When you were a kid, I’ll bet you couldn’t WAIT to get older.
Do you remember the freedom of college, living in a dorm room, or your own apartment back when you were a teenager…
The endless world of opportunities that were at your feet in your twenties….
But by the time you hit your thirties, something changed.
You became so busy that you could only daydream about doing the things you love.
Now fast forward to 2021.
Where did the time go?
We all ask ourselves this question eventually…
But why not feel like the effects of aging are in reverse regardless?
I’ve put together five tips that will help you look and feel younger no matter what age you are right now:
Forever Young Tip #1: Start your day with a stretch.
Weird aches and pains are our body’s way of letting us know we’re getting older. The water content in our connective tissue (like our ligaments and tendons) decreases, resulting in reduced elasticity and flexibility.
Stretching regularly will help combat tension and achy joints. For best results, focus on your neck, back, shoulders, and hips.
Forever Young Tip #2: Help others.
Kinda counterintuitive, but it works.
Over the course of one study, researchers found that regular volunteers actively reduced their chance of death by 24%.
Feeling useful by being of service to others may cause “feel good” hormones—oxytocin and progesterone—to flood your brain and help reduce stress and inflammation.
Forever Young Tip #3: Blend up this “golden glow” smoothie.
You need a diet rich in inflammation-fighting antioxidants if you want to live a life full of energy and vitality.
And a great way to boost your intake is with a healthy, veggie-packed smoothie:
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- ¼ cup ice
Blend up the ingredients and serve smooth.
Forever Young Tip #4: Don’t skimp on sleep.
If you’re sleep deficient, you’ll look a lot less healthy, less attractive, and struggle with fatigue and even sadness.
I could talk about how amazing sleep is for looking and feeling younger than you ever thought possible, but this email would never end.
So let’s cut to the chase:
Aim for 7-9 hours and never less than 6 hours of quality sleep. One of the best ways to ensure you get enough is to stick to a sleep schedule—wake up and go to bed at the same time every day (weekends included).
Forever Young Tip #5: Think “younger.”
Your mind is more powerful than you think.
One study found that people who felt three or more years younger than their actual age lived longer than those who felt their age or older.
So let your hair down!
Challenge yourself to learn and try new things, live in the moment, and spend time with those you love.
I hope those tips help you squeeze a little more juice out of your life.
And remember:
Age is just a number 😉
To your health,
Sandra Wright
Assistant to Dr. Chasan
