These 5 habits ensure that you live up to 10 years longer

You want to live healthily, of course. But you also want to live a little sociably, right? You always have to look for a good middle ground: not too crazy, not too boring.

That’s why you can teach yourself a few new habits. And those habits are actually very simple. It’s a matter of doing it a few times, repeating it, and before you know it, this becomes ‘your new normal’.

1. Alcohol
Okay, a little boring maybe, but let's be honest: do you really have to drink wine at every dinner and always face that hangover? How interesting is it to be drunk and hungover? Take a month off alcohol every now and then and tell everyone, then your friends will know what to expect. You don't have to stop drinking forever, but less alcohol is, as you know, always good for your body.

2. Move
You know this yourself, but still: move every day. Walk, bike a bit to work, take the car and the elevator less often. Do what is good for your body and you will feel better and fitter.

3. Smoking
No, smoking is really over. Way too expensive too. You could better buy bags with that money.

4. Gratitude
It really makes people happier: a bit of self-reflection at the end of the day. Curl up in a child pose before going to sleep and think about what you are grateful for that day. It can be three small things, like your husband who was home on time from work, your child who said a new word, or that nice clean pajamas you are wearing that smell of laundry detergent. And then get enough sleep; also quite important for your brain and body.

5. Don't work too much
Go on vacation more often than you do now. Go away for a night, a weekend. Always say ‘yes’ to adventures and more often ‘no’ to must-dos and things at work. Why work endlessly for the same salary? Pick up your hobbies, pursue your passions. Take that painting course, go pottery making. Challenge yourself every year to something new, so that your senses stay stimulated. That gives your mind a boost and makes you happier and therefore healthier, even in the long term.