Lots of love, laughter and regular naps ... these are just some of the global secrets to health and happiness.
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SWEDEN - According to a study of 35 European countries, the Swedes emerged the healthiest. Participants were judged on life expectancy, death rates, childhood mortality and smoking. Sweden has one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe, leading to fewer deaths caused by tobacco-related illnesses.
HEALTH TIP - Quit smoking . According to a Danish study, women who smoke three sticks a day double their risk of a heart attack. Quitting also improves skin and sleep, boosts fertility and saves money.
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NORWAY - Norwegian roads are one of the safest. A recent survey showed that Norway has one of the lowest accident rates in the world with only seven deaths in every 100,000 caused by cars. Experts attribute this to heavy speeding fines and tight drink-driving restrictions in the country.
HEALTH TIP - If you drink, don't drive. If you know you'll be having drinks with friends, make sure there's a designated 'driver ' who will not be tempted by alcohol.
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SPAIN - The global average for the life expectancy of a woman is 67 years but the Spanish senora lives up to 80 years on average. Recent studies attribute part of this to that midday siesta. Not only does napping ease the mind, relax muscles and reduce stress, sleep is needed to produce the human growth hormone which maintains muscle mass and repairs damaged cells.
HEALTH TIP - Harvard researchers have discovered that having a power nap can help employees be more effective at work. But don't go beyond 20 minutes or you'll end up feeling even groggier!
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FRANCE - The French are proof that regular sex contributes to a long life. According to Durex's Global Sex Survey 2004, the average French person does it 137 times a year.
HEALTH TIP - Physical intimacy is crucial to the health of a relationship. Learn to move it up on your priority list. Try this turn-on trick: Dab his cologne on your extra-erogenous zones like the nape of your neck... his scent will drive you wild.
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BRAZIL - Asia's stressed out cities should take a leaf out of the chilled-out Brazilian's book. According to a survey, Brazil is home to the most relaxed people in the world, with 24 percent saying they never get stressed. Those with the least stress spend 76 hours a week with their families - that's 40 hours more than the global average.
HEALTH TIP - Cut down stress levels and boosts your immunity by spending more time with family and friends. It's tough with long working hours, but one way for time-strapped families to bond is making it a point to sit down to dinner together at least twice a week. This sacred time can become a comforting family ritual.
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NIGERIA - In a study of 65 countries in New Scientist magazine, Nigeria had the highest percentage of happy people in the world. Due to their lack of material possessions, Nigerians place priorities on other things like laughter and family time.
HEALTH TIP - Being happy helps reduce stress and boosts the body's immune system... best of all, it comes cheap. A US study found that people who started giggling while watching a funny video saw a drop in the production of stress hormones.
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FINLAND - Compared to the rest of the world, the Finns are experiencing the fastest drop in the number of people with heart disease. Experts believe this could be due to their love for saunas which are said to boost circulation and increase the flow of blood through the heart.
HEALTH TIP - Most gyms and health clubs have saunas - so make the most out of them. It's polite to have a shower before entering. Limit your time in the sauna to 10 to 15 minutes ; after you've warmed up, cool off by taking a cool shower or swim. Once your body temperature has dropped, you can return to the heat. Drink plenty of water before and after to prevent dehydration.
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TAIWAN - With just one in 500 marriages ending in divorce each year, Taiwan boasts the lowest divorce rate in the world. Medical experts believe that happiness within the home has benefits on mental health, explaining why just two percent of the population suffer from depressive disorders.
HEALTH TIP - Strengthen your relationship and boost your mental well-being, by remembering why you fell in love and don't neglect to show it. As relationship expert Dr Philip McGraw says, ' Love is a verb.' Show your affection in little ways like slipping a sweet note in his shirt pocket or calling to let him know you're thinking of him.
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INDIA - A study shows that elderly villagers in India have the lowest rate of Alzheimer's disease in the world, and researchers attribute this to the powers of curcumin, the powerful compound found in turmeric, the spice that gives curry it's yellow hue. A UCLA study found that low doses of curcumin blocked the accumulation of plaques and also reduced inflammation [ an effect of Alzheimer's on neurologic tissue].
HEALTH TIP - Add some spice to your curries! Try stirring 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric [ too much can make food taste bitter] in rice or couscous.
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JAPAN - People who live in Japan can expect to remain in good health longer than anyone else in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. One of the possible contributions to their longevity is the consumption of soy which is said to be a great protector against heart disease. Soy products also contain plant chemicals that are said to mimic our body's oestrogen. This helps protect against hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer.
HEALTH TIP - Add soy to your diet, like soy milk for your tea or coffee. You can also add tofu to your stir-fries in place of meat.
-by Jane Straus-
When I am asked to summarize the essence of my book, "Enough Is Enough! Stop Enduring and Start Living Your Extraordinary Life," I offer these ten keys. I hope they serve, on a daily basis, to help you create the extraordinary life you deserve.
