Waking up early in the morning: Ayurveda places great emphasis on the simple yet powerful habit of rising before sunrise, considering it the foundation of a long and healthy life. According to traditional wisdom, waking up early aligns the body with nature’s rhythms, sharpens mental clarity, and boosts daytime efficiency. The first light of dawn also helps elevate vitamin D levels, strengthening bones and supporting immunity.
Maintain a balanced diet: The key to a long life is proper nutrition. Ensure a diet that includes a balance of protein, vitamins, fibre, and minerals. Avoid processed foods, excessive salt, and sugar. Consuming seasonal fruits and green vegetables provides the body with antioxidants that slow down ageing..
Exercise daily: Engaging in activities like walking, yoga, or light exercise for 30 minutes daily strengthens the heart, controls weight, and improves metabolism. Research indicates that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension by up to 50%. Thus, staying physically active is essential..
Ensure adequate sleep: Sleep functions as the body’s reset mechanism. It is crucial to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to allow the body to repair itself. Lack of sleep increases the risk of hormonal imbalances, obesity, and heart disease, and can also lead to premature ageing. Therefore, ensure 7-8 hours of quality sleep each day.
Manage stress: Stress adversely affects both mental and physical health. Meditation, listening to music, or spending time in nature are excellent ways to reduce stress. Happiness is also considered key to longevity.
Stay hydrated: With 70% of the body composed of water, maintaining its balance is vital. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily helps flush out toxins, promotes glowing skin, and strengthens the digestive system.
Avoid cigarettes and excessive alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are harmful to the body. These habits damage the lungs and liver, and increase the risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. To live a long life, it is essential to give up these substances.
Foster good relationships and social connections: Research shows that socially active individuals have better mental and physical health. Connections with family and friends help prevent depression and add meaning to life.
Maintain a positive mindset: Our thoughts directly impact our bodies. People with a positive mindset not only cope better with stress but also have a greater ability to recover from illnesses.
Schedule regular health check-ups: Annual health screenings, including blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol tests, are vital for longevity. Early detection of diseases makes treatment easier and reduces risks.
