10 Things NOT to do to Help You Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier

Put Genetics Aside, Take Control of Your Longevity and Well-Being 

Do you think the length of your life is based solely on your genetics? Nope! Controlling how you live plays a big role in your longevity. 

Living your life thinking, “when my time is up, it’s up” can be construed as laziness, stubbornness, and a failure to want to improve yourself and your life path.  

Experts have put a lot of time, money, and effort into proving that longevity, health, and happiness can be improved by simply avoiding some bad behaviors and habits.  

Here are 10 things that you should avoid doing so you can add years to your life, feel healthier  and be genuinely happier. 

>> Don’t Skip Medical Check Ups 

We all have excuses. I need to lose weight before I make an appointment because the doctor will gasp when he sees how much weight I’ve gained since my last appointment. Beware … avoiding routine medical check-ups can be detrimental to your long-term health and lead to undiagnosed health issues. Regular testing and screenings are essential for early detection. 

The same holds true for dental cleanings and exams. Removing plaque could be vital to your overall health as plaque contains bacteria that can cause gum disease and thereby enter the bloodstream. 

The old saying “A Stitch In Time Saves Nine” can truly keep you healthier and maybe even add years to your life. 

>> Don’t Ignore Sleep 

We’ve been hearing that 7-8 hours of sleep is important to your overall health and well-being. That’s why it’s important to prioritize getting the recommended amount of sleep. Sticking to a sleep schedule at least during the weekdays is a good start.  

Before bedtime, force yourself to stop scrolling through social media on your mobile devices and turn off the television. Take a warm bath with lavender scented Epsom salt, meditate, pray, and give yourself at least thirty minutes to wind down from a busy, stressful day. Most importantly, avoid caffeinated beverages after dinner. 

If you have trouble falling and staying asleep, consider purchasing a white noise machine that can lull you to sleep and block out unwanted noises. 

>> Don’t Forget to Drink Water 

Something as easy as staying hydrated can help you maintain long-term good health and longevity. You see, without proper hydration, sodium levels throughout your body increase and those levels put you at risk of getting many chronic diseases. Dehydration is also known to affect both physical and cognitive performance so drink water throughout the day to avoid jeopardizing your lifespan. 

While we were raised to believe that we should drink 8 cups of water per day, that amount of water we need varies. Based on activity and other factors, some people require more than 8 cups while others require less water. Activity level, age, and health conditions should be taken into consideration. A good practice to help prevent dehydration is to drink a glass of water with each meal and in between meals, before, during and after exercise, and anytime you feel thirsty. 

>> Don’t Smoke or Vape 

It’s public knowledge that smoking tobacco products is a source of multitude of health risks and affects premature aging. The warnings of smoking should be taken seriously as there are very dangerous side effects. When it comes to your longevity, quit smoking now and give your body a fighting chance against cancer and heart disease. 

E-cigarettes, also known as vaping products, are also harmful and considered a health danger. E-cigarettes include cancer-causing chemicals that can be inhaled deep into your lungs. 

>> Don’t Drink Alcohol Excessively 

Every now and then, you read a story of how a 100-year-old person attributes their longevity to drinking one glass of wine each day. And while that may or may not be the real reason for the person’s impressive lifespan, focus on the words “one glass.”  

It’s a fact that excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages can lead to addiction, liver disease, certain cancers, cardiovascular problems, and other health and mental issues. Any of those negative effects will affect lifespan. Starting today, limit your alcohol intake or just stop drinking alcohol altogether. 

>> Don’t Live to Eat, Eat to Live 

It’s not surprising that we need to maintain a healthy diet to improve longevity. A diet plan high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats contributes to obesity and a slew of health problems. Obesity leads to high blood pressure, cancer, respiratory issues, joint problems, and diabetes. These health challenges can certainly reduce life expectancy.  

While it sounds easy to simply change your eating habits, eating healthy can be a constant challenge for most people. Start by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, high protein foods, whole foods and grains, nuts, and legumes into your food plan. Avoid temptations by not bringing junk food like cookies, candy, and potato chips into the house.  

Some quick fixes could be to stop eating fast foods. Prepare and cook your own meals at home. Don’t buy lunch out every day but instead bring your lunch to work. Follow intermittent fasting to allow your body to burn stored food. Don’t eat after 8pm. Consult with a nutritionist.  

Experts tell us that a body mass index (BMI) over 30 is linked to increased mortality rates. Take your weight issues seriously so you can reverse any negative health effects that could be caused by being overweight or obese. Weight control now can directly improve your health. The effects of obesity on mobility can hurt a person both physically and mentally. Don’t let that happen to you. 

>> Don’t Live a Sedentary Life – Add Movement Daily 

Along with unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity can lead to many health issues. So, consider regular exercise. Even if you’re at a healthy weight, get moving. 

Physical movement can help people maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, and the endorphins produced can elevate mood levels. Add at least a bit of movement to your day whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a run on the treadmill, dancing in the living room, or just walking around your kitchen island ten times. If you work at a desk all day, consider working at a standing desk, or plan workouts before or after work. Take stairs instead of elevators.  

>> Don’t Ignore Mental Health 

Mental health is as important as physical health and in theory, they go hand in hand. For anyone challenged with any aspect of mental health, professional help is available. Don’t remain in a silent struggle but instead seek treatment immediately to promote well-being. 

A healthy mind directly influences the body’s ability to live healthier and thereby longer.  The right help can help give people the right tools to cope with stress, reduce anxiety, lessen depression, improve relationships, make good choices, and get on the path to a happier life. 

>> Don’t Stress About Things Out of Your Control 

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that starts a threat response that raises your heart and respiration rate. When stress takes over someone’s life, it can wreak havoc on physical and mental health and directly impact longevity. We’ve all heard that long-term stress affects blood pressure and can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Stress also causes inflammation in the body. 

Plus, stress can cause a loss of sleep. Yet, getting 8 hours of sleep can help with stress and is necessary for living a long and healthy life. So, learning to manage stress can help you “rest easy.” 

Learn to manage stress and stay positive. Positive self-talk should always replace negativity. The law of attractive is in effect … positive thoughts can help lead to positive outcomes. 

Unmanaged stress can be managed through a variety of relaxation techniques such as meditation and prayer. For additional stress reduction, practice yoga and Tai Chi. Or try mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, walks outside, and listening to soothing music.  

>> Don’t Avoid a Social Life 

Some people choose to avoid relationships and a social life. Others are depressed because they desperately want a social connection, but don’t have the opportunity to make friends. Experts suggest that lonely people have a higher risk of health issues and mental health issues like depression. Adding just a little bit of social interaction can help people live longer and happier lives. 

Call one family member or friend to chat. Go to lunch a few times a week with work colleagues. Join a monthly book club. Attend an in-person fitness center. Attend social events at your church. Volunteer to work in your local community. Build a social life that works for you. 

Follow These Steps To Help Add Years And Happiness To Your Life 

Today is a great day to take control of your life. Some of these steps are simple modifications to your daily life, other steps will take some diligence, willpower, and perseverance. However, regardless of which of these steps will make the most impact on your longevity, just remember that it's not too late to make changes that can help you feel happier, healthier, and could add precious years to your life.