A stylish and health-focused way of living we can sustain.

Life is often uncertain, busy, and chaotic. We don’t always find the time to do the things we truly want or even the ones we know we should. But by giving priority to what really matters, you can create a life you love at every stage.

Aging is something no one can avoid, but that doesn’t mean your health has to decline along with it. Caring for both your body and your mind allows you to continue enjoying the experiences life has to offer.

Keep reading to discover why living healthy is so important and how you can take practical steps to build a lifestyle that works for you.

What does a healthy lifestyle mean?

A healthy lifestyle is a way of living that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It doesn’t look the same for everyone because each person is unique. You get to decide what “healthy” means in your own life, though certain core habits belong in every healthy lifestyle.

Since health shows up differently for different people, you can’t always judge whether someone is healthy just by looking at them.

Why does a healthy lifestyle matter?

When you nurture your body and mind, you’re able to feel your best and take advantage of life’s opportunities. Finding your personal “why” can be motivating. Maybe you want to finish a marathon, chase your kids around the park, or stay active and independent as you age. Whatever your reason, your healthy lifestyle should grow out of those goals.

Thinking about your reasons helps you discover your inner drive, known as intrinsic motivation – the push that comes from within. This type of motivation fuels long-term commitment and helps you stick with healthy habits even when things get difficult.

The benefits of healthy living

Although it may sometimes feel restrictive, adopting a healthy lifestyle actually allows you to live more fully, whether you’re in your teens or your golden years. Age is just a number, and the rewards of healthy living increase over time. A balanced lifestyle can help you:

Boost your energy
Prevent illness and discomfort
Improve your mood
Keep life enjoyable

9 ways to live a healthier lifestyle

Here are nine tips that support overall health – not only physical, but also mental and social well-being:

1. Choose nutritious foods

Good health begins in the kitchen with the meals you prepare. A strong diet starts with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Just like building a house, creating this foundation takes time and consistency, but it supports both mental wellness and long-term vitality. Once that base is set, you can keep adding more healthy choices.

Eat fruits and vegetables daily. Aim for around five servings per day, with produce making up half of your plate at each meal. You don’t have to eat them plain or raw – there are endless tasty ways to prepare them. Try steaming, boiling, sautéing, or roasting with olive oil and seasonings until you find what you enjoy most.
Choose whole grains. Select foods where whole grains are the first ingredient, such as whole-grain bread, pasta, tortillas, or brown rice. They’re rich in nutrients and help keep you satisfied for longer.
Mix up your protein sources. Protein doesn’t have to come only from meat. Foods like beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts are protein-rich and usually contain less unhealthy fat than red meat. Eating more plant-based protein can lower your risk of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
Limit sugary drinks. Regular soda is full of sugar, and even diet versions are packed with chemicals that may be harmful. Stick mainly to water, with unsweetened tea or coffee as good alternatives.

Find movement you enjoy

The advantages of exercise for both body and mind are countless. Running isn’t everyone’s favorite – and that’s totally fine! Forcing yourself into a workout you dislike only makes it feel like a burden. Instead, explore different forms of activity – biking, swimming, dancing, lifting weights, practicing yoga, playing sports like tennis or basketball, skiing, or hiking. Keep experimenting until you discover something that excites you. When you genuinely enjoy it, you’ll be more motivated to keep it up.

Other ways to stay active include:

Partner up. Having a friend expecting you at the gym or park makes it harder to skip your workout.
Use your gym perks. Join group fitness classes or try personal training sessions to make exercise more social and fun.
Start small. Set practical, realistic goals. For example, if you’ve never jogged before, sign up for a 5K race before tackling a marathon. Celebrate the little wins along the way to stay inspired.

3. Get quality sleep

It’s discouraging to sleep seven to nine hours and still wake up tired. The concept of sleep hygiene – healthy practices that improve rest – can make a big difference. Quality sleep plays a crucial role in mental and physical health, yet it’s often neglected in our busy lives. Here are some strategies for better rest:

Create a sleep routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily trains your body to follow a natural rhythm, helping you fall asleep more easily and even wake up without an alarm.
Be active during the day. Daytime exercise, especially outdoors, helps you feel sleepy at night. Exposure to nature and sunlight also supports your body’s circadian rhythm – its built-in 24-hour sleep-wake cycle.
Optimize your sleep space. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. Block streetlights with curtains, blinds, or an eye mask. The National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–71°F as the best sleep temperature. A white noise machine can also help reduce disruptive sounds.
Remove blue light. Keep electronics out of the bedroom and avoid scrolling before bed. Blue light from screens interferes with sleep by keeping the brain alert. Instead, wind down with screen-free activities like journaling, meditating, or reading an actual book. Although blue-light-blocking glasses exist, research hasn’t shown them to be fully effective.

