Fri, August 28, 2009 - 1:53:02

Think SMALL and Live Long

If you’re a regular reader of the Small Blog or a fan of our book, THE POWER OF SMALL: Why Little Things Make all the Difference, then you already know how you can improve your relationships, boost your productivity, and confront your biggest challenges just by thinking small.  But did you know that the power of small can do more than just change your life?  As a recent segment on The Today Show reveals, taking small steps can actually help you extend it.

As Liz Vaccariello, Editor-in-Chief of Prevention Magazine, explains, making big changes like quitting smoking, increasing your intake of fish and leafy greens, and exercising regularly are all keys to helping you live a long and healthy life, but there are also a plethora of little adjustments we can all make to extend our years and live our lives to the fullest.

So, if you’re ready to think small and live long, why not try our little suggestions?

Laugh more.  Life isn’t just more fun when you find humor in the little things, it turns out it’s actually healthier.  Scientific studies have shown time and time again that people who laugh more live longer, suffer fewer illnesses, and recover more readily from major illnesses such as cancer.

Make small talk with a stranger.  Loneliness and solitude aren’t just bad for your morale; they can actually increase your risk for dementia and other age-related diseases.  So, turn back the hands of time, embrace your inner chatty teenager, and make small talk with the person next to you.  Not only will your brain benefit from the stimulation of a new experience, you just might make a lifelong friend.

Count your steps.  We’ve all heard the expression, “Eat less.  Move more.”  But, with busy schedules, constant commitments, and pricey gym membership fees, it can seem difficult to put into practice.  Well, we have a simple and cost effective solution for you: buy a pedometer.  When you see the number of steps you take each day, you can easily challenge yourself to take a few more, bit by bit.  Before you know it, you’ll be skipping the subway and counting your steps to a slimmer, healthier, and more fit self.

Do you have a SMALL tip to help other readers live better?  Send us your ideas at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or tweet with us @ThePowerofSmall.

Posted by Linda and Robin