A few years back, a study on ‘Blue Zones‘ piqued my interest as I’ve tried to lead a healthy lifestyle ever since graduating college. If you’re not familiar with ‘Blue Zones,’ they are regions in the world that live much longer than average, anywhere from 10-15 years longer. Research from these regions can be broken down into what’s known as the Power 9 for optimizing longevity, health, and happiness.

Some things in life are out of our control like when and where we are born, the genes passed down from our parents, and if the Dodgers are ever going to win another championship ughh. For this post, I’ll be exploring different aspects of our lives that we can control, manage, and optimize to lead a longer, healthier, and happier life. Each component has its own purpose and function that keeps us running, similar to a well-maintained car. I’ll explore the 5 components below, comparing each with a different part of a car… Here w go.

Movement & Exercise (Body of Car)

The great Sir Isaac Newton once said, “A body in motion tends to stay in motion, a body at rest tends to stay at rest.” I’m a believer that ‘movement is medicine’ and one of the best, natural ways to keep you healthy. Exercise and movement has been a staple in my life ever since I can remember and has shown me what the human body is capable of, full Ironman, you will be mine one day!!! There is no doubt that ‘father time’ will get the best of me one day but until that day comes, I will continue to use movement and exercise to keep me young, strong, and mobile.

Mental & Emotional (Battery)

Most people are familiar with IQ (intelligence quotient) because it’s looked to as the barometer for intelligence but I believe EQ (emotional quotient) is just as important if not more, especially in today’s world. I loosely compare it to ‘book smarts’ and ‘street smarts’ that many of us know. I believe that if we individually worked on increasing our EQ, we would be in a much better place as a society. One example of someone with a high EQ would be someone that listens without trying to solve the problem, give their own opinion, or judging the other person for what they’re saying or going through. It’s listening and trying to put yourself in that person’s shoes to get another perspective other than your own. This isn’t taught in school and can lead to some uncomfortable conversations but has the potential for radical change and growth. There are many tools to help one increase their EQ, a few of mine include meditation, journaling, and persistent reflection.

 

Relationship & Connection (Steering & Suspension)

Our social relationships and connections play a vital role in keeping us active, healthy, and happy. We are social creatures and human connection is a necessity, not a luxury. I’ve read numerous articles and studies showing how loneliness is becoming an epidemic not only in the US but around the world as we become more ‘connected’ through social media. There is no substitute for in-person interactions, seeing someone laugh, giving them a hug. It’s something the robots will never be able to replicate or take from us. Maintaining a strong, positive, and healthy relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have. Having a loving, caring, and compassionate relationship with yourself will reverberate to those you love and care for.

Food & Nutrition (Gas)

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” – Michael Pollan

In the simplest terms, eat more real food; fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, etc. Food that was not produced or processed in a factory. Ask yourself, was this available to hunter and gathers societies 70k+ years ago? If yes, proceed, if no, limit it to 20% of what goes in your mouth.

Another aspect I’ve been incorporating is the 80/20 rule. Instead of stuffing my face and stomach to 100%+ capacity, I’m aiming for 80%. Eating clean/healthy 100% of the time is rigid and unrealistic, but what about 80% healthy, 20% eat whatever you want? The goal is to find something that works for you and your lifestyle. Diets are okay if you are looking to lose a few pounds for a special occasion but what’s even better is finding a long term plan that fits your lifestyle. A trainer once said, “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

Purpose & Meaning (Engine)

We are all born in one day and will die in one day. In the days between, our job is to figure out why we were placed on this earth. This can and probably will change throughout our life as we graduate from school, start our careers, start a family, etc. For me right now, my purpose and meaning comes from service for others and helping people get back to health. Deciding to pursue a completely new career in my mid 30s was not an easy decision and came with a lot second guessing. Looking back at my career in advertising, one theme that kept me coming back was being of service, to my clients, coworkers, and the company. Whenever a new employee would come on board, I would do everything I could to help them learn the ins and outs of their role and the company. Having residents and old coworkers compliment me on my patience and care has solidified my decision to pursue this nursing career. It may have taken 35+ years to figure it out but hey, better late than never right?

So what component of your life are you focusing on, which one can use some work, which one comes naturally to you? The great thing about all of them is that it’s up to you and only you to make the necessary changes you want to see in your life.

QOTP: “You are only as old as you feel, if you feel young and happy then so be it, no matter your age.” –unknown