19 things you can do in under 10 minutes to live longer

Tea has long been hailed as a health remedy, thanks to its rich level of antioxidants.

“Tea has anti-cancerous and cholesterol-lowering properties and has been shown to protect the brain from free-radical damage and strengthen bones against osteoporosis,” says Dr Vuu.

“Also, as demonstrated in studies published in JAMA, tea also lowers risks of death from all forms of cardiovascular diseases.”

It’s also one of the world’s most popular comfort foods.

Adding a little spice to your breakfast, lunch and dinner will not only boost its flavour but may possibly extend your lifespan as well. Research, including one study published in BMJ that looked at 485,000 people, indicates that eating spicy foods can reduce the risk of premature death.

“While researchers aren’t completely positive why these spicy peppers can contribute to life extension, the most likely reason is their active component known as capsaicin,” adds Dr Axe.

Whether it’s reading a news article or doing a Sudoku puzzle, utilising your brain in different ways throughout the day counts as learning – something that certainly shouldn’t stop just because you’re not in school anymore.

“Not only is learning great for the brain, but it turns out it may help you live longer,” says Dr Axe.

“A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that reading books regularly may increase longevity, and the advantages of reading books were significantly greater compared to magazine or newspaper consumption.”

Here are six simple games to build a happy and resilient brain.

We all get busy and overwhelmed now and then, but a hectic schedule shouldn’t get in the way of our relationships with friends and loved ones – an essential asset to our longevity.

“Loneliness is a problem for many people and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality,” says Dr Rose.

“What’s more: Maintaining healthy social relationships through your life has been linked to increased longevity.”

Whenever possible, pick up the phone and give an old friend or family member a call – even if it’s just for ten minutes. What does friendship mean to you?

You probably hear about flossing from your dentist during every routine cleaning.

But this simple act, which takes less than ten minutes, can significantly help reduce your risk of gingivitis, the inflammation of your gums that can predispose you for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

“One of the easiest things to help increase longevity is to practice good oral hygiene and see your dental hygienist for regular cleanings and checkups,” says explains Olivia Rose, ND, a naturopathic doctor in Canada.

Check out these six tips for healthy white teeth.

They don’t say “laughter is the best medicine” for nothing: according to Satesh Bidaisee, DVM, Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies at US-based St. George’s University, laughter has been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve cardiac fitness and boost immunity by triggering endorphins, all of which promote a general sense of wellbeing.

“Even during the spare minutes you have in a day, make sure that you have a good laugh,” he says.

“This will improve your health, and certainly elongate your life!”

And if you laugh at these dark jokes, it probably means you’re a genius.

While it’s tempting to hop in an elevator or on an escalator instead of taking the stairs, or park close to a store instead of farther away, sneaking in bouts of walking and stair climbing can tack years onto your life, suggests various studies – such as this one from the University of Sydney.

“Whenever you can throughout the day, set aside ten minutes to pick up the pace and walk fast,” advises Dr Anderson.

“It may lower your risk of overall mortality by as much as 20 percent!”

This behaviour is also one of our four simple lifestyle hacks that help you burn fat fast.

Increasing your fibre intake is an easy way to live longer by improving colon health and blood lipids and cholesterol, according to Dr Adams.

“High-fibre foods like wholegrains, non-starchy vegetables and fruits with the skin are all easy ways to boost fibre intake,” he says.

“Fibre keeps colon cancer risk at bay and also helps our bodies naturally lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.”

High-fibre foods also make up a vast portion of the list of best superfoods for diabetics.

While we’re constantly being told to stay out of the sun, complete avoidance of the sun isn’t the answer either.

In fact, one study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that women with active sun exposure habits experienced a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease than those who avoided sun exposure.

“Spending too much time indoors can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin that helps maintain a healthy immune system and protects us from some cancer and heart disease,” adds Dr Rose.

Source: RD.com