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Over a century ago, people started flocking to Palm Springs for health reasons. The dry desert air had beneficial effects for those suffering with respiratory issues. The natural hot springs were considered healing waters for muscles, skin, and even mental health.
Now, a new initiative has begun to enhance health and longevity in Palm Springs: The Blue Zones Project.
Not quite so new, however. This month, Blue Zones Project Palm Springs is celebrating one year here in the desert. Free community events and alliances with local businesses are rapidly expanding and the team welcomes you to take part.
How the Blue Zones began
Beautiful weather is common in Blue Zones. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
In 2004, researchers partnered with National Geographic and the National Institute on Aging to identify regions worldwide with unusually high numbers of centenarians. They discovered not only were people living longer in these regions, but also leading significantly better lives. The initial five ‘blue zones’ as they were named are Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; and Nicoya, Costa Rica.
The commonalities discovered in these communities were broken down into four tenets, which when practiced can help individuals live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
The Blue Zones philosophy
Swimming is one way to stay on the move. Photo courtesy of L’Horizon Palm Springs
So, what can you do to live a longer, healthier life, infused with more aliveness? Follow the four tenets.
Move: No need to sign up for the next marathon or hit the gym every day. Studies show that longevity comes from moving naturally. Consistent low-impact movement that is integrated into your daily schedule. Palm Springs is built for a leisurely walk, as well as all ranges of hikes. Even a day of walking while visiting the local shops downtown can be considered active.
Right outlook: Have a sense of purpose, do more of what makes you come alive, and incorporate stress reduction routines and rituals. This could mean spending more time in Palm Springs and incorporating a daily swim, meditation practice, breathwork, or a sound bath to keep your nervous system regulated.
Connect: Cultivate a feeling of belonging — to a community, friendships, and/or family. These are the people you enjoy connecting with, where you feel safe to be fully and authentically yourself. Connecting with loved ones and making new friends over a meal, a hike, or a sip of wine have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
Eat wisely: Fear not, this isn’t as restrictive as you may think. Just wait ’til you see the delicious eateries that are Blue Zones-approved. Even wine is on the menu. The Blue Zones Project recommends what is referred to as a “plant slant” diet, along with eating locally, seasonally, and in small portions.
Think of these health tenets like four legs on a table. Whenever you are feeling unbalanced, check in and see which of these “legs” might need a little adjusting to stabilize your foundation. Even a tweak in how you move, eat, think, and connect can have a significant positive impact on your life.
Join the party! Events and Blue Zones-approved eateries
A colorful salad is the perfect Blue Zones meal. Photo: Anna Pelzer/Unsplash
You can join in the health evolution by attending free events throughout Palm Springs, including purpose workshops, walking moais, sound baths, mindful sipping sessions, and even edible garden workshops. See what’s happening and sign up at Blue Zones Project Palm Springs website.
There are also two Blue Zones Project-approved eateries where you can taste delicious plant-based, seasonal, whole foods:
Bread & Flours is a plant-based bakery offering an array of in-house baked goods, fresh pasta, sauces, and soups, and are famous for their sourdough bread made with whole grains from American farms.
Native Foods is a vegan café serving up seasonal soups, salads, sandwiches, and bowls packed with flavor and made with care using ingredients from local farms.
Other eateries involved with the Blue Zones initiative are On the Mark, Clandestino, Livs Palm Springs, Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, Café La Jefa, and Vinophile Café.
Have fun infusing more aliveness into your time in Palm Springs and all your days. And when life is feeling a bit off kilter, remember — eat, move, think, connect.
