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14 Must Follow Habits Of World's Healthiest People
By: Priyanka Maheshwari Tue, 04 Feb 2025 5:42:07
Living a healthy life should be an integral part of your daily routine. Good health isn’t just about physical well-being—it also includes mental wellness. A healthy lifestyle is key to living a long, active, and fulfilling life.
Neglecting your health can increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer. However, by adopting small yet impactful habits followed by some of the healthiest people worldwide, you can significantly reduce these risks. Let’s take a look at these habits and how you can incorporate them into your life.
# They Avoid Smoking
Quitting smoking can add years to your life. Whether it's cigarettes, marijuana, or other forms of smoke, none are safe for your lungs. Even second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease by 25-30%, according to the American Heart Association. Staying away from smoke is one of the best things you can do for your health.
# They Follow a Plant-Based Diet
A diet rich in plant-based foods like whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and vegetables lowers the risk of chronic diseases. A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that plant-based diets reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 16% and premature death by 25%.
# They Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise is essential for a healthy heart and overall well-being. You don’t need to hit the gym—simple activities like walking, playing sports, or cycling can keep you physically active and energized.
# They Eat Fish
Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have proven health benefits, including heart health. Research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that consuming fish may also lower the risk of colon cancer.
# They Maintain Strong Social Connections
Having a close-knit group of family and friends contributes to happiness and longevity. A study from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore found that increased happiness is directly linked to lower mortality rates.
# They Manage Stress Well
Chronic stress increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental illness while also shortening lifespan. Healthy individuals manage stress by staying positive, maintaining good sleep habits, avoiding nicotine, and surrounding themselves with supportive people.
# They Maintain a Healthy Weight
According to the National Institutes of Health, maintaining a healthy weight can add nearly a decade to your life. Obesity significantly raises the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
# They Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Moderate alcohol consumption is common among the healthiest people. Studies show that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, premature death, and fatal aneurysms.
# They Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time in nature, also known as "nature therapy," has a profound impact on mental and physical health. It strengthens the immune system, lowers stress hormones, and promotes relaxation.
# They Value Alone Time
Taking time for yourself is essential for mental well-being. Activities like reading, meditating, and solo travel can boost mental resilience, creativity, and productivity.
# They Prioritize Sleep
Getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night improves longevity and reduces the risk of premature death. Studies indicate that insufficient sleep is linked to higher mortality rates.
# They Limit Social Media Use
Excessive social media usage can lead to unhappiness and social isolation. Constantly comparing yourself to others can negatively impact mental health. Cutting down screen time can lead to greater contentment and peace of mind.
# They Help Others
Giving back to the community through acts of kindness and charity promotes longevity. A study published in BMC Public Health found that people who volunteer regularly tend to live longer.
# They Stay Optimistic
Optimism plays a crucial role in physical and mental well-being. According to Harvard Medical School, a positive outlook helps individuals manage diseases, recover from surgery, and maintain better overall health.
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