Staying healthy is something we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about when we’re kids and teenagers. As we enter our 20’s, we’re often so happy to be out of the house and moving on with our lives that it continues to remain pushed to the side. After all, with education, entry-level jobs, and striving to advance in our careers and lives, who has time to think about eating healthy and staying active? Unfortunately, this leaves many of us entering our 30th year a bit behind the health curve and struggling to get some traction before a slowing metabolism turns losing weight into a Sisyphean task.

It Starts In Our 20’s, and It’s Not Too Late

If you’re starting out in your 20’s and trying to figure out how to make sure you enjoy a long and active lifestyle, you’re already starting off on the right foot. The sooner you start getting a handle on your physical health, the more likely you are to avoid developing health issues later in life. Too many of us rely on our youthful resilience to see us through these years with the thought that “I’m too young to worry about my health.” Nothing could be further from the truth. You should start the following habits to get the most out of your 20’s and a great start on your 30’s and beyond:

• Physical Exercise – Love it or hate it; there’s no getting around the fact that staying active is central to ensuring you stay healthy and that your body remains your greatest tool. Heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease have all been associated with a sedentary lifestyle, so get out there and stay active!
• Healthy Eating – Life can’t be all pizza and hot wings (we know, we’re sad too), but there are many tasty dishes that feel nearly as indulgent but aren’t as bad for you. Eating right ensures your body gets the nutrients it needs for a robust immune system and maintaining vital tissues and organs.
• Proper Hydration – Here’s another old chestnut that’s just as true today as it has been since doctors started harping on it. Put enough water into your diet, and you’ll go a long way to helping your body stay healthy. Proper hydration keeps your skin fresh and glowing, fights acne, helps the body function, and clears toxins that can cause health concerns.

On top of all this, make sure you get enough sleep and always use sunscreen when going outside. Sleep is among the most essential gifts you can give your body to keep it at peak performance. Like any machine, it needs enough downtime and maintenance to keep working properly, and sleep is when this happens.

Coordinate with Your Physician and Consider Getting A Personal Trainer

While everyone should have a physician they regularly see to help maintain personal care, not everyone has (or can afford) a personal trainer. If you have a gym membership, you can check in to see what deals or prices they have, as some can come quite cheaply. You don’t have to employ a trainer every time you work out either! Indulging in a trainer every once in a while to make sure you’re staying on track to your health goals can go a long way towards improving your life in years to come.