It is true that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and moving your body regularly, are two things that are linked to a longer life expectancy. However, two things that many of us don’t prioritize enough are our mental health and stress levels. Both of these things can have a major impact on your life, both in quality and in length. From work to family to finances, many things in our lives can lead to increased stress, and this stress can manifest in a number of ways. Things that can be made worse due to stress are weight gain, lethargy, depression, hair loss, and even digestive issues.
Finding time to unwind in your day is just as important as eating well and getting adequate physical activity. As a matter of fact, you can utilize your activity as a stress reliever. Carving out time in your day to unwind is key in feeling your best and living longer. Finding this time ultimately comes down to your habits. “Not examining what your habits are is a dangerous pattern one can get into as they age. You want to look at yourself and consider "Am I eating right?", "Am I exercising?", "Am I socializing enough?.” Something to keep in mind is, as you get older, the need to connect on a deeper level gets more profound.” Says psychotherapist Dr. Kathryn Smerling. As you age, it’s not just about hitting the gym and working up a sweat, or eating clean, but also finding out what brings you meaning and makes you feel good.
One form of exercise that is wildly underrated for its cardiovascular and mental health benefits is walking. “Taking a walk in nature [is one activity you can do everyday]. It's a wonderful opportunity to move, clear your head, or even listen to a podcast. It's meditative, and it’s something you can do by yourself or with a friend.” Dr. Smerling says.
Many of us have been led to believe that the only “valid” forms of exercise are the ones that leave you drenched in sweat, out of breath, and completely exhausted. On the contrary, any type of movement that you enjoy and that gets your blood flowing is better than nothing. Walking is something you can do to meditate on your own, or to just socialize and connect with friends. To that end, research has shown that walking regularly can improve your mood and sleep, reduce your risk of heart disease, and strengthen your immune system.
We all want to feel our best for as long as possible. Achieving that doesn’t have to be expensive, exhausting, or time consuming! Sometimes what your body really needs is a chance to decompress and destress. Movement should be something that helps you do that, and it can be as simple as walking everyday. Getting out and listening to your favorite playlist or meeting up with a friend are stress relieving activities with lifelong benefits.