Posts

5 Intention-setting Ideas for Living a Long, Healthy Life!

/in /by

Since I have been unsuccessful in discovering the fountain of youth, I decided to watch a documentary on blue zones.  It inspired me to share the growing body of evidence that is embodied by the people living in these places.  If you are not familiar with blue zones (and you have Netflix), consider watching Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.  If you prefer, you can read more here, where the research of Dan Buettner, Blue Zones founder, is offered on the original five blue zones he identified:  Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.  These blue zones are regions around the world where people are known to live longer and healthier than the global average.

By adopting specific lifestyle habits, instead of searching for the elusive fountain of youth, individuals can potentially increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

Below are some intention-setting ideas drawn from the lived experience of people from these blue zones:

  1. Prioritize plants.   Blue Zone inhabitants typically focus on plant-based foods that are high in nutrients and antioxidants, consuming only small amounts of meat and dairy.  So perhaps consider placing a higher priority on a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  2. Move.  Blue Zone inhabitants rely on daily natural movement instead of intense workouts for ‘physical exercise’.  These activities included walking, gardening, dancing and/or cycling that support maintaining strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.  Think about your one natural movement passion and consider prioritizing it on a daily basis.
  3. Get social.  Blue Zone inhabitants actively cultivate strong social connections and prioritize family and community bonds. To support your overall well-being, perhaps prioritize regularly spending time with loved ones and participating in community activities.
  4. Reduce stress.  Having tools to manage stress is crucial to longevity as much research has shown chronic stress negatively impacts our physical, emotional, and mental health.  Blue Zone inhabitants employed such stress-reducing techniques as meditation, mindfulness, and/or yoga.  Consider exploring different stress reduction tools to discover the one that works best for you and integrate it into a daily practice.
  5. Purpose.  Blue Zone inhabitants displayed enhanced motivation, resilience, and overall life satisfaction that was connected to experiencing a sense of purpose in their lives.  Discovering your purpose is a life-long journey not a destination.  It will evolve over time as you gain new experiences and insights.  So consider seeking meaningful experiences by engaging in activities that challenge and inspire you.  Perhaps you volunteer for causes you care about or pursue hobbies that excite you.  When you notice and pay attention to those moments where you feel most alive and fulfilled, you will discover your purpose!