H1: Add An Extra Chapter To Your Life: 5 Habits That Could Prolong Your Stay On Earth
• Life expectancy in U.S. maintains an average of 76.9 years for men and 81.6 for women.
• A study involving 120,000 American adults led by Professor Meir Stamfer of Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, identified five habits that, when followed, could extend your life expectancy by 12 -14 years.
• These rejuvenating habits include- Maintaining a lean weight (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 18.5-25); Daily physical activity (a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises); Moderate alcohol consumption; Refraining from smoking; and Eating healthfully (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains with minimal red meat, saturated fats, and sugar).
• Surprisingly, only 8% of Americans adhere to these five habits, but those who do showed significantly reduced likelihood of dying from heart disease and cancer.
Jump Into the Fountain Of Youth: Get Lean
Rolling back the years might require you to roll off a few pounds. The first habit pinpointed in the study involves maintaining a lean physique, characterized by a BMI between 18.5 and 25. Now don’t start stressing, I can already hear you saying, “But BMI is a complex thing!” And you’re right, but let me simplify it for you. BMI is essentially a ratio of your weight to your height. If your result falls within 18.5 – 25, you are rocking that beach bod. Too high? Time for a healthy diet and bit of dancing or whatever kind of exercise tickles your fancy. Too low? Maybe add an extra serving of your favorite dish.
Gear Up For An Active Life
According to the Harvard study, making sure you have 30 minutes of daily physical activity could help you live longer. And no, crawling from your bed to the fridge doesn’t count. Think of activities that get your heart pumping and muscles working. It could be a bike ride, Zumba classes, or a brisk walk in the park. Once you find a fun way to stay active, it won’t feel like a chore anymore.
Sip Away On The Elixir Of Life: In Moderation
Yes, this is your happily-ever-after moment with wine or beer. If you’re a connoisseur of fine wine or craft beer, feel free to enjoy it – just don’t go overboard. The study emphasises moderate alcohol consumption, which translates to less than a glass of wine or beer a day. So cheers, but remember, moderation is key. We don’t want the morning hangovers, do we?
A Breath of Fresh Life
Just in case you need more reason not to smoke, here you go: According to the study, not puffing on those death sticks is a key factor to potentially increase your life expectancy. Give your lungs a vacation; let them enjoy some fresh, clean air. Believe it or not, your body is quite the adaptable machine and can heal from past damage. So drop the smokes and grab more of life.
The Right Plate For A Longer Date
Finally, ensuring that your diet is brimming with fruits, veggies, and whole grains may significantly contribute to a longer life. Remember this mantra: choose kale over candy! Try to limit your intake of red meat, saturated fats, and sugar. Mix up the colors on your plate and make each meal a rainbow of nutrients. A healthier diet equals a healthier and potentially longer life.
Inhale The Future, Exhale The Past
Without a doubt, these habits are not the easiest to adopt. However, remember only 8% of Americans are following these life-enhancing habits. So, wouldn’t you want to be on the winning side of a longer, healthier life? Follow these steps and you could be looking at a significant reduction in risk from fatal diseases like heart disease and cancer, and of course, bag a potential extra 12 – 14 years of life.
Putting It All Together
While the idea of living a bit longer sounds appealing, we also understand that radical changes can be daunting. The secret here is to start small, celebrate your successes, keep iterating, and above all, remain patient with yourself. Talk to your doctor if you need help in kicking off your journey to longevity, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. After all, the trick to living a gratifying life, irrespective of its length, is in the tiny moments; savored laughter with loved ones, the smell of a new book, the first bite of chocolate cake, the tiny achievements, and every little thing that makes you, YOU.
And there you have it! The five habits that could potentially add more happy, healthy years to your life. So from now on, roll up your sleeves and embrace these habits, and prepare to welcome the potential for more sunsets and sunrises. Remember, it’s never too late to begin a journey to a healthier and potentially lengthier life.
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Original Article:https://richhabits.net/5-habits-that-add-12-years-to-your-life/
