10 Things Needed for a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle allows you to feel good, look good and maintain a naturally high level of energy. It is never too late to change your diet or habits around so that you can incorporate more positive choices into your lifestyle to improve your health. An important thing to remember is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is different than participating in a temporary diet fad or workout program. Rather, a healthy lifestyle can be accomplished by evaluating various aspects of your life and making changes where necessary.

Sleep
Sleep is a necessary part of living a healthy lifestyle. Your body depends on sleep to rest, gain strength and get you ready to carry out more tasks the next day. Many people have overly busy lives and lose a couple of hours of sleep in the evening or mornings as a result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 11.1 percent of adult Americans reported that they had insufficient sleep for 30 consecutive nights. Insufficient sleep can cause you, and your immune system, to be run down.

Water
Water is the life source of all living things. Your body is made up of water, and it needs replenishing. To live a healthy lifestyle, make sure you drink enough water during the day to stay hydrated. Water also helps to flush out toxins from your body, so you can actually feel healthier by drinking it.

The Right Diet
A healthy diet is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and whole grains are foods that can help you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need. Avoid greasy, high-fat and high-sodium foods. Substitute soda with unsweetened iced tea or lemon-flavored water.

Physical Exercise
Regular exercise keeps your body and heart in fit shape. You can prevent or reverse certain health issues by incorporating a regular exercise regimen into your day, such as lowering your blood pressure. According to "Duke Today," adults should be getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day for a healthy lifestyle.

Positive Relationships
Having positive relationships and friendships in your life will keep you living a healthy lifestyle. Many people do not realize that negative relationships and friendships can be unhealthy, and that the body can react through various symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, backaches, loss of appetite or sleep deprivation. Try to fill your life with friends and relationship partners who bring you laughter, smiles and happiness to help balance out your healthy lifestyle.

Breaks
Everybody needs breaks in the day to sit back and take a breather. Make sure that you are not neglecting yourself of valuable time away from the grind, which can help you regroup and reenergize.

Mental Health
Maintaining good mental health can help you keep an overall healthy lifestyle, and even help you avoid physical pains that come from things such as stress. Learn how to manage and reduce your stress through yoga, meditation, relaxation exercises or simply reading an enjoyable book.

Fresh Air and Sunshine
Try to break away from your office, home and gym to get some fresh air and sunshine. Incorporate more outdoor activities into your daily structure if you can, such as going on walks instead of using the treadmill, or taking your lunch outside with you instead of eating indoors.

Wellness Exams
Wellness exams are valuable because they allow you to practice preventative care so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keep a regular schedule of wellness exams so that you can stay on top of your health.

Hobbies
Find hobbies that you enjoy, and work them into your weekly routine. It is important to spend time doing something that you enjoy, as opposed to only fulfilling your scheduled obligations with work, the gym and household chores.