Healthy Living: Small, Steady Habits That Add Up

Healthy living means looking after your body and mind through choices that support your overall wellbeing. Some things that shape your health — your genes and your age — are beyond your control. But many daily habits aren't, and changing them can help you feel better, have more energy, and lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke.

New habits take time. Small, steady changes are easier to keep and become part of your routine — you don't have to change everything at once.

Steps to start with

Prevention

• Get the screening tests recommended for you, including those for women's or men's health.
• Stay up to date on vaccines.
• See your health care provider for regular checkups, and your dentist and eye care specialist for routine care.
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range.

Daily habits

• Eat a variety of healthy foods, and limit calories, added sugar and saturated fat.
• Be physically active — even a little exercise helps.
• Keep a healthy weight that's right for you.
• Get enough sleep each night to recharge body and mind.

Things to avoid or limit

• Don't smoke — or take steps to quit.
• Limit alcohol, or don't drink.
• Protect your skin from too much sun.
• Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Mind and connection

• Manage stress and look after your mental health — for example with meditation, relaxation or gratitude.
• Stay connected with friends, family or community groups, and do things you enjoy.

Healthy living is a lifelong journey; over time, small steps add up to big benefits.

Sources

Based on "Healthy Living," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.