It’s strange to think some people actually live for over a century, but it does happen. But some of the secrets to doing this might be more unusual than you might think. Here are 25 strange tips on living to over 100 years old that some people swear by.
Sing Every Day
Start your day off with a literal high note by singing, as it can improve your mood and breathing. It’ll also reduce your stress, which can add years to your life. And who doesn’t feel happier after belting out their favorite song? It’s a simple and fun way to keep your spirits up and your heart in shape.
Listen to Music
If singing isn’t your thing, then perhaps you could try just listening to it. If you do it enough, it can improve your mood and even make your brain work better. It doesn’t matter if you like rocking out to classic hits or chilling to some jazz because all kinds of music are good for your body and mind.
Have a Shot of Olive Oil
In some parts of the world, taking a shot of olive oil daily is completely normal. It’s not a bad idea because olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which can keep your heart strong. But don’t worry if you don’t want to gulp it down, just make this shot part of your meals for the same health boost.
Adopt a Pet
Pets give you companionship and purpose, which are both very important for a longer life. When you care for an animal, you’ll decrease your stress levels and increase how much physical activity you’re doing. Plus, let’s be honest, coming home to a wagging tail or purring kitty makes every day a little brighter.
Regular Napping
In countries with lots of centenarians, it’s common for people to nap often. The science backs it up since a quick midday snooze can decrease stress and the risk of heart disease. So, go ahead and give yourself permission to catch some zzzs because it’s good for your body and could help you see more birthdays.
Keep a Garden
Gardening is a great way to get in some exercise and relieve your stress. But best of all? You’ll get some fresh produce, and that’s great for both your mental and physical health. There’s nothing more satisfying than getting to eat what you’ve grown by keeping your hands and fingers nimble.
Use More Spices
Spices make food taste a lot better, but did you know they also have some health benefits? Some spices are anti-inflammatory, which can help you fight off those common diseases that come from aging. Experimenting with a little extra cinnamon or turmeric on your next dish will keep your taste buds guessing and your meals exciting.
Laugh Often
According to science, laughter truly could be the best medicine. It decreases stress hormones and improves immune cells, which could help you live longer. Find your funniest friends and put on a comedy show, and if anyone asks, it’s for your health. Who knew laughing could feel so good?
Eat Dark Chocolate
As with anything in life, moderation is important, but dark chocolate has antioxidants that can support heart health. So, having a little square each day can satisfy your cravings and be more than a simply guilty pleasure. Just make sure you’re not overdoing it because too much can be bad for you.
Drink Small Amounts of Red Wine
Depending on who you ask, enjoying a glass of red wine now and again can be good for you. If you do it in moderation, some research suggests that red wine can help you live longer, which is why it’s a big part of the Mediterranean lifestyle. The important part is, you guessed it, the antioxidants, which help your body feel young.
Learn a New Language
Learning a new language is a useful skill, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s an exercise for your brain that’ll keep it young and open a ton of social doors for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s Spanish or French because learning a new language will give you a great reason to travel and test out your new skills.
Walk Barefoot
“Earthing” is that feeling of walking barefoot with the grass under your toes, and it might have some pretty good health benefits. Walking barefoot connects you directly with nature, and it could help reduce body inflammation, which is important for living longer. It could also help you to sleep better.
Practice Tai Chi
Tai Chi might look like a simple exercise, but it’s more than that, as it’s a form of meditative movement that’s good for your body and soul. It’ll improve your balance and flexibility, which is great for keeping your body young at any age. Plus, it’ll help you breathe better and reduce your stress.
Brush and Floss Daily
Keeping up with your dental hygiene is important for a winning smile and your overall health. Regular brushing and flossing can help you fight cavities while also reducing the risk of heart disease. And just think of all that cash you’ll save from having to go to the dentist. That’s priceless.
Take Up Painting
Painting is a good way to destress and flex your creative muscles, no matter what you’re creating. You don’t need to be a professional, just as long as you enjoy the process and let your stress melt away. It’s a hobby that’ll make you feel happy and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Drink Green Tea
There’s a reason green tea is so popular in places with many centenarians. It contains many antioxidants that can help you fight the signs of aging and ward off disease, so make it part of your daily routine. Drinking green tea regularly can also improve your skin quality and work wonders for your metabolism.
Play Chess
Who would’ve thought that playing games could be so useful? Chess, in particular, is great for your brain because it’ll challenge you to plan and think ahead about what you’re doing. Playing regularly will sharpen your mind and, who knows, you might even have some fun. It’s a great workout for your memory and problem-solving skills.
Do Puzzles
Similarly, doing puzzles can be just as useful for your brain. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing a crossword or Sudoku because all puzzles will keep your brain in tip-top condition and give you a challenge to solve. They’re perfect for keeping your brain active on a lazy afternoon, and they’re also a relaxing way to wind down.
Eat Nuts Daily
Nuts are packed with healthy fats and proteins that can give you more energy and keep your heart pumping. They’ve also got tons of nutrients, and they’re perfect for snacking. So, as long as you’re eating them in moderation, go ahead and snack on a few of your favorites. If you don’t want to do that, try adding them to salads or baking for an extra crunch.
Write in a Journal
Ending your day by journaling can help relax your mind and give you a new perspective on life. It’s a personal space for you to express your thoughts and feelings, which will reduce your stress and give you more clarity. Reflect, write, and unwind to keep track of your goals over time. And don’t forget to look back at your previous entries to see how you’ve grown.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a good way to connect with others and make a positive impact on the world. It’ll improve your life by giving you a sense of community, so helping others can truly help you, too. It’s a way of keeping your spirit young while meeting new people and experiencing the joys of giving back.
Create a Morning Routine
It doesn’t matter if you’re brewing a fresh pot of coffee or stretching with some light yoga because starting your day with a morning routine will set you up for the hours ahead. A structured morning can help you have a more relaxed and productive day. Take control of your schedule and prioritize your well-being right from the start.
Enjoying Alone Time
As great as it is being around other people, don’t forget to check in with yourself every so often. Finding time to be alone gives you the chance to pause and just breathe, so use this time to sit alone with your thoughts. If you’ve got a particularly busy life, then this solo time is even more important for you.
Watch Less TV
Cutting down on TV time will help you lead a more active and engaging life, as you’ll be forced to do other things instead of zoning out in front of the TV. There’s so much more to life than what’s on the screen. Take the time to explore your hobbies or spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Use Technology
But at the same time, using technology in the right way can also improve your life. It can keep you connected with friends, so long as you make smart choices to use it in a way that’ll keep you mentally engaged. You could FaceTime with your family in another country or watch a YouTube video to learn a new language. Anything’s possible.
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