We cannot change our birthday (or stop them from coming), as much as we may like! We do have the power to slow down the aging process with a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating healthy, working out on a regular basis, and making healthy habits a part of our day-to-day routine. When slowing the aging process, it is important to remember that the goal is long-term. You will likely never be able to quantify how a healthy lifestyle has helped you slow down the aging process, but you will feel great everyday.
A healthy lifestyle falls into three major categories: habits, foods, and exercise. Below we are tackling each of these aspects of a healthy lifestyle and things you can do within each category to start your healthy lifestyle. It is never too late or too early to start living a healthy lifestyle and the benefits go far beyond slowing the aging process. Take a look at these suggestions and incorporate one into your day starting today!
HABITS
Daily Stretching
This habit can be incorporated with your daily exercise routine, but is a great habit to have to not only slow the aging process, but also to improve your daily life. Stretching can help reduce pain that you may experience in your neck or back from sitting for extended periods of time and improve your circulation. This becomes especially important as you get older and starting to build a foundation now will help your body as you age.
Full Night of Rest
When was the last time you got eight hours of sleep? Though the amount of sleep needed varies from individual to individual, finding your sweet spot and getting a full night of rest is a habit that you can begin now that will help you throughout the rest of your life. Sleep is the time when your body is able to recover and recharge.
Quit Unhealthy Habits
One healthy habit includes giving up your unhealthy habits. Each individual has their own habits that they struggle to let loose. Whether it is watching too much TV, giving into your sweet tooth, or smoking cigarettes, focusing on slowing the aging process is best accomplished by giving up unhealthy habits, alongside creating new, healthy habits.
FOOD
Eating a clean, healthy diet is crucial to your long-term health. If you are not sure where to begin, start with superfoods. These are naturally occuring foods that are jam-packed with nutrients to boost your health and slow the aging process. Blueberries, avocado, nuts, and fish are a few of the foods you should consider picking up on your next grocery trip. Superfoods can be enjoyed alone as a snack or incorporated into a meal. Find the healthy foods you love and eat clean for a life of slowed aging and enhanced health.
EXERCISE
There are three aspects of exercise that are most important to remember when slowing the aging process with a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate a balance of all of these aspects and you will be on your way to a long, healthy, fulfilling life!
1. Heart Pumping Exercise for heart health.
2. Strength Training to fight against muscle loss that accelerates with age.
3. Challenging Your Body with new exercises to stimulate your mind and body.