People think that being healthy is very complicated. It’s really not. I have distilled it down to four key pillars of health:

Pillar #1: Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is important for a healthy heart, maintaining flexibility, strength and good posture, while preventing a slew of diseases. There are four different kinds of exercises that you should do.

They are:(source) >
1.Strength training, such as weights or resistance bands.
2.Aerobics, such as biking, hiking, running or swimming.
3.Flexibility exercises, such as stretching or yoga.
4.Balance exercises, such as balance boards or yoga.

Pillar #2: Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can weaken our immune system and upset our emotional balance causing depression. Prolonged stress has been linked to heart disease, certain types of cancer, depression, poor sleeping and eating habits, anxiety and headaches. It is impossible to be truly healthy when you are chronically stressed.

It is important to learn to relax and let unimportant things go. Reducing stress can take many forms. Some of them include meditation, breathing exercises and positive thinking.

Pillar #3: Eat Healthy

Remember, you are what you eat! A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low in saturated fat is important for many reasons, such as, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. So, trade healthier items for some of the least healthy items in your diet.

Pillar #4: Reduce Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Many diseases can be caused by exposure to harmful chemicals in the environment and the products we use. Childhood asthma, learning disabilities and cancers have all been linked to exposure to harmful chemicals.

So, try to use products that use less harmful chemicals. You would be surprised by the chemicals in some of the products you use, especially personal care products. For more information on healthier products to choose; visit the website of the Environmental Working Group.

Remember being healthy isn’t complicated. Just focus on the four pillars of health and don’t stress about it.

Talli van Sunder, DPT can be found blogging and podcasting at BeingHealthy.tv.