If you're going to casually say that a researcher says that moderate drinking improves longevity, you also need to reference the considerable body of research demonstrating that the alleged benefits from drinking alcohol require more than modest amounts. And that alcohol in any amount is a carcinogen. In the relatively short time I've been a subscriber, you've promoted the idea of alcohol consumption on a few occasions and I'd like to see some guardrails around it. Love the column.
I have narrowed all 5 things down to one necessary ability which is the ability to say no. The ability to say no to those people and/or tasks that steal a large chunk of your personal time. Imagine this: "Can you come over and help me with this or that or the other thing?" The response: "No I can't, I'm about to go for a run or I'm going to bed in 20 minutes or I have to fix my healthy dinner...etc". The ability to say no at key times of your day could free up your time which would reduce stress. Just say No.
I've heard the poppyseed argument since I was on active duty almost 40 years ago.
For my 6, I’d say “Keep growing.” This naturally follows from 5 - connecting and having a purpose. I think that trying new things, not accepting the status quo, trying to improve oneself, taking calculated risks and getting out of ruts is all very important - and hard to do. Not sure if this will lead to a longer life, but I am certain it will make for a richer one.
6. Let your relationship with God be the cornerstone of your life, and all the other 5 points will make so much sense. Knowledge with His wisdom! Thank you for discussing this interesting topic.
It's all about adding life to your years rather than years to your life. I'd rather die as a busy, happy, fulfilled 75 year old than a bored and lonely 90 year old.
My ‘sixth’ would be mindset, and maybe I’d put that first. “A mindset is a series of self-perceptions or beliefs people hold about themselves. These determine behavior, outlook and mental attitude.” My father (age 87) has had the mindset of someone 30 years younger for as long as I can remember. He’s been active his whole life - walking, traveling, cooking, eating good food, enjoying a glass of wine, engaging with others (especially his grandkids) and just living with a positive, curious mindset. He’s been an inspiration to so many. Mindset can be the engine to drive all those other behaviors, and it can also be the excuse. So if you find yourself making excuses for not sleeping, exercising, etc., start by working on your mindset.
My #6 is self-awareness. It is the precursor to self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Here is a good book to help you develop your own strategy to grow your emotional intelligence:
I have a suggestion that I wish I’d done when younger. Combine your exercise with your connection with people. It’s hard when you really want a good workout, but if you exercise with your kids, for example, you spend time with them. You may not get as good a workout in the short run but there are so many benefits in the long run!
As my watch tells me, a 1 hour run is 4% of your day. So get out and go! And if kids stop getting licenses, who is going drive the Uber's? Or deliver their food?
My 6th would be keep your brain active. Read, do puzzles, play board or card games, learn something new.
If I had to pick a 6th habit, it would be to continuously learn. Always trying to improve yourself or your favorite hobby helps keep you active. To tie into another comment you mentioned, I like doing monthly challenges instead of a new year resolution. Each month pick something to do. Whether it’s go running three days a week, or no drinking, or learn a new skill. Doing it for a month is easier than committing for an entire year. Plus it’s long enough to form a habit.
Nice list of 5 habits, Bill. Here's an easy and proven way to add a new habit.
Habit Stacking is a great way to add a new habit. B.J. Fogg, founder of Stanford's Behavior Design Lab, came up with the idea and wrote about it in 2011 in his book, 'Tiny Habits'.
What is Habit Stacking? It's the idea that you stack a new, small habit on top of a habit that you already have. He even created a formula for Habit Stacking: Before or After [Current Habit] I will do [New Habit].
Here are a couple of examples of Habit Stacking (these are Relationship Habits, but you can apply Habit Stacking to any kind of habit):
Before I get out of bed in the morning I will say 3 things I'm grateful for.
After I get my tea in the morning I will text a sweet message to my granddaughter.
Stress is one of the habits you mention and it causes inflammation. Did you know that Kindness is a scientifically proven way to reduce stress and inflammation? It's like free medicine! If you want to start reducing stress, try laughing more. 5 year old kids laugh about 300 times per day. Adults- just 17 times a day. (https://kindnessmagnet.substack.com/p/bested-kindergarteners) Laughter is serious stuff! Try watching funny puppy videos or reading silly jokes. Be more like a 5 year old!
Just ask Elain Benis about the dangers of eating poppy seeds and failing a drug test. For me, almost any situation can be linked back to a Seinfeld episode. Lol. ❤️🤣
All great reminders. I also recall a Harvard Study saying that the strength of your social connections are a top predictor of longevity. Loneliness kills. Friendships, family, and community save lives. 🙂
If you're going to casually say that a researcher says that moderate drinking improves longevity, you also need to reference the considerable body of research demonstrating that the alleged benefits from drinking alcohol require more than modest amounts. And that alcohol in any amount is a carcinogen. In the relatively short time I've been a subscriber, you've promoted the idea of alcohol consumption on a few occasions and I'd like to see some guardrails around it. Love the column.
