We all know that a healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining good health and the fact that the health and fitness industries are making billions every year goes a long way in highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle. So, if it is so widely known that a healthy lifestyle is so critical, then why is it that the health sectors of most western countries are overloaded with people suffering from illnesses that are directly related to unhealthy living? And why is it that obesity rates in many developed countries are at dangerously high levels?
The answers to these questions, I feel, are very complex and do not necessarily reflect peoples ignorance of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. I do believe, however, that the demands of modern living don’t often afford us the time to really reflect on the benefits that can be gained from healthy living, nor does it make it easy for us to live a healthy way of life on a daily basis. In this modern technological age we are also becoming more dependent on finding instant and easy solutions to life’s problems and this may have led us, as a society, to forget the basic principles behind living a healthy living.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle goes far beyond our physical health though. While, naturally, implementing healthy lifestyle practices does benefit us physically it also has a major positive effect on all other aspects of our lives. The benefits of healthy living include:
• Eliminating and reducing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other obesity related diseases
• Reducing the risk of depression and other mental illnesses
• Increasing energy levels
• Improving fertility, sexual function and libido
The importance of a healthy lifestyle is realised in many aspects of our lives. When we improve our physical health and wellbeing we also feel the benefits mentally and emotionally and living a healthy lifestyle allows us to develop a more positive outlook on life. When we feel happier and healthier we begin feeling better about ourselves and, as our self-esteem and confidence increases, we notice a big change in our relationships with others. People are naturally drawn to individuals who have a positive radiance about them and a healthy lifestyle can certainly help us to become someone that others want to be around. This not only has a positive effect on us as individuals but can do wonders for us on a professional level as well.
When looking at how healthy living can affect our lives it is clear that we can’t afford to neglect the importance of a healthy lifestyle. But healthy living goes far beyond just improving our diet and adding some exercise to our daily routine. Changing old habits does take some hard work and commitment but not only is it possible but it is certainly well worth it.