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The ways for living a healthy lifestyle are no secret to anybody. Everybody knows everything about how to live such a life. Most of us are also aware why we should follow a healthy active lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle prevents stress and diseases. If you live your life in a healthy way you can prevent or delay diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even death.
If there are so many benefits of a healthy lifestyle then what stops you from living that kind of life?
What’s Wrong with my Lifestyle
I’m not really pointing my finger at you, but it is directed to all of us who are overweight, obese, and those who fail the test of fitness and well-being.
The statistics show that about one-third of American adults and about 17% of American children and adolescents are obese.
In England, nearly half the population of adult males are overweight and 17% classified as obese, whereas about one-third of women are overweight and 21% are obese.
The stats might not be correct but they indeed truly say and show that there’s a problem.
The problem is with something that everybody is doing.
The problem is with our lifestyle.
It’s not only America and England; the rest of the world is catching up and following the pattern. What is going on and why should we be alarmed?
If we do not change our lifestyle, we will suffer and face doom.
Obesity increases the chance of developing stroke, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Obesity is directly linked to unhealthy lifestyle. Of course, exceptions are obesity due to genetic factors and complicated medical conditions.
However, even those who’re not overweight or obese also live an unhealthy lifestyle; it’s just that we cannot make it by their appearance.
A healthy lifestyle is one that leads the person towards being fit, active, with a feeling of well-being. Living a healthy lifestyle brings peace and happiness in life in some ways, directly or indirectly.
Components of a Healthy Lifestyle
You might know what really makes up living a healthy lifestyle, but here’s a recap.
What leads to an unhealthy lifestyle are – over eating, not exercising, taking excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and drug abuse.
Even if you do any one of the above as a part of your lifestyle, you inch yourself towards the demons of life – diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Since this deadly progression happens gradually, one doesn’t sometimes see and feel the negative change going on within the body.
And this is one reason people laugh at and ignore the warnings.
The golden rule for living a healthy lifestyle is DEAL –
- Diet Control
- Exercise Daily
- Avoid Tobacco
- Limit Alcohol
Now, is it a difficult deal to follow?
Obstacles to Living a Healthy Lifestyle
We know why and how to deal with our lifestyle, and yet we’re unable to change it.
Again, what’s stopping you from living a healthier lifestyle?
Our mind.
A healthy lifestyle has to have a mutual understanding and coöperation of the mind and the body. You need to strongly make up your mind to follow the way of being healthy.
The bitter truth is that –
We just don’t want to change. Change is sometimes not comfortable. You need a strong belief and will to change your place, stand, mind, ways, and lifestyle.
We like anything that comes easy. Difficult options require efforts, and we settle for what is available before us, like junk food.
We form some hard to break habits. A behavior pattern followed for a long period gets the better of us or we’re not able to get over it.
We become addicted to certain substances. Once you start smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs, the mind and body both give up.
Once we take the mind on our side, we can manipulate our thoughts, and fill ourselves with positivity, belief, will to get over the resistance to change, break the habits, and make efforts.
Think positive. Use positive affirmations. Take up a challenge and make a goal to follow. Try to control your urges and desires by diverting your attention.
We need to follow certain routines that help us train our body and mind to adopt the healthier lifestyle over a period.
The Way to Live a Healthy Lifestyle
You need to make smart and wise choices to set your life course to a healthy destination. You need to choose what to eat, drink, how much to work, sleep, and what to do and not do.
Here are some model lifestyle behaviors that may help you get started. You can make check of how many of these you follow in your life.
- Diet – Eat food that has a minimal amount of unhealthy fats and sugar, and eat in moderation. Have lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Water – Drink up to 8 glasses of water every day. It washes down the toxins in the body and helps keep up healthy weight.
- Exercise – Walk, jog, exercise or workout every day for at least half an hour. Cardiovascular exercises are good for the heart.
- Body weight – Know your weight and maintain a healthy weight as per your age and body type.
- Entertainment – Have fun in life and enjoy its big and small moments, and be with family and friends.
- Sleep – Get plenty of sleep or at least 8 hours a day as those who sleep less are more stressed and weight more.
- Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs – Say no to any kind of addictive practices. Also cut down on your caffeine.
- Nature – De-stress yourself by being with nature and reduce the use of gadgets and continuous sitting work.
- Mind-control – Do meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga to calm your mind. Be happy, have the right attitude and a high level of optimism.
- Hygiene – Maintain proper sanitary practices and lead a hygienic way of life.
Here are some more tips for a healthier lifestyle. I hope you’re doing most of these recommended behaviors for living a healthy lifestyle. I’m certainly doing most of it and I feel the difference.
Now that you’ve read this article, take a pledge that you’ll increase your movements and decrease your food and drinks. I bet you’ll feel the change in a few days.
Change over to a healthier lifestyle for your family and loved ones, who want you to live longer. You can avoid the dreadful diseases if you start being health conscious from today.
I wish you all success in achieving a healthy active lifestyle.
Over to you –
Do you think you’ve a healthy lifestyle? Are you doing all that is required for living a healthy lifestyle? What is stopping you from achieving it? Share in the comments below.
Photo credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
hey, Harleena singh
Thank you so much for sharing an amazing article, i got so many points after reading this article.☺
To change your life first you need to change the way you treat yourself. Love yourself(even your bad self), and try every day to make a small improvement. Your goal should be to evolve and become the ideal person that you dream you can be. Change your inside and the way you feel for yourself and then the whole world will transform magical and change around you!
Excellent article Harleena,
About a year ago I took control of my life and changed my lifestyle by going to the gym and eating according to the keto diet. This made me loose over 80 pounds in 6 months. I highly recommend everyone to look into your current situation and if you are happy or not with how you live your life. If not, only you can take the actions to change it.
Thank you for the tips. I’ve read an article telling that sitting decreases your life span. I was worried because my work requires me to sit in front of the computer.
Great write-up, Harleena.
We ourselves are to blame for the unhealthy choices we make- not exercising, eating fast and junk foods, yielding in to temptations like tobacco & alcohol, not sleeping & getting up in time, etc.
We all need to make a determined and conscious effort to give up such vices and opt for healthier lifestyles.
Till we do that, we will continue to pay a heavy price for the wrong choices made by us in the form of illnesses and diseases.
The sooner we realize the need to do so, the earlier we listen to the voice inside us which keeps telling us to change (which we so conveniently muffle all the time because the wrong path is so tempting), the better it will be for us!
Hi Harleena, I love to be healthy and trying really really hard not to have too much junk food. I recently joined the gym but after every time I finish gym I go to get things like Maccas, Fried food, Hungry Jack etc… lucky I figured it out or it’d be a big big waste spending time at gym.
Hi. And thank you for a great article.
I agree with the things you have written but I just want to add a few things.
We live in a society with a lot of stress and to little time for our self. We tend to go the easy way,by eating our meals at Mcdonalds, drive 5 minutes to the grocery instead of walking etc.
And when we have finished work we just go home and watch tv.
I think people have to change their mindset. If we don`t have time or effort. We create time and effort. Not simple, but doable.
These are helpful tips on getting healthy and staying fit that we hear all the time its just a matter of doing them. Taking baby steps in each one everyday would eventually pay off and make a difference.
Hi Harleena!
Great post and awesome tips 🙂
I am a little lucky being brought up with an active and healthy lifestyle in NZ. We have great access to fresh produce and our lifestyles revolve around being so connected to nature – a lot of outdoor activity etc… so this has been “the norm” for me. It has meant that now, moving to Sydney city, I can see the contrast of the effects of the city lifestyle! It only makes me wonder what life could have been like had I been brought up in the fast paced city since birth?
Thanks for your beautiful post!
Another fantastic post, Harleena. Last year I made a huge change to my diet and way of thinking about food – I’m glad to say that I’ve managed to stick to that and actually enjoy the changes I’ve made. Exercise is still a huge problem with me though – mostly in the mind – that’s where all our resistance comes from, doesn’t it?
Thanks for sharing the DEAL and for another reminder to make health a priority!
Hi Harleena,
Living a healthy lifestyle is a choice. You have to make up your mind and you have to stick with it. Just like Adrienne did. Not many are willing to bring the sacrifices associated with living healthy though.
