How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle: 12 Tips for Feeling Your Best

Living a healthy lifestyle is more than just a trend — it's an important part enhancing your well-being and, and feeling your absolute best every day. But this doesn’t just mean eating healthier and exercising. A healthy lifestyle encompasses physical vitality and emotional wellness, requiring conscious choices that nurture both body and mind.  

In this article, we share 13 healthy lifestyle tips to help improve your quality of life for the years ahead.  

The Key Elements of a Healthy Lifestyle 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how to be healthy, but there are actionable tips you can follow to support your long-term health journey. Living a healthy lifestyle involves maintaining physical health, mental wellness, and social connections — what some refer to as the three pillars of health: 

• Physical Health: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and quality sleep are essential.  

• Mental Wellness: Prioritizing activities that reduce stress is crucial for emotional and overall health.  

• Social Connections: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships provides emotional support and fosters a sense of community and belonging.  

How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle: 12 Essential Tips 

Whether you already live a healthy lifestyle or are looking for ways to bring more wellness into your life, learning how to be healthier involves integrating the three pillars of health in a way that works for you.  

Here are 13 practical health tips for supporting your wellness and quality of life.  

1. Prioritize Self-Care  

If you’re wondering how to stay healthy, strong, and happy, start by taking some well-deserved time for yourself. Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as reading, meditating, or simply relaxing, can help you recharge and reduce stress. Self-care isn't a luxury — it’s a necessity for creating balance in your life. 

Prioritizing self-care can significantly improve your quality of life. Activities such as taking a relaxing bath, spending time in nature, or indulging in a favorite hobby can help you unwind. The key is to identify what activities and practices work best for you. This might mean setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, saying no to unnecessary commitments, or resting when you’re tired. Remember, self-care can also include regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, ensuring that you’re actively supporting your physical and mental well-being. 

2. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships 

Our social life often takes the back seat when we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, cultivating meaningful relationships is just as important as eating healthy or staying active for building a healthy lifestyle.  

Investing time in your relationships can yield significant benefits. Whether it’s catching up with a friend over coffee, joining a club, or participating in community events, these interactions can enhance your emotional well-being. Volunteering is another excellent way to connect with others while making a positive impact on your community. 

3. Keep Learning 

Continuous learning can take many forms, from formal education to informal learning experiences. Taking online courses, attending workshops, or simply reading books and articles on topics that interest you can help keep your mind sharp and engaged. Additionally, exploring new hobbies can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. Whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or starting a DIY project, the possibilities are endless.  

4. Stay Physically Active 

Physical activity is foundational for how to stay fit. Regular exercise provides numerous benefits for both your body and mind. You don’t need to spend hours at the gym — even low-impact activities can be beneficial.  

But exercise isn’t just about your physical health. You should also engage in exercises supporting healthy brain function, like strength training and yoga. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, just 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, can be incredibly beneficial for your health.  

5. Lower Your Stress Levels 

Stress can impact both mental and physical health. Incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine can make a significant difference. 

Stress management is essential for maintaining overall well-being. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help calm your mind and reduce stress levels. Physical activities like yoga or tai chi combine movement with mindfulness. Additionally, engaging in hobbies and activities that you enjoy can help reduce stress and improve your mood. 

6. Eat a Balanced Diet 

A nutritious, well-balanced diet fuels your body and supports overall health. Eating a variety of healthy foods ensures you get the nutrients needed for energy and may support healthy brain function. Understanding how to get healthy involves making informed food choices and staying consistent with healthy eating habits. 

Nutrition plays a crucial role in how to live a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides the essential nutrients your body needs. Additionally, choosing whole, unprocessed foods over refined and processed options can make a significant difference in your health. Whole foods are packed with nutrients and fiber that support digestion and keep you feeling full longer. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels helps avoid energy crashes and mood swings, contributing to overall well-being.  

Need some kitchen inspiration? Check out these healthy recipes that help support the brain! 

7. Stay Hydrated 

Drinking enough water is essential for supporting healthy bodily functions. Staying hydrated supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.  

Water helps transport nutrients throughout your body, aids in digestion, and regulates body temperature. It also helps keep your skin healthy and maintains energy levels. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and adjust your intake based on your activity levels and climate. Carrying a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day and making a habit of drinking from it regularly can help ensure that you stay hydrated. 

Not a fan of plain water? Try these 4 hydrating drinks for tastier alternatives. 

8. Get Enough Sleep 

Sleep plays a crucial role in living a healthy lifestyle. Quality sleep allows your body to repair and regenerate tissues, ensuring we’re fresh and ready to take on a new day. To improve your sleep quality, try creating a consistent sleep routine. This can include going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, creating relaxing bedtime rituals, and ensuring your sleep environment is comfortable and free from distractions. 

In order for us to feel our best, it’s important to find ways to improve your sleep quality. If you’re having a hard time falling asleep, try these tips for calming racing thoughts.   

9. Practice Gratitude and Positivity 

Maintaining a positive outlook can contribute to a fuller, healthier life. Practicing gratitude can shift your perspective and promote emotional well-being. 

Positivity and gratitude can have powerful effects on your mentality. Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from negative to positive experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Keeping a gratitude journal, where you regularly write down things you’re thankful for, can be a simple yet transformative practice. Small acts of kindness, such as complimenting someone or helping a neighbor, can also boost your mood and reinforce an optimistic mindset. 

10. Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage 

Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Getting some sunshine can brighten your day, but sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin.  

Exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage. Using sunscreen with a high SPF and reapplying it every two hours can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, such as hats, pants, and long sleeves, and using sunglasses that block UV rays can provide additional protection. 

11. Get Regular Healthcare Check-ups 

Routine check-ups help maintain good health and can detect potential issues early. Regular visits allow your healthcare provider to monitor your health effectively. They can help identify potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention.  

Depending on your age and health history, these check-ups may involve screenings and tests such as blood tests, cholesterol checks, and blood pressure monitoring.  

12. Use Supplements

While a balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrients you need, supplements can help fill nutritional gaps. For example, Vitamin D supplements can be important for people who live in areas with limited sunlight, as they support bone health and immunity. Memory supplements can also be beneficial for supporting brain and cognitive function. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. 

Support Your Memory with Prevagen 

Living a healthy lifestyle means making consistent choices that support physical and mental well-being. Supporting your healthy brain function with a memory supplement like Prevagen can be a key part of your journey.  

It's important to remember that supplements like Prevagen should be used in conjunction with other healthy lifestyle tips such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Together, these practices can contribute to a more vibrant and fulfilling life. 

Prevagen is the #1 pharmacist-recommended memory supplement, including Vitamin D and Apoaequorin.  

Learn more about Prevagen or read our customer testimonials.