Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash
The secret to a long life has been debated for centuries; there are theories passed down from mythology and in the media. While you know you can’t live forever, there is a real key to incorporating habits that can help you stay healthy and promote longevity.
Your teenage years are one of the most impressionable times in your life to create habits for life. Picture your life as an adult, and consider what you’d like to do and see. How do you hope to accomplish your dreams?
While there is evidence that genetics play a role in your lifespan, there are still many other factors, including your lifestyle and environment. Adopting a healthier lifestyle and changing your daily habits can ensure you age better and add some extra years to your life.
What are these lifestyle habits you need to take on? Here are some things to start implementing in your life that assist you to stay healthier and live longer.
Physical Activity
Exercise is excellent for your body, not just to keep you fit and strong, but for extending your overall lifespan. Consider if you’re not a person who works out or goes to the gym – finding small pockets where you can move, be it joining a dance class a few times a week or taking a twenty-minute walk each day – can make a big difference.
Studies have demonstrated that just fifteen minutes of physical activity every day can extend your life by approximately three years. It may involve you making some changes in your daily routine. Find ways to hold yourself accountable, incorporate wellness, and ensure your body moves daily.
Nutrition
With exercise, it’s no surprise that what you eat is going to have an impact on your longevity. Many diets and fad diets are only utilized in the short term, usually for people to lose weight or to help regulate digestion. However, what you eat daily now is going to have an impact on your long-term lifestyle habits.
A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole foods can help protect your body against disease and add years to your life. Look for foods that aren’t processed and ensure you get protein for your muscle strength in things like fish, nuts, lean meats, and eggs.
Healthy snacks are part of nutrition to help you make smart choices. If you’re unsure what foods to incorporate within your diet, now is the time to consult with a nutritionist or health coach and identify the right foods to feed your body.
Other studies back the idea of intermittent fasting – where you eat at specific intervals each day or week. It can help ensure you don’t overeat, burn fat, and aid in your heart health. There are different types of intermittent fasting, including the most common methods below:
- 16/8 – Every day, you fast for 16 hours (including when you sleep) and only eat during an 8-hour window.
- 5:2 – You eat regular, wholesome meals five days a week and fast for two days. The days don’t have to be consecutive.
The free intermittent fasting tracker app, Zero is an excellent way to get on a routine of intermittent fasting that works best for your lifestyle.
Get Adequate Sleep
Did you know your sleep schedule is crucial to help ensure your body functions properly? Many people dismiss the idea of sleeping as being important to their health. But having more beneficial sleep cycles each night gives benefits to your longevity.
Take a look at your sleep behavior now. Are you getting a good amount, about 7 to 8 hours each night? If not, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of sleep disorders or what may keep you from getting enough rest.
Stress Management and Relationships
Stress happens to all of us and for many reasons. Unfortunately, the effects of anxiety and stress can take an increased toll on our bodies and minds. Chronic stress can lead to physical problems, including high blood pressure, inflammation, and obesity. A study in Finland found that heavy stress reduced the lifespan of people by around two whole years!
Finding ways to manage stress can be challenging. Consider taking up a fun hobby that helps you to relax, taking some time out for yourself once a week to do something restful, such as a visit to a spa, reading a book, journaling, yoga, or meditation.
Relationships are another way to ensure that you’re not only emotionally fulfilled but benefit you physically, too. Strong social networks and connections with others can actually improve your life expectancy. So, having social support is important to improve your health.
Happiness and Health for Longevity of Life
Life is short, and many occurrences and things happen that are out of your control. Take time to look at and incorporate healthy habits such as exercise, eating, sleeping, and managing stressful situations to have the longest life possible.
