What are you doing to ensure a healthy, happy lifestyle?

 

I know we all want to live the healthiest lifestyle we can. We all want feel as good as possible for as long as possible. So, what are you doing to live a healthy life?

Are, you’re watching what you eat and how much exercise you get in?

Those are just two pieces of a much larger puzzle. Sure, study after study shows the importance of variables to our longevity and health, but let’s consider the disconnect.

Despite all the research I read, I also consider food and exercise most when I’m trying to stay healthy. But, I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, especially since I came across this essay by Rosie Spinks.

A former distance runner, Rosie thinks that in college she had an eating disorder called orthorexia. It’s an obsession with just eating healthy food. In the essay, Rosie talks about a nutritionist who told her that food is just a small part of our overall health.

So, if you, like many of us, have had a two-dimensional view of what makes you healthy, it’s time to consider something more fully rounded.

Here are a few healthy living experiences you need to pay attention to if you want to lengthen your life and live a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.

1. Get Outdoors

More research is showing the importance of you being one with nature. For instance, people who live close to a decent green space are healthier than those who live further than about half a mile. In one study, researchers found that people who lived close to a good amount of green space had fewer infectious diseases and a lot less anxiety. And, nature’s just so pretty. So, check out the National Parks near to you or grab the family and get outdoors as much as you can – whether its hikes, walking the fur kids, or just kicking a ball with the kids in the park.

2. Train Your Brain

Brainwork makes for healthy living experiences, too. The trick is to feed your creativity, especially if you’re retired and no longer challenged by work. Sure, physical activity keeps your brain alert. But, things like crossword puzzles, learning a new language, traveling to new destinations and taking up an art class or other skill can keep your brain strong for a long time.

3. Get a Micronutrient Test

Micronutrients sound a little daunting, don’t they? But they’re really a natural part of your diet, and you’ll find them in just about all the foods you eat.

I know diet isn’t everything for healthy living but, micronutrients are things like magnesium, vitamin B12, calcium, omega 3s, and potassium, it’s always worth making sure you’re not deficient in the minerals and vitamins your body so heavily relies on.

For instance, a B12 deficiency can lead to tingling sensations, tiredness, light sensitivity, and vision problems. Long-term, B12 deficiencies have been linked to Alzheimer’s and certain cancers.

Ask your physician for a full vitamin and mineral check-up to make sure you’re feeding your body the nutrients it needs for a healthy lifestyle.

4. Nurture a Sense of Community

Healthy living is about surrounding yourself with people, too.

The long-lived residents in Okinawa, Japan are the perfect example. They have a cultural tradition of forming what’s called Moai, or a group for common interests. So, if one group member, for instance, wins a jackpot, everybody shares it. If one faces troubles, they all help out.

Research makes a powerful case for the amazing health effects of participating in your community, be it a religious group, a professional group or even a workout team.

Make sure you’re an active part of your community and enjoy contented longevity.

5. Companionship Counts

Are you lonely? That’s not good for healthy living. Loneliness can lessen happiness and is, apparently, just as bad for you as smoking.

So, not only should you be part of your community, you should aim to spent time with friends, family, and your significant other as part of your healthy living experiences. And, do things together! Travel, take up a new class, get outdoors, and even get involved in the community together.

What Will You Do?

These are just some ideas for healthy living experiences that can help ensure a long, happy, and fulfilled life.

What are you doing for your healthy living?

 

Check out my other motivational posts at marksalinas.com.

 

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