Right Outlook

Your Blue Zones Project & Adventist Health Right Outlook Journey

Power 9: Right Outlook

In this journey you will discover the principles of Purpose and Downshifting.

Remember to complete the full experience and confirm your participation.

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#1 Learn More about the Right Outlook

Blue Zones research shows that having a clear sense of purpose can help people live up to seven years longer than they otherwise might. In the original blue zones areas, residents are known to place special emphasis on their reason for being. They also cultivate a positive outlook with habits that allow them to relax and shed stress, from naps to moments of prayer and remembrance. Blue Zones Project brings practices that help people learn how to live in the moment, better manage stress, and connect with their innate gifts, by discovering (or rediscovering) their purpose and taking time to downshift.

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Purpose

The Okinawans call it “Ikigai” and the Nicoyans call it “plan de vida;” for both, it roughly translates to “why I wake up in the morning.” Whatever you call it, a strong sense of purpose can add up to seven years of extra life expectancy. Begin tapping into your own purpose by creating an internal inventory of your life. As best you can, articulate your values, passions, gifts, and talents. Then, think about how you can apply your strengths and purpose to your daily life, work, and community.

Downshift

Stress is a common aspect of everyday life. Unmanaged, it leads to chronic inflammation, which is tied to every major age-related disease. While everyone experiences stress, the world’s longest-lived people have routines to downshift. Okinawans take a few minutes each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, and Ikarians take a midday nap. Simple practices like these and supportive surroundings can curb stress and help people downshift—in the workplace, at home, and elsewhere.

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#2 TAKE A MOMENT TO DOWNSHIFT

Guided Meditation

Take ten minutes for yourself to pause, relax, and recenter with a brief guided meditation.

Want to create a quiet spot to downshift at home? Download the Blue Zones Bedroom Checklist for tips on making your space a sanctuary for sleep.

#3 Pause to Ponder your Purpose

Take a Free Purpose Workshop

People with purpose live longer, are happier and more productive. Are you making a difference where you live and work? Each person has an individual set of strengths and talents that can be used to lead a truly meaningful life. Whatever your role within your community, begin adding years to your life and life to your years.

Blue Zones Project Purpose Workshops bring people together to learn and engage in the process of defining purpose. Participants spend time understanding and articulating their passions and abilities. They deepen their self-knowledge and connect with other participants, learn how to navigate through life’s transitions, and can enhance focus and productivity by finding more opportunities to live out their purpose.

Get updates about upcoming Purpose Workshops

#4 Get inspired to pursue your "plan de vida" like the long-living residents of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula

Watch the full video to complete your Right Outlook journey

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