15. Get Your Body Moving
If there’s one thing that can boost your spirits and improve your health with lasting results, it’s daily physical activity.
Research has found that something as simple as a 30-minute walk per day can quickly improve your heart and health and reduce your risk for a heart attack. So what’s your excuse? Everyone has 30 minutes in their day, right?
14. Furry Friends Are Important
Did you know that owning a pet can help improve your quality of life? While some people shy away from adding a friendly furry addition to their family, they actually are the perfect cure for depression and those who tend to be anti-social.
According to recent studies, cuddling with a dog or cat is known to lower anxiety levels, relieve stress and could possibly improve blood pressure.
13. Ditch Eating Out & Cook All of Your Meals
While eating out can make for a fun night, if you are dining most of the time from a menu, it could have a seriously negative effect on your health. Due to the larger portions and higher calorie counts, eating out can trigger the development of heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Therefore, nutritionists recommend cooking at home with fresh ingredients. Some even believe eating homemade can add years onto your life!
12. A Good Amount of Sleep Must Be a Priority
While sleep for some people may not be a priority, it should be. A good night’s rest is vital when it comes to organ function. Most experts recommend 8 hours of sleep per night, but if you aim for six, you will be in good shape.
In fact, people who sleep at least six hours reduce their risk of death by up to 41%. We like those statistics, don’t you?
11. Fresh Fish is Important in Your Diet
Now we understand that not everyone likes fish, but the fatty acids and omega-3’s found in fresh fish are worth going against your tastebuds.
Seafood is known to contain high levels of amino acts that can prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. Some studies have found that enjoying fish 2-3 times per week can also extend your lifespan. Sounds good to us!
10. Get Up Close and Personal with Your Partner
New studies have found that intimacy plays a huge role in our everyday health.
Whether its cuddling up with your partner or taking things to a frisky level, you can give your lifespan a boost by maintaining some up close and personal time.
9. Make Every Day Tea Time
Green tea is filled with antioxidants and is the perfect alternative to coffee. The health benefits are abundant and drinking green tea daily can improve your brain and heart health tenfold.
If you’re looking to maintain mental clarity throughout the day with energy that doesn’t come crashing down mid-afternoon, we suggest relaxing with a cup of green tea!
8. Maintain and Active Social Life
People who have an active social life and a close group of friends are more likely to live longer than those who tend to be antisocial hermits. New Alzheimer’s research has discovered that being social keeps your brain working at full capacity, which means it could help prevent the disease from developing.
Also, people keep their social calendar full are likely to be happier, which mean a longer life in general.
7. Clear Your Mind and Soul
One of the keys to living a long and thriving life is maintaining your mental health. Meditating a few minutes everyday has been known to lower stress and could also add up to five years to your life.
You’ll also find that meditation reduces stress and elevates your mood, so you’re in an overall happier mental state.
6. Dedicate Time to Learn New Things
For those of you nearing retirement. Never stop learning! Studies have shown that men and women over the age of 70 who continue to learn new hobbies can add up to seven years to their life.
Who says life is over after 70? Now’s the time to thrive and find new things you’re passionate about!
5. Take Up Phone Fasting
Did you know spending too much time on your cellphone can reduce your ability to concentrate, as well as can trigger headaches and vision problems? If you’re someone who uses your phone daily for business, we suggest turning down the brightness to reduce potential issues.
Also, taking a break from your phone for a few hours a day can also do wonders for your health.
4. Use Your Vacation Days
If you work for a company where you accrue vacation time…USE IT! If you want to live a long and healthy life it’s important to make sure you maintain balance.
Take time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and enjoy some down time with yourself. We promise you will be much better off in the long run!
3. Wear Sunscreen
People who spend most of their time outdoors tend to be in better spirits due to soaking up all of that vitamin D. However, if you do enjoy your time outdoors it is so important to wear sunscreen.
Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from sun damage, but it can reduce your risk for skin cancer!
2. Eat Your Veggies
We’re sure you’ve heard it a million times by now: eat your veggies! Sadly, as the obesity rate in America climbs, most people have turned to quick and easy for their nutrition and left the fruits and vegetables in the dust.
This is an unfortunate reality, since not only are vegetables packed full of nutrients and antioxidants, but they can help maintain your youthful appearance and add years to your life. Broccoli doesn’t sound too bad now, does it?
1. Try Yoga Classes
Many people have raved about the amazing health benefits of yoga. While it hasn’t been proven to extend your life, we felt it belonged on the list due to the benefits alone.
Yoga helps you maintain mental clarity, as well as become very aware of your body. You stretch, breathe and pose, all while reducing your stress levels and clearing your mind. All of these things can help improve vitality and longevity.