HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR LIFE LIVE LONGER?

Living yourself a daily break may sound frivolous. But stress can cause high blood pressure, hike your cholesterol levels and narrow your arteries—all bad news for your heart. Ironically, when we’re stressed, we’re often quick to sacrifice our down time in an effort to get back on track. It’s important to take a time-out for meditation, yoga, pleasure reading or a walk—or whatever helps you relax. And make sure to get in some social time, too, says Dr. Ward. “Get together with good friends and do a little bit of laughing.”