If you’re like most adults, you may not spend a lot of time worried about aging until the first telltale signs start to catch up with you; hair loss and the appearance of wrinkles are two prominent examples. Fortunately, it’s not too late. Follow these ten anti-aging tips to turn back the hands of time.
Tip #1: Stop stress before it stops you.
Whether it’s a high-pressure job or anxieties over finances and family, nothing ages your body faster than a stress-filled life. And while you can’t always control the sources of stress, learning to manage them will reduce your risk of everything from heart disease and stroke to depression and eczema. No matter how busy your day is, set aside time to unwind: take a quick walk, hit the gym, read a short story or practice deep breathing exercises.
Tip #2: Get active.
Regular exercise matters. Just thirty minutes of exercise, three times a week can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce stress and cut your risk of cancer.
Tip #3: Eat right.
It’s true: you are what you eat. From anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables to heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, a diet of cancer-fighting, age-defying foods can help reverse some of the damage that may have occurred over the course of your youth.
Tip #4: Sleep eight hours.
Between professional and family commitments finding time to rest may seem impossible. Sleeping eight hours every night will help sharpen your mind and help you to tackle life’s daily challenges, and also will help stop the breakdown of skin-firming collagen.
Tip #5: Don’t smoke.
As if the increased risk for cancer and heart disease weren’t bad enough, smoking destroys the lining of your blood vessels, causing them to constrict and starve your skin of vital nutrients. This often results in premature wrinkling.
Tip #6: Basic body maintenance goes a long way.
Just because you’re losing hair on top doesn’t mean you should let hair sprout up in other undesirable locations. From unsightly nostril hair to an unwanted patch on your back or a few stray hairs on your ear, bring out the scissors or call in a professional waxing technician and clean them up! Keeping up general maintenance of your body will make you feel better, and younger!
Tip #7: Use sunscreen.
Sun exposure causes fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and skin cancer. Applying sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do for your skin. Use a daily moisturizer that includes SPF 15, and slather on at least SPF 30 (more if you are fair skinned) before spending the day outside.
Tip #8: Grooming products are your friends.
They don’t have to cost a fortune, but investments in a quality razor, aftershave, and moisturizing eye cream will protect your skin and fight wrinkles.
Tip #9: Dress your age.
Nothing ages you faster than wearing clothes that look like they belong in the kid’s department, or even worse, like they came from your Grandfather’s sweater vest collection. Invest in quality clothing that fits right, and don’t be afraid to take things to the tailor.
Tip #10: Whiten your smile.
A daily coffee and diet coke habit can really catch up with you. Take a few years off of your smile with inexpensive, over-the-counter whitening strips.
