Growing more concerned as the clock ticks on?
Aging is an inevitable part of life. While you can’t prevent it, there are definitely things that you can do to slow it down.
The smart people know this and use key strategies to their advantage. Let’s look at 5 habits that those who seem to defy aging have in common.
1. They Don’t Tan
The verdict is in and while tanning may temporarily cause you to gain that amber glow, over the long term, it’ll wreak havoc on your skin. Not only does it set you up for wrinkles and dark spots, but it also increases your risk of skin melanoma.
Whether you soak up the sun’s rays or make use of the UV light from a tanning bed, you’re accelerating the aging process.
Be Smart Tip: If you must tan, try a spray tan or a gradual self-tanning lotion.
2. They Don’t Exfoliate
Now, this one might come as a surprise to some as it’s often thought exfoliating will help renew the skin by removing the old skin cells that lack radiance.
Not so. While gentle exfoliating once in a while is fine, if this has become a near daily habit, you are constantly removing the protective barrier of your skin. Plus, it can lead to itchiness and rash.
Be Smart Tip: Limit exfoliation to once per week and make sure you are using a good moisturizer.
3. They Practice Stress Reduction Strategies
Stress. It’s named the silent killer for a reason. Too much stress in your life will definitely set you up for an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke but it also speeds up the aging process.
High-stress people have a weakened immune system and a lot of oxidative damage taking place. Since it’s your immune system that helps deal with all the daily wear and tear on your body, when it’s down, you simply aren’t recovering as quickly. Hence, aging happens.
Be Smart Tip: Take a hot bath, spend 15 minutes reading your favorite book, and turn into bed earlier. All are great stress reduction strategies that will pay off.
4. They Get Busy In The Bedroom
Okay, don’t get me wrong – physical activity in the gym or out is important. But right now, we’re talking about bedroom activity. Sex is one of the great joys in life that will not only combat stress (see above!) but also help reduce the signs of aging.
Sex can actually cause your body to release human growth hormone, which is a hormone that can help you look and feel younger.
Not to mention, it’s fun and will make you feel young at heart.
Be Smart Tip: If life is busy, plan time for sex. Light a few candles, cook a dinner in, and have a date night with your significant other. While it may not be as steamy and spontaneous as it was back in your 20’s, for some adults with kids, planning is a must or it just won’t happen.
5. They Skip the Cocktails
Is the Friday night cocktail you have planned the only thing getting you through the last part of your work week? If so, it’s time to find a new way to relax. Alcohol will speed up the aging process.
Not only can it cause wrinkles thanks to the fact it dehydrates the body, but it’s also a toxin that you’re putting in your system. As you get older, your body becomes less and less equipped to deal with these toxins.
Be Smart Tip: Sip some Kombucha. It’ll still be a special bubbly beverage that you can indulge in.
We can't completely pause the hands of time but these tips will help.
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. Please share this info. with your friends and I love to hear from you in the comments below.
