Healthy living is one of the most important things you can do to lead a long and happy life. But it’s hard to change your habits and stick to them. The good news is that setting specific, achievable goals is an excellent way to do this. The following are 4 short and sweet goals that you can use to help you start your healthy living journey.
Achieving these goals will lead to more physical and mental well-being.
1. Drink 2+ liters of water a day
A surprising amount of people don’t drink enough water. The average person in the UK drinks around 2 liters a day, which isn’t enough to stay hydrated, and can even lead to health problems down the line. You should drink at least 2 liters a day – and ideally 3+ liters if you’re active enough. If you want to get more involved and manage your water intake, then try tracking how much you drink and see how your body copes with water consumption.
2. Eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day
Eating good-quality food is one of the best ways to reach your goals. The more variety of food you eat, the more likely you are to feel satisfied and energetic. If you aren’t already eating a healthy diet, then starting by increasing your fruit and veg intake is a good place to begin.
3. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day
Making sure that you get enough exercise each day is one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental well-being. It will help you look and feel better, and it will make it easier to lose weight if that’s something you’re aiming for. The good news is that even 5 minutes of exercise is better than no exercise at all. The chart below shows the recommended levels of physical activity about fitness levels.
Fitness Level Physical Activity Recommendation Sedentary (little or no physical activity) Very little, less than 30 minutes a day. Active (moderate physical activity) 30-60 minutes a day. Moderate (long walks or other moderate-intensity physical activities) Moderate 30-90 minutes a day. Frequent ( brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or other vigorous activity) 75-150 minutes a day.
4. Relaxation is equally as important as active living
You should be doing some form of relaxation each day – whether it’s an afternoon nap, a cup of tea, or taking a bath. This can help you to switch off and relax, which is important for both your physical and mental health.
