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Your personal blue zone for healthy longevity
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Dan Buettner, author of `”The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer from the People who’ve Lived the Longest”, suggests how we can put the blue zone lessons to work in our lives.
• Move Naturally – Walk more, take the stairs instead of the escalator, and engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy - like gardening, bike riding, kite flying, hiking.
• Hara Hachi Bu – As the Okinawans do, stop eating when you’re 80 percent full. Rather than “diet” put yourself on a regular healthy eating program (with the occasional treat).
• Plant Slant – Eat small portions of unprocessed foods. Eat a small amount of protein at each meal, and make whole grains, beans, and vegetables the cornerstones of your meals.
• Grapes of Life – If you can drink, a daily glass of wine can accrue health benefits. If you can’t drink alcohol, you can get the same benefits from certain juices.
• Purpose Now – Nicoyans call it plan de vida, Okinawans call it ikigai. These are equally translated as, “Why do I wake up in the morning?” What is your purpose; what are your passions?
• Down Shift – Don’t let life’s precious moments pass you by while you’re always lurching towards some goal.
• Belong – If you’re inclined towards organized religious or spiritual groups, great – if not, focus on your spirituality in some way, perhaps in nature or listening to music.
• Loved Ones First – Engage with family and friends.
• Right Tribe – Connect with others who share your values, interests, joys and passions.
Buettner says, “People are more in control of their health, and their longevity, they then realize.”
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