brief and appropriate for youngsters in school. It is written in basic English, which is ideal for kids who have a restricted vocabulary. Following the Vedantu essay ensures that students are adequately prepared for any essay subject and that they will receive high grades. Click here to read the essay about a healthy lifestyle.

Who prepares the Essay for Vedantu?

The Essay on Healthy Lifestyle designed for the Vedantu is created by a group of experts and experienced teachers. The panel of experts has created the essay after analyzing important essay topics that have been repeatedly asked in various examinations. The Essays that are provided by Vedantu are not only well-structured but also accurate and concise. They are aptly suited for young students with limited vocabulary. For best results, the students are advised to go through multiple essays and practice the topics on their own to inculcate the habits of time management and speed.

What constitutes a healthy lifestyle?

Healthy life is built on the pillars of a good diet, frequent exercise, and appropriate sleep. A healthy lifestyle keeps people in excellent shape, it also gives you more energy throughout the day, and lowers your chance of developing many diet-related chronic diseases. Healthy living is considered a lifestyle choice that allows you to enjoy more elements of your life. Taking care of one's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Good Nutrition, Eating Right and proper diet.

Getting Physically Fit, Beneficial Exercise and working out often.

Adequate rest and uninterrupted sleep.

Proper Stress Management.

Self-Supportive Attitudes.

Positive Thoughts are encouraged.

Positive Self-Image and body image.

Inner Calmness and peace.

Openness to Your Creativity and Self-care.

Trust in Your Inner Knowing and your gut feeling.

Essay on Healthy Lifestyle for Students and Children

Apples, Apples book

500+ Words Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

It is said that it is easy to learn and maintain bad habits but it is very difficult to switch them back. The issue of a healthy lifestyle is very serious but the people take it very lightly. Often, it is seen that the people take steps to improve their lifestyle but due to lack of determination quits in the midway.

Moreover, for a healthy lifestyle is it important that you take small and one-step at a time. Also, do not go overboard with it. Besides, this healthy lifestyle will help you in life in a lot of ways.

Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

Habits That Keeps You Healthy

For keeping your body and mind healthy you have to follow certain rules that will help you achieve your goal. Besides, there are certain measures that will help you to stay healthy.

First of all, for being healthy you have to plan and follow a strict diet. This diet should contain all the essential minerals and vitamins required by the body. Also, eat only healthy food and avoid junk and heavily carbohydrate and fatty food.

In addition, wake up early in the morning because first of all, it’s a healthy habit. Secondly, waking up early means you can get ready for your work early, spend some quality time with your family. Besides, this decides time for your sleep and sleep early because it de-stresses body.

Doing exercise regularly makes your body more active and it also releases the pent-up stress from the muscles.

Avoid the mobile- the biggest drawback of this generation is that they are obsessed with their mobile phones. Moreover, these phones cause many physical and mental problem for them. So, to avoid the negative effects of mobile the usage volume of them should be reduced.

Connecting with positive minds because the more you indulge with these people then less you will go to the negative side.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

The things that should be avoided for a healthy lifestyle

We knew that there are several bad habits that affect our healthy lifestyle. These habits can cause much harm to not only to the body but to the society too. In addition, these habits are also the cause of many evils of society. The major healthy lifestyle destroying habits are smoking, drinking, junk food, addiction , meal skipping, and overuse of pills.

All these activities severely damage body parts and organs which cannot be replaced easily. Besides, they not only cause physical damage but mental damage too.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle has many benefits not only for the body but for the mind too. Also, if you follow a healthy lifestyle then you can reduce the risk of having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.

To sum it up, we can say that there are various benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. Also, a healthy lifestyle has many benefits to your social as well as personal life. Besides, it improves the relationships in the family. Most importantly, the person who lives a healthy lifestyle lives longer as compared to those who do not.

FAQs on Healthy Lifestyle

Q.1 Give some tips to live a healthy lifestyle. A.1 Some tips for staying healthy are eating a balanced diet, maintain weight, having enough sleep, sleep early and wake up early, use mobile lesser, etc.

Q.2 What is good health? A.2 Good health means freedom from sickness and diseases. It is a costly gift of nature to us for living a purposeful life. Also, good health means that we can do more work than our capacity without getting tired.

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17 Pro Tips to Start Living a Healthier Lifestyle

Last Updated: March 14, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was medically reviewed by Mark Ziats, MD, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A. . Dr. Mark Ziats is an Internal Medicine Physician, Scientist, Entrepreneur, and the Medical Director of xBiotech. With over five years of experience, he specializes in biotechnology, genomics, and medical devices. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine, a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Cambridge, and a BS in Biochemistry and Chemistry from Clemson University. He also completed the INNoVATE Program in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship at The Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School. Dr. Ziats is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 516,274 times.

Living a healthy lifestyle is all about choosing to make healthy choices each day. Adding more nutritious foods to your diet, making an effort to exercise throughout the week, and prioritizing your mental health are just a few of the things you can do to begin living a healthier and happier life. We’ve compiled an extensive list of tips and advice from professionals about what you can do to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to start changing your life for the better.

Create specific health goals.

Come up with specific, actionable goals to improve your health.

  • Specific: I’m going to be more physically active by walking every day.
  • Measurable: I’ll walk for 30 minutes to 1 hour each day for a month.
  • Attainable: I have plenty of time before and after work to fit in walking. My neighborhood is also extremely walkable.
  • Relevant: I spend most of my day sitting and need to consciously make an effort to get more physical activity in.
  • Time-bound: I’ll maintain this routine for 1 month then reassess my needs and adjust my goals.
  • Ask friends, family members, or co-workers to join you on certain goals. Having people there to support you will make working toward your goals much more fun.

Choose nutritious foods and create a well-balanced diet.

  • Eat whole fruits such as apples, oranges, berries, and mangos.
  • Include lots of colorful vegetables in your diet like sweet potatoes, beets, spinach, and peppers.
  • Choose whole grain options when you eat things like pasta, crackers, cereal, and bread.
  • Eat a variety of proteins including lean meats, chicken, tofu, eggs, seafood, and beans.
  • Go for low-fat or fat-free dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Include healthy oils in your food such as vegetable oil, olive oil, and oils from foods like avocados, seafood, and nuts.

Practice mindful eating.

Pay attention to your portion sizes and enjoy your meals.

  • Avoid eating while doing other activities, such as watching TV, scrolling on your mobile device or reading.
  • Take smaller bites and chew each one thoroughly before swallowing.
  • Create a meal plan that includes plenty of nutritious ingredients.
  • Make an effort to cook your meals yourself instead of ordering fast food.

Drink plenty of water.

Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated throughout the day.

  • Other things that count toward your daily water intake include things like flavored waters, decaffeinated coffees and teas, and even some fruits and vegetables with high water content.
  • Avoid drinking sugary drinks like sodas, juices, and sports drinks.
  • Signs of dehydration in adults include less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

Take supplements as needed.

Ask your doctor about taking supplements to get more nutrients.

  • The most common supplements people take are calcium (bone health), vitamin D (calcium absorption), and Vitamins C and E (antioxidants).
  • Vitamin B12, which comes from meat, fish, and dairy products, keeps your nerves and blood cells healthy.
  • Research suggests that fish oil supplements can promote heart health.

