Find Nutrients From Food

Instead of relying on supplements to get all the nutrients you need, try to eat foods that supply them. This may mean choosing unfamiliar dishes, which can be intimidating but can also be an exciting and rewarding experience. You may find that cultural foods are healthier than those you are more accustomed to. For example, Mediterranean cuisine is often made with heart-healthy olive oil rather than saturated fats and has plant proteins rather than red meat.

Choose Exercise That You Enjoy

The best exercise is one that you can perform consistently. If you choose an exercise that you do not enjoy because of its advertised benefits, you are unlikely to stick with it for very long, and then it won't benefit you at all. Playing sports, dancing, bicycling, and even walking are all excellent ways of getting exercise. Instead of choosing something that you "have to" do, pick an activity that you "get" to do. Then, motivating yourself to actually do it will become a lot easier.

Consider Mind-Body Techniques

There is a positive correlation between physical health and mental health, such that when one declines, the other is likely to follow soon after. Therefore, you may want to try an activity that supports both physical and mental health at the same time. Mind-body exercises include things such as yoga and tai chi. They develop your mental focus and discipline while increasing strength, flexibility, and stamina. If you like them, you can benefit from integrating them into your regular routine.

Find a Way To Do Good

You may be able to motivate yourself more effectively by finding a way to benefit others while you are trying to get healthier. For example, maybe you can participate in a charity event such as a bicycle ride or a run/walk that benefits a worthy organization. This can also be an opportunity to meet people and make new friends. However, even if something so organized doesn't appeal to you, there are probably still ways for you to do good while staying active. For example, maybe you set aside one day a week where you bring a garbage bag along with you on your daily walk and challenge yourself to pick up as much litter as possible. You can probably find more creative ways to benefit others as well as yourself through healthier habits.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Just as a battery needs to be recharged to function properly, your body needs sleep to rejuvenate itself for the day ahead. Not only does it need sleep, but it requires sufficient quantities. Try to choose a consistent bedtime and set your alarm for an hour that allows you to get at least eight hours of sleep per night, up to 10 if you can manage it. Getting only six hours of sleep a night is equivalent to staying up for 24 hours straight, so try to keep to an consistent schedule that provides sufficient rest.

Stay Hydrated

Water is the lubrication that helps your body to function at peak efficiency. Dehydration can cause serious illness. However, not all fluids are effective at hydration. Avoid caffeinated beverages as these actually contribute to dehydration by acting as a diuretic. 

Make changes slowly instead of trying to do everything all at once. This prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Set priorities for yourself and try to address those changes first. Once a new healthy habit has been established, move on to the next one.

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