by Chesley Maldonado

Created on: March 15, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2008

It is extremely common to be overworked, stressed, and overweight. Being busy is the norm, rather than the exception. Our lives are unbalanced, and we put up with fast food, sleep deprivation, and a pill for every problem. How can we break free and live a healthy lifestyle? I am glad you asked. Here are ten steps that you can take towards a healthy lifestyle.

1. Sleep more. This may take some planning and scheduling, but you must sleep well to live a healthy lifestyle. Sleeping at least 8 hours per night is important for your body to rejuvenate, relieve tension, and recover from the busyness of the day. Taking naps when you are feeling drained is also a very healthy thing to do. You will feel better, and your body will function more efficiently.

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Substituting more fresh fruits and vegetables for processed snacks, fast food, and candy will help your energy level and can help you to lose weight. If you replace high fat food with fruits and vegetables, you will reduce your overall calorie intake, and as a result, you could shed some pounds.

3. Move your body more. Physical activity is a crucial part of living a healthy lifestyle. Take a walk, do sit-ups during commercials, go out dancing, or throw a ball around at the park. Whatever you do, don't just sit around all day! Moving around more everyday will increase your overall metabolism, keep your circulation going, and can lower your cholesterol.

4. Keep a journal. Emotions are an important part of health. Writing down significant events, thoughts and feelings can help relieve stress. Emotional baggage can cause physical problems, and so can chronic stress. Writing things down is a way to let it all out so things don't continuously plague your mind. It is also great to look back at happy times, because good memories can lift your spirits when things aren't going that great.

5. Spend more time with family and friends. Relationships are only as good as the time you put into them. Don't get so busy that you never have time for friends and family. You should have meaningful conversation, quality activity time, and regular follow-up. Staying connected to the people you care about takes effort if you want healthy relationships with them.

6. Simplify your life. If you find that you are often overwhelmed with more things to do than humanly possible, consider cutting things out of your schedule. Are you doing extra favors for people because you just couldn't say no? Is it really crucial to do

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