A modern and vitality-rich lifestyle we can sustain.

Life can be unpredictable, busy, and messy. We don’t always have the time to focus on the things we truly want or the things we know we should. But prioritizing what really matters can help you build a life you enjoy at every stage.

Getting older is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean your health has to decline with age. Looking after your body and mind allows you to continue embracing the experiences life has to offer.

Keep reading to discover why a healthy lifestyle matters and how you can take steps to make it a reality for yourself.

What does a healthy lifestyle mean?
A healthy lifestyle is a way of living that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can look very different for each person, and you have the freedom to define what it means for you. However, there are a few essential elements that every healthy lifestyle should include.

Since health looks different for everyone, you can’t always judge someone’s well-being just by how they look.

Why is living healthily important?
Taking care of your mind and body allows you to feel your best and make the most of life’s opportunities. It can be helpful to identify your personal “why.” Whether your goal is to run a marathon or just a short jog, keep up with your children, or maintain independence as you age, a healthy lifestyle grows from your own “why” and the goals that come from it.

When planning your path to a healthier lifestyle, reflect on the reasons behind your choices. Doing so can help you uncover your intrinsic motivation—the inner drive that inspires you to act, explore, and achieve. This kind of motivation encourages long-term commitment and helps you stay on track when challenges arise.

The advantages of a healthy lifestyle
Although a healthy lifestyle may sometimes feel limiting, it can actually help you make the most of life at any age, whether you’re 16 or 60. Age is just a number, and the positive effects of healthy living often grow stronger over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you:

Keep your energy levels up
Reduce the risk of illness and discomfort
Support a positive mood
Make everyday life more enjoyable

9 ways to embrace a healthy lifestyle
Here are nine practical tips that touch on different aspects of holistic health—covering physical, mental, and social well-being:

1. Choose nutritious foods
Good health begins with the food we put on our plates. A strong diet foundation is built on fruits and vegetables. Like any solid foundation, it takes time and consistency to establish, but proper nutrition supports mental health and promotes a long, vibrant life. From there, you can gradually add more wholesome foods.

Include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Aim for around five servings per day. At every meal, try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. They don’t always have to be raw—you can enjoy them steamed, boiled, sautéed, roasted, or tossed with olive oil and spices to find your favorite flavors.
Choose whole grains. Opt for carbs where whole grains are the first ingredient, such as whole-grain bread, pasta, tortillas, and brown rice. Whole grains are nutrient-dense and help you feel satisfied for longer.
Diversify your protein sources. Protein can come from both plant and animal sources. Beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts are excellent plant-based options that usually contain less unhealthy fat than red meat. Eating more plant-based proteins can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Limit sugary drinks. Avoid sodas, including diet versions, which often contain chemicals that can be as harmful as sugar. Prioritize water, followed by unsweetened tea or coffee.

If you’re unsure where to start, working with a dietitian can help you create a plan that works for your lifestyle.

The benefits of exercise for body and mind
Exercise offers countless advantages for both your physical and mental health. Not everyone enjoys running—and that’s perfectly fine! Don’t feel pressured to do exercises you dislike, as this can quickly turn fitness into a chore. There are many ways to stay active, from cycling, swimming, dancing, weightlifting, yoga, tennis, basketball, skiing, to hiking. Experiment with different activities until you discover one you genuinely enjoy. When you love the activity, you’ll naturally stick with it.

Other strategies to stay active:

Find a workout partner. When someone counts on you to meet them at the gym or for a run, you’re more likely to follow through rather than let them down.
Take advantage of your gym. Join group fitness classes or inquire about personal training options. Exercising with others can make your workouts more engaging and fun.
Start small. Set realistic goals that fit your lifestyle. If you’ve never run before, consider signing up for a 5k rather than jumping straight into a marathon. Celebrate these small milestones to maintain motivation.

Get enough quality sleep
Even when you aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, you might still feel exhausted. Improving the quality of your rest is key, and this is often referred to as “sleep hygiene”—healthy habits that promote restorative sleep. Good sleep has a direct, positive impact on both your mental and physical health, yet it’s often overlooked in today’s busy world.

Here are some ways to improve your sleep:

Stick to a schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Your body will naturally adjust, helping you feel sleepy at bedtime and wake up refreshed, often without an alarm.
Be active during the day. Daily exercise, especially outdoors, can help you feel naturally tired at night. Spending time in nature also supports your overall health and aligns your body’s circadian rhythm—the 24-hour cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
Create a sleep-friendly environment. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Use blinds or curtains to block outside light, or try an eye mask. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a room temperature of 60–71°F, and a white noise machine can help mask disruptive sounds.
Limit blue light before bed. Remove electronic devices from your bedroom and avoid phone or screen use at least an hour before sleeping. Blue light from screens can keep your brain alert and make falling asleep harder. Instead, try relaxing, screen-free activities like reading, journaling, or meditating. While blue-light-blocking glasses may seem helpful, research hasn’t proven they significantly improve sleep quality.

Managing stress in healthy ways
Life can be stressful, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. However, the way you handle stress can be either beneficial or harmful. Here are some positive strategies for managing stress:

Take care of your body. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient restful sleep help you face life’s challenges with more resilience.
Step away from the news. Our 24/7 news cycle constantly delivers alarming information. Give yourself a break from the constant stream so you can process what you’ve already seen and read.
Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms. Using food, alcohol, or drugs to manage stress can quickly become harmful. Instead, try meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or physical activity when you’re feeling tense.
Talk to someone you trust. Whether it’s a family member, close friend, or mental health professional, sharing your stress out loud can help lighten the load and remind you that you’re not alone.

Maintain meaningful relationships
Friendships are just as important as romantic relationships. According to the CDC, loneliness can contribute to serious health issues for adults over 50, including heart disease, stroke, depression, and dementia. Keeping a strong social network throughout life helps reduce loneliness and supports overall health. Building and maintaining connections may take practice, but it’s worth the effort.

Stay in touch with friends and family. When we stop actively engaging in social activities, we can feel more isolated than we really are. Aim for at least one social interaction each week, whether it’s meeting for coffee, having dinner, taking a walk, or chatting on the phone.
Join activities or volunteer. Classes, clubs, or volunteering are great ways to learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. They also give you structured social opportunities, either in person or online.
Consider a pet. Animals provide companionship at home. Dogs, in particular, encourage outdoor activity through regular walks, which can also create chances to meet other pet owners and animal lovers.

Limit screen time, especially on social media
Technology is a powerful tool for work, learning, and entertainment. However, spending too much time in front of screens can harm both your body and mind. Extended screen use strains your eyes, affects posture, and what you consume online can sometimes make you feel sad, lonely, or frustrated. Being mindful of your screen time, especially on social media, helps protect your physical and mental well-being.