Some of the key 'ingredients' mentioned in the article include such things as focusing on the way we approach life on the day to day. Are we stressed? Are we healthy? There need not be some amazing cleanse or diet either, simply a better way of living.
The idea behind the Blue Zones began sometime in the 1940s when a Greek war veteran was provided with some unsavory news about his health. He was given a very grim prognosis and so he decided to live out his remaining days with family and friends in Ikaria, Greece where he can spend what time he had left of his life. As time went on, believe it or not, he actually became healthier. You can read about his story here. By the way, Ikaria, Greece is one of the five Blue Zones identified by Dan Buettner, the National Geographic Fellow and best selling author some years ago. So, how can these Zones be duplicated across the globe? It will take perseverance, effort and a willingness of many to start making sensible changes, but it can be done. Check out the following 6 Secrets....
(1) Eat mostly plants. We've all heard of inflammation in the body and how chronic inflammation leads to diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, right? The anti-inflammatory effects that are provided by those plants can improve how good we feel and how productive we become. By eating seasonal, colorful and organic (as much as possible) our immunity becomes stronger and better able to fight off colds and flus. Minimizing our intake of meat becomes a benefit to us as well, although not completely off the table. (Try to look into good meat sources and portion-control as well).
(2) Find your 'Ikigai' (purpose).
The Japanese word refers to our purpose. Many times we may put our purpose on the back-burner because we have so many other things to do, right? But, what about doing something nice for yourself and something you've been meaning to do to make you feel better -- like reading a good book, meditating, writing in a journal or doing some 'random act of kindness'.
(3) Be social.
It is all about staying in touch! Frequent visits to family and friends and remembering to pick up the phone to call that friend that you haven't heard from in 'ages' because life has been too crazy busy is the best way to stay social. No doubt, you will feel better that you did and it could even put a smile on your face!
(4) Get outdoors.
There is something so rejuvenating about being outdoors, going for a hike or visiting friends at a little cafe by the water. Want to boost metabolism and fight inflammation? Try getting outdoors whenever possible -- even if it is to take a quick 15 minute walk.
(5) Resist the urge to overeat.
While this could be easier said than done, especially if it a meal you've looked forward to for a long time, take your time and really chew your food. In order to create the most pleasure in eating something delicious, stretch the enjoyment by taking your time instead of gulping it down because you are in a hurry. If possible, have the glass of vino and sip it while you speak to your friends or family. By making an effort to listen to your body, it will naturally tell you when you are getting full.
(6) Keep moving.
No, you don't necessarily have to go to the gym every day and work out for a minimum of an hour. Who has the time for that? The best thing is to continue moving and making an effort to walk as much as possible, squat, do sit-ups, dance, jog, run, weights or anything mobile for that matter. The point is to keep from being sedentary as much as possible. We typically make time for the things that are important to us. Guaranteed that by starting out slow and steady with daily movement, it will become addictive in a good way and you'll want to do more!
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