What the Morning Routine of the World's Happiest and Healthiest People Looks Like

(Patria) - Reaching one hundred years of age isn't that difficult if you live in so-called blue zones, regions with the highest concentration of centenarians.

Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Loma Linda in California, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica are locations where people live the longest and are among the happiest in the world.

Their longevity has been studied for years and they have been the subject of numerous research.

It has been observed that most follow a simple four-step morning routine. The good news is that we can all start practicing it tomorrow.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Most people living in blue zones consume a rich and diverse plant-based diet.

Generally, they eat more whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, and less red or processed meat, sugar, and starchy carbohydrates.

This type of diet is called the Mediterranean diet, and research has confirmed that it can help reduce the risk of a number of diseases.

These include Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer.

People living in Loma Linda, California, usually have a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, sometimes adding nuts or fruit for more fiber.

Replacing cow's milk with a plant-based alternative, such as oat milk, can also reduce the risk of cancer.

A Cup of Coffee

Coffee is a key part of the diet for most people living in blue zones.

They drink two to three cups of coffee a day, and research has confirmed that it helps reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Polyphenols, natural antioxidants in coffee, are also linked to a lower risk of developing dementia.

All people in blue zones try to find their purpose, that is, a reason to get out of bed. This is called ikigai in Japanese.

Ken Mogi, a neuroscientist from Tokyo, told Well+Good that the process begins with four steps: accepting oneself, connecting with others and the planet, finding joy in small things, and being present.

Kind Words

The way you treat people can boost your happiness.

Researcher Dan Buettner, who coined the term blue zones, said that long-lived people say something nice to the first person they see each morning.

In addition, it is good to start the day with some exercise. Buettner cycles to work or practices yoga, and points out that this has a positive effect on his health.