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Southwest Florida

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Right Outlook
Local Resources

Stress less, be balanced, live happier

The world’s longest-lived people have learned to downshift to combat stress and live happier.

Learn More
1 Learn more about having 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 de-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;” both roughly translate to “why I wake up in the morning.” Whatever you call it, a strong sense of purpose can give you up to seven extra years of 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.

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Downshift

Stress is a common part of everyday life. But left 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 to neutralize it. Okinawans take a few minutes each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, and Ikarians take a midday nap. Simple practices like these can shed stress and help people downshift—in the workplace, at home, and almost anywhere else.

2 Take a moment to Downshift
Downshift

Guided meditation

Take 10 minutes for yourself to pause, relax, and reset with a brief guided meditation.

3 Pause to ponder your purpose
Purpose

Take a Free Purpose Workshop

People with clear purpose live longer, and are happier and more productive. 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.

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4 Get rewarded for participating
Join the Live Longer, Better Rewards Program

Live Longer, Better® Rewards is a comprehensive program that uses the Sharecare app to incorporate Blue Zones Power 9® principles to support your well-being journey, wherever you go.

Set goals, track your progress, and get rewarded! Join your community in Blue Zones Project activities created to help you Eat Wisely, Connect, Move Naturally, and have the Right Outlook.

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