Who doesn’t want to live as long as possible? Healthline recently published an article detailing 13 daily habits that are linked to living a longer life. These habits are linked to decreased risks of diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, better mental and physical health, and a happier lifestyle overall. The best news is, all 13 habits are attainable by anyone willing to try to take better care of themselves. Here’s a quick look at the habits and a link to Healthline’s article for a more in-depth look. 

• Avoid overeating. Studies of the effect of caloric intake on humans show a link between low caloric intake and a longer lifespan and lower chance of disease.

• Eat more nuts. Eating nuts improve everything from your waistline to inflammation to your risk of developing certain diseases. One study even suggested that people who eat nuts at least three times per week had a 39% lower risk of premature death.

• Try out turmeric. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties found in curcumin, a bioactive compound contained in turmeric, are believed to improve brain, lung and heart function. 

• Try a plant-based diet. We’re not saying give up meat, but we are saying that adding more fruits, veggies, and nuts to your diet lowers your risk of premature death or developing serious diseases like cancer, metabolic syndromes, and brain deterioration. 

• Stay active. You could add three more years to your life simply by adding 15 minutes of physical activity to each day. 

• Don’t smoke. We could review the dangers of smoking again, but you know it’s bad. The good news is, it’s never too late to quit smoking. The sooner, the better, though. One study showed those who quit smoking before age 35 increased their lifespan by 8.5 years. 

• Moderate alcohol intake. Several studies have shown a link between improved health and wellness and drinking wine in moderation. However, heavy alcohol consumption has deadly consequences so if you can’t keep your alcohol intake in check, it’s best to avoid drinking it altogether. 

• Prioritize your personal happiness. Feeling happy improves your daily mood and, you guessed it, increases your lifespan. Find ways to be happy even if you need to seek professional help to learn how. 

• Avoid chronic stress and anxiety. Chronically stressed or anxious adults are 2-3 times more likely to have a shorter lifespan than those who are more relaxed. 

• Nurture your friendships. Friendships are linked to increased happiness, decreased stress, anxiety, and depression, and a better overall sense of wellbeing. 

• Be more conscientious. Persistence, organization, and discipline go a long way. Start out with small but mighty changes like adding daily chores such as making your bed, putting all laundry in the basket, and cleaning up the kitchen after every meal to help you live a more intentional and organized existence. 

• Drink more coffee or tea. Like wine, drinking coffee and certain teas in moderation can improve the risk of diseases and increase your lifespan.

• Develop good sleep habits. If you’re following habits 1-12 but fail to get enough sleep every night, everything else you’re doing is done in vain. Similar consequences can happen if you sleep too much which is why 6-8 hours of sleep is the target goal according to sleep experts. 

Learn more about these habits and their effect on lifespan here.