“Blue Zone” is a name given to specific geographic locations where people are known to live longer. There are five regions in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States where people engage in healthier, low-stress lifestyles that allow them to live longer, healthier lives.
According to “The Blue Zones,” a book written by Dan Buettner (2008), the five Blue Zones are Icaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California, USA). There are also other areas in the world that could be classified as Blue Zones that did not appear in Buettner’s book.
Blue Zone Diets
Vegetarian-like diets are common in Blue Zone areas. By primarily eating a plant-based diet and limiting the amount of animal and meat products they are consuming, the risk of death and certain diseases is greatly reduced. Fasting and calorie restriction are also common in Blue Zone areas. The method of fasting and calorie restriction can reduce the risk of certain diseases and prolong a healthy life.
The daily consumption of red wine may help increase antioxidants in the body, increase heart health, and promote positivity and a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise is incorporated into daily life by way of gardening, climbing stairs, cooking, and other daily chores. The addition of exercise being a part of daily life rather than an extra activity make exercise easier and …
Good sleep is also essential to a healthy lifestyle. At least seven hours at night is needed for healthy sleep and some people include thirty-minute naps into their days when necessary.
Other aspects of positivity in Blue Zone regions.
In addition to healthy diet and daily exercise, there are other positive lifestyle factors for people living in Blue Zone areas that can contribute to prolonged life.
Religious belief, spiritual faith
Having purpose in life
Older and younger people cohabitating
Healthy social network, groups of friends and family close by
Low-stress lifestyle
In some cultures, grandparents live with their children and grandchildren, and some studies have shown that they have a reduced risk of death. Also, by having a built-in support system and network of friends, both local and online, you can share experiences, offer encouragement, and show kindness, and in turn increase your quality of life.
How to live a healthy, positive “Blue Zone” life
What is your purpose in life?
Get walking. Get up and get out and go for a walk. By including exercise as a part of your daily life instead of viewing it as an extra chore, you are more likely to enjoy what you are doing and
Find your support system. Surround your self with positivity and kindness in your friends, family, and other parts of your social network. Positivity from people you trust will keep you motivated, but also
Eat a healthy diet. Do not go on a diet. Make small lifestyle changes to your eating habits. Incorporate healthier foods
Living a life of purpose rather than happiness can be a key to living a longer, happier, more fulfilled life. People living in regions known as Blue Zones are experiencing such purpose and, by extension, happiness by actively and naturally pursuing healthy, stress-free lifestyles.
