If you've watched episodes of Down to Earth with Zac Efron, you've heard of Blue Zones or the five regions of the world (Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California), where people seem to live better and longer. Research have shown that the Blue Zones teach us how to live with less chronic disease, stress and other illnesses.
Dan Buettner and his research team determined nine common lifestyle behaviors, called the Power 9, where people living among these communities are outliving the rest of the world—and having fewer symptoms, more energy, and less chronic disease.
Here is a list of the habits of the healthiest people in the world and how to implement them in your life.
1. Work out less and move more
That means engaging in more naturally active lifestyles such as tending to a garden, walking instead of driving or fishing rather than spending hours at a gym.
2. Find your purpose
This has proven to be an important factor in longevity and optimal health. As Buettner explains, “Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy.” Purpose is an essential part of each Blue Zone: Okinawans call it Ikigai and Nicoyans call it plan de vida, but it translates to the same concept: why you wake up in the morning. Having purpose can help you to live with intention; you’re no longer just going through the motions, but instead actively pursuing something that brings meaning to your life.
3. Find ways to relieve stress—and prioritize them
Knowing how to relieve stress rather than prevent it, and then prioritizing those activities over everything else. After a stressful day, don’t just sit in front of the TV or continue to work until bedtime. Try resting, meditating, walking, or reciting affirmations.
4. Eat consciously and listen to your body
Stop eating a meal when your stomach is 80% full. Practice mindful eating and check in with your body often to stop eating before you get stuffed.
5. Incorporate more plants into your diet
Forget all the trendy diets. Instead, eat plenty of vegetables and whole foods. Cut down on eating meat, having it only about five times a month and keep the portion small.
6. Drink a glass of wine regularly—in moderation
Have a drink (one to two glasses) of local wine with friends or while eating dinner. The health benefits include the high level of polyphenols and antioxidants in the wine, and because it represents a daily practice of slowing down and enjoying food with community. This also may not work for everyone, so consult with a medical professional before adding alcohol to your diet.
7. Practice some form of spirituality
Blue Zone communities live longer because many belong to a faith-based community, regardless of denomination. Having something larger than yourself to believe in and finding a community within that belief system can help you live longer.
8. Put family and loved ones first
Very often, most of us put work or other obligations first. So, spending more time with loved ones, taking trips with friends, visiting or living near aging parents and grandparents can lower disease and illnesses as well as committing to a life partner can add years to your life expectancy.
9. Have a positive social circle
Having a strong community with lasting, fulfilling, and deep friendships is essential. Spending more time with this social circle rather than with strangers, coworkers, or just surface-level friendships is healthy and ensures a deeper, meaningful and stronger connection.
And it’s not just about having a social circle but having a positive one. Surround yourself with happy, healthy people, and you are more likely to be happy and healthy. If you’re having trouble finding like-minded, positive people to spend quality time with, consider joining groups based on healthy habits such as a book club or a group exercise class.
Source: The Every Girl