Tips to live a long and happy life 

A long and happy life can only be achieved if every day, one is excited to bounce off their bed and get on with their daily chores. There are many tips to a long and happy life, most scientifically proven.  

Stress 

Too much stress can cause premature ageing. In our daily lives, it is easy to get caught up in stress and anxiety. However, there are simple stress-reduction methods that can help relieve stress. The easiest way is to focus on ourselves, observe our surroundings and take a few deep breaths. Mindfulness is a process that takes time and effort to learn, but in the long-term it can really help to reduce stress.  

Movement  

A 10-minute walk outside with nature, a jog early in the morning, or even just doing a few yoga poses can make us feel so much better mentally and physically. By moving more, your sleep schedule also improves, slowing the ageing process.  

The 80% secret  

The idea is that you only fill up your stomach up to 80%. If you eat until you are full, the digestive process will be very long. To ensure you are only eating small amounts, you can serve your food in small dishes. The snack that we add in at the end can be removed. Antioxidants help in the process of anti-ageing. Here are some examples: tofu, carrots, miso, onions and pepper.  

Smile and be grateful for what you have  

Smiling not only makes you feel better, but it can make others feel great too. One smile can brighten their day and yours. Be grateful for everything you have and try to make use of everything you have rather than taking it for granted. Happiness starts with the small things that you begin to admire and appreciate in life.  

Concept of flow  

The concept of flow is enjoying and being immersed in every moment of your life, as Bruce Lee says, “Be water, my friend.” To achieve flow, you simply need to love what you’re doing and avoid any distractions that will stop you from achieving this state of flow.  

Okinawa is a great example of one of the world’s five blue zones where there are many centenarians who follow these simple rules. To live a long and happy life, we need to enjoy what we are doing, move a little more, eat better and smile.