here are 50 important habits linked to a longer life that you should consider adopting
3. Watching funny movies
It's true what they say: Laughter really is the best medicine. In fact, according to one revered 2003 study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, laughing decreases stress-related hormone levels in the body, plus increases the number of immunity-boosting activated T cells and natural killer cells needed to fight diseases and infections.
12. Brushing and flossing
Brushing and flossing at least twice a day isn't just a crucial habit for visibly pearly whites. According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Dental Sciences, poor oral hygiene can have a negative impact on all aspects of your health—and in some instances, it can result in a heightened risk of heart disease and stroke. To ensure that you live as long as possible, listen to your dentist and keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
18. Owning a pet
Unfortunately, with age often comes a slow but steady decline in the function of the heart, easily one of the most important organs in the body. So, if you want to ensure that your ticker stays in tip-top shape, consider adopting a pet. Why? According to one 2013 study published in the journal Circulation, owning a pet can reduce your heart disease risk and, should you get heart disease, a pet can increase your chances of survival.
26. And being more positive in general
A good attitude does more than just brighten your day. According to Harvard Medical School, a series of studies confirmed that being a "glass-half-full" kind of person is associated with increased longevity. In fact, a 1999 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that optimistic patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass were half as likely to require re-hospitalization within the following six months as pessimistic patients.
38. Living in an area populated by birds
Birds? Why birds? Well, according to a 2017 study published in the journal BioScience, people who live in areas with many a bird, shrub, and tree are less likely to be stressed, depressed, and anxious. It might sound strange, but it's true: The study subjects' depression levels were inversely correlated to the number of birds they could see in the afternoon. Since depression has been found to increase a person's risk of early death, it would be wise to move to an area full of birds ASAP.
41. Taking short naps
Why should children be the only ones who get to enjoy nap time? After all, it could very easily be argued that adults are the ones who actually need naps. Not only are naps restorative, but one oft-cited 2007 study of 24,000 subjects published in The Archives of Internal Medicine found that just three 30-minute naps per week reduced the risk of heart-related death by 37 percent.
47. Balancing on one leg while you brush your teeth
We know it sounds silly, but a 2012 study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that increased flexibility can lead to a longer life. So, if you want to keep your balance in good standing (pun intended) before it starts to fade, then the Cleveland Clinic recommends standing on each leg for 10 seconds at a time while you brush your teeth. This easy exercise will train your neuromotors, which assist in balance, agility, and movement. Sure, you might look a little bit strange doing it, but looking weird is a small price to pay for a long life.
48. Hanging out with friends and family
Don't underestimate the power of a beautiful bond. In the Harvard Study of Adult Development, researchers found that the strength of people's relationships was a better indication of how well they'd age than their cholesterol levels.
"Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too," study director Robert Waldinger said in a press release. "That, I think, is the revelation."
50. Believing in yourself
Having a healthful and happy life really is as simple as believing that you deserve to. When Australian researchers analyzed data from 757 patients in their 2001 study, they found that individuals with positive self-esteem had greater qualities of life and greater overall feelings of happiness.
