Here are Eight Habits That Can Help You Live a Healthier and Longer Life
Dr. Sohail Nibras is a psychiatrist practicing in Sugar Land, TX. Dr. Nibras is a medical doctor specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Nibras diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Nibras may treat patients through a variety of methods including medications, psychotherapy or talk... more
Middle-aged people can significantly increase their lifespan by adopting eight specific habits. A recent study shows that those who follow these habits can expect to live up to 24 more years (for men) and 21 more years (for women) than those who don't. These habits include:
•Habit 1: Eat Well for Longevity
Eating a balanced diet is essential for good health. You can achieve this by eating nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Avoid overly processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of salt or sugar.
• Habit 2: Stay Physically Active
It's important to maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and enhance overall fitness to stay healthy. This can be achieved through various physical activities like cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. By prioritizing your physical well-being, you invest in your body's health and longevity.
• Habit 3: Get Enough Sleep
Getting 7-9 hours of sound sleep every night is very important. This helps maintain physical and mental health and allows the body to repair and refresh itself.
• Habit 4: Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water daily is essential to keep your body working and healthy. Water helps your body digest food, move blood around, and control your temperature.
• Habit 5: Stress Less, Smile More
You can improve your mental well-being and counteract the negative effects of chronic stress by adding stress-reduction techniques to your routine. Some options are meditation, mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or yoga. These practices can help bring more balance and calmness into your daily life.
• Habit 6: Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
It's important to be aware that binge drinking can raise the risk of death by up to 20%. It's alarming that tobacco-related diseases lead to more than 480,000 deaths each year in the U.S. according to the American Cancer Society, this accounts for about 20% of all deaths.
• Habit 7: Maintaining Healthy Social Relationships
Research suggests that strong social connections can benefit your mental health and lifespan. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, and your community can significantly impact your overall well-being. Additionally, studies show that not having positive social relationships increases the risk of death by 5%.
• Habit 8: Not Abusing Opioids
To stay healthy and avoid addiction risks, it's important to use opioids safely and responsibly. Misusing or abusing these substances can lead to serious health problems.
