9 Habits That Can Lengthen Your Lifespan

Have you ever felt like you are losing hours of your life researching ways to increase life expectancy? The dos and don'ts of increasing life expectancy can be an overwhelming list that leaves you more frustrated than empowered. Even so, learning how to increase your lifespan does not have to be scary, and research shows that a few simple steps can increase your life expectancy by five to ten years. Gaining back life does not need to be about losing out on the things you love. Below you will find nine habits that will add years back to your lifespan. Let us walk you through simple ways to enjoy the journey while increasing your destinations.

9 Ways to Increase Your Life Expectancy

1. Stay Active:

It is well known that exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As an adult, even 15 minutes of exercise per day can help you add up to three years of your life. If you are already an avid mover, you’re in luck! Research shows that the risk of premature death decreases with every additional 15 minutes you get up and move. Exercise can also help your immune system, which is key for tapping into a longer lifespan.

2. Hydrate:

If you’re looking for an elixir of life, look no further than water. Our bodies are 70% water, so it is crucial to stay hydrated. Hydration has been linked to many positive benefits including increased energy, vitamin absorption, and mental stamina. On top of this, proper water consumption has been linked to weight loss as it can increase metabolism.

3. Sleep More:

Bottom line, sleep is your best friend. In a scientific study, regular sleep patterns were linked to longevity. While too much or too little sleep could have adverse health risks, the recommended 7-8 hours for adults is linked to positive mental health and increased productivity, especially for those healthy habits that help your lifespan. Improving sleep not only positively impacts your day-to-day motivation to be your best, but a healthy sleep pattern could increase your life expectancy.

4. Keep a Social Circle:

Studies show that having even 3 friends can increase your life expectancy by 200%. Friendships minimize the sense of isolation and increase the sense of purpose, which are crucial things for living a long life. While social distancing may have left us feeling disconnected, reaching out, checking in, and even gift-giving can be ways to help cultivate a positive social circle. So go ahead, go for that walk or try out that new coffee shop. It could be life-changing.

5. Laugh More:

Whoever said laughter is the best medicine is absolutely right. Laughter, and positivity in general, are scientifically proven to increase longevity. Those who had a positive mindset had a 3.7% decreased risk of death over a five-year period. Taking time with those who make you feel your best can literally help aid your lifespan, as a positive outlook can be a no-formula-needed key to living your best life while increasing it too.

6. Prioritize Your Happiness:

Take the time to hang out with friends, but also make sure to check in with yourself. Busy schedules can mean that your needs can go by the wayside, and research shows that it is necessary to make your happiness a priority for a long life. So take the last fifteen minutes before bed to read a book, gain all those endorphins with an early morning workout, or make food that makes you feel great inside and out. These small changes can make sure you are around for a long time to come.

7. Keep A Healthy Diet:

Consuming a “brain supporting diet” can be the key to giving your body exactly what it needs to function at its best. Eating a wide array of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, and whole grains can disease risk and promote a longer lifespan. Foods such as peanut butter, eggs, and oats, to name a few, can also be powerful weight loss tools and help increase lifespan by helping you maintain a healthy weight. A healthy diet can improve your immune system and ward off disease, and the best part is the recipes never have to be boring!

8. Drink in Moderation:

Enjoy social time with your friends, but don’t let it be at the cost of your lifespan! Drinks in moderation are fine to consume (about 1 glass of wine a day for women, 2 for men), but overindulging regularly can lead to disease and breakdown of proper bodily functions. (But do not panic, eating healthily and drinking plenty of water is a great way to get back on track).

9. Avoid Chronic Stress:

Stress is inevitable. However, chronic stress is proven to lower life expectancy. That is why it is important to arm yourself with the tools to keep you feeling your best. Regular exercise, healthy meals, and prioritizing happiness are all ways to keep you focused and alert and add years to your life expectancy.

The Bottom Line

Life is busy. So are you. In the journey to live life to the fullest, the best habits for your health can be the last priority. As much as that successful meeting or marathon medal feels good, it's also important to remember the essentials of a long lifespan that keep you happy and healthy as long as possible.

Collagen - your lifespan’s helping hand:

Aging is inevitable, but supplements such as natural collagen aids your body’s immune system to proactively give it the boost it needs to support you at every step of the way. When looking for ways to lengthen your lifespan, the daily recommended two scoops of BUBS Natural Collagen can make a difference in your mobility and your immune system. By implementing collagen in your daily routine, you can lengthen your life while doing the things you love. One step and one scoop at a time.