Ten Top Tips for Living Longer and Happier

These ten tips for living healthier and happier are not exactly groundbreaking, nor are they unique to this blog. But what they are is good, honest advice that most people should be following. Sure, it is often easier said than done, but if you know what to do you know where to begin…

1. Watch what you eat

Diet plays a big part in longevity, so try to make sure that you’re eating the right things. Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and limit your salt and saturated fat intake.

2. Don’t smoke

The negative health implication of cigarettes cannot be disputed. It is the main cause of lung cancer in this country and only half of smokers make it past the age of 70. It’s never too late to give up. Or, even better, don’t start! See your GP about getting nicotine gum or patches to help with the withdrawal.

3. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated will help your skin and your body, as well as flushing out toxins from your system. Dehydration can cause muscle spasms and kidney damage, so make sure that you replace all the water that your body loses in a day through breathing and sweating.

4. Drink alcohol in moderation

Alcohol causes cirrhosis, as well as liver disease and cancers of the liver, mouth, throat and breast. Reduce your risk factors and stick to one or two units a day.

5. Avoid excessive sun exposure

Nothing ages your skin faster than the sun. UV exposure is responsible for wrinkles, sagging and brown spotting of the skin and is a major cause of skin cancer. So make sure that you slap on the sunscreen and keep yourself covered.

6. Don’t get stressed

Anxiety damages the heart and can lead to depression and self-harm. Try to ensure that you take time for yourself and learn to reduce your stress. Perhaps take up Tai Chi, yoga or meditation.

7. Get a good night’s sleep

Good quality sleep ensures that you’re not tired but also has the additional health benefits of lowering stress, reducing the risk of depression and improving the health of your heart.

8. Be active

Exercise is a great stress release as well as improving your heart health, your muscles and keeping your mind sharp. Aim for 20 minutes of activity a day and you’re on the right track.

9. Adopt a pet

Studies show that having a fluffy friend can add years to your life by reducing stress and giving you a sense of purpose and a reason to live.

10. Engage socially with others

It’s a fact that people with more friends live longer. It helps to avoid stress and therefore heart disease if we have friends that we see on a regular basis and can share life’s troubles with.

Do you have any other tips for helping people to live longer and happier? If you do why not let us know in the comments below.