Written by Jori Hamilton, Guest Writer
Most of the time, when people start thinking about how to reduce the signs of aging, it’s because they’ve already noticed signs of aging. Maybe you’re seeing more gray hair or a few wrinkles in the mirror. Maybe it’s not about how you look, but about how you feel that makes you want to slow down the sands of time.
While it’s never “too late” to reduce some signs of aging once they’ve started, it’s better to be proactive about it. Maintaining a youthful appearance starts with prevention.
So, instead of looking for a quick fix, start incorporating daily habits into your life now. Doing so can start to slow down the physical aging process and leave you looking younger and healthier for many years to come.
Let’s cover a few of those daily tips that you can start taking advantage of right away.
You Are What You Eat
Your diet has a huge impact on your health. Most people recognize that when it comes to things like weight fluctuation, blood pressure, or diabetes. But, it can also impact your outward appearance. Simply put, some foods can make you look older:
- Sweets
- Alcohol
- Salt
- Processed meats
- Red meat
- Spicy foods
Eating these foods on occasion isn’t going to do much damage. But, they all affect the skin in some way, typically causing inflammation or dehydration. Instead, you should be focusing on a diet that is rich in superfoods and antioxidants. Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and garlic are all great options to include in your diet that can improve your overall health and your appearance.
You can even slow down the process of graying hair with the things you choose to eat. Inside your hair follicles are cells that produce melanin, giving your hair its natural color. Getting enough nutrients will encourage your body to keep producing melanin as you age. You can’t completely stop the graying process, but you can certainly stop it from happening so quickly with a diet rich in nutrients.
Finally, make sure you’re including plenty of water in your diet. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can look dull and discolored. Getting enough water will help to prevent that and can give you a youthful glow while improving your skin’s elasticity. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere, and you’ll always be reminded to drink.
Get Rid of Stress
Everyone experiences stress, no matter your age or situation. Some stress can actually be a good thing, but too much of it can wreak havoc on your mind and body. Some of the more serious health problems stress can cause include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetes
When it comes to aging, stress contributes by producing a hormone called cortisol. This hormone often leads to inflammation, which can leave your skin looking dull and old. It can also cause you to feel fatigued, which can give you a tired and “run-down” appearance.
There’s no way to completely get rid of stress. But, there are a few things you can do each day to keep it in check and limit it in your life. First, try to keep things around you organized and free from clutter. If your home is in a state of disorganized chaos, you might start to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Your environment should be a place of relaxation, so take time each day to tidy up. Cleaning can be a destresser, too, so pull out the broom!
Little things like exercising, eating healthy, journaling, and even meditating can all help with stress every day. Developing a routine can provide you with a sense of comfort, and ensure that you take care of yourself properly. Self-care might seem like a buzzword nowadays, but doing these things is truly one of the best ways to manage your stress levels.
The Practice of Protection
You can’t live in a bubble and not experience life – where’s the fun in that? But, there are environmental factors that could speed up the aging process. Some might be out of your control. Others, you can protect yourself from, and slow down that process without having to give up your way of life.
It’s no secret that we’re living in a polluted world. News about climate change and carbon emissions is unavoidable. But, that pollution in the air could be damaging your skin, causing age spots and wrinkles. The harmful UV rays from the sun can also do serious damage, contributing to deep wrinkles and sunspots.
You can protect yourself from the elements by covering up as much as possible. Wear long sleeves and pants to shield your skin when it’s cooler. During the warmer months of the year, invest in a powerful sunscreen and apply it 30 minutes before going outside. It’s also a good idea to protect your eyes with UV-blocking contact lenses. Not only are they good for your overall eye health, but they will reduce the brightness of the sun so you won’t have to squint as much to see outside – something that contributes to crows’ feet around the eyes.
Be aware of anti-aging treatments. Some of them work well, but others are nothing more than gimmicks. Some could even do more harm than good. If you’re considering a treatment, contact a qualified dermatologist first. They will be better suited to talk you through any process that involves your skin and can let you know about any potential risks.
It’s never too early to start thinking about slowing down the aging process. When you take a closer look at these daily tips, you’ll see that they’re nothing more than healthy habits you should be doing, anyway. There are so many additional benefits to de-stressing, protecting your body, and eating a nutrient-rich diet. The anti-aging effects are just the icing on the cake. So, if you not only want to look your best but feel your best for years to come, start working these tips into your life and focus on positive, healthy changes. For our male readers, to learn more about anti-aging solutions for men, check out this guide here.
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