For millions of people around the world, living a long and healthy life is the ultimate dream. Although longevity may seem out of our control, we can make many lifestyle changes to shift the odds in our favor. Genetics indeed contributes to a longer life, but environmental factors are also a significant part of the equation. By focusing on things like diet and exercise, people can improve their life quality and quantity in the long run.
As per various studies published, a vegan diet is linked to a long and healthy life. Also, people are going gluten-free to halt their recurring migraine attacks instead of consuming unnecessary medications.
This trend is attributed to the plenty of research carried out on the benefits of following a protein-based diet. Most lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS and obesity, are kept at bay by adhering to ketosis.
So, here are the 5 Keys to Longevity:
1. Focus on what you have for breakfast daily
A morning calorie count makes a lot of difference to your health. People who fluctuate with their morning calorie intake develop larger waist sizes and are more prone to metabolic syndrome. The consequences are increased chances of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Hence, it’s worth making an effort to hold your calorie intake steady.
2. Exercise daily
Keeping our bodies active can do wonders to boost our chances of living a long and healthy life. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to work out intensely every single day. Some of the longest-living people in the world stay active by doing small things around their house all day long. Simply going for regular walks, gardening, and doing household chores can keep our blood flowing as we go about our daily tasks. If you sit for most of the day, make sure to get up every twenty minutes or so. Take a quick break, get some water, or try a stretching break. Taking part in sports or activities that you enjoy makes it more likely that you’ll stay active over time. Try to identify some things that make you happy, and you’ll be well on your way to building an active lifestyle.
3. Manage stress and staying happy
We all know that too much stress can negatively impact our health. However, you may be surprised to learn that excessive stress can also shorten your lifespan. Activities like yoga, meditation, and tai chi are great ways to calm the mind and bring stress levels back down.
You can also choose hobbies that make you happy and practice them regularly. Activities such as writing, painting, and cooking are great ways to channel our energy into something positive.
4. Quit smoking
Smoking is firmly connected to many forms of sickness like emphysema, chronic heart diseases, certain cancers, and premature death. Individuals who smoke may lose almost a decade of their lives and are more prone to kick the death bucket early than those who never lit a cigarette. Moreover, stopping smoking in your sixties could add up to four extra years to your life.
5. Nutrition
Eating well is one of the best ways to boost both the quantity and quality of our lives. Research has shown that plant-based diets offer many incredible benefits that can lead to longer lives. It’s a good idea to increase the number of vegetables we eat regularly. Try incorporating more salads into your meals and substituting meat for plant-based proteins more often.