Top 10 Fun Ways to Live Longer
By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com,
June 21, 2007
(original
article with references)
A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean treadmills and
salads everyday. Many activities that are fun and pleasurable are also good
for you. By understanding how these activities can help you live longer and
what to do to get the most benefits, you'll be putting some fun into healthy
living.
1. Drink Red Wine
Red wine is packed with resveratrol, an antioxidant. These work to protect
your body against the effects of aging. One or 2 glasses of red wine a day
can help keep your body young.
2. Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of
antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Find good quality dark
chocolate, learn to appreciate it, and have a bit of it each day. Eating
chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an
energy boost.
3. Smile
Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give
benefit to your body. Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the
effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we "trick" our body into
believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch,
smiling can actually change your mood. So put a smile on, even if you don't
feel like it, and pretty soon you'll be smiling for real.
4. Have More Sex
Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases
an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Sex and touching help us
bond with others, strengthens relationships, and increases our own
self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.
5. Relax
Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health
effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. By
practicing daily relaxation techniques, you can train yourself to turn off
your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood
pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life's challenges.
6. Make Exercise Play
Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind
healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance,
flexibility, endurance and strength. Group games and sports can give your
mind a workout as well, as you anticipate other people's actions and how to
work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical
ability and play often.
7. Sleep
Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough
sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent
you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep
include more energy, better immune function, and more.
8. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with
other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also
means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time
cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your
health and your life.
9. Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games
Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games
can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If
possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain
while keeping you connected with others.
10. Be Positive
Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your
life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and
regret each passing year. Find ways to to pleasure in your increasing age
and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.
|