Photo: Gurumustuk Singh / Flickr

Being healthy is an objective that requires a holistic approach. We put a great emphasis on our outward appearance as an indicator of our current state of health, and though it’s a critical signaling device, it isn’t everything. Below are the four critical components to a healthy you.

Puzzle piece 1: Exercise

This is obvious. Putting your body through exercise drills is both great for your physical appearance, and your body’s internal functionality. Exercise is powerful because it affects how well you sleep, how well you feel, how well your organs function, how clearly you think and numerous other bodily functions. There is no healthy living where there is no exercise, even if that means hitting the gym to pump iron or buying a squash racket and hitting the court frequently.

Puzzle piece 2: Eat well

While exercising helps the body function well, no amount of exercise will overcome terrible eating habits. Some foods, especially those filled with sugar and high levels of oil and fatty substances affect your body – and especially your heart – aversely. Steer well clear. Stick to the vegetables, legumes, organic food, and meats for proteins (or any other applicable substance). Also, drink a ton of water – literally litres a day to keep your system flush and properly active. For many people, eating well and exercise are the two primary concerns when using a holistic approach toward healthy living.

Puzzle piece 3: Sleep plenty

Ask any personal trainer what you should do to develop your body more rapidly, and they will all say the same things: work out (hey, they have to pay their bills, too, right?), eat well, and sleep. Get as much sleep as you possibly can because during your naps is the time your body recovers and repairs itself, and since building muscle and becoming ripped is about tearing muscle so you can build stronger muscle atop that, your body needs as much time to recover as possible.

Puzzle piece 4: Psychology

No amount of exercise, sleep and eating well will constitute healthy living if your mind isn’t in the right place. If you’re struggling with psychological issues, stress, depression or a pre-occupation that is affecting your mood, address that issue or seek medical help when necessary.

Remember, healthy living requires a holistic approach. Eating well, or exercising, or both exercise and healthy eating are not sufficient. You need to rest as frequently as possible and make sure your mind is in a good space.

Tags: exercise, Healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, sleep