What Blue Zones Taught Me About Rhythm (And Why Costa Rica Changed Everything)

Have you heard of Blue Zones? These are geographic regions where people live significantly longer lives with lower rates of chronic diseases. When scientists studied why certain populations thrive so remarkably into old age, they examined countless factors to determine if genetics alone could explain the phenomenon.

What they discovered was striking: only 20 percent of longevity is determined by genes. The remaining 80 percent comes from lifestyle factors that we can actually control and modify.

After spending months in Costa Rica, I believe much of this longevity stems from how closely people's bodies align with the earth's natural rhythms. When communities stay attuned to daily cycles, eat from the land, nurture their environment, and maintain deep respect for natural patterns, they flourish well into their later years.

My Costa Rican Wake-Up Call

Living in Costa Rica, we didn't observe Daylight Savings Time. Instead, we maintained the same consistent rhythm of sunrise and sunset year-round. When I returned home, I had to examine what made me feel so remarkably healthy there.

The answer wasn't just the obvious factors - though the fresh air, community, and beautiful landscape certainly helped. What transformed my well-being was honoring each sunrise and sunset. This simple practice influenced when I ate, how much time I spent outdoors, and when I naturally wound down each evening.

I realized my increased vitality had more to do with aligning with the environment's circadian rhythm than any other single factor.

Join the Rhythm Challenge

My recent newsletter, "Let The Rhythm Get You," invites you to join me in honoring your body's natural rhythms regardless of where you live. It outlines practical ways to plan for this lifestyle modification, and I want to share the scientific backing behind these suggestions.

My go-to neuro-educator, Andrew Huberman, offers excellent resources and podcasts that explain the neuroscience behind circadian health. If you'd like to understand the research before taking on this challenge with me, here are his key resources:

Complete Resource List: https://www.hubermanlab.com/

1. Morning Light: "Using Light (Sunlight, Blue Light & Red Light) to Optimize Health"

2. Hydration: "How to Optimize Your Water Quality & Intake for Health"

3. Circadian Eating: "Dr. Samer Hattar: Timing Your Light, Food, & Exercise for Optimal Sleep, Energy & Mood"

4. Blue Light & Evening Protocol: "Sleep Toolkit: Tools for Optimizing Sleep & Sleep-Wake Timing"

5. Comprehensive Sleep Guide: "Master Your Sleep & Be More Alert When Awake"

   
   

Ready to align with your natural rhythm? The science supports what Blue Zone populations have known for generations: our bodies thrive when we live in harmony with the earth's cycles.