A new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine has found that eight specific habits can add up to 24 years to your life. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, looked at data from over 100,000 adults over a period of 25 years.
New Study Finds 8 Habits That Can Add Up to 24 Years to Your Life
The eight habits that were found to be associated with a longer lifespan were:
- Being physically active. People who were physically active for at least 150 minutes per week had a 23% lower risk of death than those who were not physically active.
- Not smoking. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death, and it can shorten your lifespan by up to 10 years.
- Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also limits processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.
- Getting enough sleep. Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Managing stress. Stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or yoga.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of cancer, liver disease, and other health problems.
- Having strong social relationships. Social support is important for both physical and mental health. Make an effort to stay connected with friends and family.
The researchers found that even if you only make one or two of these changes, it can still have a significant impact on your lifespan. So if you’re looking to add years to your life, start by adopting some of these healthy habits today.
Here are some additional tips for making these habits stick:
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to change everything at once. Start with one or two habits and focus on making those changes sustainable.
- Find a support system. Having friends or family members who are also trying to make healthy changes can help you stay motivated.
- Make it easy. Make healthy choices the easy choice by stocking your kitchen with healthy foods, packing your lunch for work, and walking or biking instead of driving whenever possible.
- Don’t give up. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Just pick yourself up and start again.
Making healthy changes can be challenging, but it’s worth it for your long-term health. By adopting the habits listed above, you can add years to your life and enjoy a healthier, happier future.
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