I’ve always been on the skinny side until just recently when I packed on a few pounds. At first I was upset about it, but when I checked the ideal weight for my age, height and build, I’m still 5-8 pounds under. Of course the “extra” pounds I had gained are not at the places I would like them to be, LOL.
I already shared that I had tried to make it a habit to walk daily and failed. I haven’t given up on that and I walk whenever I ‘feel like it.’ But I really should be doing it more regularly. At least I don’t eat any junk food. My only vice is chocolate. I eat the healthy kind most of the time, unless I get ahold of some real German or Swiss Chocolate. …well, and I have a German beer every couple of months…Oh, and a piece of cake every two weeks when I get together with my German lady friends. (Okay, okay…chocolate, beer and cake….now I know where those “extra” pounds come from. It’s always great to write things down to really see them I guess 😉 )
But all kidding aside, I’m not doing too bad, but could do better. Guess it would be great to make some new New Year’s Resolutions. Thanks for the reminder! 😉
Cheers,
Ilka
Hi Harleena
Oh my I left a comment and it showed an error and I believe it was lost. So I shall try again.
Number 7 I am okay with. I know I should eat more fruits and vegetables. Have a treat on the weekends only. Don’t drink enough water at times.
Go for a walk everyday unless it is raining at the time we want to leave. Since I live in California it is not a major problem and so most days we get to walk. Need to lift more weights for muscle tone. I weigh the same as I did 32 years ago, but I cannot fit into the clothes I wore back then. A size 14 way back then was a whole lot smaller than a 14 is today. Doesn’t even compare.
Got to fight stress more. Try to cope with two methods. Two phrases “let it go” and “live in the moment”. The other method is to write down 10 things before I go to sleep, that I am grateful for that day. Blessings have transpired because of it.
Thank you for the post.
Mary
HI, really enjoyed your post.
I’ve been in the fitness field for all my adult life, and I can attest that what you’ve said is the real DEAL! And yes, it takes commitment – but there are plenty of perks! One off the top of my head – people think I’m years younger than I am! But even better than that – I feel fabulous every day! Those aches and pains everyone talks about? Non existent – unless I stop being active, then they return! The only thing I’d add is the importance of making time to meditate for your mental and spiritual health!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Alexandria!
Your attestation sure makes the post more valuable. You’re right, it’s a very good bargain – you get the worth in return, and even more than what you put in. Looking and feeling younger is the best gift one can give to oneself.
Meditation is no doubt an integral part of a healthy lifestyle – thanks for pointing that out.
Thanks for stopping by and contributing to the post. 🙂
I definitely don’t sleep enough. As I woke this morning I was thinking just that. I ought to prioritize sleeping, but spending time with my family is more important to me, so getting work done early is essential. 🙂
Jodi, I think it’s wise to end up work early so as to be with the family for longer time, but I hope you’ll not let your lack of sleep have a negative impact on your health.
On the other hand, I’ve read that if you meditate deeply, it compensates for your sleep for that duration.
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Hey Harleena,
Another great post and really important topic as we move into the holiday season now.
I’ve shared this with you before but I use to be overweight. I was always a chunky kid growing up although I wasn’t fat. I lost around 30 pounds in my mid 20’s mainly because I was engaged to be married. Well, we all know what happened there but I kept the weight off ever since.
I really watch what I eat although I’m not real strict with my food choices. I just know what I stay away from because I’ll go crazy from time to time. I do love food and I do love to eat but I do not want to be overweight.
My sister was the only one in the family recently who has been overweight but she just dropped about 50 pounds this year so we’re all so proud of her. Mom and I walk everyday and I’ve been doing that for years now.
I’ve never been a smoker and I do have a tottie every once in awhile. As long as you don’t overindulge you’ll be okay. I’m way past the overindulging age.
Thanks for these great reminders and hope everyone can lead a healthier lifestyle as we move into a new year.
~Adrienne
Glad you like the post, Adrienne!
I know, healthy lifestyle and holidays are so related that we tend to neglect the former when we indulge in the later.
Yours is an inspirational story about losing weight and then maintaining it for so many years. Control over your eating is definitely a major component of staying fit and be healthy.
