Genes influence how your body ages, but it’s not the only factor that impacts the process. The amount of stress you can handle, your environment, nutrition, lifestyle, and immunity all play a significant role.
The National Institute of Health states that most of these factors are well within your control. This means you can develop habits that help you age gracefully. Adopting these five habits will help you prolong your youth.
1. Stimulate Your Brain
People have always believed that mental decline is inevitable as you age, but research has proven that brain-stimulating activities such as meditation can slow down the process, sometimes even reverse it. It does not matter how old you are when you start, as long as you do it.
Even at 70 and 80, dramatic improvements are evident. Playing games such as puzzles or starting a blog is a great way to stimulate your brain.
2. Get Moving
Do you work out? It might be a good time to start if you haven’t. A study on older adults who worked out regularly showed that their physiological functionality was as good as that of young people.
Their stress levels were lower, and their weight was healthy. If you need TRT treatment, ask your doctor about the best exercises to start. Anything good for your body is even better for your skin. You will feel and look younger if you work out. Walking, aerobics, dancing, and cycling are excellent places to start.
3. Get Some Sun
Vitamin D helps maintain your immune system, promotes calcium absorption, protects against certain types of cancers, and regulates cell growth.
You can get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish, and fortified milk but you walking around the block on a sunny day will get your moving, and pumped up with vitamins.
Twenty minutes of sun is all you need to stock up on the recommended 400-800 vitamin D IU you need for the day. Smell the flowers, walk your dog, or simply marvel at nature as you get your daily dose of vitamin D.
4. Remember Your Hands
Most people are keen to take care of their face with sunscreen and anti-aging creams. But your hands can betray you with wrinkles and spots if you forget to care for them.
Your hands and face receive the most sun and are prone to age faster. As you apply your anti-aging scream and sunscreen on your face, apply some on your hands as well.
5. Find a Job You Enjoy
When you think about it, you spend more time at work than you do at home. Which makes it vital that you enjoy what you do. If you dread going to work, then it’s time to switch things up.
Paychecks are great, but ask yourself if they are worth the unhappiness? A job you love reduces stress, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles; all factors that contribute to aging.
6. Watch Your Plate
Nutrition is a significant factor in how gracefully you age. According to doctors, a nutritious diet must consist of low-glycemic, high-fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Your diet should contain plant-based foods such as nuts and omega-3 fatty acids, but you can have some wine as long as you do it in moderation.
Cut down on salt and increase your fish intake to twice a week. Your diet will help your skin remain healthy and wade off diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and even premature death. Sugary foods, carbs, and fatty meals will speed up aging so avoid them at all costs.
7. Get Enough Sleep
We live in a fast-paced world where people are always on the move. You might know that you need to catch some zzz’s for at least seven to nine hours, but most people don’t follow through. The National Sleep Foundation says that not sleeping enough increases obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
If you are unable to sleep seven to nine straight hours, be sure to catch a nap during the day. Power naps refresh your body and increase your energy. As you sleep, your body releases growth hormones that restore collagen and elastin, which are essential in keeping your looks young and youthful.
8. Reduce Alcohol Intake and Quit Smoking
Smoking and drinking are known causes of diseases but what most people don’t realize is they also contribute significantly to premature aging.
Smoking is especially not easy to quit, but you can find resources that will help you in your journey. For instance, stay away from triggers.
Limiting your alcohol intake to recommended amounts will help you avoid diseases. Men can take up to two drinks while women should limit their intake to one drink a day.
9. Hydrate as Much as Possible
Drinking enough water helps you regulate your hormones, keeps your organs healthy, improves your brain function, and keeps your skin healthy.
How much water you drink depends on how thirsty you are, your activity level, how much you sweat, and your bowel movements. Generally, doctors advise drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.
9. Extra Care for Your Teeth
Did you know that your smile can age? Not caring for your teeth will not only give you gum disease but age your smile. Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease, bacterial pneumonia, and stroke.
The American dental association advocates visiting dentists regularly because they can spot signs of nutritional deficiencies, cancer, and other illnesses such as diabetes and infections. Brush twice a day, floss, and rinse your mouth properly.
Aging is not to be dreaded. It’s a natural process that we must all go through. Though it is inevitable, you can slow down the process naturally and look younger and longer.
Take responsibility for your health, and remain happy. You can start your journey with one small action in the right direction and pick it up from there. Incorporating this great habit will go a long way in helping you look and feel younger.