Body & Mind

Longer life without exercising and eating healthy? According to experts, it is possible.

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!30Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200+02:002630#30Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200+02:00-9Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330 07am30am-30Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200+02:009Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam2023302023Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200309309amThursday=9#!30Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam9#09-07-2023#!30Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200+02:002630#/30Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200+02:00-9Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330#!30Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:30:26 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam9#

Following the latest diet or going along with yet another sports trend is totally out. At least, according to experts who study the lives of people in the Blue Zones. Blue Zones are areas in the world where people effortlessly reach their 90s without clinging to a strict fitness regime. They actually have a varied lifestyle and place a lot of priority on rest and enjoyment in their lives. Joy Stephenson-Laws, an expert in this field, says that by adopting these simple lifestyle changes, you can easily add some healthy years to your life.

Take it easy
You don't have to tell me this twice. I love taking it easy. The goal here is to lower your stress levels. Stress could lead to inflammation in your body and other chronic diseases. Since none of the Blue Zones are located in large cities, experts also believe there is a connection between pace of life and health. Slowing down and maintaining a so-called ‘island pace’ is therefore recommended. Are you too attached to your city to completely say goodbye to the hustle and bustle? Then try saying no more often and taking more breaks.

Embrace happy hour
I like where this is going. People living in the Blue Zones love a shared aperitif before dinner, and having a glass of wine around five o'clock could provide numerous health benefits. It offers you a ritual that helps you de-stress, going over the day with your favorite people, and your favorite drink is great for your mental health, and moderation is always better than downing an entire bottle at once.

Prioritize your social life
Social connections can be found everywhere in the Blue Zones. By putting your relationships first, you always feel supported, combat loneliness, and feel like you belong somewhere. Social health greatly contributes to leading a long and healthy life and is simpler than you think. Plan a get-together with your friends, discover a new hobby together, or take a walk around the neighborhood. Of course, at island pace.

Source: Well and Good