I have narrowed all 5 things down to one necessary ability which is the ability to say no. The ability to say no to those people and/or tasks that steal a large chunk of your personal time. Imagine this: "Can you come over and help me with this or that or the other thing?" The response: "No I can't, I'm about to go for a run or I'm going to bed in 20 minutes or I have to fix my healthy dinner...etc". The ability to say no at key times of your day could free up your time which would reduce stress. Just say No.
I've heard the poppyseed argument since I was on active duty almost 40 years ago.
For my 6, I’d say “Keep growing.” This naturally follows from 5 - connecting and having a purpose. I think that trying new things, not accepting the status quo, trying to improve oneself, taking calculated risks and getting out of ruts is all very important - and hard to do. Not sure if this will lead to a longer life, but I am certain it will make for a richer one.
6. Let your relationship with God be the cornerstone of your life, and all the other 5 points will make so much sense. Knowledge with His wisdom! Thank you for discussing this interesting topic.
It's all about adding life to your years rather than years to your life. I'd rather die as a busy, happy, fulfilled 75 year old than a bored and lonely 90 year old.
#6 Meditate
My ‘sixth’ would be mindset, and maybe I’d put that first. “A mindset is a series of self-perceptions or beliefs people hold about themselves. These determine behavior, outlook and mental attitude.” My father (age 87) has had the mindset of someone 30 years younger for as long as I can remember. He’s been active his whole life - walking, traveling, cooking, eating good food, enjoying a glass of wine, engaging with others (especially his grandkids) and just living with a positive, curious mindset. He’s been an inspiration to so many. Mindset can be the engine to drive all those other behaviors, and it can also be the excuse. So if you find yourself making excuses for not sleeping, exercising, etc., start by working on your mindset.
Thanks Bill. All logical and well researched. I sent this to 20 people. I hope some will subscribe!
My #6 is self-awareness. It is the precursor to self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Here is a good book to help you develop your own strategy to grow your emotional intelligence:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6486483-emotional-intelligence-2-0
I have a suggestion that I wish I’d done when younger. Combine your exercise with your connection with people. It’s hard when you really want a good workout, but if you exercise with your kids, for example, you spend time with them. You may not get as good a workout in the short run but there are so many benefits in the long run!
As my watch tells me, a 1 hour run is 4% of your day. So get out and go! And if kids stop getting licenses, who is going drive the Uber's? Or deliver their food?
My 6th would be keep your brain active. Read, do puzzles, play board or card games, learn something new.
If I had to pick a 6th habit, it would be to continuously learn. Always trying to improve yourself or your favorite hobby helps keep you active. To tie into another comment you mentioned, I like doing monthly challenges instead of a new year resolution. Each month pick something to do. Whether it’s go running three days a week, or no drinking, or learn a new skill. Doing it for a month is easier than committing for an entire year. Plus it’s long enough to form a habit.
Nice list of 5 habits, Bill. Here's an easy and proven way to add a new habit.
Habit Stacking is a great way to add a new habit. B.J. Fogg, founder of Stanford's Behavior Design Lab, came up with the idea and wrote about it in 2011 in his book, 'Tiny Habits'.
What is Habit Stacking? It's the idea that you stack a new, small habit on top of a habit that you already have. He even created a formula for Habit Stacking: Before or After [Current Habit] I will do [New Habit].
Here are a couple of examples of Habit Stacking (these are Relationship Habits, but you can apply Habit Stacking to any kind of habit):
Before I get out of bed in the morning I will say 3 things I'm grateful for.
After I get my tea in the morning I will text a sweet message to my granddaughter.
You can use Habit Stacking to create your own new habits. (https://kindnessmagnet.substack.com/p/habit-stacking)
Stress is one of the habits you mention and it causes inflammation. Did you know that Kindness is a scientifically proven way to reduce stress and inflammation? It's like free medicine! If you want to start reducing stress, try laughing more. 5 year old kids laugh about 300 times per day. Adults- just 17 times a day. (https://kindnessmagnet.substack.com/p/bested-kindergarteners) Laughter is serious stuff! Try watching funny puppy videos or reading silly jokes. Be more like a 5 year old!
Just ask Elain Benis about the dangers of eating poppy seeds and failing a drug test. For me, almost any situation can be linked back to a Seinfeld episode. Lol. ❤️🤣
All great reminders. I also recall a Harvard Study saying that the strength of your social connections are a top predictor of longevity. Loneliness kills. Friendships, family, and community save lives. 🙂
Great info! How can I print this info