15 Keys to Living Long and Looking Young
Did you ever wonder why some people age more quickly, fall ill, or die younger than others? You may blame in on hereditary conditions, but what if your habits weigh more on how you age than anything else? The wrinkles creeping in, that awful joint pain, the feeling that coffee is needed just to get through the day; we have compiled tips based on various research and sources to guide you to living your happiest, healthiest, stress-free life.
1. Sleep a minimum of 7 hours every night
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- A study in 2021 from Columbia University revealed research on two separate groups. One group of people operating with more sleep and and the other operating with less sleep. Data showed high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in the group of people who were sleeping less. When sleep deprived, a 10-30minute power nap is beneficial to rejuvenate your energy during the day.
2. Limit caffeine and alcohol use
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- Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating your organs resulting in wrinkles and aging the body faster. Limiting consumption will only benefit you in the long run.
3. Moisturize the skin
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- The skin is your biggest organ and it needs love too! Take care of the skin on both your body and face by cleaning your body and face daily, and utilizing moisturizers, face masks, eye creams, oils. It’s the best maintenance.
4. Apply SPF to your skin
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- Protect your skin from harmful UV rays the sun gives.
5. Stay physically active
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- Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Exercises can be as simple as just getting your body moving, whether it be walking or yoga. Weight lift in the gym or dance. The key is to keep the body moving, blood flowing, and maintaining a healthy weight.
6. Drink water
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- Studies show 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. You may drink 1 cup or 1 bottle of water and think that’s all you need That helps but the typical adult body requires half its body weight in ounces. For example, if I weigh 150 lbs. the ounces in water I should drink daily is 75. Proper hydration is the key to longevity
7. Take supplements
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- Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones strong and reduce bone loss. Vitamin B12, which can help keep nerve and blood cells healthy, make DNA and prevent anemia. Overall vitamins can provide the body with extra nutrients that may be missing from your diet.
8. Have more sex
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- Staying sexually active can: lower stress, help with vibrant skin, boost libido, improve bladder control in women, keeps the immune system up, boost your mood and even sleep.
9. Don’t smoke
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- Smoking is another habit that will dehydrate your skin, and the CDC confirms smoking causes the following: cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
10. Add healthier foods into your diet
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- Eating well can do so much good for the body including immune and muscle support, strengthen bones, and lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers.
11. Manage stress
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- Simple activities like meditating or journaling can greatly lower stress and anxiety. Treating yourself to a massage or even traveling on a much needed vacation are also known to help manage any tension or distress you may be dealing with.
12. Keep your friends circle small
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- People pleasing or keeping toxic energy around you does not do any good. Limit the people you surround yourself with to keep the stress down.
13. Limit sugar intake
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- Unnecessary doses of sugar can increase inflammation, weight gain, and even diabetes.
14. Keep working but not too hard
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- When working, whether it is from home or at the office, be sure to take tiny breaks in between. Get outside for fresh air, watch an episode of your favorite tv show, play video games, etc.
- Take that much needed vacation after working hard for so long. Travel somewhere you’ve never been or visit one of your favorite places, or whatever vacation may mean to you.
15. Keep your brain sharp
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- Play video games, card games, word search, sudoku, solitaire, even learn a new language! These activities are like cross-training your brain. Anything to maintain active cells and increase effectiveness.
