When it comes to aging, well, most of us know it’s inevitable. However, you do have control over whether age is accompanied by poor health, sore muscles and joints, and a quick-diminishing appearance.
There are many easy keys to aging gracefully—including staying active, eating right, and protecting your skin from sun damage—and better yet, they are all within your control.
So what are you waiting for? Incorporate the following ten tips into your life and enjoy the gorgeous, healthy ride into old age.
1. Get Your Beauty Sleep
You don’t want to miss out on life by sleeping through it. However, there are many benefits to getting adequate beauty rest. So ensure you’re sleeping well, and getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night—more when you are ill and your immune system is low.
2. Stay Hydrated
One easy way to remain youthful is to sip from nature’s elixir, and by that, I mean drink plenty of water. Simple H20 will prevent dry skin, wrinkles, and ensure your hair, nails, and skin remain soft and supple, in addition to keeping your organs and digestive system running efficiently. Plus, those who sip water or herbal teas regularly flush their bodies with stressful, age-causing toxins.
3. Eat Fresh As Much As Possible
A diet rich in fresh, local fruits and vegetables is one that will keep you young and healthy. Studies show that those who consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies suffer less oxidative damage (due to environmental toxins). Plus, both fruits and veggies contain plenty of antioxidants, which reverse the signs of aging.
4. Wear Sun Protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a nice wide-brimmed hat on a hot day will do wonders for your skin by protecting it from harmful UV rays. While exposure to some sunlight is healthy (offering mood-enhancing Vitamin D), simultaneously protecting your skin—particularly the eyes and face—will reduce the chances of wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking ages us a lot! But you likely already knew that. Not only does addiction to sucking back the cigarettes increase your chances of cancer; it can also cause heart disease, high blood pressure, and breathing difficulties, which all considerably age the body.
6. Exercise Regularly
You don’t have to join an expensive gym to get a decent amount of exercise. In fact, staying active can be as easy as taking the dog for daily walks, leaving the car parked to do your errands, playing you’re your kids more often or distressing while you move with a regular yoga class. Not only will an active lifestyle increase your energy levels; it will keep you looking and feeling young.
7. Skip the Refined Sugar
A diet high in refined sugars—the sweeteners you consume in processed snacks, soda, and baked goods—will greatly reduce your energy levels and your longevity. Instead, seek sweetness from natural sources, such as fresh fruits, honey, real maple syrup in moderation, and use other spices (i.e., cinnamon) to heighten your taste sensation.
8. Moisturize Regularly
I make a point of putting moisturizer all over my body immediately following a shower or bath. Regular moisturizing will do wonders for the smoothness and elasticity of your skin. Leaving it protected against wrinkles and scaring, and keeping it soft and touchable.
9. Eat Good Fats
There are good fats and then there are bad fats. It just so happens that the fats you get from avocados, olive oil, nuts, coconut, and fatty fish (i.e., like salmon and tuna) are really good for you and your skin. Beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will infuse your skin, hair, and nails with the necessary vitamins and nutrients to keep them glowing.
10. Focus on the Positive
There is something said about those who take a “glass-is-half-full” position in life—they are happy. And the more you smile and focus on the positive; the more you avoid stress, banish drama, and remain looking and feeling younger than you’re actual number age.
