There are a variety of things that can shorten your life. Some of the most common include smoking, drinking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to a shortened lifespan as well. These include stress, genetic predisposition, environmental toxins, and chronic illness. While it is impossible to completely avoid all risk factors for premature death, making healthy lifestyle choices and being aware of your personal risks can help you lengthen your life.
Too much or too little sleep. A good night’s sleep may mean the difference between a good day and a bad day
Most people know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for overall health and well-being. However, many people don’t realize that the amount of sleep you get can also affect your lifespan. Studies have shown that both too little and too much sleep can shorten your life.
Getting too little sleep has been linked with a number of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. People who sleep less than six hours a night are at increased risk for all of these conditions. In addition, lack of sleep has been linked to depression and anxiety.
On the other hand, sleeping too much has also been shown to be unhealthy. People who sleep more than nine hours a night are at increased risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. So how much sleep is enough? Most experts agree that seven to eight hours a night is the ideal amount for most adults.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some people naturally require more or less sleep than others. And sometimes lifestyle choices (such as working odd hours or having young children) make it difficult to get the ideal amount of shut-eye every night. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.
Sitting too much
The study followed more than one million U.S. adults over the course of 12 years and found that those who reported sitting for more than six hours a day were 26 percent more likely to die during the study period than those who sat for three hours or less. And even people who exercised regularly but still sat for long periods of time had a higher risk of death than those who didn’t sit as much.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking too much sitting with health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But this is one of the first studies to show that sitting itself can be deadly-even if you exercise regularly.
So why is sitting so bad for our health? One theory is that when we sit, we burn fewer calories than when we stand or move around, which can lead to weight gain over time. Another possibility is that sitting down for long periods of time leads to changes in our metabolism that make us more resistant to insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels). This can increase our risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
But it’s not just sedentary behavior like watching TV or working at a desk job that can have negative effects on our health-any activity that involves prolonged sitting can be harmful. That means even activities like driving or taking public transportation can be bad for us if we do them for long periods of time without getting up and moving around periodically throughout the day.
So what’s the solution? The best way to reduce your risk is to move more throughout the day and take breaks from sitting every 30 minutes or so (stand up while talking on the phone, take a walk break at work, etc.). And when you do have extended periods of Sitting stillness ahead (like during a long flight), make sure to get up and move around as often as possible every few hours.”
Not socialising enough
The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that people who don’t have regular contact with friends and family are more likely to die younger.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder analysed data from 3.5 million people in the UK Biobank, a long-running health study. They found that those who reported having no close friends or family were more than twice as likely to die over a seven-year period than those who did have close relationships.
lead author Dr Timothy Smith said: “This is one of the largest studies to look at the impact of social isolation on mortality risk.”
The findings held true even after taking into account other factors that could affect lifespan, such as age, sex, lifestyle and health conditions.
While the study couldn’t prove cause and effect, it does suggest that social isolation is a risk factor for premature death. Previous research has shown that loneliness can increase inflammation and raise levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can damage health over time. Social isolation has also been linked to poorer sleep quality and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Worrying too much
So why is worrying so bad for your health? Well, when you worry, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This means that your heart rate and blood pressure increase, and your body releases stress hormones like cortisol. These physical changes can take a toll on your body over time and lead to serious health problems.
Plus, when you’re constantly worried, you’re not able to relax and enjoy life. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can also have negative effects on your health.
So if you find yourself worrying too much, what can you do about it? First, try to identify the things that are causing you the most stress. Once you know what your triggers are, try to avoid them or find ways to deal with them in a more positive way. For example, if work is stressing you out, see if there’s anything you can do to make it more enjoyable or manageable. If money worries are keeping you up at night, make a budget and stick to it.
You should also make sure to take care of yourself physically by eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. When your body is healthy and strong, it’s better able to handle stress without becoming overwhelmed. Finally, don’t forget about the power of relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation; they can help calm both your mind and body during times of stress.
Not flossing your teeth
In fact, studies have shown that people with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease. And while there are many factors that contribute to heart disease, gum disease is definitely one of them.
So why does gum disease increase your risk of heart disease? Well, it’s thought that the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation in your arteries. This inflammation can then lead to the formation of blood clots, which can block arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Gum disease is also thought to contribute to other serious health problems such as diabetes and respiratory diseases. So if you want to live a long and healthy life, make sure you brush and floss regularly!
Not reading books
According to a study done by the University of Southern California, people who don’t read books live an average of two years less than those who do. The study followed 3,635 people over the course of 12 years, and found that those who read books had a 20% lower risk of dying than those who didn’t.
There are all sorts of reasons why reading books could lead to a longer life. For one thing, reading is associated with increased intelligence and better mental health. People who read tend to be more empathetic and have better coping skills when faced with stress or adversity. They’re also more likely to engage in other activities that are good for their health, like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
So if you want to live a long and healthy life, make sure to add some reading time into your daily routine!
Long commutes
The average commute in the US is 26.1 minutes, according to the most recent data from the Census Bureau. But for many workers, that’s just an average. In some parts of the country, commutes are much longer. In New York City, for example, the average commute is 34 minutes.
But even a half-hour commute can have a significant impact on your health. A study published in The Lancet found that people who commute for more than 30 minutes have a 40% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those with shorter commutes.
And it’s not just your heart that’s at risk. Long commutes have also been linked to higher rates of obesity, anxiety, and depression. One study even found that people who commute for more than 45 minutes are more likely to get divorced than those with shorter commutes!
So what can you do if you’re stuck with a long commute? First, try to make the most of your time by listening to audiobooks or podcasts, or using the time to catch up on work emails (if you can stomach it). And second, make sure you’re taking care of yourself by staying hydrated and getting enough exercise – both of which will help reduce stress levels and improve your overall health.”
Being pessimistic
Being pessimistic can shorten your life in a number of ways. For one, pessimism has been linked with poorer health outcomes, including a greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Additionally, pessimism has been tied to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead to a host of mental and physical health problems. Finally, pessimistic people are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking and excessive drinking, which can further contribute to shortened lifespans.