8 Simple Lifestyle Choices to Add 24 Years to Your Life

The Path to Longevity

Living to a ripe old age isn't just about genetics; it's also about the choices we make every day. A ground-breaking unpublished study on US veterans has recently unveiled 8 astonishing lifestyle choices that could add up to 24 precious years to your life.

Here’s the core idea: If you're 40 and you adopt any of these habits, you could add a staggering 4.5 years to your life. Embrace all eight, and you may live up to 24 years longer! ^[1]

Adopt one, or adopt all, and you could be enjoying more sunsets, more laughter, more memories, and more LIFE.

If these findings intrigue you, then read on. 

Here's a detailed look at these life-enhancing habits:

1. The Fitness Formula: Regular Exercise

Exercise isn't just about building muscles or losing weight; it's about maintaining a healthy body and mind. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health, and lead to a longer and happier life. Regular movement can even help you sleep better. So, whether it's a daily jog, yoga, or hitting the gym, find what works for you and stick to it. Your body will thank you later. The mantra is simple: Move

READ: The role of exercise in promoting healthy sleep patterns

2. Dream Well: Getting a Good Night's Rest

Sleep is your body's way of rejuvenating itself, and sleep experts agree that one of the first steps to experiencing restorative sleep is ditching your smartphone as an alarm clock. The constant texts, email alerts, and notifications make it nearly impossible to fully disconnect and unwind. Moreover, phones emit melatonin-suppressing blue light, which can disrupt your sleep cycle. Replacing your smartphone alarm with a Mudita Harmony or a Mudita Bell can be the first step to experiencing the power of restorative sleep. Make sure you get at least 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. A peaceful and regular sleep routine enhances cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. Sleep tight, live right! 

Mudita Harmony 2 & Mudita Bell 2

3. Breathe Fresh: Never Smoking Tobacco

Tobacco has long been recognized as a major health hazard. Choosing not to smoke or quitting if you already do, is an enormous leap towards a healthier, longer life. The harmful effects of tobacco are not limited to just your lungs; they spread throughout your body. Break free from the habit, and you might add those precious years back to your life.

4. Breaking Chains: Not Being Addicted to Opiates

The use of opiates can lead to addiction, a decline in health, and even death. which is a concerning issue backed by alarming statistics. In recent years, there has been a notable decrease in life expectancy in the United States, particularly among males. This trend has been largely attributed to opioid-involved overdoses. Similarly, in British Columbia, Canada, life expectancy at birth declined during a specific period, partly due to drug overdose deaths, with opioids playing a significant role.

Considering these facts, it's essential to approach the subject with mindfulness and compassion. Choosing to avoid opiates entirely or seeking professional help if addiction arises, can be life-saving decisions. Although it may be a challenging path, making such choices can lead to a brighter and more extended future. This growing concern highlights the significance of making wise decisions to promote a longer, healthier life for ourselves and our communities. By fostering awareness and understanding, we can collectively work towards addressing this issue and supporting those in need with empathy and care.^[2][3]

5. Serenity Now: Effectively Managing Stress

Stress is often overlooked, but, nonetheless, a lethal enemy. At Mudita, we believe in the transformative practice of meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises. These scientifically proven practices can work wonders in easing the burden of stress and anxiety.  Our Mudita Moment, the modern, battery-free wrist watch inspired by mindful breathing, was specifically designed to help restore tranquility. With its battery-free design, it becomes more than just a timekeeper – it becomes your serene companion, encouraging you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.

Mudita Moment & Mudita Pause

Additionally, mindfulness training with Mudita Pause can have a significant impact on your health and overall well-being. By engaging in regular mindfulness practice, we can gain a greater understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, developing a more self-aware outlook on life. This understanding can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, improved mental clarity, and a greater sense of inner peace. Furthermore, mindfulness training can enhance your relationships, increase feelings of gratitude and joy, and boost your overall sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. All of these factors contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life, improving your overall health and well-being. With Mudita, you can  embrace the present, and watch your life transform.

READ: Unlock the Power of Mindfulness with Mudita Pause

6. Drink Responsibly: Avoiding Binge Drinking

A glass of wine with dinner might be pleasurable, but excess drinking can wreak havoc on your body.  It can even interfere with your sleep. 

Moderation is key. Understand your limits, and enjoy alcohol responsibly. Your liver, heart, and lifespan will certainly appreciate the balance. 

7. Heartfelt Connections: Meaningful Social Relationships

Humans are social beings, and connections matter. A LOT. Engaging in meaningful relationships with friends and family enriches our lives in many ways. Sharing laughter, tears, and support can not only make you happier but can also make you live longer.

Research shows that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to an individual’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The National Academies of Sciences found that loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with around a four times increased risk of death and a 68 percent increased risk of hospitalization, writes Lars Hartenstein, co-leader at the McKinsey Health Institute. The adverse impacts of loneliness are not limited to heart failure patients alone. Studies have also shown that loneliness can lead to increased stress levels, impaired immune function, and cognitive decline. ^[4]

In a world where people spend so much time online, especially in the current digital age, the neglect of human contact and relationships becomes a significant concern. This digital obsession can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness, further contributing to mental and physical health issues such as depression, anxiety, and obesity.

Mudita is addressing this issue by centering our products around the concept of digital minimalism. Our products are intended to intentionally move us away from ever-present screen time, so that we can focus on the present moment and nurture the relationships around us. By encouraging a balance between digital engagement and human connection, we can combat the harmful effects of loneliness and invest in a healthier, more fulfilling life.

READ: What's behind the loneliness epidemic & how can we fix it

8. Green Life: Eating a Plant-Based Diet

The benefits of a plant-based diet go beyond just your waistline. Consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to better heart health, decreased risk of cancer, and an increase in those coveted years of life. Tasty and wholesome, it's a choice you won't regret.

READ: What is Mindful Eating and Why It Matters

Your Path to a Longer, Happier Life with Mudita

Taking care of your health is not a trend; it's a lifelong commitment crucial for a long and happy life. The choices you make today shape your future, and these eight lifestyle changes can guide you on the path to wellness.

At Mudita, our mission is to make this journey more comfortable and accessible. We offer products designed to put health and well-being first in order to support you every step of the way. Additionally, we provide resources for a holistic approach to health and overall well-being, because we believe in living fully, living well, and living longer. 

With Mudita, you're never alone on your path to a vibrant, healthy life. 

Let's embrace these life-enhancing habits together.