Incorporate these 8 habits into your routine to live long and happy life

Avoid alcohol

No amount of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. It's a good time to start the new year with a break from alcohol.

This is an excellent opportunity to see how you feel and how your body changes when you stop drinking.

Socializing

In 2025, it's important to maintain an active social life.

Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider explained that maintaining strong social connections is a critical factor in longevity.

Studies show that loneliness and social isolation have health effects comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Regular communication with family and friends provides emotional support and a sense of belonging, which are essential for both mental and physical health.

Walk more

Exercise doesn't mean you have to go to the gym every day or do intense workouts.

You can stay active by simply walking briskly, stretching, or dancing to your favorite music. Small, consistent actions like taking the stairs can be very beneficial.

These habits not only strengthen your physical health but can also improve your mood, reduce stress, and help you sleep better.

Try a few minutes of meditation a day

Studies show that managing stress helps regulate cortisol levels and reduce inflammation.

Lower stress levels are linked to a reduced risk of diseases, which impacts your life expectancy.

When it comes to stress reduction, meditation is an effective method. Even just a few minutes a day can help.

Eat more gut-friendly foods

Probiotics are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. They can also improve the gut microbiome by stimulating the growth and activity of healthy bacteria in the intestines.

Researchers state that microbiomes can influence health issues, such as boosting immune function, improving digestion, and reducing certain diseases.

These beneficial live bacteria can be found in foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt.

Drink more water

Adequate hydration is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved overall health, and longevity.

Proper hydration is one crucial step you can take to treat and prevent chronic diseases.

Start your day with a large glass of water, adding a pinch of sea salt and lemon. Also, eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables - watermelon, cucumbers, and lettuce.

Remove the phone from the bedroom

Most people don't get enough sleep, and countless distractions can interfere with maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle.

Take an old alarm clock and leave your phone out of the bedroom.

The blue light emitted by a smartphone's screen disrupts melatonin secretion - the sleep hormone. When it gets dark, melatonin starts to be released.

For the body, this is a signal to lower body temperature and prepare for nighttime rest. However, the smartphone interferes with this process. The gadget can suppress melatonin secretion by up to 20%, which can cause difficulty falling asleep.

Reduce sugar consumption

Excessive sugar intake is linked to chronic inflammation, obesity, and an increased risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

One of the best ways to reduce sugar consumption is to avoid packaged store-bought products, which often contain a lot of added sugar.

Instead of completely giving up sweets, allow yourself to enjoy healthier options, like dark chocolate every other day.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.