Better Living and Longevity: Managing Stress the Blue Zone Way

Introduced by a team of demographic researchers in 2004 by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain et al., a Blue Zone essentially refers to a region where its local population experiences exceptionally high longevity.

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Stress inevitably forms part of life. With rapid technological advancements as well as economic pressures and strong social competition, the nature of stress has changed dramatically. As we experience different types and intensities of stressors in our daily lives, studies have shown that prolonged exposure to stress can increase inflammation in our body.

Health Lessons from the Six Blue Zones

Currently, the Blue Zones are identified in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan; Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy; the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California, United States and most recently, Singapore via National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner’s latest book: The Complete Blue Zones: Lessons From the Healthiest Places on Earth.

Busting Stress The Blue Zone Way

Chronic stress can cause both psychological and physical disorders, and these include physical diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome and more. It can also trigger mood disorders as well as alcohol or substance abuse or internet, food or gambling addictions.

However, residents in the blue zones have devised, or rather, incorporated successful approaches to mitigate stress. For instance, folks in Okinawa have 1/5 the rate of cardiovascular disease (compared to Americans).

In this article, we’ll explore the various stress busters our Blue Zone residents are engaged in – perhaps there are insights to glean from what they do. Let’s find out:

• Form Social Support Groups
  Forming social support groups can be a good strategy for mitigating stress in various ways. Some of the benefits include providing emotional support via validation and empathy for friends going through distressing life events, a sense of belonging in a like-minded community, and being part of a group also provides moral encouragement and the sharing of resources when times are tough.

• Take a Nap
  Though it may sound counterintuitive to take a nap (especially in the middle of the work day), however, research has shown that catching those forty winks can benefit one’s health and cognitive capabilities and these positives include increased alertness on the job, reduces sleepiness and improves cognition performance.

• Pray, Meditate or Reflect
  Blue Zone residents practice prayer, meditation, or self reflection on a regular basis as part of their daily routine, and also as a way of life. Research has provided insights into how these religious and mindfulness practices can help to counterbalance stress.

• Laugh a lot
  Laughter is, after all, one of the most basic human emotions and expressions that we are are capable of. Humour can decrease the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine, and activates the brain’s dopamine reward system. So, get those tissues ready – to laugh till you cry!

Other factors, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose, also play a crucial role in promoting health and longevity in these populations. It’s also important to note that the stress management is just one component of the overall lifestyle in these regions.

If you are looking for ways to incorporate more destressing methods in your lifestyle, then be sure to check out 13 Unusual Ways to Shed Stress (Lessons from the World’s Blue Zones) – we found them pretty practical, so you might gain a takeaway or two!

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