In fact, Buettner has identified nine such common factors in his Blue Zones:
1. Move Naturally, as in walk to work instead of to the gym
2. Know Your Purpose in life and work
3. Downshift: Get some R & R daily, early and often
4. 80% Rule: Don’t diet; stop eating when you’re 80% full
5. Plant Slant: Eat more legumes and nuts; less meat
6. Wine at 5: 1-2 glasses per day, says the sleep doctor
7. Belong to a church/synagogue/mosque or other spiritual community
8. Right Tribe: Surround yourself with other health-minded individuals.
Because Americans spend so much time at work, your workplace can become an actual “Blue Zone work site” by adopting simple measures like offering healthy snacks in vending machines or a place where employees can lock up their bikes.