You may have heard of the book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which helps identify the habits, so the reader can do them and become highly effective. It’s no different from learning the habits of healthy people. Once you know them, you can develop them and become healthier for life. One of the habits most people recognize is that healthy people are active people. That doesn’t mean they’re working 24/7, but that they take time to play and get plenty of healthy exercise. Even if you do physical work throughout the week, it often means repeated motions and focus on endurance or strength building. Taking free time to balance the workout and even enjoy the time is important.
Healthy people eat healthier.
If you’re a junk food junkie, you’re probably not the healthiest person you know. Eating healthy means eating more whole foods and far less processed food or even cutting out processed foods completely. Healthy people often make meals over the weekend so all they have to do is warm them and assemble them during the week, which is a lot easier than standing in line at a take out restaurant and often tastes far better, too. Learn to plan menus, shop and prepare foods ahead and you’ll ensure healthier eating.
Healthy people understand portion control and also know that sometimes a bit of cake doesn’t hurt.
While you might eat healthy most of the time, sometimes, you can indulge in some less than stellar selections occasionally. Healthy people don’t want to be those people that require specific food at parties or turn down a dinner invitation with friends because it’s not the type of food they eat. Eating the occasional quickie burger and fries isn’t a great choice, but as long as it’s occasional, it’s not a problem. One thing you’ll probably find after eating healthy for a while is that even your favorite cake or pie will taste far too sweet and nothing like you remember. Those fries you’ve coveted since you started healthy eating, won’t taste nearly as good as you thought. Occasionally eating less than healthy food will actually eliminate most of your cravings.
Healthy people hang out with other healthy people.
If you’re an active person, you’ll be more likely to have friends that are active, too. Once people get on the healthy lifestyle track, they often find that they add friends to their circle of friends that enjoy a healthy lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you desert old friends in favor of new ones. In fact, it actually could mean you introduce your old friends to some of the fun you have with your new lifestyle or invite them for healthy meals.
- Healthy people smile more. Studies show that people who smile more tend to live longer. Other studies show that laughter really is good for your health. Being optimistic is a direct road to good health.
- Healthy people drink plenty of water throughout the day. In fact, water is often the drink of choice for healthy people. If you’re drinking eight glasses a day, you’re on the road to a healthy habit.
- Healthy people take time to rest mentally and wind down throughout the day. Whether it’s just taking a few alone minutes or practicing meditation, healthy people take time to defuse throughout the day to reduce stress and tension.
- Don’t forget to get eight hours of sleep. The average person needs seven to nine hours of sleep to function their best. Healthy people get that sleep in a dark room, without any interference from electronic devices like TVs or computers.