2 Free Ways to Easily Add Years to Your Life - And Life to Your Years
Really? I can give you two ways to add life, and quality of life, and both ways are free and easy?
Yes, both of these "secrets" aren't secret to those who enjoy a quality of life many would envy. You can join those happy folks by adding these two easy habits to your life today.
1. Add walking to your to-do list six times a week.
For those who don't do it, walking may not appear dramatic, potent, or addictive.
Ah, but for those who have tasted its benefits, walking can rival even coffee for its ability to get the blood flowing, stimulate the creativity, and elevate the mood--with zero crankiness if you skip tomorrow!
Top Five Reasons to Walk Several Times a Week
Walking activates your bodily systems and keeps you from getting rusty. It regulates your metabolism, provides a use for all the calories you've eaten, and gets all your juices activated so they don't stagnate.
Walking exposes you to natural sunlight, a proven health and mood booster. Early morning sunlight, enjoyed before 10am, catches the sun at its most medicinal angle and activates the natural production of melatonin, especially if you allow it to hit you without glass between you and its rays.
Walking gives you opportunities for social interaction. Whether it means you get to know your neighbors a little better, wave at the passing cars, or just acquaint yourself with the birds hopping alongside you, a little bit of friendliness goes a long way.
Walking reminds you of the big scheme of things. It's hard to stay self-absorbed when all of creation unfolds its creative drama around you--the wind on your face, the splash of a puddle underfoot, ominous clouds to the southeast or a rainbow after a shower all help you see that your problems, though real, aren't the end of the world. There is hope.
Walking jogs your creativity. Got a quandary? Walking gets your mind jumping in many directions at once and may provide just the jumpstart you need. It's especially helpful if you're not in need of focused thought, though--walking lends itself more to free brainstorming than analytical study.
2. Drink more water.
What do blood, lymph, marrow, arteries, skin, brain cells, hair, cartilage and organs all have in common? They malfunction when they dry out.
Dehydration is a dangerously widespread factor in ailments from heart problems to headaches. Many high-powered medications with far-reaching side effects could be eliminated or reduced if people would establish hydration as a daily priority.
According to the National Council on Aging, "Even mild dehydration—as little as 2% fluid loss—can affect memory, mood, concentration, and reaction time."
Staying hydrated can keep your blood thinner, your lymph flowing to stimulate your immune system, your bones stronger and your skin more supple and young-looking.
Staying hydrated keeps you regular and keeps your food's nutrients accessible. It also prevents things like painful mouth sores that would make it hard to eat well.
Staying hydrated does so much more. It can keep you from getting kidney stones. It can keep your temperature well-regulated. It can help you concentrate. It can elevate your mood and keep you from being a grouch because of constipation. It can decrease your joint pain by keeping you lubricated. It can help you lose weight, especially as you get your walking regimen established. And once you start losing weight and feeling healthier, so many other benefits open up.
What's not to love?
See how important water and walking are?
See why I said these things were easy and (almost completely) free?
If you're already doing these two things, congratulations! Imagine how different your life would be if you didn't. Now go and help others do likewise!