IN THE ZONE
(Women's Health) Forget the fountain of youth. The true secrets to longevity can be found in "Blue Zones" geographic areas in which people live measurably longer. Adopt these habits of the locals no matter what zip code you call home:
Get your spice on
Citizens in Okinawa, Japan, cook with loads of turmeric, says Doan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones. The spice may protect against diseases like dementia. Add one to two teaspoons of freshly grated turmeric to one cup of rice as it cooks for a warm, peppery flavor, or blend a half-teaspoon into a smoothie with milk and mango or banana.
Take a siesta
Residents of Ikaria, Greece, nap after lunch the snooze is thought to lower stress hormones. No time? Take a 15-minute break and do something fun watching YouTube videos counts; research shows the effect is similarly de-frazzling.
Plan a day off
A third of the population of Loma Linda, California, are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, which advocates totally switching off including no texting, TV, or work, once a week to rest and reflect. That restorative mental time off relieves stress.
Call Grandma
In Sardinia, Italy, many homes include live-in grandparents an elder the family can turn to for advice. Regularly visit an older relative or neighbor; he or she can offer up deep perspective and knowledge that only a lifetime of experience affords.
Embrace the early-bird special
In Nicoya, Costa Rica, residents of all ages eat a light meal early in the evening, which prevents the overeating that can lead to weight gain.
Get your spice on
Citizens in Okinawa, Japan, cook with loads of turmeric, says Doan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones. The spice may protect against diseases like dementia. Add one to two teaspoons of freshly grated turmeric to one cup of rice as it cooks for a warm, peppery flavor, or blend a half-teaspoon into a smoothie with milk and mango or banana.
Take a siesta
Residents of Ikaria, Greece, nap after lunch the snooze is thought to lower stress hormones. No time? Take a 15-minute break and do something fun watching YouTube videos counts; research shows the effect is similarly de-frazzling.
Plan a day off
A third of the population of Loma Linda, California, are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, which advocates totally switching off including no texting, TV, or work, once a week to rest and reflect. That restorative mental time off relieves stress.
Call Grandma
In Sardinia, Italy, many homes include live-in grandparents an elder the family can turn to for advice. Regularly visit an older relative or neighbor; he or she can offer up deep perspective and knowledge that only a lifetime of experience affords.
Embrace the early-bird special
In Nicoya, Costa Rica, residents of all ages eat a light meal early in the evening, which prevents the overeating that can lead to weight gain.
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