For time immemorial, luxury has been defined by materialistic goods – rare jewels, couture fashion, elite craftsmanship. Guarding the most expensive objects in our arsenal was the epitome of wealth, power and exclusivity. But as the times have changed and the world is shifting towards experiences (rather than materialism), time has become the most sought-after luxury. Now, luxury is defined by not just living longer but also living better. And it has become the ultimate status symbol for the elite.
Adopting the right health behaviours is crucial for extending years of good health. However, practicing them or sticking to them is not always an easy process. One factor that influences our decision-making or habit-forming processes is whether it feels easy or difficult to imagine ourselves doing the action in question. If we find it challenging, we quickly conclude that it is not for us. We fear we will fail and therefore, don’t spend any time making an effort towards it. The best way to overcome this is resetting your mindset. Shifting our mindset to view challenges as a natural and essential part of achieving valuable goals makes it more likely we’ll embrace them. This helps us commit better to health behaviours that require consistency and repetition. Another way is to consider that important things in your life — such as healthy behaviors that will increase longevity and well-being — are actually worth engaging in.
Everyday Practices to Improve your Lifespan
The future of luxury is no longer about what one owns. Rather, it’s about how long and how well one lives. So, here are some research-backed options that can help you in that regard!
Fasting
Fasting has been an integral part of various faiths (such as Islam, Jainism, Christianity, etc.). And researchers have found that fasting may very well help in extending your lifespan. The idea is not to completely abstain from food but rather eat your regular diet for 25 days. The remaining 5 days – follow a reduced-calorie meal plan that is high in plant-based complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein. This fast-mimicking diet shows promise to positively impact one’s health.
Physical Activity
Being physically active is one of the most essential habits for improved wellbeing. And walking is the easiest and most accessible form of physical activity. All you need are comfortable shoes and any bit of time you can find. Walking gets your muscles working and your blood flowing faster and allows you to reap the benefits of physical activity—from promoting cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal health to supporting mental health, cognitive function, quality of life, and even a longer health span. The best outcomes are observed for those who walk approximately 9800 steps per day. The minimum number of steps for long-term cognitive benefits is approximately 3800 steps per day.
Gratitude Journals
A thankfulness routine is worth the effort as it is linked to better sleep, increased physical activity, lessened pain symptoms, and lower blood pressure and inflammation levels. Keeping a physical journal on a daily basis is the most effective but weekly or digital journals also show effects. The easiest way is to jot down 3-4 things that you appreciated through the day or week before bed. The subjects you write about can include events, people, and general experiences.
Socialization
A long and healthy lifespan requires some help from friends. This is because feelings of loneliness are linked to an increased risk of stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia and premature death. And in today’s times, making social connections has also become quite challenging, majorly because of increase in spending time online and decline in traditional methods of connecting with others. One way to beat loneliness is by creating a “belonging map.” For this, identify where in your routine you regularly see others. This can offer opportunities for building connections, both large and small. Next, take a coworker out for tea, chat with a neighbor or exchange hellos with your bus driver.
Saunas
The tradition of the sauna is reputed to improve cardiovascular and mental health, socialization, exercise performance and muscle recovery. Saunas may also alleviate chronic pain and fatigue, reduce the risk of stroke, respiratory disease and dementia, and promote relaxation, stress reduction and better sleep.
Vorfreude
The German concept of “Vorfreude,” which translates as “the anticipation of joy,” is reputed to help increase well-being, reduce stress and avoid burnout. It suggests that rather than waiting for grand moments, one can plan small, everyday delights to create anticipatory joy. This enables you to benefit from Vorfreude.
As the definition of luxury evolves, longevity stands out as the rarest privilege. By embracing simple, science-backed habits and reframing effort as an investment rather than a burden, we move closer to a life that is not just longer, but richer in vitality, joy, and connection. In the end, the true luxury is having the time and the health to fully live.
Photo Credits:
First image: Annandistock
Second image: Corazza
References
Sakshi
About the author
Sakshi is a clinical psychologist with a deep passion for understanding human behavior, a strong drive for research, and a keen eye for psychological intricacies. Committed to continuous learning, she seeks to explore every facet of psychology, from theory to practice, to better support and empower individuals. With a curiosity that fuels her pursuit of knowledge, she strives to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications, making psychology more accessible and impactful.
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