The Blue Zones

My family and I just celebrated my dad's 85th birthday. This milestone got me thinking about the secrets to a long and vibrant life. I decided to watch the new documentary series "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" on Netflix.

In the documentary (and the book "Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner, which the series is based on), we get to visit five different communities where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives.

Those five communities include Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula; and Loma Linda, California.

Here are four simple yet profound lessons from people in the Blue Zones that we can all apply, no matter how busy we are:

Nutrition

Folks in Blue Zones love their veggies! They feast on a plant-based diet loaded with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans. You don't have to go full vegan, but how about eating meat just once or twice a week or tossing some extra spinach into that smoothie? Small changes, big impact!

Movement

Forget exhausting gym routines. People in Blue Zones stay active through natural, everyday movements. It's as simple as stretching during a work break, taking a walk in the park, or gardening. Let's weave movement into our daily routine in fun, easy ways!

Stress Less

Managing stress is a key lesson from these longevity hotspots. They use simple techniques like meditation, napping, or enjoying a hobby to unwind. How about you start with a 5-minute breathing exercise each day? It’s a small step with a big impact on your well-being.

Community & Connection

Strong social ties are a staple in Blue Zones. Join a book club, have regular catch-ups with friends, or be part of my online yoga community. It's all about sharing laughs and support.

These four lessons from centenarians are easy to integrate into our busy lives. They’re about eating more plants, staying active in fun ways, reducing stress, and cherishing connections.

As I reflect on my dad’s 85 years, I’m inspired to embrace these principles more fully in my own life – and I invite you to join me!

Best,

Christine

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