What is a Healthy Lifestyle?
In recent years, health has become a very polarized term with people on one side saying it’s about being healthy and others decrying it as a waste of time and money. Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is “an entire state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and infirmity.” Different definitions have been applied to health over the years. The dictionary definition even has word limitations, requiring that a definition must be more than a definition.
People are often grouped into categories based on their perceived definition of good health. A physical being is usually someone who eats a balanced diet, exercises regularly, sleeps well, visits the doctor on a regular basis, and consumes products that are safe and balanced. This definition excludes those who are malnourished, mentally ill, or who suffer from environmental factors that contribute to poor health. In these cases, a good health definition would include the three facets of well-being: physical, emotional, and social. In this way, the three aspects complement each other and produce a positive impact on the quality of life.
Emotional well-being is closely linked to physical well-being. When persons are healthy emotionally, they are able to care about their own body as well as that of others. For example, feeling physically healthy means being able to do your job and enjoy your hobbies without stressing your body. Mental health may be linked to a good immune system, stable sleep patterns, and a low chance of developing a disease or infection.
When persons are categorized as unhealthy, their definition of “unhealthy” can change depending on the situation. For instance, in some cases, absence or bad health can indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Other illnesses that may have psychological or environmental causes include depression, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse. In addition, absence can also be used to describe situations in which individuals have experienced great loss or have come through major challenges. The most important factor that distinguishes between normal and unhealthy states is whether the person is capable of functioning normally in the given situation but has experienced a setback, either due to natural causes or external factors.
One of the trends that has emerged over the last few years is the growing focus on wellness. Research is showing that people want to live longer and are taking the steps needed to ensure they do so. Healthy living and a high level of exercise have been identified as key components of achieving good health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a key component to improved health and quality of life is establishing a regimen of healthy behaviors through a daily diet, exercise, and stress management.
Staying fit is not only a wise thing to do for your body; it is also essential to keep your mind and body healthy. People who have established a well-balanced and nutritious lifestyle are less likely to develop serious health conditions or even acquire physical illnesses. Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure you are doing everything you can to maintain good health. Consider investing in a fitness center or taking a class to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results!