No one ever said that getting older was easy, but there are several things you can do to make the process more of a celebration. Here are nine habits worth adopting that will make you look and feel your best – at any age.
1. Stay active.
A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity three to four times a week can do wonders for your heart, mind and mood.
2. Get your rest.
Not getting enough of sleep (6.5 hours or less) puts you at a higher risk for mental and physical problems, including depression, ADHD, increased blood pressure, stroke, heart failure and diabetes.
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3. Adjust your diet.
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Making a few simple changes in your diet, such as adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing your water intake and cooking with olive oil instead of butter can improve your overall health.
4. Develop good skin habits.
Once you reach a particular age, your skincare regimen should include products that contain anti-oxidants, peptides, and retinol to help reverse some of the signs of aging. If aging is a concern of yours, consider adding anti-aging products to your skincare regimen in your twenties. You’ll be glad you did.
5. Stay social.
Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting lonelier. The power of human contact is not to be underestimated. Whether it’s spending time with your grandchildren, keeping in touch with old friends over the phone, or joining a club as a way to meet new people, human interaction can have a positive effect on your overall health and being.
6. Cut back on the alcohol.
As a rule of thumb, men and women older than age 65 shouldn’t drink any more than two glasses of alcohol a day, no more than one glass for women.
7. Keep your mind sharp.
The older we get, the more important it becomes for us to challenge our brains. Take it upon yourself to learn something new every day. Also, participating in mind-sharpening games likes puzzles, brainteasers, and riddles allows you to exercise your mental skills and can even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. If you really want to challenge your mind, consider learning a new language. It’s never too late.
8. Laugh … a lot.
That’s right. Laughter really is the best medicine. Aside from being an excellent stress reliever, laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts your energy, improves the function of blood vessels, increases your blood flow and relaxes your muscles.
9. Live and let live.
Don’t get all worked up about the things you can’t change or control – aging is one of those things. Instead of worrying about your flaws, focus on the positive. Need a little push in the right direction? Think about all the wisdom and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the years, the amazing places you’ve traveled to and people you’ve met, the beautiful memories you’ve made, and the fact that you’ve been blessed to live another day. It’s all about perspective.
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