This can Even Extends Your Life.
There are many reasons that people choose to live off-grid. One benefit we all share, however, is that an off-grid life actually can make us happier and even help us live longer.
There are many reasons for this. Here’s five:
1. It impacts what you eat.
Many off-grid homesteads grow, raise or catch a lot of their own food. This includes a robust garden and animals for meat. So we end up eating a lot of healthy food. Lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein from meat. This type of diet, low in refined sugar and low in processed food, is highly regarded by nutritionists and is recommended by experts for a healthier lifestyle.
2. It impacts what you don’t eat.
Conversely, by eating food raised naturally and locally, there’s a lot of bad stuff you don’t eat. For example, your fruits and vegetables aren’t drowning in pesticides. Your meat likely has been raised on wholesome foods and has no growth hormones or excess antibiotics. Your body thanks you.
3. It increases your physical activity.
America currently suffers from an epidemic — obesity. One-third of Americans are grossly overweight, while another third is slightly or moderately overweight. Obesity increases the risk of life-threatening health problems, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Since 1962, the number of obese people in America has doubled.
This is no surprise, as society left the rural lifestyle for the easier city life. But those of us who live off-grid maintain the type of lifestyle that reduces the risk of obesity. From chopping wood to shoeing horses to digging in the garden, our active lifestyle reduces the likelihood of life-threatening diseases.
Physical activity also increases our mental health. It decreases the level of stress hormones while increasing feel-good endorphins like serotonin and dopamine. Physical activity makes us off-gridders feel good about our lifestyles.
4. It provides a boost of fresh air.
Most off-grid homesteads are in rural areas, away from the air pollution of modern cities. Elevated levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and industrial air contaminants have been linked to many health issues. These include cancer, neurological and reproductive disorders, chronic eye and skin irritations, chest pain and breathing disorders.
5. It gets you out of the rat race.
Many off-gridders once had busy lives in modern society. But a hectic life in a fast-paced society can create stress. More than 40 percent of Americans say their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Stress can lead to physical symptoms like high blood pressure, chest pain, trouble sleeping, headaches and digestive disorders. It also worsens the symptoms of pre-existing physical conditions.
Stress is harmful in another way. Sometimes people try and cope with stress by abusing alcohol or drugs. However, these narcotics tend to increase stress, along with all the health issues associated with drug abuse.
Thousands of people have escaped the rate race and settled into a more rewarding and less stressful lifestyle. Not only does this make us feel better in general, but it also lowers the risk of long-term health issues.