5 timeless habits for better health
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Is your breakfast cereal healthy?
When pain signals an emergency: Symptoms you should never ignore
Does exercise give you energy?
Acupuncture for pain relief: How it works and what to expect
How to avoid jet lag: Tips for staying alert when you travel
Biofeedback therapy: How it works and how it can help relieve pain
Best vitamins and minerals for energy
Should you take probiotics with antibiotics?
Staying Healthy
Achieving and maintaining good health means adopting healthy lifestyle habits, from consuming nutritious foods and getting regular physical activity to prioritizing sleep and reducing stress.
Dietary patterns that are most closely linked to a longer, healthier life tend to focus on unprocessed or minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts as well as fish and healthy fats.
Physical activity can mean going for long walks, riding your bike, gardening, playing pickleball, or regularly participating in any activity you enjoy. Exercise lowers your risk for serious health problems, strengthens and tones your muscles, helps preserve independence, and boosts your mood.
Restorative sleep is similarly vital to your health and wellbeing, as is managing stress. Regular checkups, screening tests, and other preventive health measures are also important.
Over time, these efforts will pay dividends. You’ll be rewarded with more energy, improved mobility, less pain, a brighter outlook, and enhanced physical and mental health.
Related Articles
Diseases & Conditions
What are the best calcium sources for people who are lactose intolerant?
Staying Healthy
Crave a better appetite
Staying Healthy
Traditional tai chi elements
Staying Healthy
Standing tai chi calisthenics
Staying Healthy
Taking your core workout to the next level
Harvard Health Blog
Real-life healthy dinners (for real people with real busy lives)
Child & Teen Health
7 ways to prevent holiday stress — for your children
Staying Healthy
Six tips for safe strength training
Heart Health
Heart failure and potassium
Staying Healthy
Find the weight-loss plan that works for you
Harvard Health Blog
Self-care: 4 ways to nourish body and soul
Harvard Health Blog
Are sprouted grains more nutritious than regular whole grains?
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up
