Scientists are discovering how you can remain as happy, healthy, and mentally sharp as you are right now, right up to that century mark! These are life-extending secrets of centenarians that we can also follow. After studying thousands of active and vibrant people that are over 100, it was found that some surprising patterns emerged from most of them and they decided to be kind enough to share them with us.
Be Kind To Yourself
Most of us tend to be nicer to other people than we are to ourselves. Studies show that an important key to a vibrant and healthy life is being good to number one first, even if you are worried that you might disappoint others by doing it, go on and do it anyway. By valuing yourself, you are encouraging others to value you too. Be specific! Tell that chronically late friend, “I love getting together, but could we do it a little earlier next time?” People will give you what you need if you show them how to, nicely! This is one of the life extending secrets of centenarians which will keep you feeling young and healthy.
Flossing
Flossing helps prevent gum problems, heart disease, even Alzheimer’s, says Thomas Perls, M.D., M.P.H. Bacteria from the gums can spread to the bloodstream, causing blockages in vessels that lead to the brain! Dentists recommend that we floss daily, even if it is uncomfortable a little bit at first. This is certainly one of the life extending secrets of centanarians that is often overlooked.
Tame Tension the Right Way
A clinical study by Dr. Perls showed people living into their 100s who were happiest, also had the mot effective ways to deal with their stress. That makes a lot of sense since stress can cause everything from heart and digestive problems to depression and dementia! Two of the most effective stress relievers that Dr. Perls found, are meditation and exercise. Take a few seconds to picture all of your worries being carried away by a stream, or burn off stress by taking a short walk.
Think Progress, Not Perfection
The happiest centenarians are the ones who set goals for themselves and they don’t expect changes to occur overnight. It turns out that working towards a goal, even if it is a slow-moving one, keeps you happy, satisfied, and youthful. Start with small and easily obtainable goals. For example, by learning a new guitar chord every week, before you know it, your goal of learning how to play the guitar will be within reach!
They Don’t Procrastinate
Procrastination can be as big of an energy zapper as not sleeping believe it or not. The stress that is caused by tasks that are left undone cuts your vitality, interferes with memory, and can shorten your life up to eight years, Dr. Rolzen says. In order to combat this, pick a chore or task that you have been dreading and set a timer for 15 minutes, do as much as you can. Once the time is up, you will feel so good, you may not want to stop! This is another one of the life extending secrets of centenarians that people may not know about.
Get Less, Not More Iron!
Too much iron, found in red meat, can cause accelerated aging, and even Alzheimer’s. “Iron helps produce the free radicals that cause cell and DNA damage, speeding the effects of aging,” explains Dr. Perls. It can also lead to higher rates of infections, since bacteria and viruses need it to live and thrive. Try cutting back on red meat by going meatless at least once a week.
I hope these life extending secrets of centenarians have given you some ideas to help you to live longer and healthier!
Source: zikkir
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