Adding years to your life is one factor—however what about your well being? “Many might agree that ‘healthspan’ can be defined as the period of one’s life that one is healthy,” says Tim Peterson, PhD, assistant professor within the Department of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. “However, being ‘healthy’ means different things to different people. A better definition might include being free from serious disease.” Here are 5 habits that may assist stop illness and add years to your life. Read on—and to make sure your well being and the well being of others, do not miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
1
A Healthy Diet
Research reveals {that a} nutritious diet can add ten years to your lifespan. “We’ve all heard it before: to be as healthy as you can be, choose a healthy diet,” says Robert H. Shmerling, MD. “And while that’s easier said than done, the impact of improving your diet may be large. That’s according to a recent study that estimated the impact of dietary modifications on premature cardiovascular deaths in this country. The verdict? More than 400,000 deaths each year could be prevented with dietary improvement.”
2
Getting Enough Sleep
Getting sufficient sleep (at the very least seven hours an evening for adults) is essential for well being and happiness. “The shorter you sleep, the shorter your life span,” says sleep scientist Matthew Walker, PhD, creator of Why We Sleep. “The old maxim: ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead’ is therefore unfortunate. Adopt this mindset, and you’ll be dead sooner and the quality of that (shorter) life will be worse.”
3
Managing Stress
Managing stress can add years to your life, consultants say. “A lot of people have felt on a gut level that stress makes us age faster, and our study shows that that is true,” says Yale psychiatrist Zachary Harvanek, MD, PhD.
4
Exercise
Research reveals simply 11 minutes of train a day can influence your longevity. “There is no least amount of exercise you need to do,” says William E. Kraus, MD, professor within the division of cardiology drugs at Duke University. “It turns out that anything is better than nothing.”
“For overall well-being and longevity, interactive sports, where there is some camaraderie, are best,” says James O’Keefe, MD, director of preventive cardiology on the St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. “You don’t have to go to the gym, put headphones on and slog through a 45-minute treadmill session. Find whatever is enjoyable to you.”
5
Maintaining Relationships
Maintaining social relationships with household, buddies, and neighborhood is strongly linked to an extended life. “Social connections like these not only give us pleasure, they also influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking,” says Harvard Health. “Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends, and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.”
