In today’s demanding work environment, implementing daily habits can help to transform stress into calmness and extend the lifespan of a healthy life. Life expectancy has fallen from 79 years to 72 years for both men and women. However, it is believed that your daily routine decides the future of your health and wellness. Incorporating fitness, a healthy diet, positive daily habits, and happiness can significantly impact your general health and well-being, enabling you to live each day to the fullest. Some healthcare habits that improve your physical, mental, and emotional health can set the stage for a healthy, purposeful, and happy future. Researchers have found that certain daily habits and behavior contribute to your health in the present and enhance the essence of your life. It not only involves some basic techniques but also involves developing mindfulness in your decision-making, being present in every moment, and appreciating the richness of life. In this blog, we will delve into such valuable habits backed by ancient wisdom and modern science.
Engage in Some Physical Activity Daily
Engage yourself in regular exercise, yoga, cardio, strength training, flexibility exercises, dancing, brisk walking, etc, for at least 1 to 2 hours. Such physical training is important to counteract natural muscle aging and muscle leaning and increase longevity. According to some researchers, a person has to set a target of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and a minimum of 70 minutes of high-intensity workout per week. However, physical activity does not necessarily mean going to the gym and getting trained by a professional trainer. If you have dedication and passion for transforming your body and maintaining a healthy life, simple running, walking, cycling, swimming, etc., is also sufficient.
Enrolling for Aetna Medicare Advantage plans
Enrolling in Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan is the best investment for securing a healthy and stress-free life. The plan offers prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing treatments, first aid supplies and painkillers, fitness memberships, telehealth benefits, pharmacy insurance, and many more. Aetna Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 include 3 main plans – HMO plans, PPO plans, and SNP (Special Needs Plans). Enrollers of these plans even get the convenience of a 24-hour nurse line and prescription home delivery to ensure top-level Medicare and on-time medicine delivery. This is an affordable plan, and the cost depends on the country you live in and your health needs and medication.
Taking Healthy Diet
Today’s generation is crazy about eating a lot of junk food every day. This junk food increases the chances of lifestyle diseases like obesity, infection, and even severe problems like cancer. Such diseases decrease life expectancy by more than 10 years. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on taking a healthy and balanced diet that provides proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients required for a healthy body. Increase your consumption of whole grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, and healthy protein and fats. Reduce the intake of processed foods, sugar food like sugary drinks, chocolates, etc., and high salt and saturated food. Researchers have found that a plant-based diet increases life expectancy more than a diet like red meat. Besides that, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2.7L of water every day. Ensure regular health screening to check blood pressure, cholesterol level, diabetes, temperature, etc., to catch the illness at an early stage.
Adequate Sleep
No matter how much work you do or how busy you are with your life, it’s extremely important to take out the appropriate time for your sleep. Make sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night to make your mind and body calm and relaxed. Sleep not only makes you relaxed but also strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, reduces stress, controls obesity, and reduces the chances of heart and brain diseases. To get adequate sleep daily, try to stick to a schedule of sleeping and waking up at a specific time daily. Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed, stay away from caffeine, and establish a relaxing and warm sleeping atmosphere.
Talk to Some Friends
It is found that staying active in a social circle can increase the life expectancy by 50%. Talking to some good friends reduces the chances of loneliness, stress, depression, etc. Expressing and discussing your thoughts and opinions with your friends significantly reduces your stress level. Being socially active on different platforms, connecting with new people, spending time with family, and participating in community activities and discussions can make you feel happy and relaxed.
Practice Stress Management
Stress and tension are common in today’s hectic and fast-paced work life. Everyone is worried about the competition and giving out their best at any cost. In this situation, mental health is often neglected, which results in serious health problems like stroke, depression, etc. However, practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, lucid dreaming, reading, etc., to make your mind calm and peaceful. Practicing such techniques increases life expectancy by 2.8%.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Smoking and Drinking are synonymous with significant health problems that reduce your life expectancy by years. Smoking is believed to reduce your time span by 10 years. Keep in mind that quitting smoking is never too late, as even if you quit it at the age of 60, you will add 3 years to your life. Consuming alcohol is linked to various heart and liver diseases which reduce your life expectancy. However, it is always suggested to reduce the intake of alcoholic drinks with time. Moderate consumption of wine can decrease the chances of premature death by 34% compared to people who consume beer or spirits.
Focus on your Happiness
Happiness is the key to a longer, healthier, and positive life. It is found that happy and positive people have a 3.7% reduction in early death compared to people who stay stressed and unhappy with their life. A review even claimed that happy people have a life expectancy of 18% more than the less happy ones. Focus on your happiness by doing your favorite activities like dancing, singing, painting, talking and meeting with friends, fulfilling your dreams and desires, and traveling to new places.
Conclusion
Practicing the above daily habits not only gives you the chance to live longer but also better. By exercising regularly and consuming wholesome foods, you provide your body with the necessary strength, flexibility, and nutrients. Adequate sleep and practicing stress management majorly increase life expectancy by ensuring a healthy body and brain. Practicing mindfulness, yoga, and positive daily habits stimulate our minds and create a mental state that is prepared for many more years. Enrolling in the Aetna Medicare Advantage plans ensures that you get the required treatment on time at an affordable cost whenever you want. So, what are you waiting for? Combine joining the healthcare plan with practicing these daily habits and increase your longevity.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/everyday-health-and-wellness-habits-linked-with-a-longer-life/
https://extramile.thehartford.com/wellness/healthy-living/habits-to-increase-longevity/