Newsletter

Make America Happy Again2024-11-17

There is no health without mental health. No longevity either. Studies have shown that happy, optimistic people tend to live longer. Their quality of life is better as well. What is a simple prescription to improve mental health at a populational level?

First, it starts with good food. Incentivize that to be available in stores, restaurants, and as part of the cultural zeitgeist. There is this tug of war between nutritious and tasty, you can have both. Fast food and processed food tend to be very tasty, but not nutritious, so they are best de-incentivized and avoided.

Second, is exercise. Physical activity is the best and least expensive treatment we have, to prevent, delay or improve, for most disorders. 10k steps a day cost nothing, and can transform the quality and quantity of your life.

Third is sleep. Promoting sleep through public health messaging, reducing digital devices use at night, and encouraging brief daytime naps at school or work, are wonderful ways to rest, regenerate, and recreate brain and body connectivity, flushing out waste from cells.

If the above sound like a Mediterranean or Blue Zones lifestyle, it is not a coincidence. Those geographic areas and cultures are precedents and proof that the above prescription will work. There are additional things one can do in terms of relationships, social aspects, meaning, success, avoiding addictions, but these are the basics. We have developed an app called Life x Mind that tracks all that and generates a Good Life score, but journaling with pen and paper works as well.