In school, we learned the fable of the grasshopper and the ant. While the ant put away food for winter, the grasshopper lived only for the moment. In the end, the grasshopper didn’t fare too well. We can think about caring for our bodies as we age the same way. To live our best lives as we age, we must plan for the long haul to avoid pain and disease later in life.
Whether you are 40 or 60, it’s never too late to take care of your body. You can ensure a happy, healthy, long life by taking preventative measures now. Americans in particular, are obsessed with staying youthful, but it’s often the villagers living in remote parts of the world who seem to have exceptional health and live to be over one hundred years of age. As Westerners, we want to know what these people do daily to increase their lifespan. The truth lies in living simply, having good friends, and eating right. The following tips are from centenarians worldwide who have found a fountain of youth in their very own backyard.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation works by bringing your awareness and attention to the present moment. It’s about being nonjudgmental and accepting how you are feeling. Practicing mindfulness means being present, aware, and curious. Accepting what we are going through decreases stress and helps us see situations for what they are. Through mindfulness, we can find peace and affirmation in ourselves.
Discover the purpose of your existence
Eating healthy and exercising are not worthwhile activities if you don’t know why you want to live long in the first place. You should have the inspiration to get up every morning. Ask yourself why you wake up every morning and make this your life’s mission. Having a strong sense of purpose makes a big difference in improving your well-being and happiness.
Aside from knowing your purpose in life, you should also continue learning new things. Having a childlike curiosity is another secret to having a long and healthy life.
Stress management
Finding your zen can be hard, especially when you’re going through a stressful situation or the demands of daily life creep in. It’s important to have a healthy outlet for stress relief because chronic stress can lead to several serious health issues down the road. When you notice the triggers of stress around you, try to stop stress before it becomes a health issue. Many people use stress management outlets, such as exercise, meditation or writing.
Exercise and stay active
Staying active is as important as eating healthy. Being active doesn’t necessarily mean spending more time in the gym. There are low-intensity activities that you can do to stay active. You can go on early morning walks every day with your dog or tend your garden. Doing chores is also a form of moderate exercise.
Walking is a good form of exercise that can stabilize your blood pressure. Walking lowers your risk of developing heart problems and mental health-related problems.