For thousands of years, tales of eternal youth and immortality have been handed down from generation to generation. The ambition of living forever has been chronicled long throughout history, from ancient Greek mythology to contemporary novels and films. While the Fountain of Youth still exists in folklore and legends, the notion of living longer has become a reality due to medical science, public health advancements, and diet and lifestyle changes. But, unlike in the myths, it isn’t something mystical that will keep you young; instead, it’s good habits that will do so.

We all embrace that aging is inevitable; however, adopting healthy lifestyle changes may help you age well and even add a few years to your life.

So, what are those healthy habits that will keep you healthier and increase your life expectancy so you can witness your grandchildren (maybe even great-grandchildren) grow up?

Listen to your Healthcare Provider:

According to a study, genetics accounts for 25% of an individual’s lifespan variation, while the rest is determined by environment and lifestyle choices. Those who successfully made it to the nineties and precious hundred years of their lives managed to keep chronic health issues like diabetes, heart problems, and cancer at bay. How? By incorporating healthy behaviors like maintaining their body weight and staying away from cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs.

Your healthcare provider can create a health plan tailored to your specific needs. So, make sure you follow their advice and recommendations as closely as possible. Since nurses play a vital role in public health awareness, more and more healthcare facilities are hiring nurses with an RN to BSN degree so they can have access to the latest health information and treatment options.

Don’t Skip Your Breakfast!

If your regular day starts afternoon with lunch as your first meal, you’re doing it wrong. As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that’s because it kick-starts your metabolism for the day. Skipping breakfast means you’re more likely to indulge later on in the day when your willpower is low. Not to mention, breakfast provides your body with the energy it needs to carry out its daily functions.

There are several healthy and palatable breakfast options to choose from. Oatmeal is a popular choice because it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you don’t have enough time to make oatmeal, a yogurt or fruit bowl are also healthy options. And if you need something on the go, a hard-boiled egg or a piece of fruit are good choices.

Move More:

Sitting is the new smoking. A sedentary lifestyle is linked to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and cancer. But it’s not just adults who are at risk; children who spend too much time sitting down are also at an increased risk for developing chronic health conditions.

You don’t have to sign up for a gym membership or start running a marathon to get in shape. Simply adding a few extra minutes of activity to your day can make a big difference. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car further away from the store, or doing a few jumping jacks during commercial breaks are easy ways to move.

Stress Less:

We all realize that stress isn’t good for our health. It can lead to headaches, stomach problems, and even heart disease. But what many people don’t know is that stress can also shorten our lifespan.

How do we reduce stress? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but finding a way to relax and de-stress is key. Some people find relief in yoga or meditation, while others find solace in a good book or a night out with friends. Whatever works for you, make sure you are taking the time to relax and rejuvenate.

Value Your Sleep Cycle:

It’s understandable when late-night work sessions or Netflix binges keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, but not getting sufficient shut-eye can have serious consequences for your health. Sleep deprivation doesn’t only lead to crankiness but also increases your chances of obesity, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.

Usually, eight hours of sleep is recommended; however, you must aim to get at least seven hours per night. If you’re struggling to get sufficient sleep, try to establish a bedtime routine and avoid using electronic devices in bed. And if you still can’t seem to get the sleep you need, talk to your healthcare provider about possible solutions. They might recommend a sleep study or a prescription for sleeping pills.

Say No to Overeating:

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or your birthday, we all have times when we overindulge in food. But overeating isn’t just bad for our waistlines; it’s also bad for our health. Overeating may cause issues with digestion, weight gain, and even heart disease.

If you find that you’re struggling with overeating, try to keep a food diary so you can track what you’re eating. And when you do indulge, ensure to eat slowly and savor every bite. Also, try to make healthier choices when you’re eating out. Instead of ordering a pizza, for example, order a salad.

The Power of Turmeric:

Nature has its own healing bodyguards, and turmeric is one of them. For centuries, this phenomenal root has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine to treat various health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and depression.

Recent studies show that turmeric may also help to protect against cancer. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading.

While more research is needed, turmeric is a promising natural treatment for cancer. So if you’re looking for an all-natural way to boost your health, consider adding turmeric to your diet. Turmeric and milk, for example, make a delicious and healthy latte.

Stay Away From Smoke:

We all are well-aware that smoking is injurious to our health, but many people don’t realize how dangerous it is. You may put yourself at risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease by continuous smoking.

It’s not only the smokers at risk; passive smoking can also be harmful. If you live with a smoker, request them to smoke outside or in another room. And if you’re a smoker, try to quit. Plenty of resources like nicotine patches and counseling are available to assist you in quitting.

One sure-shot way to reduce your risk of smoking-related diseases is to avoid secondhand smoke.

Moderate Your Alcohol Intake:

From promotion celebrations t holiday gatherings, alcohol is the go-to-beverage for many occasions. But too much alcohol can have serious consequences on our health. Excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, cancer, and even death.

If your alcohol consumption concerns you, try to moderate your drinking. Stick to only one or two drinks per day, and drink plenty of water. Also, avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

If you’re struggling with alcohol use disorder, seek help from a professional. There are many treatment options available, including inpatient and outpatient programs.

Ending Note:

Health is the wealth of life. We all wish to be around as long as possible to enjoy our loved ones, and by making some small changes in our daily lives, we can increase our chances of living a long and healthy life. So, start executing some (or all) of these tips into your daily routine and see how you feel. We’re sure you’ll notice a difference in your energy levels and overall health.