3.2 How Can We Stay Healthy?

If health is a balance of body, mind and surroundings, then staying healthy means caring for all three. Two big things shape our health: our lifestyle (how we live) and our environment (our surroundings).

A healthy lifestyle

Habits That Keep Us Well

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains; avoid processed, fatty and sugary food and drinks.
  • Stay physically active — play outdoors, walk, run, cycle, exercise.
  • Limit screen time and spend more time in nature.
  • Get enough sleep so body and mind can rest and recover.
  • Practise yoga or simple breathing exercises like pranayama.
  • Keep up personal hygiene and make time to relax or meditate.
  • Say a firm “NO” to tobacco, alcohol and addictive drugs.

Activity 3.2 — List your habits Make two lists. First, the good habits elders encourage — eating well, staying clean, exercising, relaxing. How many are already part of your day? Second, the harmful habits to avoid — too much screen time, daily junk food, sleeping very late, skipping meals (especially breakfast). Honest lists like these are the first step to a healthier routine.

Sort a few common habits below — drop each into the bin where it belongs.

Healthy habit or harmful habit?
Click each card to toggle between "Healthy" and "Harmful". Then press Check.

A clean environment

Activity 3.3 — Two playgrounds Picture two playgrounds: one clean, green and well-kept; the other littered, dirty, and buzzing with flies and mosquitoes. Which would you play in? People living near the dirty one fall sick more often — because clean air, clean water and clean surroundings are essential for health.

Have you ever struggled to breathe in smoky or dusty air? In cities, air pollution from vehicles and factories can cause coughing and asthma. The Air Quality Index (AQI) tells us how clean the air is on a given day. A cleaner environment helps everyone stay healthier.

The Mind Matters Too Even with good food and clean air, we won’t feel well if we are lonely or upset. Spending time with friends and family — talking, laughing, playing — keeps the mind healthy. Physical, mental and social health all pull together.