The constant exposure to our environment, the things we eat, and stresses from both inside and outside our bodies cause a decline in our health with time. However, most of us can be healthy and active in our later years if we take care of ourselves and make better lifestyle decisions. It’s no surprise that regular physical activity and a proper diet can help maintain weight, improve mood and sleep habits, and boost overall health. Everything you are or ever will be is a result of your own choices and decisions and how you discipline yourself.

Here are the nine tips that will that will make you healthy throughout all life stages. If you want to have a longer life span then you must implement these tips in your life as soon as you can.

Eat Healthy

To lead a healthier life, eat better. This one is kind of given as we have all at some point seen some reference that links poor nutrition to many diseases and a shorter life span. A well-balanced diet full of nutritious foods is critical to good health. Good quality foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats provide our bodies with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber which in turn enhance bodily function. It is important to know what foods and nutrients should be emphasized in our diets. Educate yourself about the foods you’re eating as certain foods or nutrients may have a negative effect on health, or even play a role in disease development. Develop a habit of eating right foods in the right proportions at the right times.

Exercise

Physical activity has a number of benefits from psychological to physiological. Research has shown that exercise can reduce the risk of many diseases and improves overall health. It can also improve your mental health, strengthen muscles and bones, help to control your weight, prevent falls, get better sleep, improve memory, gives you more energy, and most importantly increase your chances of living longer. Exercising is not only good for your general health and wellness it can also make you happier.

Drink Water

Drinking water is one of the most efficient and effective ways to get you feeling and looking your best as a major part of human is composed of water. From time to time we don’t drink enough water and catch ourselves being dehydrated which leads to increased thirst, being tired or sleepy, dizziness, headache dry skin, and decreased urine output. Try getting in the habit of having a water bottle with you at all times and drink minimum 2 liters of water per day. Drinking water helps with bowel movement, stimulates the growth of red blood cells, relieves headaches, strengthens the immune system, increases metabolic rate, clears skin, and keeps your energized all day.

Stay Active

The human body is built for motion, not for stillness. Staying active and moving your body frequently can improve your health overall body functionality. With the advancements in technology, sedentary lifestyles have gotten greater and greater. Cellphones, tablets, and being able to watch TV anywhere anytime has brought the everyday bodily movement to an all-time low. Research has shown that sitting for long periods is linked with some types of cancers and heart diseases and can contribute to diabetes, liver and kidney problems as well. Moving your body can improve circulation, oxygen consumption, heart health, and sleep.

Sleep Better

A seven-hour quality sleep can help make you healthier. Lack of quality sleep has been linked to an increased risk of many diseases as well as reduced productivity and fat accumulation. Research has shown that adults not getting enough sleep are 55% more likely to be obese.  Good quality sleep has been shown to improve memory, decrease stress, increase creativity, and enhance athletic performance. A consistent and quality sleep has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, immune system, and raised testosterone levels which will give more natural energy and keep you healthier.

Social Connections

Having social connections with people who accept us for who we are is crucial for mental health which in turn is crucial for overall health. Lack of social connections has been shown to increase stress, weaken the immune system, and lessen cardiovascular function. Having strong social connections and spending quality time with other people is known to improve self-confidence, mental health, and energy levels. Lonely people tend to consume more alcohol, exercise less, have poor sleep quality, and fatigue easily. Social connections allow you to share our achievements and seek help and support when times are tough.

Brain Activity

When we are young our brain is constantly challenged and stimulated regularly as we go to school and learn math, science, history, and other subjects. But, as we grow older and get set into a regular routine, our brain activity becomes less and less and process information more slowly. Our working memory diminishes. Your brain benefits from learning new things, taking part in new activities, and interacting with people. So, like muscles and joints, the brain also needs to be exercised regularly to be able to function properly.

Manage Stress

Stress is the leading cause of fatigue, difficulty in sleep, overeating, alcohol abuse, and depression. All of these can have detrimental effects on your health. Learning to manage stress is crucial for a happier life. Reducing stress in your life can boost energy levels, improve the ability to focus on tasks, improve relationships with others and most of all severely increase happiness. Living a healthier life leads to living a happier life like self-reflection is a powerful tool to improve your life

Meditate Frequently

Meditation is proved to improve quality of life and overall health. It slows down the aging process and held back many of the detrimental effects of aging in the brain. Meditation shrinks the area in the brain related to stress and other damaging emotions. It significantly improves mood and makes you feel happier. By meditating frequently, you may actually transform the shape of your brain and change your life for the better. Meditating for a couple of minutes before going to bed will help you sleep better.