9 Rules for Life

(Estimated Reading Time: 2.5 minutes)

There are many different rules to live by, for many different reasons. But when it comes to living itself, have you ever considered what rules out there could bring you longevity? While there are various ways to approach this question, public speaker Dan Buettner has worked with researchers who may have found some answers that could constitute as ‘rules’ for such. Calling his rule-list the “Power 9”, these nine suggestions give us a glimpse of what to do to better how we live.

1. Keep your movement organic.

Movement can sometimes be as organic as food. When we do things, such as working out at the gym or riding a bike, we are moving in a way that is aided by human invention. It’s the little things, however, that matter. Take a walk outside. Lift things that need to be lifted. Do what comes naturally, without thought of gains or sport.

2. Follow your destiny.

Some say we have a pre-planned destiny to follow, others say we make our own destiny. It doesn’t really matter which statement is true, but rather that we adhere to following a sense of purpose. A meaningless life, truly is, one that isn’t lived to the fullest— and this is meant literally. Lack of purpose in life can take away up to seven years of life.  

3. Give yourself a break.

Seriously. Try to add a nap to your schedule, or at least some time to unwind. Without a good amount of breaks, stress increases. With the increase of stress comes the increase of disease associated with older age. However, if you were to rest more often, old age wouldn’t have much of a harsh effect on your body.

4. Don’t eat until you’re full.

Put your spoon down. Not being full isn’t as bad as it sounds. Otherwise known as the 80% Rule, based on an ancient Confucian mantra, this rule asks for at least 20% space to be left in your stomach. Keeping meals at a moderate size is a habit of those who live long.

5. Eat your greens.

As the famous saying goes, “eat your greens”. But this doesn’t literally mean that you have to limit yourself to green vegetables alone. In fact, beans are some of the best choices to add to your plate. Additionally, throw in some fruit. The benefits of these delectates usually lack in other categories of food.  

6. Have a glass of wine.

Hold that apple. A glass a wine a day is what could keep the doctor away.  While this is optional, wine is definitely a drink that you should consider putting into your glass. However, this should be done moderately. Too much, as with anything, can cause problems.

7. Find your crew.

Spirituality isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But if it’s yours, this is one way of lengthening life. Those of spiritual communities have more years added to their lives compared to those who lack such.  

8. Keep your family first.

If you want to add more years to your life, it’s best that you take care of your family. While not popular in mainstream American culture, living with aging parents is one way of doing this. Apart from such having positive effects for your own life, it also helps any children living in the household as well.

9. Stay with birds of the same feather.

A popular saying in today’s world states that your network is your net worth. While this statement relates to finances, it rings true if we replace “net worth” with longevity. Choosing a social circle that runs alongside your values and practices regarding a longer life can actually help you live one. This is because we are affected by those around us, sometimes without even realizing it.