10 Simple ways to live longer and be healthier

10 Simple ways to live longer and be healthier
Here’s 10 simple ways…

1. Sleep Well
Do your utmost to get a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, obesity and even early death. If you get enough sleep, you’ll give your body time to repair and restore itself. Improve your sleep quality by keeping your room cool and dark, go to bed and get up at the same time every day and fill your evening meal with rice, oats or wholemeal pasta which contain sleep-stimulating chemicals.

2. Spend time in the great outdoors
Spending more time outdoors and exploring more of your local area is great for your well being. A walk in the park and being close to nature helps reduce stress levels and if it is a sunny day, you’ll be topped up with anit-ageing vitamin D! Even looking out of your window onto a natural scene gives you mood-boosting benefits. Researchers found that hospital patients in rooms with a pleasant outlook recovered faster than those facing a brick wall. There’s lots of ways to be outdoors and have fun and keep fit. Read these top 10 ideas.

3. Give up smoking.
Smoking ups your risk of just about every disease so it goes without saying that quitting is good for your health. If you are exposed to secondhand smoke for more than four hours a day you face similar health risks to a smoker, so minimise contact as much as you can. Get help quitting by calling the free NHS smoking helpline on 0800 022 4332

4. Get a Pet
Pet owners visit their doctors less often and are less likely to suffer from depression than people who don’t have a pet, according to US researchers. Other studies have also found that stroking an animal could help to lower your blood pressure and to ease your stress levels. Walking a dog keeps you fit and if you don’t have the option to have a pet, visit petting farms, which are a fun way to spend time stroking the animals and seeing life on a farm. I used to live close to Amerton Farm, one of my favourites.

5. De-clutter and get organised
Do you need to de-junk? Living in chaos is bad for you and your health say the experts. Time wasted searching for keys, sifting through upaid bills and stumbling over mess affects your stress levels, which could raise your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Your trash can often be someone else’s treasure. De-clutter and de-junk can put years on your life. Last year I dejunked my garden shed. To make a start, try these top 10 ideas for a tidy home. and as spring is on its way, how about a little spring cleaning.

6. Eat a balanced diet
Know when and how to eat. Eat your way to health and maintain a good balanced diet and eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables. Eat some low fat dairy produce, some wholegrians, such as oats, brown rise and some healthy omega-3 fats and some lean protein every day. If you don’t keep a balanced diet, you won’t be giving your body all the nutrients it needs to live healthier for longer. Making some small adjustments to your lifestyle and environment will do you the world of good.

7. Look after your teeth
UK researchers have found that poor dental hygiene leads to bleeding gums and could increase your risk of heart disease. Bacteria in your mouth gets into your bloodstream and sticks to the platelets in your blood, causing blood clots which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Brushing and flossing your teeth properly every day could help you to protect your heart. See your dentist for advice on looking after your teeth.

8. Stop yo-yo dieting
Experts believe that allowing your weight to fluctuate by at least ten per cent over five years puts strain on your body’s systems and ages you faster. To get the longevity benefits you need to get to a healthy weight and then maintain it. Give your weight loss a kick start by overcoming fitness laziness and just aim to move about more.

9. Call your friends every day
Staying connected to your friends and family is great for your health and mental wellbeing. Good friends encourage you to look after yourself and give emotional support. Catch up with a close friend today for a feel-good boost.

10. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is great for your heart and well being and it helps you to maintain a healthy weight, improves your bone density and helps you to live longer. Try to do at least 30 minutes three times a week and incorporate some yoga and muscle exercises into your workout routine. I absolutely love the nintendo wii. It is so easy to burn away calories without realising and you have so much fun. There are lots of great games for keeping fit and graphs and challenges to keep you on track and motivated. My favourites are wii fit, just dance or dance party pop hits which uses a dance mat; the EA sports active personal trainer has loads of routines and keeps working out interesting.

So give these a try and add a comment to share your thoughts and add further hints and tips.