Do you ever wonder what the secret to living longer might be? You aren’t alone. Many people, especially baby boomers, are asking themselves what they can do today to live a longer and healthier life in the years to come.
There’s no one way to ensure that you’ll live until the ripe old age of 100, but these 10 healthy lifestyle habits can help you stay on your path toward longevity and slow down ageing in your body as much as possible
1) Practice physical activity
Physical activity is an essential healthy lifestyle habit. Whether you walk, run, or try out new fitness classes, finding something you enjoy doing is important.
You can also get creative by incorporating physical activity into your daily life, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far away from the store when you go shopping, or biking to work.
2) Eat well
Eating well doesn’t just mean sticking to your diet. It’s about fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Fill your plate with lots of fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil or nuts.
And don’t forget to include plenty of water! Drink up to six 8-ounce glasses daily, equivalent to around 3 litres (or 12 cups).
Exercise: Working out every day isn’t realistic for most people. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week (about 30 minutes on most days). These activities could be anything from walking, dancing, gardening and more!
3) Avoid stress
Stress can trigger inflammation, one of the major causes of chronic diseases like heart disease, arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
To avoid stressors that could lead to serious health problems, try meditating (even if it’s just five minutes every day) and spending time with friends or family you haven’t seen. Take some time to relax before going to sleep by listening to music or reading something.
4) Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol is not just the cause of numerous traffic accidents and liver disease; it can also lead to depression. When you drink alcohol, it releases endorphins that will give you that happy feeling. But the thing is, these endorphins are only temporary, so once they wear off, you’re going to feel much worse than before.
5) Get quality sleep
Sleep is one of the most important healthy lifestyle habits because your body needs to recover from physical activity. An adequate amount of sleep is between 7-9 hours per night. Try going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning, which will help you regulate your circadian rhythm.
6) Reduce your intake of processed foods
Processed foods are usually high in sugar, salt, and fat, leading to health problems. Avoid processed foods as much as possible by eating fresh produce instead. This will make you feel good about your eating and improve your overall well-being.
7) Keep blood sugar stable
This means eating meals with protein, fibre, and low-glycemic index carbs. This helps keep blood sugar levels steady and keeps you feeling full longer. At the same time, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
8) Manage your weight
Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising are three ways to manage weight. Add these habits to your daily routine, and you’ll be on your way to feeling better and looking better too! The other healthy lifestyle habits include:
Keeping yourself hydrated with plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty (but not when eating)
Maintaining good hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily (especially after eating), cleaning hands with soap and water before each meal or snack time, and washing hands after using the bathroom or changing the baby’s diaper.
9) Quit smoking if you smoke, or avoid it first!
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make. It improves not only your health but also your self-esteem. Smoking can reduce your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis and emphysema by more than half! Plus, your risk of getting various types of cancer decreases each year after quitting.
10) Stay socially active
One of the best ways to stay healthy is to stay socially active. Connecting with friends and loved ones can help reduce stress and improve your mood, making you less likely to overeat or binge drink. In addition, research shows that those who maintain strong social connections have higher long-term happiness levels.
The most important thing is to make time for relationships that are meaningful to you, whether they’re friendships, family relationships or romantic connections.
You can also read: How to achieve peak mental performance: 5 Tips to Boost Your BrainpowerÂ