Four Morning Habits of the World's Longest Lived People

Tolive long, you can refer to the morning routine of people living in the Blue Zones, where many residents enjoy their 100th birthday. These are the island of Ikaria (Greece), the city of Loma Linda (USA), the island of Sardinia (Italy), the island of Okinawa (Japan) and the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica).

Dan Buettner and residents of the longevity island of Ikaria (Greece). Photo: Bluezones

According toWell and Good, American author Dan Buettner is a pioneer in studying the Blue Zones to understand the lifestyles that help people live long and healthy lives. From low-protein diets to the importance of community and connection, sharing knowledge has helped many people live longer. Some of these things we can practice as soon as we wake up.

Find a reason to wake up

When you wake up in the morning, what gets you out of bed? What is your goal? Finding that and striving to achieve it is one of the habits of Blue Zone residents.

The Japanese came up with the concept of ikigai (reason for living) to discover what inspires your soul and lead a purposeful life.

Neuroscientist Ken Mogi, authorAwaken Your Ikigai, sharing, this process often begins by mastering five pillars: starting small, accepting yourself, connecting with others, finding joy in the little things, living in the present.

Don't skip a healthy breakfast

It’s no surprise that a healthy diet is a key part of becoming a centenarian. Buettner says that following a nutritious eating plan, such as a plant-based or Mediterranean diet, can promote a long and healthy life. Part of that plan includes the most important meal of the day: breakfast.

A 105-year-old woman living in Loma Linda starts her day with a bowl of slow-cooked oatmeal topped with walnuts, dates, and a little protein-packed soy milk, making it a super easy breakfast.

Coffee is a popular drink in the Green Zones. Photo: CNN

Enjoy your morning cup of coffee

People living in Blue Zones typically drink up to two or three cups of black coffee a day. The American Heart Association found that drinking coffee, whether caffeinated or not, was associated with a lower overall risk of death.

That doesn't mean you should load up on cream or sugar. Instead, add a splash of milk to your coffee, a teaspoon of sugar or a plant-based milk substitute, and a natural sweetener like oat milk.

You can also swap your morning coffee for a cup of tea, which is popular in the Blue Zone. Make a coffee or afternoon tea date with friends and family to chat and laugh. Face-to-face time is important forhealthand happy.

Say something nice to the first person you meet

Sarah Wilson, an Australian journalist, once asked Buettner about his own morning routine. In addition to a healthy breakfast (lots of fruit and whole grains) and a 20-minute workout (yoga or cycling to work), Buettner starts each morning by complimenting others.

“Say something nice to the first person you meet. Harvard research shows that these behaviors are contagious. If you do it to your neighbor, you’re likely to get the same compliment back,” says Buettner.