Many of us are aware of the changes we can make to live longer: avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol, exercise regularly, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. But is there more you can do? These four practical and proven tips confirm that you can.
Eat just enough
Eating too much food – even if it’s all healthy – has its consequences. Studies show that eating less could add years to your life. One of the most effective tips to avoid overeating is to eat without distractions. Consider turning off the TV or not reading while you eat. Being conscious of your food and the actual act of eating helps you to recognise when you are full. You’ll also lose weight and help to stave-off lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
The Huffington Post has more.
Sit less
Recent studies show that sitting for hours on end can literally kill you. It helps to become more conscious of how much you move in a day, and if it’s not enough, do a little more. For example, take the stairs instead of the escalator or lift, park your car a little further from your destination, walk to the next bus stop, pace while talking on the phone, or get up to stretch for a few minutes after each hour of sitting.
Read more at ScienceDaily.
Turn off the TV
A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that the risk of death was two times higher for participants who watched three or more hours of TV at a time, even when the study authors took into account other factors related to early death. So instead of plonking in front of the idiot box, why not call a friend, garden, cook, clean or declutter your home?
Learn more at Time.com.
Maintain contact
A 2013 study, which tracked 6500 British men and women aged 52 and older, found that feeling lonely and being socially isolated raised the risk of death. However, it was only social isolation – measured as the number of times participants had contact with family and friends, and contributed to organisations outside of work – that appeared to increase the risk of death, after other lifestyle factors had been taken into account.
So why not consider making more regular contact with family and friends? Or maybe join a club or hobby group? You could even take a fun, in-person short course, such as a language class – as Facebook friends won’t cut it unless they’re real-life ones too.
Read more at the American Psychological Association.