I’m so happy for your sister.. 50 pounds in a year is unbelievable for me! This is quite an achievement and I congratulate her on this feat.
You’re right about not getting overindulgent – I read somewhere that the limit is defined as 2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women per day.. I know that’s discrimination!
Thank you for being an inspiration and for campaigning for a healthy lifestyle. 🙂
I do think I lead a healthy lifestyle. I became a vegetarian two years ago and feel it suits me. The only thing that’s off is my workout schedule and routine because I moved back to the Midwest from Arizona. Some of the reasons why I prefer living in the Southwest (it works for me) are as follows:
1. There are plenty of Whole Foods and farmers markets in addition to several other grocery stores. You can easily purchase organic foods at a reasonable price.
2. There are plenty of parks and recreation centers.
3. I got used to hiking at South Mountain Park 5-7 days per week, running/walking in the parks, and walking dogs for The Arizona Humane Society. The excess 30 lbs. I wanted to lose literally melted off because temperatures are 80+ during the spring and summer, my favorite times of the year. I reached my goal weight and size and felt FANTASTIC!
*Arizona has a lot of meetup groups as well, and I was out and about most of the time.
Fast forward two years, and I’m back in the Midwest where it’s cold and gray during the winter months. I’m not motivated to bundle up and go outside for a walk/run. And staying indoors sucks for me because I like to be outside. I’ve had to change up my workouts in order to accommodate my new living scenario, but I’ve slacked off. Perhaps, if I could find an indoor gym that’s heated and offers some type of mountain climbing, I could release the weight I gained when I moved back to the Midwest. Then again, I may have to build the gym. 🙂
Glad to know that you’re a campaigner for healthy lifestyle, Amandah!
I can understand why your workout schedule and routine takes a beating, that’s an example of how environment change also affects us in a negative way.
It all surely sounds wonderful what all you’re able to accomplish in your stay in Arizona. I hope you’ll adjust yourself in the present situations and with the available resources and pick up from where you lost on your fitness. I’m sure you’ll, as you’re headstrong and determined.
Thanks for sharing your personal life experiences with us all. 🙂
Absolutely.
One day ,I realised how badly was I managing my body.Trust me,when I tell you this.
I used to smoke 40 cigarettes a day.I used to have at least three drinks(Whisky) every day.I used to put in normal working hours with no care for health.
Overnight,I gave up smoking ,switched over to a glass of red wine and started to take a morning walk for an hour .
I can match any person in 30s and 40s.
Glad to know that you made the magical transformation in your life, BK!
You’re sure a model example for those who’re trying to get rid of the addiction problem and bad habits.
I can understand that you know about the importance of a healthy lifestyle better than most of us.
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences and examples, I’m sure it will help many of our readers. 🙂
Hi!
Every word you said is true, especially about the obstacles to leading a healthy lifestyle. We all know this, but still refuse to admit facts. n I loved the ‘DEAL’ thing 🙂
Welcome to the blog, Shreeja!
Very true. In some cases people are ignorant, while in some people just pretend not to be aware because they are either lazy or apprehensive of making changes in their lifestyle. Denial and procrastination are bigger than the DEAL for those people.
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Harleena,
At least past a decade, we can see tremendous ads every where for Weight watchers program, Health clubs, Gym, and Yoga-mediation centers. It clearly sounds many of us are not caring about good health and absolutely True.
Indeed, I am not very diet conscious when compare to my wife and just go as its available. I am allergic to Egg and so picky at food when dine-inn or get some grocery products. Now a days we can see many young people who are not even really that hefty or weak, But still get heart, Diabetic problems very often. This is a growing and perennial issue.
Deep fried Food, Oil, Fat rich products are the killers and the fast food life style has totally changed our metabolism. We most people get struck our self to keep things as routine when it comes about exercise or diet. Just we follow for few days and slowly get away by our laziness and take it granted as well.
Indeed, I wish to start my exercise session again as routine and keep extending. We can point many reason for not following the DEAL, Like job type, circumstance and others. But we should respect the importance of our health.
