Who among us doesn’t want to live a longer and healthier life? The daily stresses of life are taxing, but living through a pandemic has caused extensive damage to our minds and bodies. As the world comes out of the haze and people get used to their new normal once again, there has never been a more important time in the past few decades to take control of your health and well-being.
There is a direct correlation between happiness and quality/length of life – and a number of studies have even proven this claim! According to Dr. Ben Kelly, the Director of Clinical Research at Nuffield Health, there are certain things that you can do to help you live a happier, longer, healthier life. There’s no magic pill, but small changes made to your lifestyle can make a significant impact on the bigger picture of life.
Here are some things you can do to be happier and live longer:
Exercise to Keep Your Mind and Body Fit
Everyone knows that exercise is important, but a lot of people still do not prioritize it in their lives. Being physically active is a great way to ward off a number of chronic conditions. It may not be a 100% guarantee that you won’t have any illnesses, but it surely helps in managing any ailments that come along as well.
Being physically active doesn’t mean you have to do complicated workouts. A 30-minute brisk walk or indoor cycling session 3-5 times a week can elevate your heart rate enough to significantly lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke. For low-impact exercises that won’t you’re your joints, look to swimming or cross-training. Strength training is also proven to be a good way to ward off type 2 diabetes.
Exercise also helps boost brain activity, thinking, and memory skills, according to a recent review of studies on people over the age of 50 published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Tai chi, yoga, and Pilates are great low-impact exercises that benefit the mind and body. They’re easy to follow as well, especially if you sign up for a class or use a guide.
Get Regular Medical Checkups
Just like you would run checks and maintenance on your smartphone or car, it’s important to take care of the most important gadget of all – your body! Regular medical checkups are crucial in catching problems in their earliest stage so you can work with your doctor to find an effective treatment plan. Serious conditions that go undiagnosed until they are in the later stages can cause a significant decline in the quality of life, and in some cases, even premature death.
Beyond this, being up-to-date on the condition of your body also provides mental peace – which is invaluable. You don’t have to worry about if a slight pain here or a strange mole there are more serious than they may appear. Getting the all-clear from your doctor frees up mental space by removing the worry, even if nothing seems wrong outwardly. This will help you harbor a happier mindset!
Be Mindful of What You Consume
Apart from exercise, diet is one of the major factors that influence your quality and longevity of life. It’s important to eat a balanced diet of fresh, whole, foods. Not only does this help keep your body fit, it also makes an impact on your mood. A number of healthy foods boost brain activity, but making conscious choices about what you consume can also make you feel self-resilient and happy.
Furthermore, you should also be aware of what you shouldn’t put in your body. Alcohol, for instance, is a depressant and is known to exacerbate feelings of anger, aggressiveness, sadness, and depression. Therefore, it’s best to limit or completely cut out alcohol from your life.
Stay Close to Your Loved Ones
Keeping your friends and family close to you is a good way to stay happy – especially as you get older. A UK study that followed people over the age of 50 found that those who grew and maintained relationships had a much better quality of life, while those who weren’t as active in their social circles suffered a waning in the same.
So, set up regular meetups with your friend, get a jogging buddy, or schedule more time to visit your family – all of these will certainly help boost the quality of your life and help you live longer!
Make Time for Relaxation
It’s important to set aside some time in your day to de-stress and relax. Imagine that your energy (both physical and mental) is like a battery. When you wake up in the morning after a restful night’s sleep, it’s fully charged. As you go through the motions of the day, the battery drains little by little – regardless of if they are happy motions or not-so-happy motions. Scheduling little moments of relaxation throughout the day can help you recharge your battery and prevent a crash!
While you’re socializing and working out and cooking healthy foods, don’t forget to prioritize some time to do nothing. Or whatever it is that you find relaxing. This could be reading a book or taking a warm soapy bath. Or you could opt for proven methods of stress-relaxation such as yoga and meditation. This will help boost your mood significantly.
