There are hundreds if not thousands of generic and/or specific recommendations, processes, and actions describing how to improve one’s chances of living longer and healthier. These reflect a wide range of holistic, medical, religious, psychological, and metaphysical aspects of the world we live in. Anecdotal claims abound in just about every corner of the planet. Virtually everyone has an opinion on what fosters good health and what does not. The reality is there are just too many variables to conclude if you “do this” or “do that” you will live to a ripe old age.
There are those who believe in science and those who are doubters. As a trainer, I have been using fitness science with great, but admittedly not always with perfect success. One may ask, therefore, if the science is supposedly good, why aren’t we successful 100% of the time? Consider this. The variables in both human behavior, genetics and environmental conditions can affect our health and longevity. Anything from bad genes to exposure to carcinogens and harsh chemicals, idiopathic diseases and
conditions, stress, trauma, drug addiction and the list goes on. One or any combination of these can cause disability, shorten our life and/or limit our mobility. And if you happen to play sports these variables can be a real problem. Just ask Tiger Woods or virtually any NFL or NBA player.
So, knowing how complex our physiology is and the impact of the aforementioned factors that can cause compromised health, what is it we can do to navigate this minefield of “wellness?” So, here’s Gol-Fit.com’s take on how to maximize your health and perhaps live longer and healthier. Four categories that can make a difference.
Mediterranean-style eating habits
It’s a fact that those who eat in this fashion fare better than those who don’t. This style of eating is approximately 85% plant-based. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, some lean meats and fish, small amounts of dairy, and good fats (like olive oil) are the staples of this style of eating. Various populations around the world (e.g., people in Sardinia, parts of Greece, Okinawa, Japan, and several small communities in California) live longer than the rest of the world and their diets adhere to the Mediterranean style.
Athletic training style
There are an unlimited number of exercises possible, but training like an “athlete” encompasses a wide range of movements that represent strength, fitness, speed, agility, and stamina. Athletic style training programs seem to create the best conditions for longevity not to mention being a big positive for virtually any sport you might play.
Attitude of Gratitude
Being thankful and appreciative has positive mental and physical health benefits. Being kind, generous, and responsive to others creates positive emotions that help us overcome adversity and allows us to build strong relationships.
Discipline
The Big “D” is huge in the world of health. This differs from motivation (which can go up or down). Discipline says no matter how much or how little I may be motivated, I’ll do what it takes. Training when you don’t feel like it is an example, and Discipline is the driving force for success in just about everything we do. It takes a strong mental attitude to be consistently disciplined, but practitioners of advanced discipline behaviors are usually at the top of their endeavors, whatever they may be.
The above four behaviors are not an exhaustive list, so let us know what works for you — anything from a morning cup of coffee to meditation to cryotherapy.
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