“Fountain of youth “has always been seen as a Phrase used as a myth. Not anymore. Everyone wants to live a younger, stronger and healthier life. Did you ever imagine that a few tips can effectively help slow down the aging process and get you looking and feeling your best. It is usually a wholesome process where the body, mind and lifestyle play a role.
There are several causes discussed and researched for the process of aging which includes sun exposure, theory of free radicals and more. Stress is also a key factor; Stress can even cause anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight gain, fatigue and many other conditions that will surely make you look older than your age.
To control stress few general tips would include deep breathing, walking outside amid nature, practicing yoga, meditating or indulging in any other activity that can divert your thoughts from the stressful situation and help calm your mind. Several studies have shown that stress causes physical changes in the body that can accelerate aging. When you are under stress, hormonal changes occur that can cause blood pressure to rise and the heart to beat faster.
If you have difficulty controlling or managing stress, consult a specialist or seek out a support group.
SLEEP
7-8 hours of sleep every night helps one to relieve stress and repair the body physically too. Treat yourself to an occasional nap to help lower stress, improve the quality of your life and your skin. Less Sleep can take a real toll on your body, health and mind. One can wear a sleep and fitness tracker daily to allow monitor both the hours and quality of my sleep.
READING AND WRITING
Reading is a very good habit as one gets to know about new exciting happenings and clear many doubts in one’s mind. Your word is your wand if used well. Researchers have proved that regular reading helps the brain from shrinking with age.
LAUGHTER
Laughter is a documented prescription to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones and increases your happy hormones( serotonin,endorphin,dopamine) and increase disease-fighting cells (boosting immunity) which lead to a healthier life.“Laughter is the best medicine “as it is free, fun and everyone can do it.
YOGA
Yoga is a wholesome form of exercise where the mind and the body is involved , relaxes the body and mind, it stimulates hormones which are soothes one’s mind. Meditation especially has been proven to increase happy hormones which keep one looking young. Yoga has been practiced for several centuries with numerous health benefits as strengthening the immune system, increase flexibility, improve breathing, oxygenate the tissues, and relaxing oneself mentally and spiritually.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The brain is the most active organ in the body .It never stops working. New experiences and adventures excite one and all .It keeps the brain stimulated and also younger. Try doing something new in your life and increase the adrenaline gush.
Exercise Daily
Exercise is good for your body and mind. Regular exercise improves blood flow and keeps your skin healthy and vibrant (increasing blood circulation). It also regulates your hormones and promotes proper sleep.
Exercises have anti-inflammatory potential and decreases the risk of developing inflammatory diseases like heart disease and obesity, these are well documented research..
As one ages exercise combats the loss of stamina, muscle strength, balance and bone density which are very important to make one feel young. Activities that can help slow down the aging process are running, walking, dancing, cycling, gardening and even housework.
DIET
An overdose of free radicals in our bodies can cause cell damage. The aging process starts due to the oxidative stress (the effect of free radicals).A daily dose of good antioxidants protects the skin and cells from premature aging. Lemons, limes, oranges, papayas, pomegranate grapefruits are all loaded with vitamin C and A. Vitamin E also vital in Anti Aging in large quantities in fish, almonds, green vegetables and seeds.
DETOXIFICATION
A regular detoxification is necessary to cleanse the system. Ready detoxification kits are available which can be used on a regular basis.
EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation is commonly referred to as removal of dry skin cells and is considered to be one important technique that can resolve certain skin problems, increase blood circulation in the skin and encourage a smoother, more even-toned skin. From reducing blemishes and clogged pores to fading brown spots and brightening the skin, using facials scrubs, at-home peels and acid serums on a regular basis can truly transform your skin. Regular peels can also help exfoliate skin and give a long lasting sheen. Exfoliating masks are also very effective.
FACIALS
Facials are common aesthetic procedures which everyone likes. As the skin age’s metabolism slows down, resulting in tired and dull-looking skin. One of the many benefits of a facial is increasing circulation of blood and oxygen in the skin resulting in healthy, glowing skin. Go for the glow and schedule a facial treatment.
SUN PROTECTION
Did you ever know that sun is one of the major culprits in causing skin aging? Varied Studies indicate that 78% of the sun exposure we get in a lifetime is incidental exposure. You might think u never really go out in the sun, but just walking to your car, driving in your car or working near a window in your home or office will give you unnecessary UV damage. Windshields and windows do nothing to protect you from UV rays. A minimum of SPF 30 should be used every day, rain or shine, inside or out. When it is cloudy one has to use sunscreen.
These tips will help you slow the process of aging cannot reverse it.
In the forthcoming articles we shall discuss more secrets to reverse the aging process from simple cosmetics to medically accepted procedures to dip into the fountain of youth..