Longevity & Vitality
You have probably heard about Blue Zones, i.e. places where people live longer with an enhanced quality of life. Sociologists and wellness professionals study such places and regularly report on them.
Recently one such blue zone article was written about a town in MN that was adopting 4 practices to increase longevity and vitality:
1) Eat more fruits and vegetables
2) When possible, walk instead of drive
3) Be productive and socially active in the later years of life
4) Seek inner fulfillment
I do not think they intended their list to be exhaustive – just a good way to begin.
What practices and ideas would you add? What do think think contributes to a longer, healthier, happier life?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing some as well.
I think that Sleeping is underrated. Taking naps & getting enough sleep can make a huge difference in your health and mind set. Practicing yoga helps me achieve sound and restorative sleep without waking up too much or having to take a sleep aid. The breathing exercises I’ve learned calm me down and help quiet my mind to fall asleep faster.
Yesterday morning in class, some offered the following responses:
1) Oral hygiene
2) Meditation / Guided relaxation
3) There may have been one other suggestion from that class.
Satyam
Well here are a few points I have been thinking of.
1) Regularity: We seem to do better if there is a consistent flow in life. Going to bed at the same time, eating at the same time, exercising at the same time, and regulating our system in all kinds of ways.
2) Water Drinking: Taking 2 – 3 liters of water a day is definitely a plus. By that way we enhance the quality of blood, ease digestion, prevent aches and pains especially headaches, help our skin, and keep our organs and body in optimal condition.
3) Do not eat when we are not hungry. We should listen to our stomach and not our eyes or tongue. All too often we eat when the body is not ready to take in more food. This leads to all kinds of problems like indigestion and acidity. When these two ailments become chronic conditions, then more serious diseases manifest.
4) Live in the Present. Agonizing over the past or worrying about the future are not healthy for us. As best as we are able to stay in the present, the more at ease we will be in life.
More to come soon – hope others will contribute as well.
Satyam
Find humor that will make you belly laugh two to three times a day. It is good for the cells, the lungs, the heart, and the soul.
Relax
Do not worry
Be present
Breath
As ‘grown-ups’ I think we forget to play. I have always admired the
playfulness of my father and his ability to find humor in just about everything.