Life
7 Weird Habits That Will Help You Live Longer—Get Excited, Spicy Food Lovers
We've all heard the standard advice when it comes to living a long and healthy life: Eat well, exercise, and get a lot of sleep. But that can't be all there is to a lengthy life, can it? Turns out, there's more to good health than meets the eye, and sometimes it can be pretty surprising—and a little fun, too.
Although those healthy practices definitely help the aging process, there are a few other not-so-obvious habits that you can pick up to help extend your lifespan. As a matter of fact, they may be habits you already have—so it's a win/win, really. Though some of them they may seem kind of strange, it couldn't hurt to try adopting these seven unexpected habits to improve your health and live a bit longer.
Skip A Few Showers
For many of us, showers are part of our daily habit, but over-washing your skin can strip it of its natural oils and kill the good type of bacteria that helps fight sickness, allergies, and eczema. Too much water can also over-dry the skin and lead to wrinkling.
Consider Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo, $14, Amazon
Clean Your House
While it may not be the most appealing option, frequent housework has been linked to living a longer life, especially when it comes to more vigorous activities such as painting your walls or frequent walking. Taking care of your living space is not only a good form of added exercise, but it keeps you busy and focused on projects you could potentially enjoy.
Go Barefoot
Though it’s not recommended to ditch your shoes altogether, taking off your shoes while you’re inside the house or playing in the grass is not only freeing, but it helps avoid absorption of some of the toxins that linger in the soles of your shoes.
So, no, this doesn’t apply to those time when it’s 2 a.m. and your heels are killing you and you’re walking down the street barefoot (not speaking from personal experience here at all). But, you know, still good news.
Giggle A Lot
Everyone says that laughter is the best medicine, right? Turns out that may actually be true. Having a good laugh not only burns calories, but it lowers stress levels, lowers blood pressure, and even helps your memory.
Watch Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo, $9.99, Amazon
Keep On Working
Work hard now and you’ll reap the benefits later (just don’t work too hard). Involving yourself in meaningful and productive tasks can help increase your longevity and decrease your chances of early death. And then there’s that whole earning a living thing which, you know, is cool too.
Keep Things Spicy
Spices like curry and turmeric not only add flavor to your food, but they help make you a whole lot healthier. Curcumin, an antioxidant which found in turmeric and curry, is an anti-inflammatory, and it also helps fight off bacteria and viruses.
Try Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce, $2.39, Amazon
Have A Couple Drinks
Oh, yes. This is very, very good news. Researchers have found that moderate consumption of alcohol can actually lead to a longer life expectancy. Moderate drinking is described as one to two drinks per day, so don’t feel bad about meeting your friends out for happy hour!
