Eastwood's longtime health and longevity secrets unveiled
## Clint Eastwood's Enduring Health Practices and Transcendental Meditation
Clint Eastwood, the 95-year-old American movie star and film director, has long been known for his enduring health practices. In the 1950s, Eastwood adopted an organic, low-fat diet and began incorporating alfalfa sprouts and yogurt into his meals, a practice that continues to this day.
One of Eastwood's most intriguing health practices is his daily routine of Transcendental Meditation (TM), a technique he has followed since the mid-1970s. TM, developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is a specific meditation method that involves silently repeating a personal mantra for 15–20 minutes, twice daily.
TM is unique in that practitioners are encouraged to let the mind spontaneously experience deeper states of consciousness, a state often referred to as "transcending" — a state of complete inner silence. Unlike mindfulness or concentration-based meditation, TM is described as effortless and natural, aiming for a state of "restful alertness" as the mind transcends thought and settles into silence.
Research on TM suggests several potential health and psychological benefits. These include deep rest and relaxation, stress and anxiety reduction, improved emotional regulation, cardiovascular benefits, mental health improvements, and cognitive and quality-of-life benefits. Notable studies have found significant reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms, as well as improved sleep, emotional intelligence, and overall health.
Eastwood practices TM even while working, often finding himself more refreshed, clear-minded, and ready for action after a session. The TM technique helps people avoid distracting thoughts and promotes a state of "relaxed awareness" through the use of a mantra to focus attention.
While TM is widely studied, some reviews note methodological limitations and potential bias in research, highlighting the need for more rigorous, independent studies. The technique is taught by certified instructors for a fee, and while the organization describes it as non-religious, its historical roots and the language used by its founder have led some to view it as having spiritual or religious elements.
Despite these considerations, Eastwood remains a dedicated TM practitioner, joining the ranks of many who report inner peace, more creativity, better health, and better relationships as a result of the practice. Celebrity biographer Shawn Levy has written about the health practices contributing to Eastwood's longevity, noting that the actor's lifelong commitment to fitness, coupled with his mindfulness practices, may be key factors in his enduring success and vitality.
In the realm of Clint Eastwood's health practices, mental-health plays a significant role, with the 95-year-old incorporating Transcendental Meditation (TM) into his daily routine. Benefits of TM, as suggested by research, extend beyond relaxation and stress reduction, also improving mental health, emotional regulation, and cognitive abilities. Yet, the technique, while claimed to be non-religious, is perceived by some as possessing spiritual or religious elements. However, this hasn't deterred Eastwood, who views TM as a crucial factor in his longevity, alongside his lifelong commitment to fitness and mindfulness practices. His health practices, encompassing health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health, are highlighted by celebrity biographer Shawn Levy as key factors contributing to his enduring success and vitality.
