8 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Health is wealth, as the adage goes. While many factors can impact your health, including your genetics, lifestyle plays the largest role in determining your well-being. According to the World Health Organization, 60% of factors relating to individual health and quality of life are linked to lifestyle. 

So, how can you maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect your wellness in Tampa? Here are our top tips:

Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet. 

A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is a pillar of long-term wellness. What you eat impacts many aspects of your health, from your weight to your risk of chronic disease. 

The Mediterranean diet is widely considered the best for a long, healthy life. It centers around:

• Vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains
• Lean protein, like fish
• Olive oil

While you don’t need to strictly follow one diet to be healthy, filling your plate with the foods listed above (focusing mainly on plant-based foods) will set you up for success. Additionally, try to limit processed foods, fried foods, and added sugars. 

Find an Exercise Routine You Enjoy. 

Staying active throughout your life can support your longevity, physical fitness, and mental health. Regular exercise also makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. But, it can be difficult to stick to an exercise routine that you don’t enjoy. From swimming to spin classes, dancing to jumping rope, there are many ways to stay active. 

Prioritize Sleep.

A full night’s sleep gives your brain and body the chance to recover. It keeps our metabolism functioning properly, revamps our bodies’ ability to ward off illness, and even lowers chronic disease risk. Most adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night for optimal health. 

Manage Stress. 

Stress can sabotage your health by contributing to chronic inflammation, disrupting sleep, and hormonal imbalances. Effective stress management strategies can differ from person to person, but breathing exercises, journaling, spending time with loved ones, and yoga are all popular options. 

Limit Alcohol Consumption. 

Alcohol contributes to health conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, liver failure, and even cancer. It also weakens the immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness. While an adult beverage every once in a while likely won’t cause immediate harm, it’s best to keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum. 

Minimize Sitting. 

With the rise in remote work, many people spend the workday sitting in front of a computer. Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact your blood pressure, sugar regulation, and metabolism. Try to take a break from sitting at least once an hour, and remain active in the hours you’re not at the desk. 

Shorten Screen Time.

By limiting your time sitting down, you can also cut down on screen time. Excessive screen time can contribute to sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and general cognitive health. 

At Mind Body Spirit Care, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle in Tampa. Contact us today to book an appointment!