Creating healthy, sustainable habits is key to increasing your life expectancy. Here are eleven simple habits you can adopt to help you live longer.
Plan ahead
No one wants to think about the negative things that could happen in the future, but by planning ahead, you’re setting yourself up for as much success as possible in a time of crisis. Using a resource like iSelect can help you compare life insurance plans to make sure you’re picking what best fits your lifestyle. On iSelect, you can choose from insurance options that protect you and your loved ones from loss of income, life, permanent disability, and the cost of recovery from trauma. Their qualified life insurance providers will be sure to help you choose the best option for your life. Compare your life insurance quote with iSelect, and follow-through. Knowing you and your family are prepared will reduce your stress level and let you live life to the fullest.
Mental health is key
The way you feel about yourself and others can directly impact your outlook on life and contribute to your life expectancy. Being diligent about your mental health could not only help you increase life expectancy, but also enjoy it daily. Consider seeing a therapist to aid you in your journey to a healthier mind. If you’re worried about fitting this habit into your schedule, online counseling could be a great fit for you. Whether you’re in your home or traveling, you’ll have access to your therapist.
Incorporate meditation into your daily routine
All you need is twenty minutes to make a big difference in your day. A study has suggested that meditation has actual physical effects on the body that help reduce the chemical signs of aging. Although this research is preliminary, it never hurts to find a little peace of mind in your day.
Everything in moderation
Too much alcohol can have severe negative effects on the body. If you consume more than the suggested limit, consider quitting. You’ll decrease your chances of liver, heart, and pancreatic diseases. You don’t have to cut alcohol out completely. In fact, there are health benefits to drinking moderate amounts. Wine is said to help protect against heart disease and many other health complications.
Be a realist
Many people believe that blindly going through life with as positive an attitude as possible will reap the reward of long life. Although people who live by this mantra might be able to let the small things roll off their backs, there’s concern that they don’t actually notice when life gives them real lemons—like illness and difficult recoveries—as well as people who are realistic about negative outcomes. Being unprepared for the “bad stuff” causes blind optimists a greater stress response, which could result in a shorter life.
Cultivate relationships for life
Having friends in your corner can always improve the quality of your day, but your companions might also extend your life. In one study of almost 7,000 adults, it was found that people with extensive contacts and relationships were more likely to live longer than their socially isolated counterparts, so keep your friends close!
Eat some superfoods
Nutrition is such an important component of staying healthy in general. Beans, walnuts, and a serving of berries every day could potentially increase your days on earth! Overall, stick as closely to a plant-based as possible to see some great results.
Stick to your workout
If you’re not a gym rat, don’t sweat it. Just fifteen minutes of exercise can improve your health. New research has found that exercising might actually slow the aging process at a cellular level. Look great, feel great, and live longer.
Pets are lifesavers
Your furry best friend might not just warm your heart, but also give you more years to live. It’s been found that owning a dog could actually increase life expectancy not only because of the physical demands of your pet but also because of their companionship.
Don’t skip your annual checkup
Going in for an annual checkup allows your doctor to keep a baseline for your health. That baseline provides useful information if something abnormal shows up in your report. Your doctor might even be able to catch something life-threatening in its early stages, automatically increasing your life expectancy.
Put down the cigarettes
It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. If you need help quitting, look up cessation courses or buy nicotine gum to help you kick that habit and live longer.
