6 of the Best Secrets of Good Health
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us seek good health with a trial and error approach as we look for the best ways to go, but some people have been around long enough to really know. Some of those healthy souls are in the Blue Zone, where people are known to live longer.
WellAndGood.com spotlighted a few of these people from places such as the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, the small island of Guernsey in the English Channel, and Okinawa, Japan, to reveal their prime secrets of good health.
Here are some valuable insights from people in their 80s, 90s, and beyond.
Invest in real relationships - Reach out to those around you and invest the time and energy to truly connect with your friends and family. Those connections can make the difference between a so-so life, and one that really works for everyone. When others know they can count on you, and you know you can depend on them, everything just gets a little easier.
Make your time count - Work hard and stay active. Put your skills to work in the best possible manner, and then head out for a walk to balance out the day. Enjoying your work and reaping the benefits of exercise can be a magic combination, helping to keep you healthy and happy. Some of the seniors who volunteered their secrets also noted that they were still cycling in their nineties.
Explore a vegetable based diet - Most of the elders reported eating a plant-based diet with a small amount of meat and moderate use of alcohol. They also drank a lot of water, and often enjoyed tea. Food was seen as a time to be together with family and savor the moment.
Rise with early light and wind down at sunset - Relying less on artificial light may bring a rhythm to your life that's more peaceful and productive. When we live in a world of blue lights following our electronics through 24/7 routines, it's to easy to lose your place and just spring from one task to another. Establish a healthy bedtime and make sleep a priority
Put the lid on stress - The pace of today's world generates stress, but learning ways to calm the mind and truly enjoy a peaceful existence is worth cultivating. Think about the things that give you pleasure and work some of them into each day. Music, books, dancing, or gardening could help you let go of stress.
Remember to say thank you - Look around and look carefully at all that you have. One 83-year old from Japan said, "Too many people seem to forget how to appreciate things." Single out one thing that you are thankful for each night. You might find yourself sleeping better when you do.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brea, Calif.