Diet, exercise, sleep and genetics all contribute to longevity, but your mental state can also be surprisingly important.
Those who experience regular stress could be shortening their lives as they could have a weaker immune system.
Nobody knows exactly how long they will live, but making lifestyle changes can improve your chances of a long and health life, chief operating officer at Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Colin Potts said.
He explained this is vital, stating: “Trying to increase your lifespan without improving daily habits is like watering a plant without sunlight – you’re missing a key ingredient.”
An expert shared tips to help you minimise stress
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Stress is something that many people deal with on a daily basis, but learning to manage it can completely transform your life.
Colin said: “Stress does more than just make you feel bad. It also weakens immunity, increases inflammation, all of which actively shortens life expectancy.”
Numerous studies have backed this up. Research from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found heavy stress can knock years from your life.
It found chronic stress reduced life expectancy by 2.8 years in 30-year-old men, comparable to the effects of smoking or diabetes.
While many people know the dangers of smoking and high blood sugar, this highlights the devastating effects stress can have on your life.
So, how can you manage this? Some of the best tips include meeting up with friends and family, practising meditation and staying active, according to the expert.
He added: “Science has shown that simple stress-management activities like engaging in hobbies, socialising with friends, or mindfulness meditation help boost longevity.
“And of course, laughing more often, the very thing that they say is the best medicine, can contribute to overall health improvement.”
Mindfulness, meditation and exercise can help reduce stress
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Another good way to reduce stress – and add years to your life – is to exercise regularly.
Colin stated: “Regular and consistent physical activity trumps intense workouts.
“A recent study published in The Lancet noted that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, like brisk walking or cycling, can add three to five healthy years to your life.
“Find an activity that you can consistently and regularly perform and enjoy, and your body will thank you for it.”