What is a healthy lifestyle?

There is a lot of debate about what is considered “healthy,” making this a contentious question.

Some believe in extreme discipline, others freedom, and most fall somewhere in between.

Today, we are going to add our two cents to this debate. We will share our thoughts on what makes a healthy lifestyle and give you 10 tips to achieve it.

Our Definition of a Healthy Lifestyle

First, we need to define what a healthy lifestyle is. 

Health has three main characteristics:

1. You have the highest level of cognitive function possible. 

2. You are prepared for any physical activity you would like to attempt. 

3. You are content with your life.

A lifestyle is a way of living. It refers to the opinions, interests, and behaviors that encompass your life.

Coupling the two together, a healthy lifestyle is habitual actions and beliefs that support a state of health.

Here are 10 tips to help you live a healthy lifestyle.

1) Challenge Yourself Physically 

Challenge yourself physically with exercise regularly. Exercise is beneficial for many reasons and is the base of support for characteristics 1 and 2. 

2) Challenge Yourself Cognitively 

To keep a sharp mind, challenge yourself with difficult problems, and continue to learn. If you are a fitness coach here are some books we recommend to challenge yourself.

3) Challenge Yourself Emotionally

Humans are social creatures. Get out there and interact with others, have difficult conversations, and question your own beliefs. 

4) Go to Sleep and Wake Up at the Same Time

Our circadian rhythm, the body’s natural process that controls your energy regulation, thrives on consistency. When you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day you will have more consistent energy levels. Learn more about the circadian rhythm here.

5) Eat Your Meals at the Same Time

Eat your meals at the same time every day. Just like your circadian rhythm, your digestive system likes routine. Eating at the same time will help you digest foods better and keep your energy levels consistent.

6) Challenge Yourself Consistently

Repeat your challenges consistently to promote recovery and adaptation. Your body will then learn how to prepare for what is coming.

7) Nourish Yourself

Nourish yourself with nutrition and recovery in a way that supports the three-part definition of health. 

Eat foods that give you clear thoughts and enough energy for any physical activity. Get enough sleep so that you recover from your physical challenges and are well-rested enough to have great cognitive function. And don’t forget to drink enough water to stay well hydrated. Looking for more specifics? Get them here.

8) Get outside

Get outside as much as possible. Connecting to nature can help relieve stress and most outdoor activities involve movement. Further, the fractal environment found in nature will give your eyes a much-needed break from our societies’ constant arbitrage of synthetic light.

9) Move Every Day

You will not be able to challenge your abilities with exercise every day because your body needs time to recover. However, you can still aim to move every day. It can be as simple as a walk or bike ride. Daily movement is a pillar of a healthy lifestyle.

10) Have the Right Intentions

Create the right intentions around your healthy lifestyle. Live it for you. The right intentions will make it easier to be consistent and help you maintain these habits for a lifetime.

Are You a Fitness Coach or Want to Become One?

Are you a fitness coach or interested in becoming one?

Helping people reach their goals through exercise and nutrition is a fulfilling experience.

It is also a skill that can be learned.

In just six months you can become an independent fitness coach, running your own small business and dramatically impacting the lives of those around you.

Sound intriguing?

Download our free curriculum guide today and learn exactly how you can become a fitness coach with our Coaching Certificate Program (CCP).