They say age is just a number and some people feel forever young. But how do they do it? When your body begins to age and you aren’t able to perform the way you once were, how do you keep a young mental and physical state of mind? Read on for some tips on lifestyle changes you can make now to guarantee you age with grace and live life to the fullest.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a worldwide epidemic. People can actually die from chronic stress due to the negative impact it has on the body. Stress can cause health complications including heart disease, cancer, suicide, and liver and lung ailments. Stress also takes a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Chronic stress leads to anxiety and potential panic attacks. It can also interfere with your relationships and even work.
When possible, reduce and eliminate stress from your life. Identify your stress triggers and come up with ways to combat these. If you get stressed toward the first of the month when all your bills are due, try creating a budget that helps you save and spend money more wisely. Are your kids or romantic partner causing you stress? Therapists and other resources can help improve communication and provide tools for creating healthier relationships. If you have a high-stress job, perhaps changing careers is in your best interest. Understanding the stressors in your life is the first step in handling them and reducing their effect on you and your life.
Remain Active
Exercise can truly be the key to happiness and longevity. Not only does regular exercise help you remain healthy but it also releases feel good endorphins that will consistently leave a smile on your face! And you don’t have to frequent the gym everyday to reap the benefits of regular exercise. Remaining active simply means that – not sitting on the couch or succumbing to laziness.
This behavior can lead to a long list of mental and physical health complications from isolation and depression to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Keep your lungs and heart healthy by engaging in a brisk walk outdoors. Fresh air offers its own benefits too! You can also take up a new, healthy hobby like gardening or yoga. Even simple changes like taking the stairs or parking farther away from the grocery store can lead to improved health and a clearer, more positive mindframe.
Love Yourself and Others
It simply feels good to be loved and show that love to others. Love is infectious. When you have love in your life, everything seems better. The sun is brighter, the air is fresher, and you have a pep in your step. Welcoming love into your life is one of the best ways of remaining young and happy.
The first step in doing this is to acknowledge that you are deserving of love. Some people suffering from low self esteem trick themselves into thinking they don’t deserve love. Everyone deserves love! And the more you accept love into your life, the better equipped you’ll be to give it and to make and maintain healthy relationships.
Another important component of this is a healthy sex life. Having sex improves your mood, boosts your confidence, and can even help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
Fuel Your Body
Fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at optimum levels is one of the most important components of living a long, healthy life. Reducing your intake of processed foods, foods high in sugar and saturated fat all lower your risk of developing health complications like diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and even some cancers.
Choose foods rich in antioxidants, protein, fiber, and all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to run efficiently. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins should all be staples in your diet. But this doesn’t mean eating needs to be tasteless and boring. In fact, using fresh and even organic produce means less preservatives entering your body.
Get creative and try different recipes. Creating a colorful plate can actually make it more appetizing. But fueling your body also means drinking plenty of water and making small, healthy indulgences in moderation. Some of the best indulgences for your body are red wine and dark chocolate.
Fuel Your Mind 
A healthy body is only half the battle when it comes to feeling young. You need to maintain a healthy, strong mind as well. This can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. Practicing mindfulness and meditation are perfect ways to keep your mind centered and sharp.
Take a few moments each morning to sit quietly and connect your mind and body. When you’re aware of how you’re feeling, you can more easily tap into your individual needs and see them through. Yoga is another great activity that offers both mental and physical benefits. It’s okay to be a little selfish sometimes. When it comes to mental health, engaging in activities and hobbies that you enjoy will inadvertently reduce stress and make you a more patient and active participant in all other areas of your life.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Surrounding yourself with likeminded people is a huge step in the right direction toward a long, happy life. Negativity fuels stress and we already discussed the negative impacts stress has on your mental and physical health. Negative people may also cause you to question yourself, including your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Surround yourself with people that lift you up, encourage and motivate you, and love you for exactly who you are.
If someone in your immediate circle is trying to change you or constantly questioning and criticizing your choices and lifestyle, they have no place in your life. This isn’t always an easy realization to make but it’s an important one. You need to eradicate negativity from your life. If someone is meant to be a part of your life, they’ll make their way back in a more positive way.
Life’s too short to waste it being unhappy or unhealthy. In order to live your best life and remain young, it’s important to fuel all aspects of your life and body, from head to toe.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
