5 tips to live a happier and longer life
Life can get crazy some times, and for some, life feels like it’s always crazy.
One thing most of us strive for in life is happiness. We want to be happy and we want to live a long life full of happiness. The key is understanding that life if full of tough times but by focusing on the good times, your life can be filled with more happiness.
That is easier said than done, right?
Like a business, consistency is key!
There are certain things that should stay consistent to help you achieve a happier, longer life.
Here are 5 that we think should be a given, but over looked by so many:
1. Drink water!
Drink plenty of it. 2-3 litres a day! So simple I know, but are you really doing that? Drinking plenty of water helps us rid toxins, keep our organs and systems hydrated. It helps our body, and most importantly our brain, to function better. Yet we drink too much of everything else, like alcohol, soft drink, juices, and dairy.
Replace these with water and you will be healthier. With our body functioning better with full hydration, we can enjoy life more. With a healthier body we have a better chance of living longer.
2. Eat more veggies and eat less sugar and meats.
Let’s start by stating the obvious: When you eat more veggies you receive an abundance of nutrients and antioxidants that your body needs to function better. They are great for digestion, for your brain, for your heart and circulation and the list goes on. When you eat more sugar and meats than vegetables, you are basically depriving your body from receiving the essential nutrients it needs. Sure sugar tastes great and can be burned off as energy, and meat has nutrients in it too, but nothing beats a higher serving of veggies. So again it is simple, add more veggies and reduce sugar and meat, you will feel healthier, allowing you to think clearer, move better and enjoy life for longer.
3. Create more Me Time.
How much time are you giving yourself to do what you really want to do?
Many of us are so caught up doing things for others, working, fixing the house, etc, that we spend little time doing something for ourselves.
Take this into consideration. When you get on a plane, one of the emergency rules is to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you help others. The reason is that you are better equipped to help others when you have already helped yourself.
How many of us help ourselves first?
Create time for yourself. Set aside a day, or time in a day where you can either sit and do nothing, dis-attached from the world, or go do something you like, like playing golf, or watching a movie, or reading a book.
Without this me time, our mental health suffers. We can’t enjoy life as much. We become overly stressed, we feel burnt out. We don’t need to get into where that could lead you. Let’s just focus on the positive. Create more ‘me time’ and enjoy the benefits.
4. Exercise
I know, I know, you hear it all the time.
You don’t need to be a fitness freak. You just need to have activity in your life.
Get involved in a sport, go for a walk, kick a ball in a park. Get active! The more active we are the less of a chance we become victim to disease, fatigue, and injuries. Everyone hates a back ache!
So make it easy for yourself, if you are not the type that likes being active, register for a set activity. Whether it is a sport, a boot camp, a running team, golf club, there are plenty of options.
5. Be grateful
Being grateful for what you have helps you realise the goodness in your life and how much it can out way the bad.
Many of us find it hard to appreciate what we might have because we are so focused on bad events that affect our lives.
One simple thing to do is write all the good things you have in your life. If you want to be more specific you can create a daily journal and jot down all the good things about each day. You will be surprised at how quickly this piles up. It can be as simple as: ‘I had blue skies on my walk to work today’. Wow! Feeling better already!
This simple exercise will help you remember to be grateful as you remember all of the things you are grateful for.
The more you are able to focus on these aspects of your life the happier your life becomes. Satisfied and grateful people release more endorphins, and studies show this can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and help you reduce physical and emotional stress. I’m sure these are things you can do without in your plan to live a longer life.
Now I am sure there are more you can add to this list, and by all means do that. The above 5 I have listed are meant to cover key physiological and psychological aspects of human life.
Like they say, Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Happy Life!
Our clinic is dedicated to helping people live longer and happier lives. Feel free to contact us today, and let us be part of your journey!
Best Regards
Charbel Chehade
Clinic Manager and Health Professional.
