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We all know the drill — eat right, brush your teeth, exercise and get enough sleep. But living your healthiest life actually involves a few more rituals than you might expect. The good news: Adding any of these daily habits to your routine is easier than you think.
As little as 10 minutes of uninterrupted mindfulness can boost concentration and even keep anxiety at bay, finds research published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition.* The study asked participants to complete a task that would be interrupted. Before starting the task, half the subjects did a 10-minute meditation exercise. Turns out, the group that mediated focused better on the task. Never tried it? Free apps like 10% Happier are a good place to start.
You already know that a balanced diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs as you age. But you may be overlooking your eyes' specific needs, especially as the years go by. An eye-health supplement, such as Ocuvite, the vitamin developed by Bausch + Lomb is recommended for people 40-years-old and older to help replenish vital eye nutrients lost during the normal aging process.*
Brief exposure to sunlight has multiple benefits, like boosting your mood and supporting heart and overall health. Talk to your doctor about sun exposure, and wear SPF 30+.
While previous studies have concluded that laughing regularly has potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and warding off depression and insomnia, recent medical research has found that frequent giggling is associated with lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, too.* After examining nearly 21,000 adults who were at least 65 years old, people who claimed they almost never laughed were more likely to suffer from heart issues, regardless of their lifestyle factors, as well as other conditions, including hypertension and depression.
After analyzing the data of more than 17,000 healthy people 50 and over, neuroscientists from the University of Exeter Medical School and Kings College London discovered that people who regularly did word puzzles showed brain function equivalent to folks ten years younger. They performed significantly better on tasks assessing attention, reasoning and memory.
Psychology professors at Carnegie Mellon University asked more than 400 healthy adults how often they get hugs. Shortly after, the volunteers were purposely exposed to the common cold. The result? People with greater social support (and more frequent cuddles) displayed fewer cold symptoms.
The experts quoted and the studies referenced in this piece are not affiliated with Bausch + Lomb. Ocuvite is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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