Some of my favorite books I’ve read on the topic of holistic health are the series of books by Dan Buettner on The Blue Zones. Why? Well, assuming that one of our main interests in living a healthy life is to live a long, happy, AND healthy life, it seems we should look no further than the Blue Zones for the formula.
The Blue Zones comprise of areas around the world that have the largest chunks of healthy and active 100+ year old people. Different continents, different climates, different religions, different locally sourced food. And yet, the outcomes were super similar. Author and researcher Dan Buettner went around to all these places, and, not surprisingly, noticed a lot of holistic overlap in the way these individuals live that contribute to their longevity.
Personally, I couldn’t help but notice how the Blue Zone trends all align with the teachings of Ayurveda…! Lifestyle, mindset, community, purpose, and how and what we eat truly does comprise so much (I’d dare to say most) of our health.
Longevity Tips From The Blue Zones
Have a sense of purpose. This can be your job, your home duties, volunteering in your community, supporting your family—the purpose looks very different for everyone, but it’s important to have your reason to wake up every morning. In Ayurveda, we call this our dharma.
Move your body organically. Gyms are basically nonexistent in Blue Zones, but people are exceptionally active in everyday life activities. Whether it’s tending a garden, playing with grandchildren, walking uphill to visit friends, or cleaning the house—regular movement keeps the body and mind healthy.
Have routines and rituals to deal with stress. People in Blue Zones have just as much (if not more) stress than we do, BUT they have ways to deal with stress that are positive. Some people pray, some go to happy hour with friends, some take a nap. My Ayurveda routines of breath work, meditation, journaling, and massage fall into this category.
Focus on mostly plants in your diet. While not all Blue Zones are strictly vegetarians, they do focus more on plants and beans, with meat being a “once in a while” food. Processed food and excess sugar is no where to be seen. Herbal teas, honey, nuts, and a glass of wine at happy hour are also seen in their diets.
Eat your bigger meals early in the day, and smallest meal in the early evening. After that, you’re done eating for the day. Again, reminds me of how Ayurveda encourages us to eat our largest meal at noon when the sun is the highest and our internal digestive fire is the strongest.
Family first. Families are very valued in the Blue Zones, with older parents being taken care of by kids and younger relatives, and also playing a vital role in helping to care give for the grandchildren. It takes a village to thrive, and this way everyone benefits.
Have a tribe. Much like family, being part of a positive tribe of friends and community members extends longevity. This decreases loneliness, boosts happiness, and gives you people you can count on in many a situation. Many of the Blue Zones find their tribe in various faith based organizations. Some are friends from other walks of life. But the important thread is they all INVEST in these friendships, and they all BENEFIT, as well.
In the book, he added drinking a daily glass of wine and belonging to a religious organization as separate tips, I just squeezed them in with the food and tribe section here…in case you were curious!
To take a deeper dive into the Blue Zones, I really recommend the book The Blue Zones: Nine Lessons For Living Longer From The People Who’ve Lived The Longest, as well as the Netflix series Live To 100: Secrets Of The Blue Zones.
I’m truly fascinated by the Blue Zones—I’d love to hear what you think you’re doing well off this list, and what could use some attention!
Until next week, sending light and love!
Jess (Your Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Making Holistic Health Cozy, Not Clinical)
I loved this book and this wonderful post was great in keying me in on the new netflix series! Looking forward to watching that!
Yay so glad, Beth! It's such an enjoyable series!