In our quest for a longer and healthier life, many factors come into play. While genetics play a significant role in determining our lifespan, our daily habits and lifestyle choices also have a profound impact. Incorporating certain habits into your life can contribute to increased longevity and overall well-being. in this article, we shall be taking you through those habits that will help you live longer.
1. Avoid stress
Stress can harm your health and trigger various diseases. Some of the ways through which you can effectively manage stress are by exercising, listening to music, participating in yoga or taking time to relax each day.
2. Be physically active
Staying physically active helps to improve your mood, mental acuity, muscle mass, bones, balance and also add years to your life. Therefore, make 30 minutes’ walk a day a habit, be involved in aerobic exercises and resistance training, yoga classes can also increase your muscle strength even if you are not into weight lifting.
3. Eat plenty of healthy plant foods
Consuming different plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, seeds and whole grains can decrease your risk of developing certain diseases and promote longevity. The reason being that plant foods are high sources of several nutrients and antioxidants including polyphenols, carotenoids, folate and vitamin C.
4. Don’t smoke
Smoking is strongly associated with various diseases and even early death, studies have also shown that people who smoke are three times more likely to die prematurely than those who never picked up a cigarette. Quitting smoking at any age can still provide benefits and promote longevity.
5. Moderate alcohol consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to liver, heart and pancreatic diseases, as well as an overall increased risk of early death. There is no need to start drinking if you don’t actually consume alcohol but if you do, maintain a moderate intake.
6. Develop a good sleeping pattern
7-8 hours of sleep each night is very important for regulating your cell function and also for your general body repair. Inadequate sleep can promote inflammation and may increase your risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity which are linked to a shortened lifespan.
7. Nurture your social circle
Nurturing close relationships and maintaining healthy social networks can help to decrease your stress levels and also decrease your risk of chronic disease thus, extending your lifespan by 50%.
8. Be conscientious
Conscientiousness is your ability to be self-disciplined, organized, efficient and goal-oriented. Being conscientious makes you less likely to take risks and react negatively to stress and more responsible about your health which is associated with longer life span and fewer health problems.
