You may be surprised at how easy it is to change your habits and begin looking and feeling younger. There is no escaping growing older, but if you want to age gracefully, it is important that you take good care of your body and mind.
1. Exercise
Proper exercise is one of the most important ways to keep yourself in shape so that you look more youthful. Exercise not only helps you control your weight, but it keeps your muscles toned and strengthens your heart. Keeping your weight under control helps keep extra pressure off your knees, back and skeletal system. Brisk walking or strenuous exercise releases powerful endorphins in the brain, which make you feel happier and more energetic. Gentle stretches will help keep your muscles limber and your joints lubricated with natural fluids. Lifting light weights will help you keep your muscles strong, healthy and toned. Exercise is one of the best things you can do to preserve your youth.
2. Water
Fresh, clean water is the healthiest beverage people can drink. Most physicians recommend that people drink 8 to 10 full glasses of water each day to rehydrate the body and flush out toxins. If the water in your area is known to have contaminants, it is best to drink filtered or bottled water. Dehydration can be dangerous, and can affect virtually every part of the body; therefore, it is vital that you drink plenty of water every day to keep that young glowing look. Of all the anti-aging tools, water is one of the best.
3. Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables, particularly raw or steamed, are extremely healthy. They are full of vitamins and minerals, and are known to help decrease inflammation in the body. Some of the healthiest veggies are dark leafy greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, tomatoes and bell peppers. Maintaining a healthy diet heavy in fresh fruits and vegetables can help eliminate buildup of free radicals in the body. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, papaya, guava and melons also include antioxidants, which help the body fight off disease and brittle bones.
4. Vitamins
It is important to take vitamin supplements like calcium to keep bones strong and iron to keep the blood rich. Folic acid is crucial, especially for pregnant women, because it helps prevent birth defects, and also helps with cell development and heart health. Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, potassium helps control blood pressure and Vitamin A and Zinc are good for the immune system. Vitamin B complex addresses a plethora of body functions, and together these vitamins help keep people looking and feeling younger.
5. Skin Care
Vitamin C supplements can help the skin as well by assisting in the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps keep the skin firm and feeling younger. Lotion is excellent for keeping skin moisturized and supple. It helps eliminate discolorations andscaly, itchy patches. Water helps skin look healthy by keeping it hydrated. Women should be careful what makeup they use, and make sure they use brands that do not cause allergies.
6. Get rid of Bad Habits
Getting rid of bad habits will help keep you feeling younger. Stop smoking and watch how much deeper you can breathe and how much more exercise you can endure. Excessive alcohol use is not good for the body; therefore, limiting the use of alcoholic beverages is the key to looking and feeling better. Lack of sleep can wear the body down, but making sure you get adequate sleep is another good anti-aging tool.
Laughter is healthy for the body, and also works to release endorphins. A happy disposition does wonders to help preserve youth. Making sure you spend adequate leisure time enjoying the company of friends or simply relaxing will also help keep you feeling younger.