Exercise regularly.

Find a type of physical activity that’s enjoyable for you.

  • Moderate-intensity aerobic activity includes things like brisk walking, bike riding, water aerobics, dancing, and rollerblading.
  • Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity includes exercises like jogging, running, swimming laps, and playing basketball or soccer.
  • Along with doing aerobic workouts, do muscle-strengthening activities 2 days out of the week that work the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
  • Find yourself a workout buddy who can help keep you motivated and make exercising more fun.

how to keep yourself healthy essay

Sports have always been a big part of my life. At school, I played a lot of different sports, and I was competing with other schools. I did everything: running, volleyball, basketball, soccer, Olympic-style gymnastics, and more! My history with sports gave me good concentration, focus, strength, and motivation to stay healthy.

Get enough (good) sleep.

Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night.

  • Sticking to a sleep schedule so that you get consistent sleep each night
  • Going to sleep in a dark, quiet room that’s set at a comfortable temperature
  • Avoiding large meals, caffeine, or alcohol before bed
  • Exercising during the day
  • Avoiding using electronics before sleeping

Allow yourself to relax.

Do relaxing activities to combat stress.

  • Setting aside time for your hobbies, such as writing or listening to music
  • Reading a book
  • Spending time with friends, family, or a significant other
  • Going outside and spending some time in nature
  • Caring for and playing with a pet

Practice mindfulness.

Focus on the positives and get in touch with your emotions.

  • Do meditation or practice yoga to help clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
  • Another idea is to spend some time each day doing breathing exercises to keep yourself calm and present.
  • Journaling is an activity that allows you to write down your honest thoughts and feelings and reflect on them later on.

Take a break from the news.

Too much negative news can affect your mental health.

  • If you still want to read some of the news, avoid potentially stressful topics, such as politics or world news.
  • If the news tends to pop up on your social media timeline, curate your feed to get rid of any sources of negative information. For example, unfollow or block political accounts or controversial figures.

Limit your screen time.

Constantly being on your phone can affect your emotional health.

  • Constant exposure to social media can potentially cause depression, loneliness, and self-esteem issues as well.

Nurture your relationships.

Make an effort to maintain your social connections.

  • If you can’t meet up in person, still work to maintain communication by texting, calling, video chatting, or interacting over social media.
  • Getting involved in your community is also a great way to form new, meaningful connections.
  • For example, volunteer with a local non-profit, participate in community events, or practice your faith at a place like a local church, mosque, or synagogue to meet new people .

Practice self-love.

Be kind and compassionate toward yourself.

  • Use positive affirmations to raise your self-esteem and confidence. Tell yourself things like, “I am strong,” “I am capable,” and “I am loved by many” every single day.
  • Forgiving yourself for past mistakes is also an important part of loving yourself. Forgiveness can help get rid of feelings of anxiety, stress, anger, and hurt.

Limit your alcohol intake.

Cut out alcohol or limit yourself to 1 or 2 drinks a day.

  • Health professionals typically recommend that women consume no more than 1 alcoholic beverage daily and men consume no more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily. [17] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
  • 1 drink is equal to 4 ounces (118 ml) of wine, 2 ounces (59 ml) of liquor, or 12 ounces (355 ml) of beer. [18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Quit smoking.

Stop smoking to prevent diseases and cancers.

  • Quitting smoking can certainly be difficult, and many people need more than one attempt to completely stop this habit. However, completely stopping is the quickest way to start getting your body back to a healthy state.
  • If you’re having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor. They might be able to prescribe you a medication or refer you to a smoking cessation program. [20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
  • Research has shown that vaping also puts people at risk for certain health complications, such as lung disease and cardiovascular disease.

Visit your doctor often.

Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your health.

  • If you take medication for chronic conditions, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician at least once a year.
  • Come prepared with any questions or concerns you may have about your health to help potentially cut down on follow-up appointments.
  • Also visit your dentist. It's typically recommended to go twice a year for routine cleanings. [22] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
  • Book appointments with other medical professionals if you have any specific health concerns, such as an OB/GYN, allergist, dermatologist, or endocrinologist.

Talk to a therapist.

Consult a therapist if you need help to manage stress.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

Start Your Own Exercise Regimen and Stick to It

  • ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/setting-smart-goals
  • ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/diabetes/eat-healthy
  • ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556586/
  • ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/water-water-everywhere
  • ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
  • ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/08/should-you-take-dietary-supplements
  • ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/about-physical-activity/why-it-matters.html
  • ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
  • ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep
  • ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
  • ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/06/mindfulness-your-health
  • ↑ https://hbr.org/2015/09/consuming-negative-news-can-make-you-less-effective-at-work
  • ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9368281/
  • ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202111/how-love-yourself-more
  • ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
  • ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm
  • ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/index.htm
  • ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/smoking-cessation-fast-facts/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Ftobacco%2Fdata_statistics%2Ffact_sheets%2Fcessation%2Fquitting%2Findex.htm
  • ↑ https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/how-often-you-should-visit-doctor.html
  • ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11187-dental-check-up
  • ↑ https://www.mhanational.org/therapy

About This Article

Mark Ziats, MD, PhD

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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To live a healthy lifestyle, limit your consumption of fat, sugar, and processed foods and base your diet around fresh vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, and whole grains instead. Try to hit the gym 3-5 times per week or take a vigorous 30-minute walk around your neighborhood to get your heart rate up. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol, and don't forget to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night! For more tips on creating an exercise routine, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Self-Care: 12 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself

Exhausted, uninspired, or unwell read these self-care tips to take care of you..

Posted December 28, 2018 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

  • Self-care, which includes nutrition, stress reduction, and exercise, helps keep a person happy, healthy, and resilient.
  • Me-time is usually last on the agenda for most people, largely due to technology and job stress.
  • Things like taking a trip or simply getting outside can contribute to lowering one's stress level and increasing life satisfaction.

Pixabay

It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. Learning how to eat right, reduce stress, exercise regularly, and take a time-out when you need it are touchstones of self-care and can help you stay healthy, happy, and resilient .

Why Do We Often Fail at Self-Care?

Practicing self-care isn’t always easy. Most of us are crazy busy, have stressful jobs, or are too consumed with technology to make time for ourselves. Me-time is usually last on the agenda. Worse, we can sometimes feel guilty about taking the time required to take care of ourselves. So getting started with self-care can be challenging. In my new book, Outsmart Your Smartphone: Conscious Tech Habits for Finding Happiness, Balance, and Connection IRL , I teach folks how to find time and make space for self-care. But here are some additional tips that you won't find in the book to get you started with your self-care.

How Do You Engage in Self-Care?

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to engage in self-care. You can read about self-care strategies, join self-care programs, or work with a coach or therapist who can help support your progress . No matter what you choose, the goal is to figure out which self-care strategies work best for you, learn how to use these strategies, and implement them in your regular routine so you can boost your well-being not only today but forever.

Here are 12 ways to get started with your self-care.

1. Make sleep part of your self-care routine.

Sleep can have a huge effect on how you feel both emotionally and physically. Not getting enough can even cause major health issues. But stress and other distractions can wreak havoc on our sleep.

