Every New Year’s Eve, millions of people around the globe celebrate with the hope that next year will be better than the last. People of all ages make vows to become better, healthier versions of themselves in January — only to be broken by nearly 80 percent right around … now.

For anyone who is starting to slack — or who has abandoned their plans entirely — chins up: There’s a simple and sustainable way to follow through with your healthy resolutions in 2022. Say goodbye to fad diets and fleeting exercise trends; it’s time to introduce yourself to a new way of living life to the fullest: The Blue Zones way.

National Geographic researcher and best-selling author Dan Buettner spent two decades researching areas of the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives, and identified five locations where people consistently live to 100 or beyond. He calls these areas “The Blue Zones”:

Sardinia, Italy

The islands of Okinawa, Japan

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Ikaria, Greece

Loma Linda, California, United States

Once these areas were established, Buettner and his team studied and identified the lifestyle characteristics that might explain the longevity of those living in each location, including their diets, levels of physical activity, social networks, views on life’s purpose and more. His findings are fascinating, but to make things even better, they are simple and often fun to achieve, particularly with the help of his most recent book, Blue Zones Challenge.

This four-week guide will provide resolution seekers with a way to get back on track, for good.

In addition to delicious recipes, wellness tips and sustainable suggestions for living a healthy life, here’s just a sneak peek at what readers find:

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere

Raise a glass and smile because people in all Blue Zones drink alcohol moderately and regularly. The trick is to drink one or two glasses of wine, per day, with food or friends.

Go ahead, skip the gym

Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but that doesn't mean you need to join a pricey gym. Buettner suggests moving naturally around your environment, doing things that you love. Grow a garden and tend to it daily. Walk to the store with friends. Ditch the expensive home workout equipment and just move your body naturally, frequently. Dancing counts.

Grab a buddy

Successful centenarians in the Blue Zones put their families and friends first; they keep aging parents and grandparents nearby or in the home; they commit to a life partner; and keep a valued group of friends close.

After a difficult 2021, and a rough start to 2022, it’s officially time to start living a better, longer, and happier way of life — the Blue Zones way.

This article originally appeared in Brandpoint. It’s republished here with permission.

Highbrow Magazine

Image Sources:

Brandpoint

Rodnae Productions (Pexels, Creative Commons)

Nicole Michalou (Pexels, Creative Commons)