How To Increase Health Span

I am old enough to see the consequences of when people don’t invest in their health as their no. 1 priority.  I have seen the bigger picture of so many clients, friends, family and society at large, reap the effects of believing that our food is safe, it’s ok (and body positive ) to be morbidly obese, and taking pharma pills is the key to fixing what ails us.

If you are triggered by my morbidly obese/ body positive comment, allow me to clarify.  Being obese is largely incompatible with having a healthy body.  We know the extra weight puts a strain on the heart, organs, depletes energy, makes travel more difficult and often results in a shortened life and health span.   I am all for body ( and whole person) acceptance while we strive to gain or regain our health.  We can hold space for both.

That can sound like… “ I accept and love myself just as I am…and… I am aware that having a healthier weight will help increase my energy, support my immunity, life and health span, and likely cause me to feel more in control of my life and health.

Now that we’ve clarified that, let’s chat about how not to let these bodies deteriorate and decline unnecessarily,

To increase health span- the amount of time we keep our mental and physical health and capabilities as we age -vs. how long we live ( life span), there are many things that we must tend to and incorporate into our lifestyle.

Below are the Main Categories of our health to pay close attention to:

• QUALITY SLEEP-   We know for many people this is easier said then done.  We do know though that there are many aspects of sleep that are within your control.  Going to bed same time/ same wake up time goes a long way to establish good circadian rhythm which our body and brain thrive on.  Additionally, having a good sleep routine can also make a big difference.  Whether that includes dimming the lights 30 minutes before bed, a warm shower or bath, and keeping your room cool and dark- these are all things that can help.

• SOCIAL / FAMILY / FRIEND SUPPORT  - There is more and more research coming out about the importance of our social connections to live long and live well.   We humans are not meant to go it alone… while we can find peace and contentment living alone, it is imperative that we are investing our self in relationships with safe people.  Saying yes to coffee invites, social gatherings and special one on one time with those you like and love is imperative to both enjoy  life and experience an increased health span.

• DIET AND NUTRITION -  We hear a lot about blue zones- places where people commonly live to 100 and beyond- and much of this is attributed to diet and strong social connections. What we eat matters and sadly, much of the standard American diet is not good or healthy for us with its high saturated fat content, sodium and sugar.  Much of the food in the typical grocery store is laden with fat, sugar, salt as well as preservatives and chemicals many of which have been banned in other countries.  Seek out organic plant based foods, lean sources of protein, a good amount of fish and veggies and plenty of H20.   Eat for taste, health and energy.

• MOVE YOUR BODY DAILY -  Having some kind of fitness program that works for you is a crucial part of increasing your health span.  A good fitness plan includes some cardio ( walking/ jogging/ dance/ etc.) as well as weight lifting 2-3 times a week for good muscle and bone health as we age.   Moving your body also helps with managing your weight and provides benefits for your mental health as well.

• USE YOUR BRAIN DAILY – that means not only making good decisions like wearing your seat belt all the time, but also realizing that learning new things like a language, a musical instrument, dance, engaging in reading, puzzles, cooking, and any other hobbies you love is good for your brain. Keep learning and playing for good brain health and to experience more joy!

  
  

LEARN TO HONOR YOURSELF WITH BOUNDARIES- While initially this can be difficult for some, when we learn to give someone a “good no” we stop stressing our self out, and we can enjoy better relationships with safe people who honor our boundaries.

MANAGE STRESS LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. – Living with chronic distress can shorten our life and health span significantly.  Look at who and what in your life is causing or creating unnecessary turmoil or grief.   Learn to communicate more effectively, set boundaries and manage your stress with stress management tools. Utilizing tools like deep breathing, EFT, and bilateral tapping are a few to get you started.

When you take these pieces of the Life and Health Span puzzle and put them together, you have a greater likelihood of both enjoying your life and health, possibly avoiding some health issues and you increase the likelihood of finding more joy!  Look to the businesses on the Live Well Kitsap community resource site to help you in any or all of these areas.