What do you do to make sleep part of a self-care routine ? Start by thinking about your nightly routine. Are you eating or drinking immediately before bed? If so, it's especially important to stay away from caffeine and sugar, which tend to keep you awake.

Reducing stress is also key. If you have work-related stress , think about the best ways to calm yourself after a hard day or relax more while on the job. You might talk to your employer about lessening your workload or settle a disagreement with a coworker.

Next, make sure your bedroom is the best possible place for you to get good REM sleep. It should be free of distractions (such as a television, laptop, cellphone, etc.). And make sure you have room-darkening curtains to keep the sun from waking you up too early in the mornings.

2. Take care of yourself by taking care of your gut.

Your gut health can have a significant impact on your health, well-being, and feelings of vitality. The types of foods you eat crucially impact the bacteria that live in your stomach, resulting in a cascade of either positive or negative outcomes. Healing the gut can lead to an unhappy person, and vice-versa.

3. Exercise daily as part of your self-care routine.

We all know exercise is good for us, but do we really know how good it is? Daily exercise can help you both physically and mentally, boosting your mood and reducing stress and anxiety , not to mention helping you shed extra weight.

Of course, it might be hard to go to the gym every day, so try to incorporate other exercises, such as walking, tennis, or yoga, which may be able to fit into your schedule more easily. The most important thing is to create a routine that works for you.

4. Eat right for self-care.

The food we eat has the potential to either keep us healthy or contribute to weight gain or diseases such as diabetes, but it can also keep our minds working and alert. Eating the right foods can help prevent short-term memory loss and inflammation, both of which can have long-term effects on the brain and, in turn, the rest of the body. Some of the most amazing self-care foods include fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, green leafy veggies, and brassicas, like broccoli.

5. Say no to others, and say yes to your self-care.

Learning to say no is really hard; many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for our time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you'll start to feel more self-confident, and you'll have more time for your self-care.

how to keep yourself healthy essay

6. Take a self-care trip.

Taking a self-care trip can make a huge difference in your life. Even if you’re not feeling particularly stressed, getting away for a weekend every now and then can help you disconnect, relax, and be rejuvenated. These self-care trips don’t have to be costly; simply drive to the next town over and see the sights, or go camping nearby. The goal is to veer away from your normal schedule and take the time to do something just for yourself.

7. Take a self-care break by getting outside.

Spending time outside can help you reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and live in the moment. Studies have even shown that getting outside can help reduce fatigue, making it a great way to overcome symptoms of depression or burnout. Getting outside can also help you sleep better at night, especially if you do some physical activity, like gardening, hiking, or walking while you are outside.

8. Let a pet help you with your self-care.

Pets can bring a boost to our lives. From giving unconditional love to providing companionship, pets can be hugely beneficial for our self-care. Dogs especially can help reduce stress and feelings of anxiety and can even lower blood pressure. In fact, many people who suffer from disorders like PTSD have benefited from working daily with animals, which is why service dogs have become so helpful for these individuals.

9. Take care of yourself by getting organized.

Getting organized is often the first step to becoming a healthier you because it allows you to figure out exactly what you need to do to take better care of yourself. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge, can help you write down all your responsibilities and appointments, while at the same time keeping your life a bit more organized. You can also create an area to keep keys, purses, backpacks, briefcases, and coats, and make sure they’re ready to go for the next day.

10. Cook at home to care for yourself.

Many people don’t take the time to make themselves meals, preferring instead to stop for fast food or popping a pre-made meal in the microwave. But these "fast" meals aren’t usually sufficient when it comes to feeding your body the right kinds of calories and nutrients. Even if it’s only once a week, consider making a healthy meal for yourself or your whole family. You could even look into a meal delivery service or meal kit that can help you get started.

11. Read a book on self-care for self-care.

In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to turn to our phones for entertainment or comfort, scrolling through news feeds that can contribute to our stress and worries rather than helping it. Instead, consider bringing a self-help book with you when you leave the house. Even better, bring books on self-care so that you can learn more about how to take care of yourself while you are taking care of yourself. You might be amazed at the difference it can make when you slow down instead of always looking at your phone. Not only can it help improve your mood, but it can also help you to stay more present and mindful .

12. Schedule your self-care time, and guard that time with everything you have.

It can be hard for us all to find extra time. But it’s extremely important to plan regular self-care time. Moments alone can help you to ponder the best ways to move forward in your life and keep you grounded. And moments with friends can help you feel more connected and relaxed.

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Whether you decide you want to go for a long walk, take a hot bath, or enjoy a good movie with friends, taking self-care time is imperative. Look for small ways you can incorporate it into everyday life; for example, you might wake up 15 minutes earlier to sit with a cup of tea and practice deep breathing before the chaos of the day begins, or you might take a walk around the block on your lunch break. The more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.

This post was co-written by self-care advocate Brad Krause .

To find a therapist, please visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory .

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What you can do to maintain your health.

Last Updated May 2023 | This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Leisa Bailey, MD

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A lot of factors play a role in staying healthy. In turn, good health can decrease your risk of developing certain diseases or conditions. These include heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and injuries. Learn what you can do to maintain your and your family’s health.

Path to improved health

Eat healthy.

What you eat is closely linked to your health. Balanced nutrition has many benefits. By making  healthier food choices , you can prevent or treat some conditions. These include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A healthy diet can help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol, as well.

Get regular exercise

Exercise can help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and colon cancer. It can help treat depression, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. People who exercise also get injured less often.  Routine exercise  can make you feel better and keep your weight under control. Try to be active for 30 to 60 minutes about 5 times a week. Remember, any amount of exercise is better than none.

Lose weight if you’re overweight

Many Americans are overweight. Carrying too much weight increases your risk for several health conditions. These include:  

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Some cancers
  • Gallbladder disease

Being overweight also can lead to weight-related injuries. A common problem is arthritis in the weight-bearing joints, such as your spine, hips, or knees. There are several things you can try to help you  lose weight  and keep it off.

Protect your skin

Sun exposure  is linked to skin cancer. This is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It’s best to limit your time spent in the sun. Be sure to wear protective clothing and hats when you are outside. Use sunscreen year-round on exposed skin, like your face and hands. It protects your skin and helps prevent skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It should be at least an SPF 15. Do not sunbathe or use tanning booths.

Practice safe sex

Safe sex  is good for your emotional and physical health. The safest form of sex is between 2 people who only have sex with each other. Use protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the most effective form of prevention. Talk to your doctor if you need to be tested for STIs.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco

Smoking and tobacco use are harmful habits. They can cause heart disease and mouth, throat, or lung cancer. They also are leading factors of emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The sooner  you quit , the better.

Limit how much alcohol you drink

Men should have no more than 2 drinks a day. Women should have no more than 1 drink a day. One drink is equal to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.  Too much alcohol  can damage your liver. It can cause some cancers, such as throat, liver, or pancreas cancer. Alcohol abuse also contributes to deaths from car wrecks, murders, and suicides.

Things to consider

In addition to the factors listed above, you should make time for whole body health. Visit your doctors for regular checkups. This includes your primary doctor as well as your dentist and eye doctor. Let your health benefits and preventive care services work for you. Make sure you know what your health insurance plan involves. Preventive care can detect disease or prevent illness before they start. This includes certain doctor visits and screenings.

