Healthy Habits to Live Longer and Better

Although we can’t control how long we live for, there are many healthy habits we can form to encourage a healthier and longer life. These habits can also improve the quality of life while encouraging longevity. While it’s easier to fall into bad habits that can affect our health, it’s so much better for the mind, body, and soul to be nourished every day. Follow these healthy habits to live longer and better:

 

Regular Physical Activity 

It should come as no surprise that exercise is a great habit to form to live a healthy lifestyle. But just the simple act of moving every day, even if just a little, can massively improve your health and wellness. If you’re not up for hitting the gym every day or lifting weights, start off slow by making it a habit to take a stroll around the neighbourhood. If you’re feeling up for a little more, take a lazy jog for a kilometre or two. 

By moving every day and engaging in some form of exercise, you can reduce your risk of age-related diseases such as certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. A healthy amount of exercise can also strengthen bones, muscles, and boost overall life expectancy. Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, which is recommended by the CDC. 

 

Eat a Balanced Diet

This habit should also come as no surprise. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can have a huge impact on the quality and longevity of your life. By eating well, you can keep your weight and body fat down while also giving your body the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs.

A healthy diet should include dark leafy greens, starchy and non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, and calcium. Ideally consume two fruit and five vegetables most days. To get in a full range of vitamins and minerals, try to choose a range of colours for your fruit and vegetables. Try to also get your protein from lean meats. Plant sources of protein like nuts and beans can also have a great influence on helping you to live healthier and longer. 

 

Have a Regular Sleep Schedule

To live a long and happy life, sleep is essential. Having a regular sleep schedule (sleep-wake cycle) will affect your body’s overall functioning. If you have an inadequate sleep schedule, you run the risk of serious health conditions such as hypertension, inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders (like depression and anxiety) and obesity. These risks contribute to a shorter lifespan, which is why a regular sleep schedule is important for longer life expectancy. Ideally go to bed and rise at the same time every single day (including weekends). Even if the bed time shifts a little, ideally the waking time should remain the same time every day.

A healthy amount of sleep for an adult is at least 7&½  to 8 hours of sleep.