“The Highest Level of Health Preservation Is Not Exercise, Not Sleep, But One Word”

"The Highest Level of Health Preservation Is Not Exercise, Not Sleep, But One Word"

“The human heart is precarious, while the heart of the Way is subtle.”

As the ancients said, “The human heart is precarious, while the heart of the Way is subtle.” In life, one should aim for broad vision, but execution starts from the smallest details. The same goes for preserving one’s health.

The best way to stay healthy isn’t through supplements or sleep, but in doing one thing—moderation ("微" in Chinese, meaning subtle, slight, or minimal).

If you can maintain these three “micro” conditions, you’ll not only care for your body and mind but also live a calm and content life.

1. Slight Hunger

The ancients said: “Less leads to gain; more leads to confusion.”

Eating too much leads to illness.

Cheng Yanqiu, one of the Four Great Dan actors of the Republic era, lived a disciplined life but had a bad habit—he couldn’t eat a meal without meat.

Coming from a poor background and enduring hunger and beatings in his youth, Cheng developed an excessive appetite later in life. He could consume an entire pork knuckle and ten eggs in one meal.

Eventually, overeating led to obesity and severe heart problems, resulting in his early death—he was the youngest among the four but the first to pass away.

As the saying goes: “Overeating injures the stomach and intestines.”

The desire for taste is endless, but overindulgence only harms the body. Just like life needs space, so does your digestive system.

Leave some room in your stomach—eat till you're 70% full and keep 30% hunger. This is one of the best prescriptions for good health.

2. Slight Sweat

There’s a saying: “Everything should be in moderation; excess leads to disaster.”

This applies to exercise as well. Especially as we age, sweating excessively drains the body’s energy.

Research shows even just 10 minutes of activity per day can significantly extend life expectancy.

So exercise in moderation, ideally until you break a slight sweat.

Philosopher Liang Shuming, who lived to 95, once said, “I read and write every day and go out to exercise.” He started his day early, did light stretches, handled small chores, or practiced Tai Chi. Even into his 90s, he exercised indoors to keep warm, never overexerting himself.

Traditional medicine says: “Dispel toxins from inside and outside; let the body heal itself.”

A little sweat can help detox your body better than any supplement.

So, move regularly—do light chores or go for walks. Getting older doesn’t mean declining, and a little sweat each day keeps you feeling young.

3. Slight Foolishness

Once, a foolish man visited his relatives. The host prepared a delicious meal. After eating, the man praised the food and asked what made it so good. The host said, “Just some seasonings.”

The man, curious, insisted on tasting the raw seasonings. But after doing so, he was confused and frustrated—how could such salty, greasy, or sour things create a delicious meal?

Life is like cooking: it’s about balancing all flavors. Only after experiencing all of life’s bitterness and joy can you find true sweetness and surprises in between.

So don’t fuss over everything. Let things be.

As the saying goes: “Half foolish, half wise, half awake, half in a dream—that’s the way to be at peace.”

True health starts in the heart. A broad heart leads to well-being; a narrow one brings stress.

Be a happy “fool.” Act with clarity, but be tolerant and light-hearted. Don’t overthink. Let go, and you’ll find joy.

Final Thoughts

Academician Zhong Nanshan once said, “Longevity depends not on disease or aging, but on adopting the correct lifestyle.”

If you want a happy and healthy later life, start with the right habits:

Keep your stomach slightly hungry

Keep your body slightly sweaty

Keep your mind slightly foolish

These small steps build a fortress for your body and a shield for your soul—protecting you from illness and worry.

On the long journey of life, may you live each day mindfully and well—healthy in body, calm in heart, untroubled in spirit. Let’s grow old healthily, together.