Mornings with Dave & Jen

Five-minute healthy habits

Photo: clipart.com, WYXL 97.3 Lite Rock

Five-minute healthy habits

An expert on longevity says five minutes a day might be all it takes to add years to your life.

In that vein, Business Insider shared a few simple things that can improve your health and extend your life:

Habit stacking.  Starting a new habit is hard.  But adding a new habit onto an existing one is easier.  You could add mindfulness to your morning coffee routine, or practice gratitude as you brush your teeth.

Micro-meditations.  Checking in with yourself doesn’t need to take long.  A simple technique is focusing on your breath as you inhale for a count of four . . . hold for a count of seven . . . and exhale for a count of eight.

Five-minute workouts.  Research shows even short bursts of regular exercise can help keep you young.  Take a break from work and do some squats or wall sits, or take a brisk walk.  It can improve your whole day.

Social interaction.  Instead of scrolling aimlessly at night, reach out to a few people you care about.  Connecting with friends can raise your levels of the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin, which has anti-inflammatory effects.

Remember what matters.  Having a sense of purpose is linked to a longer life.  So spend a few minutes a day thinking about what your passions are.  It can “not only add more years to your life, but more life to your years.”

Dave & Jen Podcasts

Wegmans: Raise a glass! 🍻

Raise a glass with Wegmans in Ithaca

“Out of the Darkness” Walk

The “Out of the Darkness” walk returns to Myers Park Saturday, September 6th

Walden Place: Memory care

Sarah Lang tells us what Walden Place’s Embrace memory care is all about

Ithaca Artist Market

The Ithaca Artist Market returns to Steamboat Landing Friday

Jen Best on “Women Swimmin”

Jen Best previews “Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare”

More Podcasts

Recent Headlines

9 hours ago in Lifestyle, Local

Top stories rewind: Looking back at the week of 9/8

Don’t miss the biggest news stories from the past week with our top stories rewind.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Ego Nwodim leaves ‘Saturday Night Live,’ which adds 5 new cast members

Ego Nwodim is the latest — and perhaps last — high-profile departure from "Saturday Night Live," as the long-running sketch show has seen a cast shakeup ahead of its 51st season.

1 day ago in Community, Lifestyle, Local, Regional

Missing Waverly man found safe

According to the Waverly Police Department, Timothy Haxton was located on September 11th after being missing since August 31st.

1 day ago in Community, Health, Lifestyle, Local, Regional

Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend recalled for undeclared shellfish

On September 10, 12-oz. bags of Good & Gather’s frozen Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend were recalled.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev call off their engagement, break up after 5 years

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev have called off their engagement and brought an end to their five-year relationship, a person close to the couple told The Associated Press.