5 new rules for long life

March 27, 2015 8:31 PM

We all want to live long even though we do not particularly eat or act like it. Here are the new rules for healthy living.

Healthy living

We all want to live long although we do not particularly eat or act like it.

Sometimes, when you're looking to make some new healthy changes to your life, the last thing you want is another calorie-counting food journal or specific list of exercises that tone each troublesome body part.

Instead, a simple mantra or two will do.

Its rare to find a one-size-fits-all method for achieving personal health and wellness, but these broader strategies can apply to everyone -- as well as remind us of life's beautiful truths we often seem to forget.

So if you're ready for a little positive change in your life, here are 5 health rules to live by that are as simple as they are effective.

Eat as colourfully as possible.

Vegetables (and some fruits) in a wide range of deep colors should make up most of your diet.

Intense color indicates loads of phytonutrients, biologically active substances that protect plants from viruses and bacteria—and offer similar benefits to humans.

Exercise as hard as kids play.

Our bodies are not built to run long distances for no reason at all. To run from danger and then stop.

That’s what feels best and works best to keep us in shape—short bursts of intense exertion interspersed with periods of leisurely movement. You don’t need a specially designed workout or a personal trainer to apply this.

When you’re running, sprint for a minute, then walk or trot for five. In the pool, swim one fast lap, then do three at a leisurely pace. But with some workouts it’s up to you to adjust. Worried you won’t burn enough calories? With interval training, you’ll actually burn more.

Spend time with loved ones.

This is one important health factor most people take for granted. Its always a boost for your immune system. You need to be around those who really get you, to laugh, talk freely about your problems, and listen deeply.

You need hugs and smiles and belly laughs. You need to be able to be your true self. If you’re lucky, this stuff is built into your day. But even if it requires an effort, make it happen. Do not rely on your phones or the social medias for this because physical, as well as emotional, closeness is a big deal.

Walk around barefooted.

Kick off your shoes and walk on grass, earth, or sand whenever you have the chance. Not only will this boost your immune system by exposing you to unfamiliar microbes, but it will also give you a little charge—literally.

Believe it or not, just as we get vitamin D from the sun and oxygen from the air, we get electrons from the earth, which have calming and healing benefits for the whole body.

Do something you enjoy for at least 10 minutes a day.

Weirdly, this is incredibly powerful and healing. We all think we don’t have time, but most of us can find it somewhere (maybe in the time we spend online).

It doesn’t have to be a big deal or something special. Shoot hoops in the driveway. Sketch something on the bus home. Blast music and dance around the living room. Pick up an instrument and play three pieces. Do it on purpose, like taking a supplement.