It is funny, isn’t it, that every New Year we want to make a new start. As if there is a start and end in the middle of life rather than life being just an ongoing process. Well, we humans need milestones in life to focus our story around and a new year is as good as any time for that purpose. I had been doing the same until I discovered that it didn’t matter when you make your promises to yourself – as long as you do what you promised. And I find it is easier to keep the promises if I make them in a context connected to the issue rather than to a fixed date.
The other day I heard about a study on longevity. It was based on the fact that more and more people are reaching the age of 100 years in Sweden and I found that interesting at a time when we are makeing resolutions for our own positive changes.
They had interviewed around 100 men and women about what they thought was the reason they had reached that age – what was the secret for each of them.
Surprise, surprise there is no mysterious secret sauce! It was much more modest – this is what they found out.
1. Don’t smoke / stop smoking
2. Be aware of your weight
3. Care for your social network
4. Care for your close connections
5. Laugh
6. Care about your sleep
7. Drink with modesty
8. Eat healthy food
9. Keep moving your body
10. Be positive
A 106 year old lady was interviewed about what she believed was the reason for her long life. With a smile, she replied: “Well, I have always cared basically about my health, no extreme fanatic things. I have cared about my family and friends even though many of them are dead now, but my memories are positive. I have been active and curious and I haven’t let hard times drag me down. When I have been ill, and I have had my issues, I have been careful to try to see it from a positive angle and I have always tried to smile even at hard times.”
As you see she is confirming the study on almost all points.
Some of you will disagree with this and that is okey. I am fully aware of the fact that genetics play a big part in longevity and health. Some people do all this and still get ill and die much younger. But I also know that 75 % of disease seen in a Health Care Center in Sweden is related to Lifestyle and only 25 % is from genetics. So, I see all of these facts as a chance to find the things that will help me as much as possible and contibute to a long and happy life. When my time comes I have at least tried my best and that is good enough.
Nothing above has been about stress, which is my main subject. But you know what? All of this is about stress. Taking basic good care of yourself is the best de-stress action you can take ever!
What are your thoughts on this? What is a good life to you? What will your New Year’s resolution be this year? Please comment below. I love to read your comments.
And what do you want me to blog about during 2015?
To your success – and keep smiling!
