8 Ways To Set Yourself Up For A Long And Healthy Life Starting Young

---

---

Everybody wants to live a long, healthy life, but what does that really mean in a practical sense? Each person has their own definition of health and wellness, and that means there’s a variety of ways to start taking care of your health from an early age so you can kick off a long and healthy life and feel fantastic for years to come.

Even though there are plenty of ways to get started on a healthy life, you can try out all of the strategies and see which ones make the biggest impact on your life. Here are a couple to get you started.

Eat Clean

Eating clean can mean a variety of different things, and it varies from person to person. Although it’s always best to do everything in moderation, trying your best to eat fruits and vegetables, nutrient-dense foods, and fresh produce can help you nourish your body in the way that it needs.

Even if you allow yourself a cheat day here and there, trying your best to eat a clean, healthy diet can set you up for years of healthy living.

Meditate

Although meditation might seem like a great personal decision, it can also be a great way to improve your health for life. Whether you’re new to the world of meditation or you’re a longtime lover of all things mindfulness, meditation can be a great way to calm the mind and relax the whole system. Meditation can improve focus, pain tolerance, digestion, and a variety of other health factors.

Reduce Stress

Stress is one of the leading causes of so many ailments, from diabetes to anxiety. High-stress environments are proven contributors to heart problems. Although it isn’t always completely possible to reduce the amount of stress in your life immediately, it’s important to try and keep the stress at bay whenever possible. Looking after your mental health, setting responsible boundaries, engaging in stress-releasing activities and keeping your schedule manageable are all a part of this.

Get Enough Sleep Each Night

One thing that goes hand in hand with reducing stress is making sure you get enough sleep each night. Everyone needs rest, especially as you age. The average adult requires at least seven hours of sleep each night, and the more you commit to getting that, the more balanced and healthy your life will feel for years to come.

Move Your Body

Another way in which you can set yourself up for a long and healthy life from a young age is by finding a method of exercise that works for you and that you can stick to. The average adult loses 3-8% of muscle mass per decade after age 30, so it’s important to keep yourself active so you can maintain that same level of fitness and ability.

---

---

You don’t even have to go all out — simply finding an activity like yoga, swimming, jogging, or hiking can do the trick!

Wear Sunscreen

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and the logic would follow that you should do your best to take care of it, even from a young age. In addition to following a skincare routine that involves moisturizing and cleansing, you should also make an effort to protect yourself from sun damage, which can cause skin cancer and signs of aging.

Even when it isn’t sunny out, wearing an SPF on your face and body can protect against UV rays, which cause the most damage.

Stay on Top of Your Doctors Appointments

This one may sound relatively simple, but it actually takes a lot of effort and thought in practice. From your dentist appointment to your annual checkups, it’s important to stay on top of all of your medical appointments to make sure everything is still in tip-top shape. Over the years, it can become difficult to keep track of everything, but it’s important to stay informed about your own health.

Look After Your Mental Health

Just because it isn’t the first thing you think of when you think about your health doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your mental wellness seriously. Your mental health doesn’t just impact your mood and your happiness; it has the potential to affect all areas of the body.

Make sure you consistently practice self-care both mentally and practically, and seek help when you need it, just like you would with any physical health ailment.

Setting Up for a Long and Healthy Life

No matter who you are or how old you are, it’s never too early or too late to take care of your health. From your physical health to your mental health and everything in between, you can make sure you are your very first priority for years to come. How are you going to get started taking care of your health?