We have come across lot many proverbs about health:
- An apple a day keeps a doctor away.
- Prevention is better than cure.
- Early to bed and early to rise keeps a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
- You are what you eat.
- Health is wealth.
Health can be defined as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease. According to Ayurveda, health is a state where the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kabha), Digestive fire (Agni—the energy behind all the metabolic processes), and the body tissues and components are in perfect union, and the sense organs and mind are in a state of total satisfaction.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle:
- In achieving a healthy lifestyle, diet plays a very important role. Always eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Eat only when you are hungry. Do not overeat. Develop the habit of eating at regular times. Your diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, cereals, milk, buttermilk, lassi, coconut water, and so on. Avoid fried and fast foods and say no to aerated drinks like Cola. They might spoil your health very badly. Reduce salt and sugar intake. Never eat when your mind is unstable because you may eat less or in excess. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking lukewarm water makes digestion easier.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. You can choose activities that you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing.
- Make sure to get enough sleep daily to help your body rest and recharge. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. This can hurt your healthy lifestyle.
- Manage stress. Stress can harm your healthy lifestyle. Practice yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing techniques) regularly. Yoga improves general wellness by supporting good habits, relieving stress, and improving mental health. Yoga strengthens our muscles and makes the body flexible. Practicing meditation helps to reduce stress and high blood pressure. We feel more balanced and connected through meditation. Pranayama promotes relaxation and mindfulness. It increases the oxygen supply in the body, enhancing blood circulation and helping the mind to relieve stress.
- Stay up-to-date with your healthcare. Regular check-ups and screenings can help you stay on top of your healthy lifestyle. Be sure to see your healthcare provider for regular check-ups and follow their advice on recommended screenings and tests.
We must build a more equitable and sustainable health system for all. We must take steps to improve mental health, promote healthy lifestyles, and address the impacts of climate change on our health. As individuals, let us take the above-mentioned steps to improve our healthy lifestyle. For more specific advice on improving your diet, especially for young people, read our post on Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits for Students. Let us all build a fairer, healthier world for ourselves, our families, and our societies. Together we can make a difference and create a brighter, healthier future for all.
