14 Healthy Living Activities You Should Try More Often

Avoid low-nutrient diets

For several years now, many diets that are not necessarily healthy have been circulating on the Internet, although they promote weight loss. But it’s important to know that people need a varied diet that contains many nutrients that can help your body function properly. 

So, you should avoid low-nutrient diets, even if they can help you lose a few extra pounds – in other words, you will lose weight in an unhealthy way. 

“Try to eat as many whole foods as possible, minimize saturated fats and trans fats by choosing lean meat and dairy and avoiding processed foods, choose whole grains over refined grains, and get your daily fruits and vegetables. I find that following the 80-20 rule is a fantastic goal: make 80 percent of your choices health-focused, and allow 20 percent of your food choices to be pleasure-focused,” explained Peoples.

“This will help you eat overall healthier items and improve your energy and health while still allowing room for life’s pleasures, like birthday cake or Sunday brunches. The 80-20 rule is maintainable, which will help you build habits you can maintain for a long, healthy life.”

Do what you love

Focusing on your hobbies, passions and adoring activities can be a great way to improve your mental, spiritual and physical health. You should live your life joyfully and one of the most important things that you have to do as often as possible is to minimize your worries. Doing what you love can relieve stress, anxiety and depression. 

Many studies have shown that people who focus on their passions and do what they love the most are more likely to be healthier and successful. 

According to Jacquelyn Salvador, author and founder of 360 Living, “doing what you love doesn’t need to be your full-time career, but when you something you truly enjoy, it can transform your mood, your relationships, and your health — giving you something to look forward to even when life gets you down.”

“Maybe you already have an idea of what you enjoy doing, and if so, now’s the time to dive in and enjoy more of it. Otherwise, try exploring local clubs and sites like Meetup.com to see what groups and activities are available in your area. You’ll find plenty of ideas, plus a sense of community to go along with them.”

Helping other people

As you already know, helping other people can make you feel happier and improve your spiritual condition. Doing good deeds can help you grow as a person, make you feel better and increase your moral responsibility. 

“Studies show that the giver also gains a great sense of meaning and happiness. It can even inspire and encourage people around you, giving everyone a much-needed boost in the goodness of humanity. That happiness is something you’ll carry around with you well after the act itself, putting a spring in yourself and creating a virtuous cycle of action,” explained Salvador.

“Maybe it starts with something simple like, buying a hot coffee for someone on the street, or you could check out altruistic sites like Kiva, which allows you to help people change their lives for the better via microlending. Each of us has our own capacity to help others—why not make the world a bit brighter.”

Make new friends

Many studies have shown that friendship is one of the most important things in a person’s life, affecting you in more ways than you actually realize. Of course, there is a dark side to these connections as well, but you should know when your friends get you into trouble. Nevertheless, you can make online friends that can make you feel less lonely. 

“In our hyper-connected world, we have the impression of being connected all the time, but this actually masks the fact that many of us lack a deep, meaningful connection. Instead of doling out copious likes for everything that flashes on our screens, we’ll find a lot more fulfillment, happiness, and meaning by making an intentional effort to reach out to friends and even to interact more meaningfully with people we don’t necessarily know,” explained Salvador.

“It could be writing a letter, picking up the phone, scheduling a coffee date, or just striking up a conversation while waiting in line at the bank—they seem minor, but they can make all the difference in our mental health and happiness.”