It’s safe to say that people nowadays are living longer than all previous generations. That doesn’t mean that we are the healthiest of people as we age, though. People can easily live to be 90 years old, but what is their quality of life like as they reach those years? More often than not, people in that age bracket are not in the best shape and rely on medications to make it through the day. Advancements in modern medicine are wonderful, but there’s no reason to rely on it to keep you alive. That’s not quality; that’s merely existing.
Depending on who you talk to, quality of life can be measured a few different ways. Some people base it off love, while others use happiness as a measurement, but it’s safe to assume that physical health largely dictates quality of life. Eating healthy and exercising regularly are common suggestions to live a long and healthy life, but you can do more than that. Eating quinoa and sweet potatoes with kale every day or running every morning isn’t the sole answer.
It’s possible for you to take your health to the next level when you practice other activities that keep you mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. Start doing the following five things and you’ll find that your quality of life drastically improves. Plus, these habits will benefit you in the long run!
Get More Vitamin D
According to research, roughly 90% of American adults are mildly deficient in vitamin D. Nobody goes outside anymore! We are indoor creatures that were not designed to be indoors all day long. Exposure to the sun and natural light not only contributes to healthy vitamin D levels, but it also helps you maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. When you have sufficient vitamin D levels, it’s easier for the body to absorb calcium and your immune system is functions optimally.
Warm Up Before Workouts
Regular exercise is a fantastic way to keep your body in shape and healthy as you age, but there’s something to be said about a good warm up. Stretching, foam rolling, and getting the body mobile before a workout is the best gift to give your body. Not only does it reduce the risk of injury, but it also helps to boost performance. A study at Austin State University monitored a group of people who engaged in either static stretching or a dynamic warm-up before weight lifting. The results indicated that the participants who engaged in dynamic warm-ups, doing things like high skips or lunges, experienced enhanced performance.
Start Meditating
Meditation can change your life, people. It may seem like an Instagram influencer’s trend, but Om-ing your way through life, even for 10 minutes a day, can help you unwind and improve focus. We don’t often take time for ourselves in the fast-paced world in which we live. According to several studies, daily meditation can lead to better sleep, lower stress levels, stronger immune function, and lower blood pressure. Meditation can also help you establish a healthier mind/body connection.
Wear Sunglasses
This isn’t just so you look cool, but it definitely helps. Just as you lather on sunscreen to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, you should throw on a pair of shades to protect your eyes. When you don’t wear sunglasses in the sun, you increase your risk of cataracts, skin cancer, and sunburn. It’s beneficial to wear sunglasses that have 99-100% UV absorption, or UV 400. While polarized lenses cost more, they also protect your eyes a lot better than non-polarized lenses.
Practice Daily Gratitude
How often do you look at others and become jealous of what they have? It’s common to compare yourself to others around you, which only increases stress and feelings of self-doubt. Mental health research found that people who are grateful tend to be healthier than those who are less grateful. Additionally, people who practice daily gratitude tend to handle stress better and have stronger immune systems. Start each day by writing down five things you are grateful for, and you’ll find that you’re healthier and happier down the line.
