Each year you celebrate your birthday, and you add one more year to your time on this earth.
Aging is something that you can’t avoid, no matter how hard you try – but you can do something to make the process easier on you. In fact, aging can be a time of revelation and great personal growth, with a lot of wisdom gained. If you would like more information about what steps you can take to ease the process of aging, start with the tips in this article.
Use olive oil and remember fat does not equal bad. Oils have gotten a bad rap in the past few decades but oils are essential to our health. The trick is to stay away from “fake” fats like trans fats. The use of olive oil has many heart healthy benefits so don’t shy away from using it. Try making your own salad vinaigrette’s of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Most importantly, make sure you eat a balanced diet. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, fiber and whole grain and keep fats and cholesterol to a minimum. Eating this way ensures that your body is getting the nutrients it needs. There is a connection between lower calorie intake an living longer
Don’t get swallowed up by guilt. Guilt is a big enemy to healthy aging. As humans live longer lives, there is more and more to look back on and regret. But the exact opposite is true, too. There are more and more things for you to reminisce about in a positive way, as well. Don’t mull negatively over the past, as it can only hurt your health for the future.
For healthy aging, consider grazing over six smaller meals, instead of three big ones. Studies have shown that this helps your body absorb more nutrients, control its weight and decrease the potential for heartburn. In fact, some studies have shown that eating the same amount of calories in six smaller meals has led to considerable weight loss!
Make sure you’re keeping hydrated. Your body relies heavily on water and if you’re not getting enough of it, your skin is the first part of your body to suffer. This can lead to dry, lifeless skin and premature wrinkles. Not only that, but it can lead to internal problems as well. So make sure you’re drinking enough water each day!
As well as eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated, a little exercise goes a long way. As we age, we tend to lose our aerobic capacity, flexibility and muscle tone. So the answer is quite simple; spend a little time each day doing exercise.
A 30 minute walk will do wonders! And a little stretching exercise will help, especially after the walk. Some easy yoga is a great way to do that. As far as muscle tone goes, some small weights or resistance bands are easy to set up and use.
Stress will also shorten your lifespan. Take some time out to just stop for a short while. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes and simply breathe slowly and quietly. One breathing exercise that works well is to breathe on a 4Count. Breathe in for Four. Hold for Four. Breathe out for Four. Hold for Four. And repeat.
As you start to do the 4Count will find it starts to happen easily. Then start to notice tension in the muscles. Especially the shoulders and scalp. Let the shoulders slump. Feel the tension go. Let the scalp muscles loosen and lengthen.
Then just sit and enjoy the moment. If any thought creep into your head, just let them drift away… Imagine you are sitting along side a river and as the thought comes, like a leaf on a river, the current just takes it away.
It is a time to really be thoughtless. Focus on two words: Nothing Matters. After a while, allow the eyes to open and you will be surprised at just how relaxed and good you feel.
Sleep is another important factor. It is a time for the mind to relax and process the days information. It is also a time for the body to repair and rejuvenate. If you find sleep difficult, cut down the intake of caffeinated beverages, such as; coffee and tea, and especially beverages containing caffeine. Also try that 4Count, focus on relaxing the muscles from scalp to toes, (or toes to scalp), and remember… Nothing Matters!
Many times we are guilty of not wearing sunscreen, but this is one of the main factors in skin aging. The effects of sun damage can take years to develop and the years spent sunbathing at the beach when we were young will come back to haunt you. So make it a point to always wear sunscreen, healthy skin depends on it.
And don’t forget to laugh, dance and sing!