A healthy lifestyle, in the end, is subjective. If you asked a group of people to give their ideal “healthy lifestyle” your answer is going to differ based on the individual, where they are in their life at the moment, and where they hope to be. Because there is no straightforward definition, there is also no straight answer on how to achieve it.
I know this is not the answer people are hoping for. People want quick facts with even quicker results. They want to hear, “If you do 100 crunches each day for the next 2 months, you will have a 6 pack”, or “Drink this tea for the next 2 weeks and you will lose 15 pounds!”. For this reason, people fall victim to the get fit quick schemes, and once it inevitably fails (the schemes always do), they give up and settle for being unhappy.
So does this mean I will never achieve a healthy lifestyle? NO!
This just means that you are going to have to listen to your body and do the most frustrating thing you can do, be patient. To achieve a healthy lifestyle you are most likely going to have to change some parts of your…… well lifestyle, and this can be an intimidating thing to do. Go easy on yourself and take some time to learn what does and, most importantly, does not work for you.
Here are some tips to try that may help lead you in the right direction. If something does not work for you then don’t force yourself to do it, but give it a try and keep your mind open!
- Eating “Healthy”
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This means watching what you put in your body. Go towards more natural foods and stay away from the processed, or fast food. This does NOT have to break the bank. Get the Food Lion brand frozen broccoli. It costs less to nothing and will last you WAY longer than the fresh product. Eat enough and, most importantly, do not starve yourself.
- Sleep Schedule
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Get one! Sleep at least 8 hours a day, 7 if we are being realistic for a college student. Wake up early!! I used to absolutely HATE waking up early, but recently it has helped me get through the day. It makes you feel less sluggish and like you have accomplished more. Working out in the morning also give you a feeling of accomplishment, while also opening up the rest of your day for other activities.
- Go outside
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It does not matter the weather, just get outside. Fresh air is proven to lift your spirits and energy, period!
- “Meditate”
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Whatever this means to you. If this means 15 minutes without your phone, sitting in silence, going on a walk by yourself, anything. It is a great time to take a mental check of yourself and see what changes you may need to make. This also helps you with the patience aspect of working towards your healthy lifestyle as well.
- Do what makes you happy!
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Mental health is the most important part of a healthy lifestyle. Hug a puppy, eat a brownie, paint, read, do anything that makes you happy. In the end, a happy you leads to a healthy you.