No doubt about it, we live in challenging times, which can impact our overall well-being. Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. But in the world’s original Blue Zones, the longest-lived people have routines to help downshift and shake off life’s tensions. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians nap, and Sardinians celebrate happy hour.

In the world’s Blue Zones, the longest-lived people have strategies to avoid overeating. For example, Okinawans repeat a 2,500-year-old mantra "Hara hachi bu” before meals, which reminds them to eat mindfully and stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. That’s called the 80% Rule, which can help reduce calories, prevent weight gain, and avoid chronic diseases. For Andy Wang, an information technology professional, practicing this Power 9 principle is how he has amped up his well-being and improved his eating habits.

The people around us can play an important role in our overall well-being and quality of life. In the world’s original Blue Zones, researchers found that the right social networks—or the Blue Zones Power 9^Ò principle of “Right Tribe”—can help us live longer, healthier lives. Sometimes we must seek out those relationships--and sometimes they are given to us.

Plant-based foods are the mainstays of meals in the world’s original Blue Zones, where people live notably longer and healthier lives. That means a diet with very little meat, instead favoring beans like fava, black, soy and lentils. For Alma Rangel, this Blue Zones Power 9 principle of eating with a “Plant Slant” is key to both her lifestyle and livelihood.

For Charlie Blaylock, farming is his “ikigai,” a Japanese concept meaning “why I wake up in the morning.” Since childhood, he has felt a calling to work outdoors, and while it took a couple of decades and a few career twists and turns, he finally tapped into his life’s purpose six years ago when he started Shine’s Farmstand.

Faith, fellowship and belonging can add years to your life. In the world’s original Blue Zones, belonging to a faith-based community and regularly attending services was shown to add from four to 14 years of life expectancy – no matter which faith.

As many organizations have done during the COVID-19 crisis, Blue Zones Project has pivoted from its more traditional work to projects that align with immediate and emerging needs in the community.

Double Up Food Bucks Program at Cowtown Farmers Market Enables SNAP Recipients to Stretch Their Food Dollars.

The school year is coming to a close. Students and educators will miss those end-of- the-year events and goodbye hugs. However, there are plenty of virtual tools to help keep children engaged and learning all summer long. Check out these resources and be sure to follow our Facebook page for more tips. Have a healthy summer!

Fort Worth Bike Sharing's “Free First Fri-Yay,” powered by Blue Zones Project, provides free BCycle rides on the first Friday of every month in 2020.