Leading a toxic stressful lifestyle can impact your physical, and mental health and increase your risk of disease. To live a happier, healthy life, adopt these good lifestyle and beauty habits which will also help you live longer.
1. Get Lots of Cuddles (Especially From Your Dog)
According to therapists, we need four hugs a day for our survival, eight for maintenance, and 12 for personal growth. Social interactions and intimacy elevate our physical and mental health and studies also show having a dog can help you live longer and there’s no one better we can think of for a good cuddle.
2. Nature Deficient Disorder is Real
In today’s high-tech world, it’s important to unplug and spend more time in nature. There’s been a rise in cases of nature-deficient disorder so go for a long walk, have a picnic, take a hike, or go to the beach as the sound of the waves produces negative ions which produce endorphins the happy hormones that improve your mood and induce relaxation.
3. Have Healthy Relationships and Friendships
We all need connection and strong social interactions as having a happy, healthy supportive relationship is linked to lower risks of chronic diseases, better mental health, and greater resilience against life’s challenges. When you feel loved and supported in a relationship this also encourages healthier lifestyle choices and gives your life a deeper sense of meaning and more joy.
4. Indulge in Regular Self Care
Self-care and alone time shouldn’t be a luxury. Engaging in practices and hobbies that promote relaxation boosts our mental health and lowers our stress levels and the risk of anxiety and depression. Prioritize self-care which can be as simple as taking a long bath, reading a good book, doing yoga, meditating, or having a facial or massage.
5. Protect Against Sun Damage
Apply an SPF sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays can alter the health of the skin cells contributing to premature aging (photoaging) resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and skin sagging. It can also increase your risk of skin cancer.
6. Keep Your Body Well Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for our health and longevity as it aids digestion, flushes out toxins, keeps our body temperature stable, and nourishes our skin and body. Women should drink 2.7 liters and men should drink 3.7 liters of water a day to keep their cells, organs, and skin healthy and hydrated, boost brain function, and ensure our joints function well. Starting your day with a glass of lemon water is good practice.
7. Practice Good Sleep Habits
A lack of sleep takes a major toll on your physical and mental health. Implement a bedtime routine to keep sleep consistent as getting 7-9 hours of deep uninterrupted shut eye can lower stress and help you live longer. The body repairs and rejuvenates itself overnight so a good night’s sleep also supports brain function and lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
8. Eat and Apply Antioxidants To Your Skin
It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in fat and sugar as these increase free radicals (toxins) and inflammation in the body which speeds up the aging process and puts you at risk of disease. Your diet should be nutrient-dense and rich in vitamins and antioxidants to fight free radicals, boost collagen and elastin production and enhance the skin’s ability to repair itself. Eat plenty of rich leafy green vegetables, berries and fatty fish and choose skincare products infused with antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and niacinamide.
9. Avoid Toxic Beauty and Lifestyle Products
Always use clean, ideally organic, non-comedogenic (cancer-forming) cosmetic products infused with skin-boosting vitamins and antioxidants. This will prevent clogged pores, and inflammation and reduce the risk of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and sensitivity. Steer clear of chemical ingredients like sulfates and synthetic fragrances as these are toxic and are absorbed into the body via the skin. This also applies to toxic chemical-laden products in your home.
10. Eat Lots of Fatty Fish
A balanced diet promotes longevity by providing essential nutrients that boost overall health, and immunity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are rich in Omega-3 which protects the cells from damage, fights aging, wards off anxiety and depression, and improves the health and radiance of your skin.
11. Get Your Daily Steps In
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens your muscles and bones, and enhances mood and mental health. If you can’t face the gym, just walk, as experts recommend getting 10,000 steps in a day to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve cognitive function, and keep your skin healthy, radiant, and more youthful.
12. Manage Your Stress Levels
Stress is a major contributor to aging, skin aging, anxiety, and depression. Stress management can help you live a longer happier life as it reduces blood pressure, improves immune function and decreases free radicals in the body. Do yoga, meditate, exercise, turn off the screens, and get out in nature.
13. Keep Up Regular Health Check-ups
Many health issues and even more serious diseases can be prevented and treated if detected early. Maintain regular medical check-ups so your provider can monitor vital signs, perform screenings, and identify potential risks to help you live longer.
14. Improve Your Gut Microbiome
There is a sharp focus in the medical community on gut health as evidence suggests a healthy gut microbiome can prevent disease and ward off premature aging. It’s the gut’s job to absorb essential nutrients and help eliminate waste and when the good bacteria in the gut is thrown off balance it can cause health issues and speed up the wrinkles and aging signs.
15. Unplug from the World and Your Computer
We are all spending too much time at the computer or staring at screens which can contribute to eye strain, poor posture, disrupted sleep patterns, a sedentary lifestyle and increased stress. Cut back on screen time, and do more physical activity for improved health and wellness which is the key to a longer life.
16. Be More Mindful By Journaling
Mindfulness practices like journaling, yoga, meditation, and breathwork can lower stress hormone levels, decrease the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and hypertension and enhance emotional regulation. Regular journaling also helps you process and reflect on your thoughts and feelings, leading to greater self-awareness and healthier lifestyle choices.