The DEAL sounds a great and importantly “Limit Alcohol” sounds like “Ration quota” 🙂
Thanks for sharing article Harleena.
You’re right, Manickam, the sprouting of health clubs do indicate an overwhelming surge of unhealthy lifestyle, but from a different perspective, it also shows that people are becoming health conscious and want to make a difference.
Diabetes and hypertension are two serious issues with everybody these days, whether obese or not. It’s the effect of a hectic unnatural lifestyle coupled with unhealthy eating habits. It’s sad that even the young are falling prey to diseases of old age.
I’m sure you’ll be taking proactive steps now to respect your health by walking and exercising. No excuses to DEAL with your life! 🙂
Quitting alcohol is not easy, so it’s best you ration it initially and gradually eliminate it.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views and thoughts. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
That’s a great reminder. I’m meeting so many people who do not have a healthy lifestyle in the country that’s not even funny. I know a lot of over weight to obese people who are not doing anything about their case and that drives me crazy!
Controlling what you eat and how much you eat is not only good for weight control, but for quality of life, and eventually length of life. I’ve always been healthy living oriented, and for me that a no brainer .
Thanks for your healthy advice that so many people need.
Glad you find the post worthy, Sylviane!
It’s the same case everywhere, I think maybe about half the world is leading an unhealthy lifestyle, and this is not funny but alarming!
People need to pay heed to this problem and more awareness campaigns need to reach out to them. The Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, attributes all disease to originate from bad digestion of food, which is generally from overeating.
You’re right; our quality of life very much depends on our healthy eating lifestyle and I’m glad you’re living it the right way.
Thanks for sharing your views and adding value to the post. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
Our health is the one thing that we should never neglect. My only problem is when I get busy doing something I can forget to eat.
We have to remember that food is something to keep us healthy, but not get addicted to it.
The mind is very important to, and as you say, keep a positive attitude. With the right attitude and enjoying every day can help with our health. Attitude is as important as food.
Thanks for sharing these tips of a healthy life style.
Debbie
You’re absolutely correct, Debbie – attitude is as important as food!
Mind plays a big role in everything we do, whether right or wrong. It is responsible for tempting us to make choices, and if left on its own, our mind will force us to make unhealthy choices. We need to rein it by having a positive attitude, good habits, and by setting the right priorities.
I agree when you say that though food is important, one should avoid getting addicted to it. Fasting at times does help to achieve that.
Thanks for your views and for contributing to the post. 🙂
Hi Harleena
This is a great reminder for everyone around, that there is nothing as precious as health. This has come at the time when India is leading the race for becoming the Diabetic Capital of the World.
But Thank God, I have most of the things under control except the 8 hrs sleep. My weight is almost as per the BMI norms.
I go for regular walk and that too WITHOUT ANY GADGET, that really de-stresses me. I do Yoga very regularly and follow ART OF LIVING for meditation. I try to do everything at least 5 times a week. I drink a lot of water after advice from doctor.
Thanks for sharing the valuable info, you rock.
Thanks
Sapna
You’re right, Sapna, diabetes has taken a hold over India – this rare disease is becoming so common here. It purely reflects that people are not living a healthy lifestyle; their life is becoming more sedentary, they have poor eating habits and lack exercise.
Stress is another factor that does provide impetus to the development of diabetes in a person. Health is surely precious and everybody needs to get their basics right.
It’s good to know that you’re taking good care of yourself by drinking water, regularly walking, doing yoga, and meditating. That’s great!
Thanks for sharing your views and experiences of a healthy lifestyle. 🙂
I try my best but sometimes things in the way. I have never drank alcohol, tried smoking but only for the sake of trying and never went beyond two cigarettes.
I am trying to eat right these days. You must be knowing that Indian food is so rich, but I feel if done in moderation and with care and without being indulgent, it can be good for you.
As for exercising, just make sure you are in activity and are doing things that makes you move and burn calories if you can’t find the time to exercise. Let’s say vacuuming, swimming, gardening, walking your dog or just anything that keeps you active!
You have a good healthy life, Hajra!
Alcohol and smoking act as catalysts to bad health, and you totally avoid them. Eating right lessens your chances to get overweight or obese to a great extent. And if you’ve also involved yourself in activities, move around and do exercise in any form, then you’re really taking good care of yourself!
