There are many guidelines and tips for healthy living and
longevity and this is by no means a comprehensive list, but just a short selection of things you can start with straight away.
- Maintain your ties of kinship. Keeping your social connections with relatives, and having a good social network contributes to longevity, an optimistic outlook and provides a good support mechanism in times of distress and hardship. This has an overall benefit to one's health.
Bukhari and Muslim relate from Anas ibn Malik who narrates: The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever wishes to have his sustenance increased and his length life prolonged should maintain the ties of kinship". And Abu Hurayrah reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever is pleased to have his provision expanded and his length of life increased should maintain ties of kinship".
- Eat plenty of vegetables. All major studies of healthy people establish that they eat a very high proportion of vegetables and fresh plant foods. Plant foods provide a huge source of phytochemicals, fiber, antioxidants and flavonoids that combat disease.
- Consume fish and fish oil. There is plenty of evidence now to show the huge health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. They are known to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and are good for the brain, as as well as improving a person's mood. They are found in cold-water fish including salmon.
- Sleep on time and well. The body's assimilation of food digested through the day takes part in the later part of the night and when you are asleep. Hence, having proper sleep is vital for maintaining a healthy body. It nourishes replenishes your body. Keep distractions such as mobile phones and computers out of your bedroom.
- Get daily exercise. You should try to get half an hour of exerise daily at least. If you look back at our ancestors, they would wake early in the morning and would be performing demanding chores for hours on end. And they would live to a very ripe old age. Exercising regularly and consistently reduces the risk of most chronic illnesses and also improves well-being.
- Eat grapes. Black grapes contain a chemical called resveratrol and studies indicate that it plays a role in the extension of life and also has anti-cancer properties.
- Eliminate sugar from your diet. Sugar is perhaps the greatest adversary to health and longevity. Sugar has an adverse effect on hormones, immunity, weight and mood. It also feeds cancer cells. The more you eliminate sugar from your diet the more days (and years) you will be adding to your life.
- Be grateful. The Qur'an indicates that gratitude results in more blessings. Allaah says, "If you show gratitude, I will give you more (in abundance)" (Ibrahim 14:7). And Anas bin Malik (radiallaahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Allaah is pleased with His slave who says: 'Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)' when he takes a morsel of food and drinks water" (Saheeh Muslim).
