The Benefits Of Wellness Practices
Are you on the lookout for the fountain of youth? There may be no magical cure but a change in lifestyle can definitely make a difference.
A recent study which examined data from former military personnel showed that adopting eight key wellness practices around your 40th birthday could potentially add two decades or more to your lifespan.
Starting at age 50? Extend your life by a fantastic 21 years. Even if you begin at 60, you can still be set to gain nearly 18 additional vibrant years. Imagine, the benefits of a twenty-year window to embrace changes that could transform your life!
So, What Are These Eight Magical Health Habits?
Sure, here are the eight key wellness practices that the study found can potentially add years to your lifespan:
Get Regular Physical Exercise: Regular exercise secured the top spot in this study. Not only does it enhance your physical wellness, but it can also be a significant mood booster, improving overall mental health. Even the smallest step towards becoming more active can lead to leaps in life longevity.
Steering Clear of Opioids: If there’s one thing we can’t overlook, it’s the opioid crisis ravaging our nation, dubbed a “public health emergency.” Staying away from opioids is a significant health move, slashing the risk of early death by a significant 38%. Taking this step is a potent weapon in our arsenal to wrestle control back from addiction and towards longevity.
Kissing Tobacco Goodbye: We’ve all heard it before – smoking is a death knell for health. But did you know that never picking up that cigarette could cut your risk of early death by a solid 29%? Remember, it’s never too late to quit. The moment you stub out that last cigarette, you set in motion powerful health benefits.
Mastering Stress Management: Stress is rampant today, casting long, unhealthy shadows over our lives. It might surprise you that managing stress can pare down early death risks by 22%. It’s all about reshaping your perspective, turning those stress gremlins into positive, productive energy.
Embracing a Plant-Based Diet: Here’s an interesting one for you – a diet high in plants can boost your chances of a long, healthy life by 21%. You don’t need to go full vegan or vegetarian, though. Simply embracing a wholesome, plant-based diet, like the Mediterranean style rich in whole grains and leafy greens, is enough to hit that health high note.
Bidding Farewell to Binge Drinking: Let’s not forget alcohol. Avoiding overconsumption — defined as more than four alcoholic drinks a day — is another key wellness habit. This act alone can trim death risk by 19%. The reality is, binge drinking isn’t limited to just the college crowd. Even moderate drinkers need to take note. Remember, every drink counts, even if it’s just one. It can trigger health issues like irregular heart rhythms.
Prioritizing Quality Sleep: Here’s a fact that might wake you up – ensuring good sleep (at least 7-9 hours a night without insomnia) can reduce early death by 18%. Good sleep is a non-negotiable aspect of health, with poor sleep linked to numerous health problems, including premature death.
Cultivating Positive Social Relationships: Last but definitely not least, fostering a supportive social network can contribute to a 5% longevity boost. In our increasingly isolated world, especially among older adults, this is an area we can’t afford to ignore. Remember, every bit of positive social interaction helps, whether it’s staying physically active with friends or ensuring you’re enveloped by uplifting social support.
Towards A Healthier Future
Ultimately, each of these eight habits is interlinked and collectively contribute to a healthier, longer life. Remember, it’s never too late to start. A healthier and potentially longer life awaits you, one habit change at a time. Take the first step today – your future self will thank you.