This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
There are 23 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 155,981 times.
Improving your lifestyle can seem like an impossibly lofty goal. Changing everything about your life all at once is probably not realistic, but there are lots of small changes you can make to improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and to enjoy your life more. Start small by making one or two changes at a time. Before you know it, you'll have the lifestyle you've always wanted!
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Don't try to change everything about your life at once. Introducing small changes one at a time will be much more doable.[26]Thanks
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It is always easier to make changes in your life when you have a support system. See if you can find a friend or loved one who is interested in making the same changes. You can both encourage each other to stick with it.[27]Thanks
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Don't let yourself believe that you don't have time to live a healthy lifestyle! You can always find time for something this important.[28]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-to-eat-healthy-without-dieting
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201504/4-lifestyle-changes-that-will-boost-your-mental-health
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/staying_active_increases_your_long-term_happiness
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201504/4-lifestyle-changes-that-will-boost-your-mental-health
- ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-10-things-you-can-do-today-to-improve-your-life/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/losing-weight/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201504/4-lifestyle-changes-that-will-boost-your-mental-health
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/connected/index.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/guide/secondhand-smoke.html
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/massage
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201502/lifestyle-interventions-depression
- ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/stress
- ↑ https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/how-to/how-to-let-go-of-the-past-and-live-in-the-present/
- ↑ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/07/22/learning-to-let-go-of-past-hurts-5-ways-to-move-on/
- ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-10-things-you-can-do-today-to-improve-your-life/
- ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-10-things-you-can-do-today-to-improve-your-life/
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/ten_ways_to_become_more_grateful1
- ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190412094728.htm
- ↑ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/budgeting-how-to-create-a-budget-and-stick-with-it/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/unwrapped/201502/is-there-time-in-your-type-lifestyle-friendship
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201410/9-lifestyle-factors-can-affect-your-mental
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young
- ↑ http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/lifestyle-changes.aspx
- ↑ http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/lifestyle-changes.aspx
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201503/when-you-dont-have-time-healthy-lifestyle
About This Article
If you want to adopt a physically healthier lifestyle, eating more nutritious foods is a great first step. Most people benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. To keep your body in good shape, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each day. You can also improve your health by limiting harmful habits, like smoking and heavy drinking. Your body needs plenty of rest to repair itself at the end of the day, so make sure to regularly get a full night’s sleep if you can. Doing relaxing activities like getting a massage now and then can also benefit your physical and mental health. Additionally, work with your doctor to identify and manage any possible health problems, such as vitamin deficiencies. For more advice, including how to improve your mental and emotional wellbeing, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
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"I liked Method Three: Enjoying life! Now that I know I should eat healthy, sleep at least 6 to 8 hours daily and exercise more, I can enrich my life by adding value to what I choose to do next to help myself more."..." more