You need to make time for breast health. Breast cancer is a leading cause of death for women. Men can get breast cancer, too. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms. You may need to start screening early if you have risk factors, such as family history. One way to detect breast cancer is to do a monthly self-exam.

Women should get routine pap smears as well. Women ages 21 to 65 should get tested every 3 years. This may differ if you have certain conditions or have had your cervix removed.

Ask your doctor about other cancer screenings. Adults should get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45. Your doctor may want to check for other types of cancer. This will depend on your risk factors and family history.

If you smoke more than 30 packs a year (or vape the equivalent), your doctor may recommend a low-dose CT scan (a type of X-ray) to check for cancer.

Your doctor also may recommend a total body skin exam if you are out in the sun a great deal or have a family history of skin cancer.

Keep a list of current medicines you take. You also should stay up to date on shots, including getting an annual flu shot. Adults need a Td booster every 10 years. Your doctor may substitute it with Tdap. This also protects against whooping cough (pertussis). Women who are pregnant need the Tdap vaccine. People who are in close contact with babies should get it as well.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • How many calories should I eat and how often should I exercise to maintain my current weight?
  • Should I have a yearly physical exam?
  • What types of preventive care does my insurance cover?
  • When should I start getting screened for certain cancers and conditions?
  • Which healthy choice is the most important for me?

American Cancer Society: Cancer Risk, Screening, and Prevention National Institute on Aging: Health and Aging

Last Updated: May 31, 2023

This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

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This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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how to keep yourself healthy essay

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Healthy Lifestyle — What Does It Mean to Be Healthy

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What Does It Mean to Be Healthy

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Published: Sep 1, 2023

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Physical wellness: the foundation of health, mental and emotional equilibrium, social connections and community, harmony between mind, body, and environment, the dynamic nature of health, in conclusion.

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how to keep yourself healthy essay

14 Ways to Stay Fit and Healthy

a woman playing tennis, as a way to stay fit and healthy

You want to be or stay fit and healthy, but where do you start? It may seem overwhelming, but it's the small things you do each day that add up to a fit and healthy lifestyle.

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Accept that you're always a work in progress, and use these 14 tips as a guide for your journey on the path to good health.

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1. Kick Unhealthy Habits

Habits are a part of life, and they can be helpful in a lot of ways. But those that are pleasure-based are so much harder to quit, according to the National Institutes of Health — and oftentimes bad for your health.

Because there's no way to do any of these in a healthy way, the "to-quit" category includes:

  • Excessive drinking

Unhealthy eating and being sedentary can also develop into bad habits if they're not done in moderation, according to the University of Phoenix .

"Habits become habits because they are easy and provide reward," says Shanna Levine, MD , board-certified internal medicine doctor and owner of Goals Healthcare. "In order to kick bad habits, surround yourself with people that maintain healthy habits, and make healthy habits easy and rewarding. For example, if you use a nicotine vape and your boyfriend does too, you should both quit together."

A good way to break unhealthy habits is to change your routine, replacing bad habits with good ones.

"If you want to exercise, make it fun . Find a workout buddy or invest in home tools that make it effortless," Dr. Levine says. "I like to watch my favorite shows on the iPad while using my indoor bike, and the hours fly by."

Of course, it'll take some time to kick your unhealthy habits , but it's worth it if you want to lead a healthier lifestyle.

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2. get your checkups.

a patient getting a checkup at the doctor, as a way to stay fit and healthy

Get to your doctor for an annual physical just to make sure everything is as it should be. Routine health exams can help find problems before they really start and help catch health issues early, when chances for treatment and cure are higher, according to the National Library of Medicine .

"As a primary care physician, I cannot stress enough the importance of checkups," says Dr. Levine. "Many of my patients are able to identify and treat many conditions before they become chronic and/or irreversible."

Most routine checkups are covered by insurance, so take full advantage of those benefits. That being said, pay attention to your body and any symptoms you're having, and see your doctor if anything seems awry, even if it's not time for a checkup.

If you put off doctor's appointments because your physician doesn't seem to really listen to your concerns or shames you about your health in some way, those may be signs it's time to find a new doctor .

3. Make Sleep a Priority

Sleep affects our physical and mental health tremendously, and many people don't get enough, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Lack of sleep adversely affects mood and mental health, concentration, memory, weight, the immune system and cardiovascular health. Sleep allows the body to heal, repair and rejuvenate itself in a way it simply cannot when a person is awake.

The CDC recommends the following amounts of quality sleep each night for adults:

  • ​ Ages 18 to 60: ​ 7 or more hours
  • ​ Ages 61 to 64: ​ 7 to 9 hours
  • ​ Ages 65 and older: ​ 7 to 8 hours

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4. exercise regularly.

Woman Using Exercise Weights in home, as an example of what to do to keep fit

When it comes to staying fit, the benefits of consistent exercise should come as no shock. Working out helps manage weight and build muscle, combats health conditions, improves mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep (see above!) and can even put a spark back into your sex life, according to the Mayo Clinic .

Adults should aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio (think: walking , jogging, biking ) or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio ( running , swimming ) throughout the week, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans . And strength training that works all the major muscle groups should be done at least two days per week.

Related Reading

Your Guide to Strength Training for Beginners and 6 Exercises to Try

5. Eat a Nutritious Diet

A nutritious diet is one of the most important ways to stay healthy and fit. The benefits of choosing healthy foods include:

  • Improved heart health
  • Better gut health
  • Healthier skin
  • Weight loss
  • Improved mood
  • Less brain fog
  • Balanced blood sugar

Get as many fiber-rich fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet as possible and make them the main part of your overall diet, recommends the CDC . Include lean sources of protein such as poultry, fish, tofu and beans. Eat balanced meals and learn portion control in order to stay within your calorie needs.

Limit the sugar, refined carbs (think: desserts and white bread, rice and pasta) and processed foods (packaged fare with long ingredient lists) in your diet, as these tend to serve up lots of calories with little nutritional value.

6. Enjoy Breakfast Every Day

Woman making healthy breakfast in kitchen, as an example of how to stay healthy and fit

A nutritious breakfast starts your day off right. It not only sets you up so you have energy and fuel for optimal mental and physical performance, but also to maintain stable blood sugar levels and a healthy weight because you are less likely to overindulge later in the day, according to the Cleveland Clinic .

"This is essential. Your breakfast should be nutritional and satisfying," says Dr. Levine.

If you're short on time, pre-plan your morning meal the night before or pick one day a week to make several nutritious grab-and-go breakfasts.

" Smoothies are perfect as you can customize them, they're easy to digest and you can pack a lot of healthy calories in," Dr. Levine says.

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7. hydrate with water.

Staying hydrated is a daily necessity to keep your body functioning properly. All fluids support hydration, but plain water is still the best choice for maintaining a healthy body, according to Harvard Health Publishing .

The benefits of drinking water include:

  • Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells
  • Flushes the bladder's bacteria
  • Aids in digestion and prevents constipation
  • Normalizes blood pressure
  • Stabilizes the heart
  • Cushions joints and protects organs
  • Regulates body temperature
  • Maintains the sodium level in your body

Convinced yet?

