I read the research that describes the seven conditions of those living long, satisfying lives.
They are:
- Don’t smoke.
- Best not to drink, but if you do, not excessively.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Regular exercise.
- Have an adaptive lifestyle which means keeping patient and steadfast whatever comes. Bad times don’t last.
- Education always contributes. People who are curious and are constantly learning do well.
- Having good long-term relationships/friendships. A long marriage, as well as having other friends, helps.
Here’s another insight. The factor of having relationships and friendships matters more than the rest altogether.
To live a good life, you should be developing a “circle” that you can rely on, and be in the circle of others who rely on you.
5 things you should demand of your circle:
- Inspire you – people in your circle make a difference in the world and inspire you to do the same.
- Energize you – people in your circle bring energy to you. Right words. Good practices. You get more done because of them.
- Lift you up when you’re down – people in your circle know you and your temperament. They see you in a way others don’t. You trust them. Have confidence in them. They have the right words and can prescribe the right things to get you moving.
- Tell you the truth – people in your circle tell you what you need to hear. And you believe them.
- Celebrate your wins – people in your circle rejoice with you. They cherish your wins in ways only a close teammate can.
