The desire to live life to its fullest has had an increasing number of people jumping on board the YOLO (You Only Live Once) bandwagon. And while we’re on it, there’s no harm in adding a few more years to your lifespan and squeezing more into your life.
Here are some unusual ways in which you can do this.
7 Unusual Habits That Can Increase Your Lifespan
1. Doing Some Housework
Doing a decent amount of housework every day will not just help keep your surroundings neat and orderly, but will also give you a few more years to live.
Studies have found that premenopausal women who were regular with their chores faced a 30% lesser risk of getting breast cancer, while the risks were reduced by up to 20% in postmenopausal women. These women were reported to do an average of 16 – 17 hours of household work every week. Researchers have also pointed out that moderate physical activity has a higher chance of increasing your lifespan as compared to less frequent – but intense physical activity.
2. Gaining Some Weight
Obesity is usually an ominous sign. Research, however, suggests that people who report a slightly higher BMI (body mass index) are more likely to outlive their normal-weighted and skinny counterparts. However, doctors insist that this is in no way, reason enough for normal weight people to try putting on extra pounds just to live longer. While being bigger in size may help cushion the harsh effects of weight loss and frailty that occur in old age and give you a few extra years, it may not necessarily improve the quality of your life.
3. Having Religious Beliefs
Regardless of what faith you adhere to, research has found that believing in God could significantly boost your health and help you live longer, even if you don’t go to church every week.1 This is attributed to the fact that those with strong religious beliefs are more inclined to having a healthy social life and coping better with stressful situations. They are also less likely to engage in risky behavior which more often than not, can expose you to unhealthy habits, negativity, and disease.
4. Having A Lot Of Sex
Just when you thought that a good romp in the bedroom couldn’t get any better, it appears that a healthy sex life could add a few bonus years to your lifespan. Not only does a satisfying roll in the hay get your heart rate up and lower your blood pressure, but also helps alleviate stress. Plus, because it’s a great way to burn calories – you end up killing two birds with one stone by maintaining your weight and getting better quality of sleep!
5. Laughing
You could either be sharing a few giggles with a friend over a meme or throwing a fit while watching a funny movie. Either way, laughter is an instant pick-me-up, and can easily turn a bad day around. There are plenty of ways that a good dose of laughter can boost your health. From reducing bad cholesterol and blood pressure levels to boosting your immunity and helping your blood vessels function better – laughter really could be the elixir for a long lifespan!
6. Singing
Sure, you may think your voice would make Frank Sinatra roll in his grave, but refusing to sing nevertheless could have you losing out on some extra years of living! Singing can help work your respiratory system and cure shortness of breath as well as improve your lung power. The regular, controlled breathing can even improve your heart health. Besides, singing can automatically make your spirits soar, regardless of whether you’re sticking to the tune or not – and everyone knows that happy people are most likely to live the longest!
7. Owning A Pet
Are you a great cat-mother? Do you often find yourself running out of ideas to express your unconditional love to your dog? Chances are your pet is returning the favor by adding some more years to your lifespan. Every pet lover swears by the therapeutic benefits of stroking and cuddling their respective animals – which include reduced stress, lower blood pressure levels, and a happier mood. With all these advantages of having a pet, it’s really no wonder that pet owners are less likely to visit their doctors when compared to those people who don’t.
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