I remember your water intake is okay as you mentioned in an earlier water post, so one important aspect that remains is sleep.. hmm. If you get it right too then the healthy lifestyle crown sits on your head! 😉
Thanks for sharing your personal lifestyle and important bits of information too. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
A brilliant post as usual and a strong reminder about the problem of obesity.
Most recently I’ve cut down on the amount of coffee I drink and I certainly do feel better for doing it. I really appreciate the point you made about getting a good night’s sleep. One thing that really helps to me to get a quality night’s sleep, is just observing my breathing going inside and outside of my nostrils. It puts me right to sleep!
Glad you like the post, Hiten!
Well, I intended to write about the unhealthy lifestyle and obesity is just one aspect of it. Even the ones who’re not overweight or obese too need to modify their lifestyle and follow all the golden rules.
Kudos on taking that great step of cutting down on coffee – it’s not bad but the excess is not good either. I think basically you achieve to keep the disturbing thoughts at bay by observing your breath, and it is a sort of meditation. I think it would be quite helpful to those who’ve a hard time going to sleep!
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences and contributing to the post. 🙂
What a great Topic Harleena.
You make some great points on how to live healthy. I wanted to point out one thing on your list – food and diet.
I recently researched topic and found that Americans were the 9th fattest nation in the world.
I consider our family pretty healthy but mainly because we never adopted American eating habits.
I grew up in a household where we ate mostly Asian food. ( my mum was Thai and step mum was Chinese). My french Canadian father ate whatever was put in front of him.
We ate lots of veggies, no processed cereals pastas, not a lot of cheese and ZERO milk products. I am one of those people that do not believe milk is your best source of calcium. Veggies like from spinach and kale to name a couple. As a result, we are all healthy and fairly slender.
We walk a lot and all do sports when we can.
A solution that might help Americans and Canadians starting in school.
I cannot be sure but in my opinion the schools have a lot to do with the way kids eat unhealthily. That and the fact that in the grocery stores there are a myriad of aisles of coke, chips, cereals, cookies. At school the kids used to be served up a rotating menu of pizza, burrito, tacos and other junk foods.
In other countries, even here in France a balanced meal is institutionalized at schools. My kids eat salads and school and fish. Beets, cauliflower and they drink water at school. No milk, no soda and no juices. They have never had pizza at school once since arriving here a year ago. I consider the French pretty healthy eaters for western countries. Of course, Asian countries eat much more healthy but still in comparison to Americans and British they are much healthier in my opinion.
I know it is not the schools responsibility to make sure kids eat healthy but it is hard to compete against junk food if the school serves it up.
Anyways, I digress. This topic is close to my heart since we try to eat as much organic and healthy food as possible.
I’m so glad that you love the topic, Annie!
I absolutely agree that food and diet is a very crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle. I’m very particular on this front also, and my kids sometimes don’t like me for that – but I believe it’s my responsibility to feed them the right things, and teach them the correct value.
Well yes, unfortunately America and England are among the top nations infamous for the problem of obesity, and they’re the world leaders too for other important aspects. The sad part is that most of the countries, especially the third world or developing countries try to follow them and imbibe their lifestyle.
Even the Americans themselves realize that their eating habits have gone haywire and according to the governments statistics reports they’re making a headway to resolve this problem – but still the unhealthy eating lifestyle is so ingrained in the culture, which makes it all the more difficult to tackle it quickly.
It’s nice to know about your family and its healthy eating habits and lifestyle. You’ve quite a multi-cultural and multi-national family and possess quite an international experience, but I can only vouch for what I know – the traditional Indian food and diet that it is really very balanced and full of nutritional value.
I’m a vegetarian myself, though not vegan as we consume milk and dairy products. But you’re right if your intake consists of all relevant vegetables and some herbs too, you may not need to drink milk. However, there are conflicting views and scientific reports about that, but I’d go by your personal experience.
School is definitely a major “impression-maker” in the minds of young ones. I remember my school canteen never served fast food or junk food. I did read news reports of such food being banned in the American schools too, though I don’t know to what extent they have been successful.
