Daily habit adjustments for a longer lifespan:
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Age gracefully: Embrace lifestyle changes for longevity
Want to live healthier for longer? The secret isn't a mystery, but it might seem a bit overwhelming. Regardless, we've got you covered with practical tips on how to get started.
It ain't rocket science
Healthy aging isn't rocket science; it's all about regular exercise, a nutritious diet, sound sleep, and maintaining a strong social life. But before you burden yourself with endless routines, remember this: small, consistent steps can make a world of difference.
Stop comparing yourself to gurus
Forget the longevity influencers and their extensive regimens. You'll only get discouraged when you can't maintain it all. Take it slow, and start with minor adjustments.
Short and sweet makes a difference
Research suggests that even spending just a few minutes daily on beneficial habits could decrease your mortality risk. Embrace this empowering fact and opt for minor lifestyle tweaks.
Custom-fit your longevity routine
Family history plays a significant role in predicting health issues, so target habits that can lower your chances of developing diseases you're predisposed to. For example, if diabetes runs in your family, consider modifying your diet and exercise routine accordingly.
Identify your personal goals. If you're looking to be active with your grandkids, prioritize physical fitness. If you fancy yourself an avid chess player, focus on preventing cognitive decline.
Keep realism in mind
Set achievable goals and regularly reevaluate them. Are they truly important to you? If so, what can you do differently if you find it too hard?
Exercise matters
According to Michael Fredericson, regular exercise reduces the risk of numerous diseases and enhances overall well-being.
You might need less exercise than you think. Studies suggest that even a mere 3% of your waking hours spent on moderate physical activity can make a difference[1]. Don't worry about fitting in a lengthy gym session; short bursts of high-intensity exercises scattered throughout the day can have a remarkable impact[1].
Establish a consistent bedtime
Poor sleep increases the risk of various age-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and dementia. It can also make your morning workout more challenging, which can negatively impact your overall efforts.
Most people require 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night for optimal restoration[2]. Establishing a regular sleep schedule helps facilitate this natural recovery process. Even if you feel tired, try to wake up around the same time each day, as it will help your body adjust to a consistent sleep cycle[2].
Focus on mindfulness
Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness can lead to early mortality and accelerate aging. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or a daily gratitude exercise can help you stay calm under pressure, lower blood pressure, and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease in the long run[1][3].
One simple technique to boost your mental and physical well-being is an "active noticing" exercise, which means taking a few minutes each day to observe something new or notice three new things about someone close to you[3]. Being conscious allows you to discover multiple solutions to problems and reduces frustration[3].
"Instead of trying to add more years to your life, it would be better to add more life to your years," said Ellen Langer, professor of psychology at Harvard University[4].
*Mohana Ravindranath - ©The New York Times
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Related Topics
New York Times WELL LONGEVITY HACKS ART Exercise Sleep Mindfulness Stress Aging
- Cultivating mental health through practices like mindfulness, meditation, or a daily gratitude exercise can help enhance overall well-being and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long run.
- Engaging in short bursts of high-intensity exercises scattered throughout the day can have a significant impact on physical fitness, potentially lowering the risk of numerous diseases and contributing to longevity.
- Maintaining a consistent bedtime is crucial for optimal health, as it facilitates the natural recovery process and helps prevent various age-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and dementia.