So, how much water should you drink a day ? A good general guidelines is to aim for half your body weight in ounces. So, if you weigh 180 pounds, aim for about 90 ounces, or about 11 cups.

8. Reduce Your Stress

Father Carries Son On Hike Through Forest Trail, as an example of how to stay healthy

Stress is a normal survival response to everyday life pressures, but it can become pretty unhealthy when it starts to disrupt day-to-day functioning, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

Indeed, chronic stress can affect almost every part of the body — musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous and reproductive systems, the APA notes.

So, how can you handle it?

The APA suggests the following to reduce the harmful effects of stress on the body :

  • Regular exercise
  • Doing what you love (think: hobbies you enjoy)
  • Setting appropriate boundaries
  • Spirituality
  • Being in nature
  • Surrounding yourself with people who support you
  • Seeking help from a medical professional

Dr. Levine also believes that meditation, journaling, aromatherapy and reducing or eliminating social media are all quick and easy ways to reduce stress .

"Start with a one-minute guided meditation," she says. "Take 10 minutes in the morning to journal about everything you are grateful for. Grab a small bottle of lavender oil and smell it when you feel stressed. Every little act builds up to a less stressed day."

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9. don't bottle it up.

Like stress, emotions like fear, anger and grief are a normal part of life. Keeping those emotions bottled up inside can cause mental and emotional stress as well as physical symptoms, according to a February 2019 review in the ​ International Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research ​. Unexpressed feelings can lead to cardiac abnormalities and depression.

Plus, an October 2013 study in the ​ Journal of Psychosomatic Research ​ found that people who bottled up their emotions increased their risk of premature death from all causes by more than 30 percent, with their risk of being diagnosed with cancer increasing by 70 percent. Although it's important to note that more research is needed in this area.

Start by acknowledging your feelings, then talk about them — you can even start a journal or express yourself through some sort of art. And if you think you need to take a bigger step, therapy is always a fantastic option, according to Mental Health America .

Not all mental health services are covered by insurance, so checking your plan's coverage is a good place to start when searching for a therapist .

10. Find Your Zen

Young woman doing yoga exercise at home, as an example of how to stay healthy and fit

Yoga and meditation don't just help with relaxation and stress reduction — there are tons of physical and mental benefits that these two practices offer.

The benefits of yoga , according to John Hopkins Medicine , include the following:

  • Improves balance, strength and mobility
  • Helps with back pain
  • Eases arthritis symptoms
  • Is good for your heart
  • Promotes good sleep
  • Increases your energy and elevates your mood
  • Helps manage stress
  • Connects you with a supportive community if you choose to do it in a studio

Some studies also suggest that yoga can help with osteopenia (bone loss), cancer, women's health issues and chronic pain.

Meditation's benefits are equally impressive . The National Institutes of Health states that meditation techniques can help reduce:

  • High blood pressure
  • Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
  • Anxiety and depression

Data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that meditation use by American adults tripled between 2012 and 2017.

So why not find a local yoga class in your neighborhood or download a meditation app ? Set aside some quiet time for yourself and get your zen on.

11. Get Vaccinated

Being vaccinated and staying up to date with your shots is one very important way to stay healthy.

Vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated diseases that once harmed or killed people of all ages. These diseases are still around, though, so if you're not up to date with vaccinations, you're putting yourself at risk.

"It is so important to have a primary care physician. They're your gatekeepers for reviewing appropriate vaccinations as well as screening for age-appropriate illnesses." Dr. Levine says.

Each year in the U.S., thousands of people become seriously ill from diseases that vaccines could've prevented, according the CDC . And even if they were vaccinated as a child, some vaccines' protection can wear off.

So, keep up with vaccines and boosters, and protect yourself as well as your family, friends and coworkers. (P.S.: Vaccines are way cheaper than hospitalizations!)

Follow this vaccine schedule to protect yourself (and your kids) at every age.

12. Wash Those Hands

close view of a person washing their hands at the sink, as an example of how to stay healthy

Did you know that the number one way to prevent the spread of germs is by maintaining good hand hygiene? It's that easy!

According to the CDC , hand-washing with soap and water can prevent approximately 30 percent of diarrhea-related sicknesses and about 20 percent of respiratory infections like colds. And lessening the number of these infections helps prevent the overuse of antibiotics, which is another health hazard.

If you're out and about where hand-washing isn't an option, you can sanitize your mitts by using disinfecting hand wipes or a liquid hand sanitizer .

13. Manage Your Conditions

If you have a chronic illness or condition, it's so important to manage it. More and more conditions are emerging, so the rate of self-management continues to grow as a crucial method to managing these conditions, preventing illness and promoting wellness, according to an August 2014 review by the American Public Health Association .

It's not only important to be on top of checkups and medications, but it's also a necessity to work with your health care provider in order to be supported and educated on self-management skills. This will help build the confidence you need to lead a healthier life, according to The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality .

14. Grow a Support System

back view of friends sitting together and comforting one another, as an example of how to stay healthy

A support system benefits your mental health as well as your physical health. Having some people that you trust and can talk to can help you cope with everyday challenges, make difficult decisions or even aid in a crisis situation.

Family members, friends, teachers, neighbors and/or colleagues can help combat loneliness, social isolations, anxiety — whatever it is you need, according to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing's Mental Health First Aid .

And having a support network while working on nutrition and exercise is a must! Having friends or family members who are encouraging of your healthy eating and exercise goals is vital for long-term success, according to the Mayo Clinic . It could be someone to lean on when you're discouraged, someone to work out with or even someone to watch your kids while you cook or work out.

So, make sure to reach out to family and friends, join clubs, take classes or volunteer at your favorite organization, find a peer support group and find local events to attend.

Why Social Support Is Key for Weight Loss, and Where to Find It

  • National Institutes of Health: "Breaking Bad Habits"
  • University of Phoenix: "How to Form Health Habits (and Break Bad Ones)"
  • National Library of Medicine: "Health Checkup"
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "The Basics About Sleep"
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "How Much Sleep Do I Need?"
  • Mayo Clinic: "7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity"
  • Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition: "Active Adults"
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight"
  • Cleveland Clinic: Is Breakfast Important?"
  • Harvard Health Publishing: "How Much Water Should You Drink?"
  • American Psychological Association: "Stress Relief is Within Reach"
  • American Psychological Association: "Stress Effects on the Body"
  • International Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research: "Consequences of Repression of Emotion: Physical Health, Mental Health and General Well Being"
  • Journal of Psychosomatic Research: "Emotion Suppression and Mortality Risk Over a 12-Year. Follow-Up"
  • Mental Health America: "Helpful Vs Harmful: Ways To Manage Emotions"
  • John Hopkins Medicine: "9 Benefits of Yoga"
  • National Institutes of Health: "Meditation: In Depth"
  • 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Why Vaccines are Important for You"
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Show Me the Science - Why Wash Your Hands?"
  • American Public Health Association: "Self-Management: A Comprehensive Approach to Management of Chronic Conditions"
  • The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: "Why is Self-Management Support Important?"
  • Mental Health First Aid: "The Importance of Having a Support System"
  • Mayo Clinic: "Social Support: A Necessity for Weight Loss"

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

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There are many things you can do to stay healthy both mentally and physically. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all important factors in maintaining good health . It’s also important to find ways to manage stress in your life, whether that means meditating, spending time with friends and family, or pursuing a hobby you enjoy. By taking care of yourself both physically and mentally, you can live a happy and healthy life. There are many things you can do to stay healthy, and it really depends on your lifestyle and preferences. However, some tips on how to stay healthy include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels. If you can focus on these four areas, you will be well on your way to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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There are many things you can do to stay healthy. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly are two of the most important things you can do for your physical health. But it’s also important to take care of your mental health. Spend time with friends and family, do things you enjoy, and find ways to deal with stress in a healthy way. Taking care of yourself both physically and mentally will help you stay healthy and happy. Getting enough sleep is just a another thing that you can do to maintain your health. Making small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in your overall health, so don’t hesitate to start making healthier choices today. Avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your body healthy and improve your overall wellbeing. If you do all of these things, you will be well on your way to being healthy.

