I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of living longer – who isn’t?

I mean, imagine:

• More years to explore
• More time with loved ones
• Extra moments to learn and grow.

But in my early 30s, I was far from living a long, healthy life.

I’m Lachlan Brown, a psychology enthusiast and founder of Hack Spirit. Back then, I was always stressed, rarely exercised, and my diet? Let’s not even go there.

It seemed like I was on a fast track to an early grave. I was average in every sense of the word, and deep down, I was scared.

Then I stumbled upon these 7 daily habits from the world of psychology. Habits that promised not just to add years to my life, but also enhance its quality.

In this article, I’m going to share these habits with you. They turned my life around and they could do the same for you.

Let’s dive in.

1) Embrace movement

Psychology and health experts agree – regular physical activity is a game-changer for longevity.

In my early 30s, I was more of a couch potato than a fitness enthusiast. But then, I realized that movement wasn’t just about hitting the gym or running marathons.

Physical activity could be as simple as taking a brisk walk, doing some gardening, or even dancing around your living room.

The key was to find something I enjoyed, so it didn’t feel like a chore. For me, that was hiking. Being out in nature not only got me moving but also helped clear my mind.

And the benefits? Reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep and an overall increase in energy levels. All contributing factors to a longer life.

If you’re currently leading a sedentary lifestyle like I was, start small. Commit to just 10 minutes of physical activity each day and gradually increase it over time. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

2) Cultivate positivity

I’ve always been a bit of a pessimist. But as I dove deeper into the world of psychology, I stumbled upon an intriguing concept: the power of positive thinking.

It was Dr. Martin Seligman, often called the father of Positive Psychology, who said, “Positive thinking is the notion that if you think good thoughts, things will work out well. Optimism is the feeling of thinking things will be well and be hopeful.”

This resonated with me. I realized that my negative thought patterns were not only affecting my mood but potentially my lifespan as well.

So, I started to intentionally cultivate positivity. Every morning, I would write down three things I was grateful for. It could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee or a call with an old friend.

This daily practice slowly but surely shifted my mindset. I found myself more hopeful, happier and even more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

Fostering positivity isn’t about ignoring life’s difficulties. It’s about choosing to focus on the good amidst the challenges. And according to psychology, it might just add a few extra years to your life.

3) Nurture relationships

As a self-proclaimed introvert, I often found myself withdrawing from social situations. I enjoyed my solitude, but I also felt a sense of isolation and loneliness creeping in.

Then I read a study in psychology that revealed a strong correlation between social connections and longevity. Turns out, nurturing relationships isn’t just about having a good time, it’s also key to living a longer life.

With this realization, I made an effort to nurture my relationships. I started to reach out to old friends, made time for family, and even struck up conversations with strangers.

I also started to invest in quality connections, rather than focusing on the quantity. I sought deeper, more meaningful relationships that brought joy and enrichment into my life.

The difference was palpable. I felt happier, less stressed, and more connected. It was as if a void had been filled.

If you’re like me and tend to isolate yourself, try reaching out to someone today. It could be a simple text message or a coffee invite. Building strong social connections could be your gateway to not just a happier life, but also a longer one.

4) Practice mindfulness

As someone constantly juggling multiple things, I often found myself feeling mentally exhausted. My mind was always racing, planning, worrying.

Then I came across a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The research found that mindfulness-based stress reduction practices could help improve psychological well-being and, in turn, increase life expectancy.

Inspired by this, I decided to incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine. I started with just five minutes of focused breathing each day. Gradually, I moved on to longer mindfulness meditation sessions.

I noticed a significant difference. My stress levels dropped, I slept better, and my overall mental well-being improved. I felt more present in my daily life instead of constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. Begin with just a few minutes each day focusing on your breath or your surroundings. You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make in your life and potentially your lifespan too.

5) Prioritize sleep

I used to be the person who would brag about getting by on just a few hours of sleep. I thought sleep was something I could compromise on to get more done. I was wrong.

Lack of sleep doesn’t just make us groggy and grumpy, it can also lead to serious health issues, potentially shortening our lifespan.

With this newfound knowledge, I made sleep a priority. I established a regular sleep schedule, created a calming bedtime routine, and made my bedroom a sleep-friendly environment.

The result? Better mood, increased energy levels, improved focus and overall better health. I felt more alive than ever.

If you’re skimping on sleep like I used to, consider making some changes. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Your body and mind will thank you, and you might just add a few more years to your life.

6) Embrace learning

I’ve always been curious. But as I got older, I found myself settling into a comfortable routine, learning less and less each day.

But then, I realized that lifelong learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge, it’s also about fostering growth and resilience – key elements for longevity.

So, I decided to embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner. I started reading more, exploring new hobbies, attending workshops – basically seizing any opportunity to learn something new.

This journey of continuous learning didn’t just add excitement and novelty to my life, it also made me feel more mentally agile and open to new experiences.

If you’ve found yourself stuck in a rut like I was, try learning something new today. It could be a language, a musical instrument or even a new recipe. This habit of continual learning could be your ticket to a longer, more fulfilling life.

7) Embrace downtime

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, taking time to do nothing can seem counterintuitive. I used to think that every minute needed to be filled with activity or achievement. But I was wrong.

Psychology studies show that regular downtime – time spent doing absolutely nothing productive – is crucial for our mental and physical health. It reduces stress, boosts creativity and improves our overall well-being – all factors that contribute to a longer life.

I started to schedule regular ‘do nothing’ times into my day. It felt strange at first, like I was wasting time. But soon, I started noticing the benefits. I was less stressed, more creative and overall happier.

The best part? This downtime didn’t have to be long. Even just 5-10 minutes of sitting quietly, without distraction, made a difference.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget the importance of rest. But if you want to add years to your life, consider embracing downtime. Start with just 5 minutes a day of doing absolutely nothing. You might be surprised at how beneficial it can be.

Conclusion

Adding years to your life isn’t about drastic changes or big leaps. It’s about making small, consistent adjustments to your daily habits. It’s about movement, positivity, relationships, mindfulness, sleep, learning and yes, even downtime.

Start small. Pick one habit from the list above and commit to it. Give it time, be patient with yourself and remember that change is a process, not an event.

As the famous psychologist William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.”

So go ahead. Alter your habits, alter your attitudes and who knows – you might just alter your lifespan too. Here’s to a longer, healthier, happier life!