Did you know, there’s a small island off the coast of Japan, where the inhabitants almost always live past 100 years old? It’s the world’s highest population of elderly people. This place intrigues me greatly. How on earth do they stay so healthy, and so positive throughout their entire life? There’s clearly a hidden secret here, and we’re determined to uncover it! After all, who wouldn’t want a lifetime of good health and happiness?
It doesn’t seem like too much to ask for, but – as with anything in life – it’s up to you. Are you willing to make small changes to your diet and lifestyle to ensure a longer, healthier life? In this post, we’ll show you all sorts of ways to create a healthier you. Don’t worry, there are no big changes or scary ideas. It’s all simple, effective, and actionable right now.
We’ll start with some simple changes to your diet to promote a healthier food intake. We’ll look at some light exercise options, and end with some improvements to your mental health. All these factors work in harmony to create a longer, healthier life. Are you ready to learn the secrets? Let’s jump straight in with some simple dietary changes.
- Drink lots of water
There’s no such thing as a magic food or silver bullet for good health. But, if there was, it would be water. It’s the closest thing to a magic serum or elixir of life! Doctors recommend that you drink at least two litres every single day. Now, I bet that’s a lot more than you’re currently drinking. Water is fantastic, because it rehydrates your skin cells – making your skin look young and healthy. It keeps your insides moving smoothly, improving your digestive health. Best of all, it keeps your cells in top condition, meaning your entire body feels healthy and happy.
- Drink green tea
Remember the elderly community from Japan I mentioned? Well, they were quizzed about their thoughts on their long life-spans. They explained that green tea was the secret to their long life. And, science actually backs up this theory. Green tea is packed full of antioxidants and good vibes that cleanse your body. These antioxidants keep your cells from developing ‘free radicals’ that cause everything from cancer to heart disease. Quite simply, green tea has been found to lower the risk of cancer, and prolong the aging process. In some cases, doctors believe it wards off alzheimer’s, and improves brain function.
- Cut down sugars and salts
We’re not here to tell you to revolutionize your diet, and spend the rest of your life on a carbs-free existence. After all, what is the point of life if you can’t indulge in your favourite foods? However, a few small changes will help boost your energy, and reduce the dangerous buildup of fat. Sugars are a completely unnatural component to our bodies, and they don’t deal with it well. It’s why fat stores build up with greater sugar intake. Salts are a similar problem, and work to undo all the good work of your water intake. Try to reduce these two elements from your diet wherever possible.
- Eat at regular intervals
Some people think that crazy diets are the answer. They’re wrong. While they may work for a short period of time, they’re certainly not effective in the long run. In fact, a simple, balanced diet is a much better long-term solution. However, eating at the right time is just as important as eating the right foods. If you eat too late at night, for example, the body doesn’t have time to digest it, and it will simply turn to fat stores. Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner; keeping regular time intervals between them.
- Regular doctor checkups
Yes, we can monitor our food intake, and cut down the bad stuff. But, unfortunately, we are rarely immune from all diseases and conditions. In fact thousands of illnesses are relatively undetectable at first signs. Worse still, we all ignore the occasional niggles and problems in our bodies. These are conditions that can easily worsen, and become life threatening. To set your mind at rest, schedule regular appointments with your doctor, and get a full checkup. Get a full bill of health once a year, and make sure you’re on the right track.
- Embrace alternative treatments
If you plan to lead a long and happy life, try to embrace some alternative treatments along the way. For example, the likes of acupuncture have proven very effective in reducing pain. Embrace certain herbal supplements and holistic measures that may improve your body and mind. Similarly, embrace the more radical scientific developments. When your body calls for it, look to therapeutics and genome editing treatments. Confused? Find out more at http://Poseida.com/. If your body is ill, consider all potential treatments with equal value.
- Go outside!
It’s a simple suggestion, but it works wonders. The great outdoors is the perfect healer. It instantly reduces stress that burdens the mind and muscles. Let your lungs breathe the fresh air, and allow yourself to relax in the surrounding nature. The great outdoors will also help boost your immune system, keeping you healthy for long into your life.
- Regular light exercise
You didn’t think I was going to let you off without exercise, did you? The good news is that a healthy regime needn’t be too strenuous. In fact, doctors suggest you need only 150 minutes of light exercise every week. That’s a couple of long walks every week, or one or two jogs. Anything you can do to raise your heart rate at least twice a week will keep your heart and lungs healthy. It’s also great for your state of mind and mental health. It releases feel-good endorphins to give you a boost, and helps conquer stress.
- Cut out smoking and drinking
I hate to sound like a nagging parent here, but, seriously consider reducing those bad habits. Smoking, in particular, has no health benefits whatsoever. It greatly increases your risk of cancer and heart disease, and comes with all sorts of awful side effects. Drinking heavily comes with a similar set of problems. You can expect increased vulnerability to cancers and diseases. Alcohol is also a huge problem for mental health and mood. A glass of wine per day isn’t going to hurt anyone. But, try to cut out any regular reliance on the bottle.
- Get a good night’s sleep
Sometimes, there’s nothing as effective as a good night’s sleep. It isn’t always easy to find those eight magic hours. But, it’s crucial that you do whenever possible. Your body uses this time to repair itself. It fixes damaged cells, and fights off impending diseases. It rejuvenates your skin, and breathes new energy into your body and mind. There’s nothing better than waking up with tons of energy. So, make sure you’re getting all the zzzz’s you need.
- Reduce your stress levels
I know, I know. It’s easier said than done! But, stress is a very real health concern. First of all, it poses serious body health issues. We tend to store our stress in our neck and shoulders. That causes tightness, and can lead to severe back and neck pain. It can ruin our posture, and make life very difficult indeed. Not only that, but stress wreaks havoc on our mental health. It can lead to depression and anxiety, which all come with their own set of health problems. Try to find ways to reduce the stress levels in your life. Whether it’s increased exercise, finding a hobby, or just getting out of the house.
- Regular yoga
We’ve already mentioned the benefit of light exercise. However, yoga presents a whole new set of benefits for the body and mind. A daily or weekly course of yoga helps keep our bodies flexible and supple. It’s great for the muscles, and keeps our core strength in the right place. It keeps the blood flowing, and the heart pumping. Best of all, it gives you a little peace and quiet during the day. It helps you see things clearly, and boosts your mental health. Whether you’re old or young, yoga is the perfect way to keep your body fit and healthy.
- Don’t forget to treat yourself
Before I go, let me just mention one crucial piece of advice. Lots of people think the key to a long, healthy life is sacrifice. They think they have to cut out all the things they love, and put in the hours at the gym. The reality couldn’t be further away. A healthy life is all about finding a balance. A little piece of chocolate every day isn’t going to hold you back. One glass of wine at the end of the day isn’t a bad thing! In fact, these little treats are great, because they keep you happy, and they give you energy. Treat yourself, and don’t give up the things you love. Everything in moderation, right?
Follow this, and you too can live as long as the Japanese! Have I missed any tricks that you use in your daily life? Let me know in the comment section.
