How To Live A Longer Life

Thanks to globalisation, worldwide events like pandemics and climate change, and the rapid advancement of technology, everything seems to be moving at a fast pace, in the modern world. Because of this, it is easy for many people to feel overwhelmed. Living in a state of constant change, we need to adapt quickly, as well as relax more.

Fortunately, in the 21st century, we have many advanced tools, knowledge and technology at our disposal to help us get through all the daily challenges we face. One of the goals for many people is to live a long, healthy life. To reach old age with relative fitness, so we can enjoy the good things in life, well into our “golden years”.

We can do this by embracing wellbeing, such as following a healthy routine of exercise, close-to-nature food, meditation and a satisfying social life. These are classic tenets of health, and the reason why people in the “Blue Zones”, like Sardinia and Okinawa, comfortably live into their 100 years of age. Next, we have compiled a number of modern health tips, that will increase your longevity and overall wellbeing.

Clarity of Space, Clarity of Mind

Before anything else, we recommend taking deep breaths and allocate some time for reflection, every week. Most people are too “busy” these days, constantly drowned in work and various other responsibilities. It’s important to acknowledge the different factors making you feel anxious or overwhelmed, so you can deal with them directly.

Perhaps it’s the pile of paperwork on your desk, or that you have an overflowing stack of clothes in your closet? Your environment dictates your mood, so give your space some clarity. Get rid of what you don’t need anymore (be fierce, you probably won’t miss any of it). Then organise things so that they are in their designated place.

Mindfulness and decluttering apps can be of great help here. Similarly, digital calendars and project management tools on your smartphone can serve as your personal assistant, reminding you of appointments and helping you get things done. Writing things down, digitally or on paper, will also help you to mentally declutter.

You can do this by creating a list of things you need or want to do. You can organise them by priority or by date — such as “Today”, Tomorrow”, “This Week”. Then write down all the steps you need to take, and create a plan to put them into action. By breaking down your solution into small steps, the tasks will appear more attainable.

Move Your Body

In the modern world, we have more tools at our disposal than ever to be healthy, yet it is also increasingly more convenient than ever to get lazy and sedentary. For instance, it’s probably faster to get places with your car, or using public transport, but why not switch things up a bit, and walk or ride your bike to your next appointment?

Regular exercise is very important, not only to keep your physique in great condition, but also to help reduce your risk of getting cancer, stroke and other diseases. On top of that, by constantly moving your body you are producing serotonin, a powerful neurotransmitter which contributes to your feelings of wellbeing and happiness.

The beautiful thing is that you can exercise from anywhere. Running, planking, doing star jumps, pushups, etc. Many people have their own home gyms, yoga space or martial arts room, as well. And in the past few years, there exists a near infinite variety of online exercise videos and fitness apps, which can track your progress and motivate you on a daily basis. So there are few excuses to not get your body moving.

Nourish Your Body

Our body really is our temple. The idea of “you are what you eat” has both a literal and metaphorical meaning. The former because our food is how we “fuel” our bodies, the literal molecules we take in, which our bodies use to perform various functions. Metaphorically, it also implies that, as we treat food (natural vs artificial, healthy vs unhealthy) is usually a sign of how we treat everything else in life, as well.

Feed yourself with healthy, high quality meals, and you will feel well and fit. A healthy eating plan consists of plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legume protein like beans and lentils, nuts, eggs, and some dairy. The closer to nature (i.e. organic) and more local it gets, the better. This is because preservatives are usually required to keep things fresh for longer journeys. And limit trans fats, sodium and added sugars.

The past decade has seen an explosion of cooking shows, wellness food websites, farmers markets and meal planning apps. Some of these apps can help you track your macronutrients and caloric intake, though they can be rather dry. Better yet, you can use apps or watch videos to accomplish your fitness goals, with added flexibility.

Get Quality Rest

A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being. According to numerous studies, a good sleep heightens our concentration and productivity, while helping us minimise the risk of heart disease, obesity, and stroke. Sleeping 1.5 hours more per night can make you happier and healthier, according to another study.

If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, try switching off your screens a few hours before bedtime. Drinking chamomile tea is known to help with relaxation, as well as meditation. One of the most time-honoured ways is falling asleep by reading a book.

Another fantastic way to fall asleep is listening to audiobooks. There are millions of options out there, in every genre, often narrated by different authors — such as the British and American English versions of Harry Potter. So you can have your pick. Some apps, like Audible, make it easier to keep it track of when you fell asleep, and go back to that chapter. It’s definitely one of the most relaxing ways to fall asleep.

Take Your Wellness To The Next Level

Having a healthy diet, good sleep, an active social life and doing regular exercise are classic pillars of wellness, along with meditation. To leverage 21st century technology for your social life, especially when you can’t get out of your house for whichever reason, you can make use of social media, email, video calls and other modern apps, to keep in touch with those you can’t see in person more often.

To live a longer, healthy life it’s also important to incorporate a variety of self-care measures. For example, both western and eastern cultures believe in the importance of heat, for our wellbeing. From Japanese onsen, Mexican temazcal, Finnish sauna (a Finnish word), these are essential ways of cleansing one’s mind, body and spirit.

Having said that, you don’t need to travel far for this ultimate type of relaxation. After a long day, you can soak your feet in Epsom salt, to soothe tired muscles and reduce swelling. You can also create a nice ambience, by lighting up candles, playing relaxing music, and adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to your bath.

And, if you’re ready to take your wellness to the next level, you can get yourself a Clearlight Infrared® Sauna for the ultimate at-home spa experience. With the highest quality of basswood and cedar, as well as the best infrared heater technology, these beautiful saunas are here to deliver the most relaxing sauna experience in the world.

If you're interested in an infrared sauna cabin for home, click here to view our range of full-spectrum saunas, far-infrared saunas, and outdoor saunas.