The six ways to add SEVEN years to your life just by being nicer

THE world can sometimes feel unkind – but experts reckon if we were all nice to each other we could live at least SEVEN YEARS longer.

According to psychiatrist Dr Kelli Harding, getting a good night’s sleep, eating well and exercise are not the only ways to extend your lifespan — showing kindness can help, too.

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Experts reckon if we were all nice to each other we could live at least seven years longer[/caption]

Dr Harding, who has explored the theory in her book The Rabbit Effect, said: “It helps the immune system and blood pressure.

“It helps people to live longer and better.”

Health coach James Ellis, of James Ellis Nutrition, added: “Being nice and kind to yourself and others influences your happy hormones.

“This can reduce your blood pressure and stress levels, which is key to increasing your lifespan.”

Here, we reveal the best ways to add years to your life with kindness . . . 

BE A GOOD FRIEND

GOOD friends are good for your health.

Studies have found that adults who have meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live up to 22 per cent longer than their peers with fewer connections.

Friends help celebrate good times, provide support during bad times and prevent loneliness.

They also help to reduce stress levels during trauma such as divorce, serious illness or death.

BE GENEROUS

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US scientists found that providing help and time to others appears to protect our health and lengthens our lives[/caption]

SCIENTISTS in the US found that providing help and time to others appears to protect our health and lengthens our lives.

In 2013, a five-year study of 846 people found that when dealing with stressful situations, those who had been generous with others during the previous year were less likely to die than those who had not.

SMILE MORE

Smiling not only boosts your mood – the cortisol and endorphins it releases strengthen your immune system and reduce blood pressure.

A study in 2010 by researchers in Michigan, US, found big smilers live an average of 79.9 years, partial smilers 75 years and non-smilers 72.9 years.

Children smile an average of 400 times per day, compared to the average happy adult who smiles 40 to 50 times per day and the typical adult who smiles only 20 times per day.

VOLUNTEER

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A study of 10,000 students who graduated in 1957 found that three per cent fewer volunteers had died in 2008 that non-volunteers[/caption]

A STUDY of 10,000 students who graduated in 1957 found that three per cent fewer volunteers had died in 2008 that non-volunteers.

The ultimate goal of volunteering is to help others.

And when you are doing work that’s genuinely helpful, you get to make meaningful change in another person’s life while also helping yourself.

BE NICE TO YOURSELF TOO

A STUDY by Boston University School of Medicine in the US in 2019 found a positive mental attitude can lead to a lifespan 11 to 15 per cent longer and a stronger likelihood of living to 85 or older.

The secret is to not judge yourself too harshly for not being perfect, or hold yourself to impossibly high standards.

And don’t beat yourself up for making a mistake or not being good at something.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

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Listening keeps your mind young and active for an extra four years[/caption]

LISTENING keeps your mind young and active for an extra four years.

It creates mindfulness, which helps combat anxiety – and by learning how to be a good listener, you are contributing to the other person’s wellbeing.

This releases hormones which makes the speaker and listener feel happier, empowered and more relaxed.