Do you want to live a long life? Who doesn’t? Living longer means you’ll have more time to do all the things you want to do. Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill you can take to ensure that you’ll still be alive in the following decades. However, you can develop good habits to help you live longer.
Your everyday habits can contribute to your longevity. Do you have good habits to help you live well, and long? If not, it’s not too late! You can start developing the following habits for living a long healthy life.
Develop Healthy Eating Habits
What you eat and how you eat affect your life and health in too many ways to mention. So make sure you start by eating healthy foods.
It’s no secret that eating fruits and vegetables are a must if you want to live longer. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and help boost your immune system. Make sure you’re adding green leafy vegetables and fruits to your diet. Don’t forget to eat whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans.
However, just eating healthy foods is one part of your new habit.
You need to eat your food slowly. There is no reason to eat your food quickly. Be mindful of what you eat and how fast you eat. When you chew your food well, you are helping your body digest it and use it, which helps keep your weight manageable.
That brings us to the next part of the new habit. Eat only the amount of food that your body needs. When you overeat, you’re going to gain weight, which can put you at risk of developing unwanted diseases and decrease your mobility.
Therefore, limiting your calorie intake can contribute to a longer life. It can help you reduce weight and excess fat. When you’re healthier, your immune system is healthier and can better protect you against serious diseases.
Exercise Regularly
Aside from the food you eat, it’s also essential to stay physically active. Aim to complete at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. Start small, but let your new habit grow!
Start by putting on your walking shoes and walk outside, even if it’s just to your letterbox. Do that every day until you want to walk further, and further and further. Before you know it you will be wanting to start exercising earlier and earlier too!
Don’t forget to stretch your body when you wake up. Stretching is excellent and just as important as exercising. Stretching and exercise will improve your flexibility, mobility, strength, and endurance. You’ll have a healthier heart, muscles, and joints too.
Exercise will also help you maintain a healthy weight which can extend your life expectancy. It’s easier to move around if you lose any excess weight because you’re full of energy and there’s no pressure on your joints. It also keeps chronic illnesses at bay and helps you sleep better.
Create Healthy Sleep Habits
Sleep is one of the most taken-for-granted health habits. Sleep is one area many of us abuse, and it affects other areas of our health. If we are busy and run out of time in a day, we eat into our sleep time as a way to catch up. However, quality sleep is associated with a longer life expectancy.
You need at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every day to allow your body to heal and recover. Sleep gives you the energy you need for your tomorrow. It also boosts your mood and helps you to manage any stress.
Stress is one of the most common causes of chronic illnesses. It can cause heart disease, stroke, depression, and cancer. People who are constantly stressed are more likely to die prematurely. As you can see, getting quality sleep can help you relax and destress, and live longer.
We know stress is a normal part of your life, and in irregular amounts that can be recovered from, it can be good for the body. It’s just that it is important to find ways to manage your stress and prevent it from becoming chronic, for example by getting enough sleep.
In Summary
No one can predict how long you are going to live, but practicing healthy habits can help increase your life expectancy.
Ensure that you eat healthy foods, stay physically active, avoid unhealthy vices, and get plenty of quality sleep. These habits can help you add years to your life!
