When you’re living life in your 20s the last thing on your mind is how many years you have left. It’s a decade of self-discovery, adventure, and exploring new avenues so it’s all too easy to get caught up in living in the moment.
To help make sure the decades that follow are just as full and exciting, it’s wise to build healthy habits that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Here are a few things you can do right now.
1. Establish healthy eating habits. While you probably know a nutritious diet is important you may think you have years to get it right. However, sustaining on fast food and quick meals in the meantime leads to diseases . . . and heart disease is one of them. It’s the number one killer in the United States and there’s a lot you can do to prevent it.
Now’s the time to establish lifelong eating habits. Pay attention to your portion sizes, chew your food slowly, get plenty of vegetables and healthy whole grains, and stay away from unhealthy fats.
2. Establish an exercise routine you can stick with. While you may feel you’re plenty active right now, it’s all too easy to neglect healthy exercise. Establish a schedule that’s good for you.
The most important thing to do is to get into a routine of exercising three times a week. You’ll be amazed at the amount of energy you’ll have, you’ll get and stay fit, and you’re much more likely to make exercise a lifetime habit if you commit to it now.
3. Nurture friendships. Studies show good relationships can increase your life expectancy by a whopping five years. The friendships you establish today can stay with you for a lifetime. Determine what you want from your relationships and seek out like-minded people.
4. Determine your purpose. When you know your purpose, your life has more meaning. It largely determines the paths you’ll take and the direction you’ll go in the future. Not only will your life be more fulfilling when you live a purposeful life, you can add even more healthy years to it.
5. Avoid accidents. While sometimes they’re unavoidable, making a few smart decisions can keep you on a safe track. For people in their 20s the leading causes of death are accidents, homicide and suicide. Always buckle your seat belt, never drive under the influence of alcohol, stay clear of dangerous situations, and know how to protect yourself or find help should you need it.
As you enjoy your roaring 20s keep a positive mind set about the aging process. Doing so can add seven years to your life. Just because you grow older doesn’t mean you have to lose your vitality and abilities. By adopting healthy behaviors now, you’ll reap the benefits once you’re in your 90s and beyond.
