We have lost contact with reality, the simplicity of life- Paulo Coelho
The Pandemic or no Pandemic, human life is engulfed in technology and our ever growing need for a fast automated life is expanding like a balloon. Our traditional culture and roots have gradually started to dissolve in recent decade or so making us victims of social media and isolation. What we see today across the globe and within our local community is a lack of social connection and declining emotional quotient. A robotic life that works clock wise, without a break is considered a norm today.
Undoubtedly, a lot of great achievements have been made by human life in the modern era from health stand point. Over a decade we have seen a massive improvement in medical technologies, from vaccines that entirely eradicate diseases to medical equipment’s that can ease the burden of almost any chronic conditions.
However, like me, have you questioned the core reason for these technological advancements in medicine and health sector? Also why stress management strategies are so talked about in recent years?
Everything works on demand and supply and clearly in the modern era, the burden of chronic diseases is rapidly increasing worldwide and so is the need for better health care system. Diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, dementia, depression and cardiovascular diseases are all very rampant in today’s world. Stress and anxiety is considered normal unless it takes this menacing form of depression and suicidal intention. Have you ever asked yourself, what action steps can you take to improve your health and wellbeing starting today?
Let’s find a new way to look at our health that will change our life for the better in nearly every way. I’ll share with you something that rooted in this groundbreaking research of the healthiest, longest-lived people on earth, the Blue Zones. There are only about 5 places in the world, namely Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa- Japan, Ogliastra Region-Sardinia, Loma Linda- California, Nicoya Peninsula-Costa Rica.
A project led by team of researchers and experts who were funded by National Geographic made some identification of the world’s most extraordinary cultures whose health and longevity and happiness are outsized. The reason being, all of these places nurture different aspects of holistic living.
People in blue zones didn’t have to embark on a special program to transform their lives. Luckily for them, they live in places where moving naturally all day, eating healthy and connecting with neighbors is the norm. Surprisingly these Blue Zones places are scattered in various parts of the world and yet there was a lot of commonalities amongst them.
So if it’s that simple why can’t we make these changes and live a long and healthier life. That is the catch here that it’s too SIMPLE hence it is not convincing enough to help people believe the magic hidden within these daily simple rituals. But, if you find more about these people living in the blue zone areas of the world you will understand the beauty of healthful, consistent habits that has the power to improve the quality of our lives.
8 Blue Zone secrets that are worth applying in order to live a holistic life:
- Getting regular, moderate exercise which could simply be any form of “NEAT” – you can choose to go for a 30 min walk, do gardening, home chores, yoga. All of these low impact movements in your day are effective enough to keep you physically fit and active. It may also help with stress management.
- Spending time with likeminded people- It’s important to surround yourself around people with similar interest and values. Meet friends and families on a regular basis and attend social gatherings that can generate a sense of happiness and fulfillment.
- Eat in moderation– consuming more of whole grains, vegetables and fruits and keeping meat as the least portion on your plate is the key dietary habit associated by centenarians of blue zones. A meat centric diet like Suya chicken or meat loaded pepper soup are all delicacies of Nigerian cuisines but keep in mind to eat less of meats due to its high caloric value and high cholesterol raising properties. Balance is the key and even starting with a simple strategy of “meatless Mondays” can be a good start.
- Eat an early, light dinner– many fad diets have come and gone , but the fact that holds true and is backed by many researches concludes that, we should eat a big healthy breakfast, a medium size lunch and a light dinner to help ease digestion process of our body.
- Put more plants on your plate– consuming more whole plants in the form of salads, local and seasonal fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables that are rich in phytochemicals, anti-oxidants and are loaded with cancer fighting properties are the cheapest way to a glowing skin. Also choose a grain in its whole form and least processed because the more processed or milled they are, the least nutrient value they will have. Always go for whole grains of wheat, rye, millet, oats, corn etc. Avoid packaged food as much as possible. They are loaded with hidden sodium, sugar, lots of artificial food additives and synthetic substances that cause an overload of toxic and unhealthy load on our bodily organs.
- Snack on healthy fats– nutrient dense nuts like peanuts, cashews, tiger nuts, walnuts, pistachio, are all rich sources of healthy fats. Apart from that including avocado, chia seeds, ground flax seeds and hemp seeds have some amazing benefits and helps balance Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acid balance in the body and helps enhance our brain health and other neural health. Add a tablespoon of these seeds to your salad toppings, to your stew, on in your oatmeals, smoothies. Since they are calorie dense, don’t over eat them.
- Find your purpose– the blue zone population have a clear sense of purpose every day when they wake up, like growing vegetables for the whole community, and focusing on helping others. This brings a sense of worthiness and inner satisfaction. So if you get a chance engage in voluntary work in your community to help the under privileged and local community.
- Lastly, drink plenty of water– water is one of the best hydrating drink ever. It nourishes our cells, tissues and muscles and has 0 calorie. Drinking at least six daily glasses of water had a substantial reduction in the risk of a fatal heart attack — 60 to 70 percent — compared to those who drank considerably less.
Although we are living a fast paced life, and have time crunch, inculcating habits to eat healthy home cooked meals is transformational to our health. A daily practice of eating whole foods is crucial to a healthy body. It nourishes us at more than just physical levels and mental level. Of course once in a while indulgence is welcome!!