1. Recognize that you are enduring.
Do you feel that you never have time to stop? Do you distract yourself with eating, working, volunteering, cleaning, etc.? Do you resent that you never have time to do the things your spirit longs for? Do you feel resigned rather than inspired? If you wake up most mornings feeling anxious, bored, or numb, looking forward to some imagined future time when you will feel happier - “when my children finally start school,” “when my bills are paid off,” “when I retire”-then you are enduring.
2. Release your self-judgments.
Your negative beliefs about yourself that are holding you back-you’re untalented, too fat, not smart enough, etc.- are probably rooted in your childhood. Why would you let your “inner seven-year-old” run your life? These judgments are real but they are only as true as you have believed them to be. Give yourself compassion for having carried the burden of your self-judgments. Replace them with affirmations and find new evidence to support your willingness to believe in them. Affirmations are as true as you allow them to be.
3. Question your limiting beliefs.
When you tenaciously hold on to the belief that the world works in one particular way (against you), or that there is only one right way to do something (and you are doing it wrong), or that your actions will inevitably result in a specific and predictable outcome (bad), you are strapping on blinders. Make a commitment to take off those blinders. It will take practice and patience to stay out of “limiting belief territory,” but eventually it will become second nature. You’ll quickly start to see that life no longer feels boring and predictable.
4. Drop your acts.
When you put on the armor of an act, you sacrifice your authenticity for protection. For instance, you think no one can hurt you if you’re tough enough…or that everyone will love you if you’re nice enough…or that everyone will respect you if you never admit to being wrong. Your acts will become your prison. Instead, give yourself joyful permission to become more of who you really are. You will feel free and you will find that who you are is much more interesting than any character you could possibly play.
5. Face down your fears.
What fear is keeping you from living your extraordinary life? Whatever it is—quitting your unfulfilling job, leaving an abusive marriage, telling the truth about your past—you must face it head on. Recognize that F.E.A.R. means “False Evidence Appearing Real.” Think of the worst-case scenario and see yourself living through it with dignity. Get support from others. Create an affirmation, such as, “I am now courageous.” Then, just do it. Remember that no matter what the momentary outcome of facing down your fear brings, your worth as a person is constant and never in question.
6. Free your feelings.
If you feel bored, you are probably ignoring or avoiding something. Make an effort to connect with your feelings. Sit in a quiet place and close your eyes. Take some deep breaths. Check in with your body. Do you feel any tightness or pain? Give that pain or tightness a name, such as fear, hurt, anger, resentment, sadness. If your body feels light and open, give that an emotional name such as joy, love, happiness. Whatever emotions you feel and name, just allow them to be. If they change, let that be. Let yourself be. Learn to honor your emotions. Give them an opportunity to inspire you.
7. Heal your anger and resentment.
When you can acknowledge that your resentments are fueled by your personal regrets, you free yourself to step out of the victim role. It is not that you are letting others off the hook for unkind or unfair behaviors; they are still responsible for their intentions and actions. But the moment you uncover your regrets, you are empowered to let go of resentment.
8. Forgive yourself.
Make a list of the wrongs you have done to others and to yourself. See them as results of survival strategies. Acknowledge the consequences of these strategies to yourself and others. Grieve for your losses and your mistakes. Make amends with yourself and others. Create an affirmation to replace the self-judgments that drove you to using your survival strategies. And remember to treat yourself the way you would want others to treat you.
9. Know, speak, and live your deepest truths.
Commit to being truthful in all you say and do. Realize that being truthful is not synonymous with being honest. Truth is a complex blend of honesty mixed with compassion and vulnerability. When you are “brutally honest,” you are expressing your judgment but not expressing your truth. Your spirit knows the difference between truth and honesty. When you express your highest thoughts and intentions, you are able to live a true life, not just an honest one.
10. Create your extraordinary life every day.
To live in your truth is to allow your spirit’s energy into every cell of your being and into every thought and action. Here’s what this means in everyday terms: When you tell the clerk at the grocery store checkout counter that she has given you too much change, you make truth and spirit matter more than money. When you hear gossip and don’t pass it along, you make truth and spirit matter more than your momentary desire to feel important. When you tell someone you love him or her, unsure of whether he or she will say it in return, you make truth and spirit matter more than your fear of rejection. Make these decisions every day. It takes courage and commitment to be your extraordinary self. You will be amply rewarded with a rich and fulfilling life.
Author's Bio
Author, life coach, relationship expert, and media guest, Jane Straus works her magic "live" with individuals and couples on air, on the phone, or in the privacy of her office. She is the author of the popular "Enough Is Enough! Stop Enduring and Start Living Your Extraordinary Life," written after being diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor when she was 48. Her philosophy of thriving is based on her 25 years of experience helping people overcome fears, self-judgments, and limiting beliefs. Her wise, compassionate, and witty approach is uniquely inspiring. To learn more, go to AskJaneNow.com
Jane lives in Northern California with her husband and daughter.
