Wendel Abel
HERE ARE the basics to living longer, happier lives. People who are well preserved for their age and live long will tell you that the secret to maintaining themselves and living longer involves some basic lifestyle practices.
1. Be positive, worry less and laugh more: Optimism protects against death. Studies done at Yale University indicate that persons with positive outlook live longer. Researchers have shown that among persons who are optimistic, there are less death from all causes, and 23 per cent less death from heart disease. Develop a positive attitude. Surround yourself with positive people. Read positive things and focus on the positives. Worry less. Learn to laugh more at your self and at life.
2. Be spiritual: Take time to develop the inner self and the soul. Persons who live longer and look younger attest to the role of spiritual development. It results in greater meaning and purpose in life, fosters better relationships and facilitates improved health and success. The unshakeable faith in a power greater than you creates hope when life appears hopeless, and inner peace, in a
turbulent world.
3. Manage stress: Slow down. Spend more time with family and friends. Find time for recreation and fun. Take on a stress relieving activity.
4. Sleep well: Proper sleep is important. It allows the body to restore and repair itself.
5. Exercise: This cannot be overemphasised. People who
exercise live longer and age better. Research has shown that physical fitness is a predictor of death. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily and remain in shape. Join up with friends. Pursue an exercise activity that you will enjoy and stick to it.
6. A healthy diet: Eat well-balanced meals. Have a good breakfast. Control intake of sugar. Reduce salt intake. Eat foods rich in fibres. Drink plenty of pure
liquid.Have at least eight glasses of water per day. Take antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, selenium and vitamin B complex). Reduce bad fats in your diet.
7. Avoid drugs and alcohol: We do not encourage drinking,
but if you take alcohol do so in moderation.
8. Get regular medical care: Have regular blood pressure, sugar tests and screening for heart disease. Annual screening for cancer of the cervix and breast is a must for women, and annual screening for cancer of the prostate is a must for men. Seek early treatment if ill or injured.
9. Take care of yourself: Pamper yourself. It is important to attend to the needs of children, spouse, family and friends, but it is also important that you take care of your needs.
10. Strike a balance: Find adequate time for rest and relaxation. Take time out for family and friends and the things you enjoy. Enjoy the material things you have worked hard to acquire. Balance work with play and pleasure. Too many successful persons go to the grave early. Pause now. Start to strike that balance in your life. If your work does not allow you to, consider changing it.
11. Nurture trusting relationships: Family, friends and colleagues are important. Learn to cherish them. Become involved in your community. Develop patience and consideration for others. Give more and learn to forgive more.
12. Start today: Accept responsibility for making the changes in your life. You can do it. Enlist the support of someone who cares. Restructure your life to ensure that you stick to your commitments. Reward yourself for positive changes. We all have control over our lives. Live long, remain young and be happy.
Cut this out. Circulate it. Put it where you can see it everyday!
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