4. Keep stress under control

Stress is part of life, but how you manage it makes all the difference. Healthy stress management keeps your mind and body balanced. Try these approaches:

Stay physically healthy. Regular exercise, nutritious food, and restorative sleep give you resilience to face challenges.
Take media breaks. The constant news cycle can feel overwhelming. Step away from TV or social media to process what you’ve already absorbed.
Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms. Turning to food, alcohol, or drugs may feel like quick fixes but can harm you in the long run. Instead, try mindfulness, deep breathing, or physical activity.
Share what you feel. Talking with someone you trust – whether a loved one or a professional – can lighten your load and remind you that you’re not facing things alone.

5. Nurture your relationships

Healthy connections matter just as much as romance. Friendships and social ties protect overall well-being. In fact, the CDC reports that loneliness in adults over 50 is linked to conditions like heart disease, stroke, depression, and dementia. Building and maintaining strong social bonds takes effort, but the rewards are huge.

Stay in touch. Proactively reach out to family and friends. Plan at least one social interaction each week – coffee, dinner, a walk, or even a phone call.
Join activities. Classes, clubs, and volunteering let you meet people with similar interests while learning something new. They also give structure to your social time.
Consider a pet. Pets provide companionship and, in the case of dogs, encourage you to get outside and meet other pet owners.

6. Cut back on screen time – especially social media

Technology is powerful for learning, working, and entertainment, but overuse can backfire. Spending too much time on screens affects both physical and mental health. Long hours at the computer strain your eyes and posture, while endless scrolling can trigger feelings of sadness, stress, or isolation.

Set firm and consistent limits on your children’s screen use. Technology can be a powerful learning tool, but it’s just as important for kids to gain knowledge and skills through real-world interaction. As a parent, you establish the boundaries for your child’s screen time. If you’re unsure where to begin, a simple and effective guideline is to keep screens off during family meals.

Pay attention to your scrolling habits. Constantly browsing social media isn’t good for your well-being, and these platforms are designed to keep you hooked. To manage your usage, you can install apps or browser add-ons that cap your time online, or schedule specific times in your day that are completely social media–free. Then, going back online will feel more like a treat instead of a compulsion.

Give your eyes regular rest. If your work involves screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

7. Keep up with doctor and dentist visits

Although staying on top of medical appointments can be tough, yearly checkups, vaccines, and dental cleanings are vital for staying healthy. These are part of preventive care, which helps detect issues early and lowers your risk for long-term illnesses.

See your dentist at least once a year. Oral health is closely tied to overall health, especially heart health. A dental checkup isn’t just about cleaning your teeth – it also screens for gum disease, inflammation, cavities, oral cancer, and other conditions.
Stay connected with your physician. Routine checkups, screenings, and tests are essential for maintaining good health. Seeing your doctor regularly helps monitor your well-being and increases the chance of catching any problems early.

8. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

Healthy living also means being conscious of what you put into your body. Substances like tobacco and alcohol may seem enjoyable in the moment, but both can harm your health over time.

Quit tobacco and nicotine. The only safe choice with smoking is to stop. Quitting isn’t easy, but there are many tools available to help you succeed. Consider joining a support group, distracting yourself from cravings, and reminding yourself of the long-term benefits.
Drink responsibly. Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation. Health experts define moderate use as up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
Seek help if needed. If alcohol or drug use is interfering with your health goals, know that resources and support systems are available.

9. Be gentle with yourself and practice patience

Treat yourself with kindness, especially while working toward healthier habits. Whether you’re making major life adjustments or simply maintaining your current path, self-compassion makes the journey easier.

Remember, lifestyle changes take time. Building lasting habits is a gradual process, and it’s normal to go through trial and error along the way.

Live your healthiest life

It’s never too late to begin making healthier choices. Even though the process may feel overwhelming at times, reflecting on the reasons you chose this path can help you stay motivated.

Asking for support is perfectly okay. The HealthPartners Blog is a helpful resource for tips, advice, and guidelines to support your journey.

Your primary care doctor or clinician can also be an excellent partner in your health. They can listen to your concerns, provide guidance, and connect you with programs or specialists who may be a good fit for your needs.