Making just a few changes in your lifestyle can help you live longer. A recent study found that four bad behaviours--smoking, drinking too much alcohol, not exercising, and not eating enough fruits and veggies--can hustle you into an early grave, and, in effect, age you by as many as 12 years.
Fortunately, you can do something to correct these and other unhealthy behaviours. Here are 5 very sound ways to help you live longer.
Get laughing
A good laugh is like a mini-workout - 100 to 200 laughs are equivalent to ten minutes of jogging or rowing. Research states that laughter may be beneficial to health. Laughing appears to boost the blood flow (by more than 20 per cent) and researchers say it may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Laughing has previously been found to help fight infections, relieve hay fever, ease pain and help control diabetes. The positive effect of laughing is thought to last around 30 to 45 minutes. Research also shows that it lowers levels of stress hormones, and heightens the activity of the body's natural defensive killer cells and antibodies.
Don't overeat or overindulge
If you want to live to 100, leaving a little bit of food on your plate may be a good idea. Author Dan Buettner, who studies longevity around the world, found that the oldest Japanese people stop eating when they are feeling only about 80% full. Other researches have confirmed that eating less helps you age slower; in a study they found that limiting calories lowered production of T3, a thyroid hormone that slows metabolism--and speeds up the aging process.
To eat better, start eating fruits and vegetables. Getting fewer than three servings of fruits and vegetables a day can eat away at your health. Nutritional powerhouses filled with fibre and vitamins, fruits and veggies can lower your risk of heart disease by 76% and may even play a role in decreasing your risk of breast cancer. As an added bonus, the inflammation-fighting and circulation-boosting powers of the antioxidants in fruits and veggies can banish wrinkles.
Another thing to control - drink alcohol, but in moderation. Drinking between 7 and 14 servings of alcohol a week was one of the behaviours studied. This amounts to a glass of wine or one drink a day. Research shows that red wine may carry the most longevity impact. Make a habit of having a glass to unwind or with dinner. Just be certain not to overindulge -- more than 14 drinks a week can negatively impact your longevity.
Don't Smoke
Refraining from lighting up is by far the number one habit to adopt when it comes to longevity. If you avoid or quit smoking, you'll get 80% of the benefit of those 14 years. Get started today and quit for good (and avoid that second-hand smoke, too).
Train Without Pain
You don't need to enter marathons to have a good long run at life. Forcing yourself to follow gruelling fitness regimens can shed inches, but it may not add years. In the long term, you're more likely to stick with low-impact activities you truly enjoy than rigorous workouts you dread. Moderate swimming, a leisurely bike ride, and hour-long walks with the dog do as much good for your health--and survival--as an eight-minute mile. Jus exercise- avoiding being inactive is important for living longer and feeling good right now. Be sure that you make your days as active as possible. Stand up at work, go for walks during lunch, and be sure to work up a sweat at least 3 times a week.
Get more friends
Research suggests that friends help people live longer. Research says that socialising with friends is beneficial. Good friends will promise to be there for you, and their presence can actually help you live longer, researchers say. Australian scientists said having friends around in old age can do more for life expectancy than having family members around, and that friends may encourage people to look after their health, and help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety at difficult times.
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Michael Griffiths is the CEO and Founder of Secrets Of A Super Life, providing individuals with personal development strategies to increase their purpose, passion, happiness and life fulfilment. For your free life success pack please visit http://www.mysuperlifetoday.com
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