Paragraph on How to Stay Healthy- 200 Words

There are a few things you can do to stay healthy mentally. First, make sure you get enough sleep. Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have mental health problems. Second, eat healthy foods. Eating nutritious foods helps your body and mind to function at their best. Third, exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Finally, spend time with friends and family. Connecting with loved ones can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood. Additionally, there are lots of small things you can do to stay healthy and feel your best. Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all important components of a healthy lifestyle. Making these changes can be difficult, but they’re worth it in the long run. Feeling good physically and mentally will help you enjoy life more and achieve your goals. So don’t put off making these changes — start today and see how much better you’ll feel tomorrow. Ultimately comes down to finding what works best for you. However, there are some general tips that can help everyone live a healthier life. By following these tips, you can put yourself on the path to better health and wellbeing.

Paragraph on How to Stay Healthy- 300 Words

There are many things you can do to stay healthy. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are important. You should also avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Additionally, it is important to get enough sleep and to reduce stress levels. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Taking steps to stay healthy mentally is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Another important thing you can do to stay healthy mentally is to make sure you have a good support system. This could include family, friends, or a therapist. Eat healthy foods that give you the nutrients your brain needs to function properly. Third, exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins that have mood-boosting effects. Fourth, spend time with loved ones and friends. Social interaction is important for maintaining mental health. Finally, find a hobby or activity that you enjoy and make time for it in your schedule. Doing things you enjoy helps reduce stress and promote positive thinking. You can also try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to a friend or therapist. They can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to stay healthy, but there are some general tips that can help. First and foremost, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to get regular exercise, get enough sleep, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use. By following these simple tips, you can give yourself a good foundation for a healthy lifestyle. It can be hard to control your weight and maintain healthy habits, but you’ll reap great benefits in the long-run. The first thing to do is not gain any more weight, as this has real value. Second, once you’re ready, work on shedding some pounds to give yourself an even greater health boost. You can see where you fall on the range of weight by clicking here.

Tips on staying healthy

  • How to add more physical activity into your daily life
  • Prevent health issues by getting off the couch
  • Freeze extra fruits and vegetables
  • Follow these tips to stay health.

Paragraph on How to Stay Healthy- 400 +  Words

Introduction

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! by following some simple tips and tricks, you can easily make healthy living a part of your everyday routine. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best ways to stay healthy and fit.

The Importance of Staying Healthy

There are countless benefits to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases, to improving your mental wellbeing, staying healthy is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life. One of the best ways to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods helps to ensure that your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. It’s also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats. In addition to eating a healthy diet, it’s also important to get regular exercise. Exercise helps to improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your muscles and bones, and boost your energy levels. It can also help to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and increase your overall sense of wellbeing. Making small changes in your lifestyle can go a long way towards helping you stay healthy. So start today by making some healthier choices, and feel the difference that being healthy can make in your life!

Tips to stay Healthy

It is very important to take care of your health and there are many ways to stay healthy. To maintain a good health, you must eat healthy food, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and rest, drink plenty of water and avoid stress. A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meat and fish. You should avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats. Eating a healthy diet will help you maintain a healthy weight, have more energy and avoid diseases. Exercise is important for overall health and it has many benefits including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity on most days of the week. You can also do strength training exercises two or three times per week to improve muscle strength and bone density. Getting enough sleep is critical for good health. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep helps to rejuvenate the body and can help to reduce stress levels. Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health as it helps to flush out toxins from the body. It is recommended

How can you prevent illness?

There are many things you can do to prevent illness, including:

-eating a healthy diet

-exercising regularly

-washing your hands often

-avoiding close contact with sick people

-getting vaccinated against the flu and other diseases

What are some tips for staying healthy?

There are many things you can do to stay healthy and reduce your risk of developing health problems. By following a few simple tips, you can help keep yourself – and your family – healthy and happy.

Here are some tips for staying healthy:

  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and is low in fat, salt, and sugar.
  • Get regular exercise. Exercise helps keep your heart and lungs healthy and can help reduce stress.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the nited States. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting is the best hing you can do for your health.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to health problems such as liver disease and cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
  • Get enough sleep. Most adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep helps improve concentration and mood and can help reduce stress levels.

How can you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

There are many ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it really depends on what works best for you. You may need to make some changes to your current routine, or you may be able to stick to what you’re doing and just make a few tweaks here and there. Some basic things that can help you stay healthy include eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. You should also try to reduce stress in your life as much as possible. If you smoke, quit; if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Staying healthy is not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to enjoy your life more and avoid potential health problems down the road. So start making some changes today and see how much better you feel tomorrow!

What are some common health risks?

There are many health risks that people face on a daily basis. Some of the most common risks include:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure

These health risks can be mitigated by following some simple tips:

  • eating a healthy diet
  • exercising regularly
  • avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • getting adequate sleep

From eating healthy and exercising to getting enough sleep and managing stress, there are a number of things you can do to stay healthy. And while some health tips may work better for some people than others, the most important thing is to find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine. With a little effort and dedication, you can be on your way to feeling your best every day.

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How To Keep Yourself Healthy Essay

Maintaining a healthy body is not that easy and not so difficult also. Always there is a need to be healthy because unhealthy body will be attacked by many diseases. Here we will discuss about some tips which will help to have a happy and healthy life.

Most important tip for a healthy body is to have healthy food and eat them at proper time. Avoid eating junk food. None of the nutrients are available in these junks foods so no point in having them. Your diet should contain food which has more nutrients. Try to include leafy vegetables, fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, and fish in your daily diet. Make sure you are having your breakfast regularly. Skipping your breakfast regularly will definitely affect your health. If water content in your body goes low then it will lead to dehydration. So to keep the body healthy make sure you drink more amount of water daily.

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Exercise also pays a vital role in keeping your body healthy. Regular exercise will also keep your body in good health. By exercise it doesn’t mean a simple and slow walk. It should be in such a way that your body should start sweating. You can go for running, do cycling, walking faster etc. Daily find some time 30 mints to one hour per day for your exercise. Have a regular checking of your weight and try to control it. It’s nice to have Medical checkups and dental checkups by which you can have an idea about your health condition.

