Why Live Music is the Fountain of Youth

I’m a believer that live music is the fountain of youth. Have you heard of the blue zones before? If not, they are the areas of the world where people live the healthiest and longest lives. Going to shows is just as important to your health and well-being as eating well, getting a good night’s sleep, fostering your relationships and exercising. Maybe one day we’ll all be able to deduct our concert tickets on our taxes because it’s a key factor to our productivity at work. Fingers crossed! In the meantime, I’m going to share with you the nine secrets (plus one of my own) people in the blue zones know and live by. My discovery has been that everything they know and do, we live music fans know too and do too! Check it out <3 

1. Move naturally. It’s NOT bench pressing 100 lbs that will keep ya thriving, but it IS moving in the way you naturally do. The way I dance at a show is a perfect example of that. The music comes on and my body just moves. I don’t have a plan and I don’t think about it. The dance just happens. It’s super obvious when you see kids at live music shows. They can’t help but boogie. Other ways you can incorporate this into your life is by playing your favorite tunes and dance to them while cooking, showering, cleaning and getting dressed. Park far away from your destination and walk. Take the stairs. 

2. Know yourpurpose. Have a reason for waking up in the morning. Your only purpose on this planet it to be the wildest expression of your authentic self. It doesn’t matter which avenue you choose to deliver your brand of awesome to the world, but it’s important that you DO deliver it. How are you going to do that today? I’m excited just thinking about it.

Another aspect of knowing your purpose is to plan the shows and festivals that you’re going to go to in the future. The excitement and joy you get just thinking about the experience paired with taking the steps it takes to plan such an adventure, will give you purpose. I get really jazzed up when I think about the shows I’m going to go to in the future. 

3. Kick back. Find ways to chillax. Whether it’s taking a daily power nap, rocking a yoga class (power flow or restorative), slowin down with some meditation and/or going to shows. 

4. Eat less. Stop eating when you are 80% full. Just because you bought two heady grilled cheeses for a dollar on the lot, doesn’t mean that you should eat both of them. My friend Krissy taught me that when your stomach is full, your body gives you an obvious cue. You’ll either experience a sacred burp or yawn. It’s interesting because you will probably find that it’s fuller before you think it is. Try it out! Your body is magic. 

5. Eat less meat. Beans are a cornerstone of most of the people in the blue zones diets. Eat tons of veggies and some fruit. If you are a meat eater, a good way to know how much meat your body can handle is to make a fist. That’s approximately what your serving size should be. Try to know where your meat is coming from and be sure that it’s coming from a good farm. 

6. Drink in moderation. I find this fascinating. Most of the people that live in the blue zones drink one to two alcoholic beverages a day. Just because that is true doesn’t mean this is right for you. Know you and your body. Not everyone can stop at one to two drinks and for some people alcohol just doesn’t agree with them. 

7. Have faith. Denomination doesn’t seem to matter, but attending faith-based services about four times a month does. My church is anything to do with live music. 

8. Power of love. 
Family comes first; blood, soul and your live music family. Do what you can to keep those relationships strong. 

9. Stay social. Build a social network that supports healthy behaviors. When I was younger and would rage shows, that meant drinking as much as I could and participating in recreational activities. Now-a-days, raging a show means raging smoothies, yoga, meditation and at least one healthy meal pre-show. During the show I either don’t drink at all, drink a small amount and sometimes I micro-dose things that expand my mind. The more I live this way, the more I find myself surrounded  by others that live the way I do. 

10. Know how old you are, but pretend you’re younger. I added this one because even though it’s not an official secret of people who live in the blue zones, I feel like it’s a big factor. 

I’m a 40 year old lady, but I always forget because I think I’m 28.

Like a 28 year old, I go out to see music a few days a week. Sometimes I drink too much tequila and get late night pizza. I go to music festivals and rage it (once in awhile til the sun comes up).

Like a 40 year old, I sometimes fall asleep on the couch at 9pm on a Friday night. I feel hungover for like a week if I drink too much and I will only drink good tequila. I eat mostly healthy foods that I cook, but sometimes I still eat late-night pizza. When it comes to festivals, I bring a huge tent, cots and a suitcase full of clothes for all types of weather. If I know it’s going to rain a lot or be too hot or cold, I stay in a hotel. Sometimes I miss the late night and after party shows because I’m tired and my feet and back hurt. Instead of drugs, I prefer to rage yoga, smoothies, workouts and meditation…most of the time.