There is mounting evidence that those who engage in hobbies are less susceptible to fatigue or depression. In fact, engaging in certain leisure-time activities frequently results in lower blood pressure, more positive psychosocial states and the improved health levels associated with living longer. Here are some hobbies that can help increase your chances of a longer lifespan.
- Reading – Escaping into another world can reduce stress levels by 68%, according to a study out of the University of Sussex in England—and it takes just six minutes for reading to begin working its magic. Psychologists say that’s because the mind has to concentrate on reading and the distraction eases tension in muscles and the heart.
- Gardening – Having a green thumb, combined with being in a lush, green environment, can enhance and extend life for people over 60, according to one Australian study. It can also lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The evidence is supported by a University of Hawaii report showing that gardening buffs in Okinawa, which has the largest concentration of people over 100, frequently tend personal gardens well into old age.
- Cooking – People who make their meals from scratch are more likely to eat a more healthful diet. Home cooks score highest on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Eating Index, with the research consistently showing that eating better maintains better health, which can result in extending life.
- Listening to Music – A study at the University of London concluded that listening to music for at least 20 minutes daily can boost your sense of well-being by 21%, your feelings of self-worth by 25% and your mental stimulation by 75%. The study concluded that such positive feelings can boost your lifespan by up to nine years.
- Walking – The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can have a profound impact on your health. Those who take brisk walks might live up to 20 years longer than couch potatoes, according to a Mayo Clinic study. But you have to extend some effort. The researchers note that a brisk walk at least 3 miles per hour, or 100 steps a minute, is required to get the life-extending perks.
