Living Long Is One Thing.
Living Long And Well Is Another.

Do you agree with the above statement? Most people who have thought about it would likely share this viewpoint. If you do happen to live a long life, are you living it the way you would like? Is it really satisfying to have “more” life if you spend most of your time visiting the doctor or hospital and have to carry a pillbox everywhere you go?

Are there habits that you’d like to change in your life? These changes might feel difficult to you but in reality, they are actually quite achievable… if you just gather the will power and confidence to do them, you will quickly feel on top of the world.

Here we go:

1. Live Well

You probably already know what you should be doing here. First and foremost, check your diet! Do you need to cut back on the alcohol? &If you are a smoker, how about getting a nicotine patch? It’s not so difficult to eat more fruits and vegetables and go out for a jog or a brisk walk regularly. If you can, do some vigorous exercise once or twice a week.& Finally, don’t forget to take the time to eat a little breakfast.

Did you know that people who don’t make these simple changes may live up to 12 years less than people who follow a healthier daily routine? Don’t worry, you don’t have to always feel hungry and tired, either. Certain studies have found that restricting your calorie intake too much while dieting actually lowers the production of a thyroid hormone, which slows down your metabolism. So, if you just eat enough and have a healthy diet, and keep moving your body, you are adding years to your life!

2. Get Busy

Ooh… this is something you are going to love. We are talking about sex! Having satisfying sex, at least three times a week, can add 3 years to your “living long” dream. Sex helps burn calories (sometimes as much as when you run), lowers blood pressure, protects your heart, boosts immunity and improves sleep. So, if you are not too big of a fan of running, then better grab your partner now and get into bed.

3. Avoid the Sun

Too much sun and those tanning salons, they may be your enemy! Remember Ross’s day at the tanning salon from the Friend’s episode called “The One with Ross’s Tan”? Yeah… you don’t wanna do that to yourself. Too much time in the sun will give you wrinkles, oily and saggy skin, and maybe even something worse.

It’s not too late to add a skin-protection regimen to your routine. This can help prevent skin cancer. Those yearly summer vacations are more than enough to get all the tan you need… just don’t forget your sunscreen.

4. Get Your 8 Hours of Sleep

Stop doing overtime at the office. What’s the point in making so much money if you won’t be able to enjoy retirement?  A lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and that is obviously bad for your health.

5. Maintain an Active Social Life

Did you know that there’s a deep relationship between mortality rates and social life? In fact, according to a study by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Timothy B. Smith, and J. Bradley Layton, having friends and an active social life increases a person’s chances of living longer by 50%. So, go out and mingle… join a club, check out an online meetup site, anything!

So, there you go… five natural ways that can not only help you live longer but healthier too. If you’ve been thinking about making a healthier routine, why not get started now? You’ll be proud of yourself for making those changes, and you’ll have some fun too!