Tips for Living a Healthier Lifestyle

Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be intimidating or a lofty goal you set once a year. Healthy habits are incremental improvements you can incorporate into your daily life. Consistency is key to living healthier in the long term.

Build healthy habits to live better every day

Lifestyle improvements can help prevent a number of health conditions, relieve symptoms, or reduce the chances of developing more severe complications. These daily health habits focus on common preventative steps you can take for better all-around health.

• Get plenty of exercise. Aim for 30 minutes or more at least five days a week. To improve your flexibility and help maintain healthy joints, stretch daily, including the chest, neck, and shoulders. Find ways of moving your body and staying active that you genuinely enjoy—it’ll make exercising more fun and easier to stick with.

• Stop smoking or using tobacco. Smoking and tobacco use are risk factors for a number of preventable health conditions, from lung cancer to atherosclerosis. Learn more about how to quit.

• Sit less, stand more. Lots of people live sedentary lifestyles—meaning they tend to sit a lot, especially those with desk jobs. Build a habit of standing and moving around regularly throughout the day. Consider getting a standing desk, or set a reminder in your calendar to stand for a couple minutes several times throughout the day.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Heart disease and vascular conditions become more common as we age. Eating a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats—along with regular exercise—can help you maintain good cardiovascular and all-around health.

• Replace unhealthy foods and ingredients with healthier versions. Gradually swap out your go-to snacks and grocery staples with healthy alternatives. Instead of potato chips, try lightly salted mixed nuts or baked vegetable chips. Try crispy cauliflower bites instead of chicken wings. Search online for healthier ways to make your favorite meals.

• See your doctor regularly for routine exams and screenings. Being informed about your health is a great step toward improving it. Talk honestly and openly with your doctor about your questions, concerns, and current health. Ask them about available screenings that may be recommended based on your age and family and medical history. View recommended screenings based on your age here.

• Optimize your amount and quality of sleep. Adults should typically get 7–8 hours of sleep per night. Over- or under-sleeping can disrupt your daily life and lead to negative consequences, from your emotions to your immune system. Phones can be a major sleep disruptor, so get in the habit of leaving your phone across the room—or in a different room—when you head to bed.

• Nurture friendships and take care of your social health. Make it a habit to reach out to one friend or family member every week with a quick “thinking of you” text, phone call, or an old-fashioned letter. You’ll end up starting conversations that will enrich your social relationships.

Get expert advice and compassionate care

Our friendly Schneck Medical team is here to help you live your best. Talk with your doctor or call us at (812) 522-2349 to discuss your health questions and how you can take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.