First, it’s the parents and teachers who have to change themselves, right? If they start living a healthier lifestyle and make the right choices, sooner or later the kids will follow them. The movies and TV too can help resolve the problem of obesity.
Even in India I see the kids and youth are mad about the Chinese, Italian and American fast food culture – most of them following just because it’s considered a mod thing to do, because the Americans do it. The American lifestyle is quite contagious, you’d agree.
But I do know that not all Americans have an unhealthy lifestyle. And I’m sure they’re trying to make a difference to the problem there.
Thanks for sharing your personal life and lifestyle experiences along with so much of information about the lifestyles of different countries. I’m sure while some could disagree but most would agree with your views. It’s a wonderful contribution to the post and I appreciate you taking out time for it. 🙂
This headline was talking to me Harleena, so guilty!
Last night I had a big pretzel and Jr mints for dinner as I was at a tweet seat event. I didn’t have time in the morning to prepare as I was working on my websites and blogs before my day job. I also had a work related lunch (bagel w/peanut butter). Then the event started right after work, no time for dinner. I keep saying tomorrow I will eat better. I do have a banana daily and usually 1 other piece of fruit. But it’s the meals that I sometimes lack in.
Exercise, I love to walk and use a gym but don’t get there often enough either. I am getting better with sleep just this week with 2 nights of 8 hours – usually it’s 6. I really need to re-arrange something 🙂
Thanks for sharing these much needed tips Harleena!
(When we don’t have our health, we can’t do all that we want and sometimes nothing at all)
I’m glad you liked the tips, Lisa!
I’m sorry if I made you feel bad, but that’s okay if it helps you in a positive way to take proactive actions. On the other hand, it’s okay to splurge in eatery and treat yourself at times – it becomes a problem only when such practice is frequent and becomes a habit.
I’ve made a rule of not having anything to eat while working and on my work table. But it doesn’t work for everybody at all times. However, it helps me to put on a check on my routine, and get it right.
I’d suggest always have your meals right, no matter what, because as you say health is crucial for all our other activities. And I’m strict on this aspect with my kids too, no procrastination on this front!
But you got all other golden rules right and shinning – exercise, walks, gym, sleep … but you need to work on water as I remember from your comment on the water post.
Yes, maybe you need to re-arrange your priorities but things aren’t that bad. I wish you all the best in taking care of your wealth (health, that is)!
Thank you for sharing your lifestyle experiences and contributing to the post. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
I am glad you pick up this point and give us a chance to share our views.So first thing which came to my mind after reading your article is “HEALTH is WEALTH”.This Line we listen every now and than and from childhood.But we never work on it and the reasons you mentioned are really the same.
Health and fitness is to me is very important.I am fitness freak from gym to diet, Proper sleep to yoga everything i do in my daily routine it keeps me fit and full day fell energetic.
I want to add one more point in your ways to live healthy lifestyle
YOGA- Great source to keep Body, Mind and soul. Which ultimately keeps a person fit and full of energy.other advantages-Mind peace,Healthy breathing,Blood circulation,remove stress (which is very common problem with everyone today),Fight against diseases and many more.
Thank You
Shorya Bist
You’re right, Shorya – “health is wealth”. It’s time that we look after the greatest wealth we’ve, else we won’t be able to enjoy any other!
It’s good to know that you’re serious about your health and take proactive steps towards its betterment. Yoga is great for maintaining the balance of mind and body, there’s no doubt about it.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your views. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
I like how you constructed the word ~ DEAL 🙂 You are really good at that.
As we have everyday duties and other professional work, stress is something we have to deal with. How about increasing workload? I think we are mostly keeping us out from physical work as technology develops. Hmm… We made that choice and we can change it too. Well, if really needs to 🙂
Obesity is one thing I really don’t wanna have. That’s really uncomfortable, isn’t it dear? And as you mentioned, it directly relates with unhealthy lifestyle. I know it from my father, as he has few of them. The best he got is diabetes and it leads to glaucoma recently. Glad he identifies his vision change and not wanted to have a surgery as it was in first phase.
