A study by Oregon State University found that only 2.7% of Americans were living a healthy lifestyle. But what constitutes good health?Â
Is it low body fat? Getting lots of exercise? The truth is, health is multi-faceted. Â
You may groan at having to maintain an active lifestyle or take healthy supplements. But remember that your health should be a top priority.Â
You only get one body, mind, and life. So why not take the best care of them?Â
We’ve put together 10 of the best ways to live a healthier life. Start small and incorporate them into your life one at a time. You’ll be amazed at the differences you feel.Â
1. Live an Active Lifestyle
There’s no doubt that physical activities are imperative for good health. And the benefits of exercise extend beyond weight management. Â
Exercising improves your mood and your energy levels. It can even help you get a better night’s sleep. All it takes is 20-30 minutes a day. Â
Start by walking down the street. Time yourself for 15 minutes as you go. Once you reach it, turn around, and walk back home; that’s 30 minutes done!Â
2. Balance Your Diet
You can’t have a list of tips for a healthy lifestyle without mentioning diet. What you eat will impact your energy levels, your risk for disease, and even your mental health!Â
Try to stick to organic foods whenever possible. Whole, unprocessed meats, produce, and vegetables are your best bet, too.Â
If the thought of eating vegetables has your stomach churning, look up healthy recipes to try at home. Find something that appeals to you while incorporating vegetables with lots of flavors. You’ll likely find, over time, your cravings will change as your body adapts to eating the foods it’s meant to eat.Â
3. Wake up Earlier
Having a solid morning routine is another way to improve your lifestyle. Research has shown that waking up earlier can help you stay more alert and energized throughout the day. Unless you’re going to bed late, that is!Â
Waking up earlier gives you extra time to prepare for the day. Some of the world’s most well-known innovators have been early risers. Ben Franklin and Tim Cook are two examples.Â
Start slowly, by waking up 10-15 minutes earlier than usual. Get to the point where you’re giving yourself a couple of extra hours each morning.Â
And don’t just wake up to wake up! Create a productive morning routine for yourself. That could include stretching, exercise, and a healthy breakfast.Â
4. Take Healthy Supplements
Healthy supplements can also help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Companies like BioRite Nutritionals make it their mission to provide quality supplements. These can aid in weight loss or give you an extra boost of energy. Â
You should always pair natural supplements with a healthy diet. But when you’re crunched for time, grabbing a supplement drink can keep you from falling off the wagon.Â
Try incorporating vitamins into your daily diet. Or check out digestive aids that are packed with greens. These are easy ways to get more nutrients into your body.Â
5. Connect With Friends and Family
Social interaction is often an undervalued aspect of health. But it’s critical to maintaining a balanced life. Â
If it’s been a while since you’ve reached out to an old friend, do it today. If you haven’t visited your parents in a while, make a point to get something on the calendar. Â
Socializing can boost self-esteem, perspective, and provide a sense of belonging. If you’re feeling lonely, try joining a club or reaching out to someone at work. Maintaining a few strong friendships will help you stay upbeat and energized.Â
6. Turn off Your Devices
This one seems to get harder with every passing year! You’ve got a computer for work, a watch to take calls and track your fitness, and a phone for everything else. It’s easier than ever to spend all your time looking at screens. Â
So take a break from the constant updates, feeds, and notifications. These can steal your attention and drain your energy. They can make simple tasks take three times as long because you’re getting distracted.Â
Not only is it healthy for your mind to take breaks from your devices, but it’s good for your eyes as well. Too much exposure to blue light (especially if your screen is close to your face) can harm your eyes over time. Â
7.  Find Time to Unwind
And when you put down that screen, don’t rush to pick something else up in its place. Take some time for rest and relaxation. Â
This is a time when so many are working from home. And even those who aren’t are able to take their work home with them through their laptops and cell phones. Â
If you’re working non-stop, try to carve out time to unwind each day. Humans aren’t machines; you’re not made to work all the time. In actuality, rest improves productivity.Â
8. Try a New Hobby
If you’re not excited by the options above, maybe you need to try something new! You may be stuck in a rut of doing the same workouts at the gym. Or you’ve tried different diets and don’t see the appeal.Â
It may be time to dive into a new hobby. Taking up a sport or martial art can reinvigorate your love for exercise. Try Tai Chi instead of yoga or Crossfit instead of your regular weight training routine.Â
Pick up a few packets of seeds and start your own garden. Nothing will get you reconnected to what you’re eating like growing it yourself.Â
9. Practice Meditation
Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and improve your lifestyle. And only takes 10 minutes a day to start seeing results.Â
The great thing about meditation is that you don’t need to be a Buddhist monk or have ample amounts of free time to do it. You can do simple meditations at your desk at work, before bed, or first thing when you get up. You can even practice them in the shower!Â
If you find you’re exhausted by the pace of your life, try starting a meditation practice.Â
10. Get Enough Sleep
Another underrated habit, getting enough sleep is life-changing. You may be able to get by on six hours or less, but your body will benefit from getting at least eight hours.Â
As with getting up earlier, start slowly. Gradually go to sleep 10-15 minutes earlier each night. Do that until you’re hitting eight or nine hours. Â
And avoid that phone before bed! The blue light emitted from its screen can keep you tossing and turning throughout the night. Â
Kick-Start Your Healthy Lifestyle
An active lifestyle steeped in good habits is a healthy lifestyle. Your mind and body will thank you as you incorporate more of these tips into your daily and weekly routine.Â
Take time today to figure out how you’re going to work these habits into your schedule. Try starting with some healthy supplements. You can check out what BioRite Nutritionals has to offer here.Â