25 Healthy Habits to Improve Your Quality of Life

Posted by , Updated on December 19, 2023

Depending on who you are, you may never have considered the healthiness of the things you do at all. If that is you, then this list might shake things up a bit in your life. Health is one of those things that we don’t really focus on, understand, or appreciate until we don’t have it anymore. Once you grow older and realize that things just don’t work like they used to, you’ll long for the younger days when you were nimble and could do whatever you wanted.

Now, the purpose of this list isn’t just about helping you live a long life. It’s about helping you live a quality life. Of course, there are people out there who don’t care about their health and still end up living into their 70’s, but this is the exception and not the rule. Furthermore, these people only make it this far by going to the doctor’s office every week and popping tons of pills. Our goal is to make it that far without having to rely on constant bandages for all of our problems. The truth is that if you start now, you can live a healthy life right up into your 80’s if you devote just a little bit of time to it. These are 25 healthy habits that will increase the quality of your life!

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25

Stretching

StretchingImage: pixabay, Source: thoughtcatalog

Although you might not see immediate results, as you get older, you will be glad that your joints are a bit more mobile than your peers.

24

Scheduling

SchedulingImage: pixabay, Source: reddit

This is more a mental sanity thing, but write down what you need to do, cross stuff off, set goals. It will pay off.

23

Taking vitamins

Taking vitaminsImage: pixabay, Source: thoughtcatalog

Keep in mind, we are NOT talking about hyped up supplements, magical weight loss methods, or other snake oil. Do things in moderation, and a few vitamins here and there can only help.

22

Reading

ReadingImage: pixabay, Source: reddit

Besides being good for your brain, this is an excellent way to relax and still be productive.

21

Cooking

CookingImage: pixabay, Source: thoughtcatalog

There have been numerous studies showing that people who cook their own food are typically healthier and weigh less. You also don’t end up eating as many processed foods (trans fats), and those are just about the one thing that everybody on Earth agrees is bad for you.

20

Biking

BikingImage: pixabay, Source: reddit

If you live in a place with bad public transport, consider biking places instead of riding in your car. It’s significantly healthier.

19

Forgiving

ForgivingImage: pixabay, Source: thoughtcatalog

This may seem a bit out of place, but it’s true. Holding grudges never leads to anything good for you.

18

Drinking water

Drinking waterImage: pixabay, Source: thoughtcatalog

In fact, only drink water. Sugary drinks are one of the worst things you can consume (even fruit juices). Break that sugar addiction and hydrate. It will make your life easier.

17

Going to the doctor

Going to the doctorImage: pixabay, Source: reddit

Don’t neglect getting checkups. The number of easily preventable diseases out there is mind boggling.

16

Flossing

FlossingImage: pixabay, Source: reddit

This is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease, and gum disease is not fun. It has even been linked to heart problems (because of infections via the blood stream).

15

Avoiding sugar

Avoiding sugarImage: pixabay, Source: lifehacker

Sugar is bad for your teeth and doesn’t do much good for your body’s overall health. If you have a huge sweet tooth, find fruits that you like (there are thousands of fruits out there, we’ve even done several lists on them).

14

Exercising

ExercisingImage: freestockphotos.biz, Source: thoughtcatalog

You don’t need a gym to do this. 15 minutes of bodyweight exercises a day are just as good. Pushups, sit-ups, squats, pull-ups, etc.

13

Sitting in your chair properly

Sitting in your chair properlyImage: wikipedia, Source: reddit

This means not slouching. When you get older, your back will thank you.

12

Washing your hands

Washing your handsImage: pixabay, Source: thoughtcatalog

We don’t mean OCD style, but at least after the bathroom or before eating. You’d be surprised how many sicknesses are due to bad hygiene.

11

Walking

WalkingImage: pixabay, Source: reddit

Stop looking for the closest parking space. Actually, try to find the farthest parking space. Take the stairs instead of the escalator. Get a dog, and take it on walks every morning. Any walking is better than no walking.

10

Standing

StandingImage: ramsey beyer via Flickr, Source: lifehacker

So you can’t walk because you sit for 9 hours a day at work? Eat your lunch standing. In fact, work the whole day standing. And if you’re really hardcore, do squats (yes, at your desk).

9

Focusing

FocusingImage: pixabay, Source: reddit

Studies have shown that none of us are very good at multi-tasking, especially those of us who think we are (because we are more prone to try multi-tasking). Do one thing at a time, and do it well.

8

Having a hobby

Having a hobbyImage: wikipedia, Source: thoughtcatalog

Preferably something that gets you outside and interacting with other people (biking, climbing, etc).

 

Are you looking for a fun hobby? Here are 25 Fun Hobbies You Can Get Into Without Spending Much Money.

7

Waking up early

Waking up earlyImage: pixabay, Source: lifehacker

And its corollary – going to bed early. You’ll be surprised how much more productive you are during the day (you can knock some of the things you’ve just read about off your list). Plus, you’ll waste a lot less time at night.

6

Sleeping enough

Sleeping enoughImage: wikipedia, Source: reddit

Not getting enough sleep is really bad for your health. It can cause everything from heart disease to obesity. Make sure you get at least 7 hours a night.

5

Relaxing

RelaxingImage: wikipedia, Source: thoughtcatalog

Don’t work yourself to death. Have at least one day per week where you sleep in and reset. Stress can lead to some pretty bad problems (like heart disease).

4

Hiking

HikingImage: pixabay, Source: lifehacker

Combining relaxation with exercising and being in nature, hiking has a lot of benefits.

3

Controlling portions

Controlling portionsImage: freestockphotos.biz, Source: reddit

Especially in America, the meals you order at restaurants are not made for one person. Always split it in half, and take one of those halves home with you.

 

Looking for ways to eat healthier? Here are 25 Food Hacks That Makes Eating Healthier Easier.

2

Wearing sunscreen

Wearing sunscreenImage: pixabay, Source: webmd

It doesn’t matter how dark you are. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t get a sunburn. If you stand out in the sun without any sunscreen or long sleeves, you’re getting sun damage.

Note: Melanoma is one of the most dangerous and lethal cancers. It is also one of the most preventable.

1

Learning

LearningImage: thebluediamondgallery.com, Source: thoughtcatalog

Never stop learning. The healthiest people also tend to be the most educated people.