Apart from these always try to manage your stress. Most people due to stress at work have health problems. By controlling your stress you can maintain a healthy body. Bad habits like smoking, drinking, using of drugs should be avoided. Usage of these items will have a very bad affect on your health. Your body should get enough time to take rest. Make sure you get a sleep of 8 hours daily. Sleep is very important for healthy body and also for mental and emotional happiness.

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A young woman with brown hair and a blue blouse sits in front of a book, pencil, salad bowl, and alarm clock on a table and winks and smiles while lifting a small orange weight

“How can we help teens develop a healthy relationship with food and movement, and create preferences that will carry them forward?” asks Erin Hennessy, dean for research strategy and associate professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and director of the project ChildObesity180. Illustration: Silvia Stecher / Ikon Images

On Teens, Nutrition, and Exercise: How to Encourage Healthy Habits

Experts across Tufts outline the challenges for today’s teens when it comes to healthy eating and physical activity, and how parents and caregivers can help

Ask a teenager whether they’re eating healthy or getting enough exercise, and you might get a blank look.

With school getting more demanding, extracurricular activities multiplying, and college applications looming, teens have a lot going on. Many are also starting to work jobs, care for younger siblings, and take on other family duties–even amid drastic changes to their hormone levels and bodies, as well as their sense of who they are and their relationships with family and peers. 

woman with dark hair and pink blouse smiling at camera

Dietitian Venus Kalami, N20

“It all comes together in a way that can be really wonderful, but also really overwhelming,” said Venus Kalami, N20, director of pediatric nutrition at the company Solid Starts, who has worked heavily with teens in her seven years of experience as a clinical dietitian.

Erin Hennessy , dean for research strategy and associate professor at the  Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts and director of the project  ChildObesity180 , agreed. “In the order of things that teens have to be concerned about, nutrition and exercise are low,” she said.

But as a public health concern, they’re high on the list. Whether they know it or not, most teens are not meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in major ways, according to  Christina Economos , dean of the Friedman School and founder of ChildObesity180. 

Christina Economos, Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition, poses for a portrait

Christina Economos

They’re eating fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and more added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium than the guidelines advise. And only one in five adolescents are meeting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities (60 minutes of physical activity a day, 30 of them “vigorous”).

Due to demanding schedules and other factors, many teens find it difficult to eat regular meals and stay hydrated, Kalami said, which leads to lower energy levels and worse moods. 

If not addressed, it can affect their health in the long run, too. Not building enough muscle and bone can lead to lower bone density in adulthood. Obesity in adolescence makes adult obesity almost 18 times more likely–and almost 30% of teens today have overweight or obesity, compared to 15% 60 years ago. On top of that, a record high 10% of U.S. households with children are food insecure, and rates of eating disorders among teens are on the rise. All this only got worse over the pandemic, with many parents out of work, teens stuck at home, and high levels of stress across the board.

But there are things that teens and the adults around them can do to promote healthier eating and more exercise, Tufts experts agreed–and there is reason for optimism, Hennessy added.

Erin Hennessy

Erin Hennessy

“Over the past few decades as we’ve seen an increase in obesity rates, we have also seen a shift in interest among children, teens, and young adults who are becoming much more interested in food, food justice, agriculture, the environment, and how those pieces are interconnected,” Hennessy said. “They’re coming to us at the Friedman School with far more understanding and knowledge about the field than I’ve ever seen, and it’s great to see that kind of shift and personal engagement with those topics.”

Tips for vegetarian and vegan teens

  • Contrary to popular belief, kids and teenagers can be vegetarians or vegans and still eat a healthy, complete diet that meets all their nutrient needs.
  • Eating vegetarian or vegan does not automatically make for a healthy diet. 
  • Cow’s milk is not less healthy than plant-based milks, and can play an important role in a healthy diet if you’re vegetarian but not vegan.
  • If you’re vegan, drink plant-based milks for calcium and vitamin D—particularly soy milk, which has high bioavailability of these nutrients.
  • Eat high-protein plant-based foods, such as nuts, beans, and seeds—quinoa is a great high-protein alternative to rice or pasta. Read the ingredients before buying meat substitutes, which can be high in added sugars and sodium.
  • Eat plant-based foods high in iron, such as beans and leafy greens. Try to consume vitamin C-rich foods (such as citrus fruits) at the same time to increase your iron absorption.
  • If you’re vegetarian, consume eggs and dairy to meet your vitamin B12 needs. If you’re vegan, consume nutritional yeast or B12-fortified products such as plant-based milks or yogurts.

Source: Christina Economos, dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

Challenges for Teen Nutrition and Exercise

As children become teens, their energy and nutrient needs shoot up to an all-time high, because their bodies are growing. Particularly important for this growth are protein (for new tissue of all kinds), calcium and vitamin D (for bones), and iron, especially for those who are beginning to menstruate.

At the same time, teens’ schedules are getting busier, and their sleeping hours are shifting, leading to more barriers with eating regular meals and instead, leaning more on snacking. They are eating less at home, where parents might offer a healthy menu, and more with their friends or on their own–which leads to more fast food, processed snacks, soda, and sports drinks, especially at high schools with nearby convenience stores. “There’s a whole system that pushes the production, distribution, access, marketing, and palatability of unhealthy processed and  ultra-processed foods ,” Economos said.

Teens’ higher order executive functions such as impulse control and long-term thinking are still developing, making it tougher to make nutritious choices in a landscape already skewed toward unhealthy options. And with adolescence comes greater self-consciousness about one’s body and eating, more scrutiny and comparison on social media, and increasing levels of judgment from a society with unrealistic expectations about body size and weight–adding an extra level of stress, which drives emotional eating.

“There are growth spurts that cause their height and weight to shift in ways they haven’t experience before,” Hennessy said. “They can feel like their bodies are no longer in their control, which can cause stress and anxiety.”

More teenagers are also struggling with food allergies or intolerances, or medical conditions requiring dietary limitations–and the stress that comes along with them. “We can see a lot of over-restriction out of fear of accidentally ingesting something,” Kalami said. “And this may affect social life, hanging out with friends, participating in team sport events, and many domains of life.”

On the exercise side of things, Hennessy pointed out that research shows teens—particularly those who identify as girls—are less physically active than younger children. It helps to have access to team sports, exercise programs, or any physical activity opportunity and the support for engaging in these opportunities.  But it also takes an environment—like having green space and neighborhoods safe to walk in—to also be physically active. Many teens from marginalized communities don’t have this type of access, she said.

And even parents’ most well-meaning efforts to improve teens’ eating and exercise can backfire. Studies show that an authoritarian parenting style, or one that’s high in control (lots of rules, restriction and controlling parental behaviors) and low in responsiveness (a lack of openness, warmth, support), is correlated with disordered eating symptoms in youths up to 18 years old, and high-risk behaviors such as substance abuse.

“Some younger adolescents are more comfortable with the rules and structure that their parents create and lay down,” Hennessy said, referring to the developmental psychology concept of the legitimacy of parental authority. “But older teens especially feel there are particular domain areas that their parents should not be making rules about, like who their friends are, or the ways they move their bodies, or what they ingest.”  This can cause tension between parents and their teens.

