Top 10 Things to Do in Your 20s for a Long, Healthy Life
By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com
Longevity may not be the first thing on your mind in your 20s, but there are things you can do right now that will help to assure you a long, healthy life. It is easier to build healthy habits now then to try to change them later. Here are some things you can do to improve your life expectancy.
1. Avoid Accidents and Violence
The top three leading causes of death for people in their 20s are accidents, homicide and suicide. You can make sure you make it through your 20s by buckling your seat belt, avoiding dangerous situations, and seeking help if you need it.
2. Don't Smoke
Nothing chops years off your life faster than smoking. While the risks of smoking have been well publicized, an unbelievable 20% of adults still smoke. While smoking will take years off your life, it can also make many of the years that you do have rather miserable. The good news is that even if you smoke now, quitting will give you tremendous benefits.
3. Find & Maintain Friendships
Being in a good relationship can add up to 5 healthy years to your life. Your 20s are a good time to shop around, make a good choice about friends and significant others and learn about what you need in a relationship.
4. Establish an Exercise Routine
Use your 20s to establish a healthy exercise schedule. Figure out what kind of exercise you like and what works with your schedule. The most important thing is the routine. Exercise at least 3 times per week. You'll have more energy and fitness now and you will establish a lifelong habit of exercising.
5. Establish Healthy Eating Habits
Heart disease is the number one killer in the US and it is also largely preventable. Take time now to establish lifelong eating habits. Learn to control your portion size, slow down your eating, choose whole grains and vegetables, and avoid unhealthy fats.
6. Have Friends
Studies have also shown that people with a strong friendship network live longer and healthier. Friends are easy to form in your 20s before you get settled in a career, a relationship and a family. Invest in your friendships, take a trip together, make those phone calls.
7. Learn to Relax
Stress also drains away health, both now and in the future. Chronic stress contributes to heart disease, stroke, and many other illness. Learn simple relaxation techniques, laugh a lot, and enjoy life.
8. Find Healthy Work
Demands from work can place a huge burden on our health. Stress, long hours, and strained relationships can reduce our life expectancy. Find work that is healthy, meaningful and fulfilling.
9. Have a Purpose
Having a purpose can add healthy years to your life. Studies have shown that people who attend religious services live longer than those who do not. Find a way to maintain a deep sense of meaning in your life to give direction now and for decades to come.
10. Change How You Think About Aging
Studies show that having a positive perception about aging can add 7 years to your life. Aging is not an inevitable decline in function and ability. If you adopt healthy behaviors now, you can have health into your 90s and beyond.
Posts
