As humans, we are mere mortals that will someday leave behind the life we once knew. But until that day comes, we want to be able to experience life and the world for all it has to offer. And the more time that we have to do so, the better.
Unfortunately there isn’t a magic potion that will make us live forever, but there are a few habits that will add years onto your life, making it possible to experience everything you would like.
So, if you would like to live a longer life, check out these 5 things that you can do to accomplish just that.
1. Get Moving
It’s no secret that a healthy lifestyle inclusive of moderate exercise is important. But do you know just how important it really is?
Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, which is detrimental to living longer since cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the world, according to the World Health Organization.
So, get moving! Aim for at least 20 minutes of your favorite activity everyday if you can. Even going for a brisk walk after dinner is a great way to add exercise into your lifestyle if you are especially crunched for time. You can even grab a friend to workout with to hold each other accountable.
Whatever it is, just have fun doing it and it will be much easier to be consistent.
2. Eat Well
Another important thing you can do to live longer is eat healthy and nourishing foods. A well-balanced diet consisting of protein, vegetables, fruits, and good carbohydrates can help to keep your body functioning optimally at all times.
Aim for healthy foods that are either unprocessed or minimally processed such as leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and other things that are full of antioxidants which tackle the free radicals in your body.
And don’t forget to drink well, too! Cut sugary beverages out of your diet and go for purer alternatives like white tea or green smoothies.
3. Kick Your Addictions to the Curb
For some, the deteriorating lifestyle of drugs and alcohol is all too real. If you want to live a longer and healthier life, you must escape your addictions, no matter how scary or difficult it may be to do so.
An estimated 2,002,016 potential years of life are lost every year due to substance abuse. By keeping serious drug and alcohol habits present in your life, you put yourself at risk for health related problems or even death directly caused by these substances.
4. Boost Your Sex Life
Sex is a natural part of life that is encouraged, when carried out in a healthy manner, if you want to live longer. Engaging in healthy doses of sexual activity has actually been shown to lower stress, improve sleep patterns, boost immunity, and also decrease your risk for heart disease.
Just be sure that you are protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, which can potentially take years off of your life due to their sometimes destructive nature. Use the motto, “Safe sex is smart sex,” and you’ll be living a healthier and longer life in no time.
5. Adopt a Furry Friend
Many people grow up with pets, and they provide friendship and a bond that lasts a lifetime. But owning pets is also a good way to add years onto your life according to researchers. Having a furry friend, especially a dog, tends to reduce stress and depression, and also helps to increase exercise, all of which are great for your health.
There are hundreds of animals in shelters across the world, and by adopting even just one, you will not only change their life for the better but your own, as well.
It Comes Down to Health
You can easily incorporate all 5 of these into your life to live longer, but it is important to note that the key to longevity is good health. All of these habits lead to a better and healthier lifestyle, whose benefits include lower blood pressure and reduced stress, which will in turn add years to your life.
So, keep your body and mind healthy, and you will surely live a longer life full of wonderful and exciting memories.
Adrienne Erin is a freelance writer interested in living a healthier life. You can follow her on Twitter at @foodierx and read more of her work on Foodie Fitness.
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