Mental and physical health has a lot to do with the actions we take every day , with the habits we have and the guidelines we follow. In other words, our lifestyles determine to a greater extent our well-being and happiness.

The lifestyles that make us happier

Eating well, doing sport, relaxing, having time for leisure, etc., has an effect on our well-being. But, what are the lifestyles that make us happier? In the following lines we explain them.

1. Buddhist Lifestyle

The Buddhist lifestyle has a spiritual basis , and is a lifestyle that achieves inner peace because it follows a set of principles that have their origin in the wisdom and practices of Gautama Buddha.

There are different branches of Buddhism, and although it originated in Asia, it is ideal for the busy Western world in which we live, because its simplicity, which is based on acceptance, gratitude, and compassion, has great healing and relaxing power, and also helps to achieve a connection with oneself, because happiness is born within our being and in the interpretation we make of the world.

Buddhist practice is based on different types of meditation. In our article “The 8 types of meditation and their characteristics” we explain them to you. In addition, if you are interested in this lifestyle, you may be interested in the following articles:

  • The 12 laws of karma and Buddhist philosophy
  • 70 Buddhist Phrases for Finding Inner Peace
  • Mandalas: the Buddhist wheels used in meditation

2. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a teaching that comes from Buddhism , and has become very popular in the West for its benefits to emotional and general health. Its popularity in the Western world is due to Jon Kabat-Zinn, creator of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Such is the power of Mindfulness that even psychologists use it in their practices to improve the well-being of their patients. In fact, psychotherapy programs have been created that use this philosophy. For example, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.

Mindfulness is about directing one’s attention and observing one’s internal and external experience in a non-judgmental way, with compassion and acceptance. To do this, he usually uses meditation, but also other exercises such as those you can find in our articles: “8 Mindfulness activities to improve emotional health” and “5 Mindfulness exercises to improve your emotional well-being”.

This practice allows you to learn how to manage your emotions, reactions, attitudes and thoughts, and becomes a healthier method of coping with unpleasant situations.

  • You can find out more about this philosophy in our article: “What is Mindfulness? The 7 answers to your questions”

3. Healthy Diet

There are different types of diets, and some, although they seem healthy because they help you lose weight, in reality they are not . Healthy diets provide the amount of nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the body, and they are not accompanied by the obsession with counting calories, but rather by eating a wide variety of nutritious foods, which contain healthy elements such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

However, this diet should not be done for a certain time, but should be a lifestyle, that is, we should be constant and have healthy eating habits over time.

4. Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is a type of healthy diet that has its origin in a portion of land called the Mediterranean basin , a historically very rich place, which has been inhabited by different civilizations.

Scientific studies state that it is especially healthy for our heart, since it is a balanced diet that emphasizes the varied consumption of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, meat. However, the greatest amount of calories should come from foods rich in carbohydrates.

Without a doubt, one of the essential foods in the diet is olive oil, a great source of unsaturated fats. that is, healthy. The amount of food to be consumed should not be excessive, and this diet suggests grilling, boiling or eating the food raw and fresh. In other words, fried foods should be avoided.

5. Active and sporting lifestyle

In order for the lifestyle to be as healthy as possible it is necessary for the person to be active, that is, not sedentary . The pace of life in today’s society leads many people to work in an office, and when they leave it, they do not do any kind of sport or physical exercise. This has serious consequences for their health, not only physically, but also emotionally.

An active lifestyle includes playing sports at least three days a week. Ideally, you should do both aerobic exercise and strength work. A healthy diet coupled with physical exercise should be on everyone’s agenda, otherwise the body and mind suffer in the long run.

6. Yogic

The yogic lifestyle is based on both the Buddhist lifestyle, healthy diet and also the practice of yoga. This practice is not just an exercise, but a way of life that seeks well-being, inner peace and implies a lifestyle that commits to the observation of ethical guidelines, life principles and proper nutrition. Yoga is vital for getting in touch with oneself and often with nature. It is mental relaxation, but it is also health for the body .

  • Learn about the advantages of practicing yoga in our article: “The 6 Psychological Benefits of Yoga”

7. Veganism

Veganism, or a vegan diet, is based on not eating animal products . It is more of a philosophy or lifestyle than a diet, and vegans are often people who have an activist mentality in favor of animal rights. Therefore, they do not eat meat, eggs, dairy products, or any food that originates from any member of the animal species.

Although it can sometimes be criticized, scientific research has proven that it is a healthy diet, as long as variety is included in the diet. Intake of vegetable protein and foods high in iron is therefore essential.

8. Lacto-ovo-vegetarianism

Lacto-ovo-vegetarianism is a type of vegetarianism in which individuals do not consume red meat, white meat, fish or poultry. However, they do consume dairy products and eggs. This is the most common type of vegetarianism and the healthiest .

9. Personal development

Although the previous examples had much to do with self-care, food and physical activity, a lifestyle that helps people to be very happy is one in which the person seeks self-realization and works every day for it .

Having a life goal and carrying out an action plan helps people to be motivated every day and to live happier. However, the person must be realistic, and the objectives must be fulfilled step by step, so it is necessary to have short, medium and long term goals.