Tips for teens with food allergies and intolerances

  • Get the facts. If you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, visit an allergist for a blood test, skin prick test, or oral food challenge to determine what foods cause what reactions. If you were diagnosed a long time ago, visit an allergist again and see what treatment options may be available to you.
  • Don’t unnecessarily cut out foods. Over-restriction can also be problematic. If you can comfortably consume a food without having difficulties, keep doing so. Try not to cut out foods you don’t have reactions to.
  • With food allergies, take precautions . Read food labels and learn to properly interpret them. Ask about ingredients and cross-contamination potential at restaurants. Get an EpiPen prescription and always carry one in your purse or backpack, in addition to any other allergy medications; make sure your family or friends know how to administer it if you can’t (and what you’re allergic to). 

Source: Dietitian Venus Kalami, N20

Tips to Promote Better Nutrition in Teens

In light of these many factors, what can parents do to supporting teens in nourishing their bodies and finding forms of exercise that make sense for them? Tufts experts offered guidance ranging from being aware of specific nutrients, to including teens in food-related decision-making in the family.

Margie Skeer , interim chair of the public health and community medicine department at  Tufts University School of Medicine , advised having regular family meals. Besides being linked to higher fruit and vegetable consumption and lower rates of disordered eating among adolescents, family meals have a protective effect against other high-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse. 

It’s also essential to recognize the many forces in play beyond individual choice, and to approach nutrition and exercise as not solely the teen’s problem, but a function of the overall health of the teen’s family and the broader environmental context in which the family is situated, Hennessy said.

Margie Skeer

Margie Skeer. Photo: Anna Miller

It’s essential to recognize the many forces in play beyond individual choice, and to approach nutrition and exercise as not the teen’s problem, but a function of the overall health of the teen’s family and environment, Hennessy said.

“How can we help teens develop a healthy relationship with food and movement, and create preferences that will carry them forward?” she asked. “How do we help create that foundation to return to throughout life for those who don’t have it, and how do we maintain it for those who do?”

Start with yourself.  “How do I get my teen to go on a diet / exercise?” is a common online search phrase around teens and nutrition. But Hennessy suggested first stepping back and asking, “How am I role modeling healthy behaviors for my child?” and to shift the thinking from focusing on one child to thinking about the whole family and how the whole family can support and adopt healthy eating and movement behaviors. 

Provide structure without being intrusive.  Structure refers to the way parents organize their child’s environment to facilitate their child’s competence.  What does that look like in practice?  Setting rules and limits, providing limited or guiding choices, setting routines, role modeling, involving teens in food preparation and meal selection, and making healthy food available and accessible. 

Know your teen’s nutritional needs.  Consult a pediatrician or dietitian, Economos said, as well as resources such as the  USDA’s MyPlate Nutrition Information for Teens . Pay special attention to whether your teen is getting enough dairy or plant-based dairy alternatives (for calcium and vitamin D), and iron sources such as red meat, beans, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.

Watch for changes and patterns.  Rather than focusing on your teen’s size or weight, watch for new behaviors such as skipping meals, starting to eat much more or less, as well as higher stress levels around food, Hennessy said. Observe how often these behaviors repeat and provide support for your teen, and if there is ever a concern about certain behaviors, consult your healthcare provider.

Connect with your teen.  Kalami has often asked about teenage clients’ passions and interests, which can provide the will and the ways to improve health. Skeer emphasized not just spending mealtimes with teens (ideally at least half of all meals), but making sure it’s quality time—meaning a relaxed, supportive environment with open communication and no distractions (such as phones). “Parents eating meals with teens conveys that spending time together is important to them,” Skeer said.

Empower your teen. Instead of prescribing healthy habits, learn your teen’s goals around eating–for example, being a vegetarian–and help them accomplish them in a healthy way, Hennessy said. Economos highlighted the importance of including kids in meal planning and preparation from a young age, teaching them culinary skills and healthy approaches to eating.

Look to local resources. Organizations like  Girls on the Run can bring teenage girls together with supportive adults to walk, jog, and run in their neighborhoods, while local dance classes could introduce elements of culture and fun, Economos said. Teens can also get together to walk or train for a 5K, or take free online classes on yoga or strength training. “Goal setting as a group, and a structure where people care if you’re coming, can be really helpful,” Economos said.

Find one small change that works. Whether it’s swapping in nuts for potato chips, setting phone alarms to drink water, dancing to Zumba videos, or going to the park with a friend or family member, it’s the small, realistic changes that make a difference, Kalami said–and you can start with just one.

Support balance and variety. Encourage not just physical health, but overall “food-related quality of life,” said Kalami–especially among teens anxious about eating the wrong thing. “One of the main things I advocate for is minimizing unnecessary restriction, and loosening it up so we can get some flexibility, freedom, and variety back in our lives,” Kalami said.

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  1. How to Keep Yourself Healthy Essay

    Keep your hands clean regularly because many diseases can attack your body though you hands. Try to maintain good hygiene which will keep all the sickness away from your body. Do a regular body as well as dental checkups. Maintain your healthy weight and make sure it is under control.

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    Eating Right. To stay healthy, the food you eat is very important. Imagine your body is like a car; it needs the right fuel to run well. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables because they are like the best gas for your body. Try to eat a rainbow of colors from these foods every day. Also, eat foods with protein like chicken, fish, beans, or nuts.

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    Steps you can take: Be physically active for 30 minutes most days of the week. Break this up into three 10-minute sessions when pressed for time. Healthy movement may include walking, sports, dancing, yoga, running or other activities you enjoy. Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

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    Limit the sugar, refined carbs (think: desserts and white bread, rice and pasta) and processed foods (packaged fare with long ingredient lists) in your diet, as these tend to serve up lots of calories with little nutritional value. 6. Enjoy Breakfast Every Day. Don't skip the a.m. meal.

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    Put your goal on the calendar. Make working toward your goal a habit. Plan for imperfection. Set small goals to build momentum. Track your progress. Reward yourself for the little wins as well as the big ones. Embrace positive peer pressure. Practice gratitude (including for yourself). Do some mood lifting.

  18. Amazing Paragraph on How to Stay Healthy 100, 150, 200, 300 and 400 + Words

    By following a few simple tips, you can help keep yourself - and your family - healthy and happy. Here are some tips for staying healthy: Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and is low in fat, salt, and sugar. ... 100, 150, 200, 300 and 400 + Words Long and Short Essay on Mental Health ...

  19. How to Keep Yourself Healthy Essay

    Skipping your breakfast regularly will definitely affect your health. If water content in your body goes low then it will lead to dehydration. So to keep the body healthy make sure you drink more amount of water daily. Get Help With Your Essay. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help!

  20. How To Keep Yourself Healthy Essay

    Most important tip for a healthy body is to have healthy food and eat them at proper time. Avoid eating junk food. None of the nutrients are available in these junks foods so no point in having them. Your diet should contain food which has more nutrients. Try to include leafy vegetables, fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, and fish in your daily diet.

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    Instead of prescribing healthy habits, learn your teen's goals around eating-for example, being a vegetarian-and help them accomplish them in a healthy way, Hennessy said. Economos highlighted the importance of including kids in meal planning and preparation from a young age, teaching them culinary skills and healthy approaches to eating.