How to achieve a healthy lifestyle

The dictionary definition of “healthy” is “in a good physical or mental condition”. Though common sense has indicated it for centuries, science has now proven without any doubts that the longevity of human life is directly affected by the health condition of individuals.

The requirements to be physically healthy are not colossal. Doctors advise at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. As one popular British statesman said, “those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illnesses”. It is Important to note that being healthy does not necessarily mean having extremely low body fat percentage. In fact, it is detrimental (especially for women) to not have adequate body fat.

Healthy food habits too are of paramount importance in order to be physically healthy. A Balanced diet consisting of all the necessary nutrients goes a long way in shaping a healthy lifestyle. Unhealthy eating habits can lead to many dire consequences.

Another vital aspect of physical health is the amount of sleep and rest. An adult needs around 6-9 hours of sleep daily, though the exact amount may vary depending on each individual. Sleep not only freshens the brain but also serves towards muscle growth after workouts.

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to achieving good physical health is the addiction to detrimental habits. Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug addiction, etc cause long-lasting and irreparable damages to the human body in addition to other known effects. A 2017 study using data from the Health and Retirement Study found that people 50 and older who were normal weight, had never smoked, and drank alcohol in moderation lived on average seven years longer.

The role of mental health (which is of no lesser importance than physical health) to a healthy lifestyle is often ignored by the majority of people. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

One of the most important things needed to attain a healthy mind is the ability to switch off after strenuous work. Healthy distractions during leisure time are as important to mental health as rest and recovery time is to physical health. The old saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is not without its wisdom.

It is important to note that physical and mental health are two interconnected entities. Professor David Goldberg reports that the rate of depression in patients with a chronic disease is almost three times higher than normal. “Depression and chronic physical illness are in reciprocal relationship with one another: not only do many chronic illnesses cause higher rates of depression, but depression has been shown to antedate some chronic physical illnesses.”

Hence, we can see that in order to lead a truly healthy lifestyle, we must strike a fine balance between physical and mental health. Having washboard abs wouldn’t help one from the trauma suffered due to a ticking off by the boss or teacher for not submitting work on time. Laughter may or may not be the best medicine, but laughing all day to comedies would not prevent the infestation of illnesses caused by bad physical health condition.

Like most noteworthy achievements, attaining a healthy lifestyle is not an easy process by any means. But the outcome of such a lifestyle is well worth the hardships and sacrifices endured. It might be heart-breaking to not have those delicious, squishy Doughnuts oozing with chocolate for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner, but one thing should never be forgotten, no pain, no gain!