Top 6 Factors To A Longer & Happier Life

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A happy life leads to a longer life, and research confirms that individuals with better moods, factoring in their life situations, are 35% less likely to die in 5 years. However, this is not proof that happiness prolongs life. Longevity is subject to factors including lifestyle, environment, and genetics. Better choices in these aspects will improve your health and lifespan.

Read on for the top six factors to a longer and happier life.

  1. Allocate Enough Time To Sleep

Studies link regular sleep patterns to longevity and recommend 7-9 hours of sleep to build your immunity against diseases. During sleep, your body recovers the energy lost, enabling you to wake up refreshed. Sleep also helps in tissue repair, protein synthesis, and muscle growth.

A healthy sleep routine should comprise a healthy sleep pattern. Therefore, avoid sleeping for less than 7 hours as this increases your risk of cardiovascular diseases, mood disorders, and obesity. Oversleeping for more than 9 hours to compensate for sleep deprivation will also have health effects, including cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and impaired immunity.

  1. Follow a Healthy Diet

Healthy feeding is a pillar of good health and long life. Consider a low-calorie diet rich in fruits and vegetables, healthy oils, whole grains, and less red meat. A healthy diet aids in reducing excess body weight and belly fat, which link to a shorter life span.

Two-thirds of the human body comprises water, hence the need for replenishment. Taking adequate water, up to 8 glasses a day, will enable normal body functions, including removal of toxins, oxygen transportation, digestion, temperature regulation, and blood circulation.

Water is critical in protecting you against age-related cardiovascular diseases and bladder and colon cancer for longer life. You can increase your intake by spicing your water with cucumber or lemon and using reusable bottles as daily intake reminders.

  1. Take Every Day Walks

The CDC advocates an average of 150 minutes of weekly exercise for good health. An easy way to exercise for a longer and happier life is walking. Walking is non-strenuous and will benefit your circulatory system and cardiovascular health. Regular walking will reduce your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, muscle and skeletal issues, and mood disorders.

You can incorporate a walking lifestyle into your routine by walking to the supermarket, home from work, or socializing while walking with your friends. While walking, especially on a sunny day, wear sunglasses with strong UV protection for your eyes. Lastly, increase your walk intensity by the week, navigating different terrains for more impact.

  1. Get Regular Medical Checkups

Taking preventative measures through regular medical checkups can prolong your life by allowing early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. For instance, early detection of cancer makes treatment more effective. Therefore, talk to your doctor about vaccinations, age-related screenings, and longevity supplements for a longer and happier life.

Longevity supplements act on molecular and cellular pathways to slow down aging. These supplements contain natural ingredients hence low toxicity. Take supplements alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet for a longer and happier life.

  1. Give Up Bad Habits

Bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can significantly reduce your lifespan. Smoking affects the lungs and coronary arteries increasing the risk of cancer and stroke. Heavy alcohol consumption links to heart, liver, and pancreatic disease. Quitting tobacco at any stage of life will significantly increase your lifespan. If you love wine, moderate your consumption to enjoy its health benefits.

  1. Surround Yourself With Good People

Isolation and loneliness can affect your mental health and overall being. Studies reveal that a healthy social network equates to positive changes in the brain, heart, immune and hormonal functions, decreasing your risk of chronic diseases. Hence, surround yourself with good people to stay active and engaged. A good social circle will also help you manage your reactions to stress and anxiety, contributing positively to your lifespan.

Conclusion

While life is limited in the years a human being can live, you can embrace certain lifestyle decisions for a quality and happy life. These include adequate sleep, healthy dieting, daily walks, regular medical checkups, giving up bad habits, and surrounding yourself with good people. Combining the above habits will boost your health, protecting you from chronic diseases for a longer and happier life.