I wasn’t used to follow all as I was spending most of my time studying and sleep was something I was lacking too. I can’t think of obesity. Don’t have problems with Alcohol or Smoking. AND miss old days as I used to play sports.
But as I told you earlier, I started drinking more water, do sleep well most of my days and I feel the difference. Improved, but not totally. The things I’m still lacking are exercise and diet. I’m perfectly alright right now and my weight is not closer to my age weight minimum limit though. But I have a feeling that I need to control them and I don’t like having a big belly. You know what sitting whole day can do for us, right? 🙂 I’ve read similar one at Vidya’s place about sitting long hours, so I’m getting used to have breaks in between now.
Cheers…
Mayura, I do think I’ve a flair or special ability of creating acronyms. I just borrowed the four marked behaviors and rearranged them to make it easy to remember. 🙂
Of course, stress can be experienced anytime and everywhere. I think we all should learn to develop the right attitude, coping mechanisms and strategies, and ways to deal with it. You’re right, we can make a choice not to be affected… everything starts by making a choice.
You’ve correctly pointed out one of the problems in our lifestyle – it is sedentary, and it’s a good thing you’re doing by taking walk breaks in-between.
I’m sorry about what your father is undergoing, but even if you’re genetically prone to obesity, adopting a healthier lifestyle can helps you maintain your fitness and be active. It’s good that you keep the narcotics at bay, but a sport in life as a hobby does wonders.
Thanks for sharing your experience of your experiment with drinking more water and sleeping more. I agree it does make a difference. I’d suggest not waiting for any visual signs or symptoms by appearance – get started on exercise and diet right away! The earlier you start more advantage you gain and add more years to your life.
Thanks for contributing and adding value to the post. 🙂
Harleena – I am guilty of not exactly following the principles of daily routine that you have mentioned, I think we Indians especially are accustomed to take life as it comes, be lazy, never take trouble to exercise and keep fit. At least I can say I belong to that category and it takes a lot of pressure for someone to get me up and going to the gym. 🙂
I really do need to change the habit, and start keeping fit and healthy. In spite of my bad habits, I have managed to keep my weight in check and thank god for not catching up with any major illnesses. Maybe that is the reason why I have taken health for granted….
I like the way you have said “Limit Alcohol”….. 🙂
Praveen, if you already accept your mistakes and understand what you should do, it’s a big step forward. It’s okay if you do not follow all the 10 ways mentioned to live a healthy lifestyle, but then you still follow a few. So, changing the perspective, something is better than nothing. Get motivated by this fact and try to achieve more, very logical, isn’t it?
Well, I would not generalize the lifestyle problems to any specific race, nationality, or country; all have all types of people. I see many Indians who’re very active and concerned about their physical fitness, while there are plenty who’re the opposite. But I do understand that surrounding atmosphere and people do affect your lifestyle.
I’m glad you’re thinking of changing your habit and wanting to keep fit and healthy. That’s great and once you follow your new routine and habit for some time, it’ll become the “new normal” for you. I’ve experienced that.
I think you should not solely depend on the weight as the criteria for an unhealthy lifestyle. I know of people who look quite fit but have diabetes, hypertension, or problems of cholesterol. These diseases keep building up and we keep ignoring the small signs and symptoms, until we find we already crossed the initial stage.
This is what I read on one of the medical websites: no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. But if you can totally avoid or reduce it to much extent, it’s much better!
Thanks for being honest and open about your lifestyle and contributing to the post. 🙂
Hi Leena,
Love the DEAL – simple, yet effective. I tell people I am a recovering unhealthy addict. When I left the corporate life behind, most of the excess baggage was sitting on my hips. 🙂 It has taken me a few years to get back in shape and I now feel the best I have in a very long time.
Healthy lifestyle = More productive (in many ways) – great post, Leena.
Welcome to the blog, Cathy! Nice to have you over. 🙂
Glad you like the post. Oh, the DEAL acronym might be mine, but the four lifestyle changing behaviors are in fact from a medical website.
I admire your efforts and the will to change your life. You set an example for – where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Definitely, a healthy lifestyle leads to more productivity, increased self-esteem and self-confidence too!
Thanks for stopping by and contributing to the post. 🙂