Every trip around the sun is to be enjoyed and treated as the gift it is. Keep reading to find out my secrets to aging well and a sneak peak at my wellness reset practice.
With age comes wisdom, experience, and memories. I don't know one person that doesn't want to prolong their life and quality of life for as long as possible! While we can't stay young forever, we can incorporate a few lifestyle changes that help minimize the signs of aging.
Here are a few tips to keep you feeling your best, no matter your age.
Cut Down on the Sugar
There are so many reasons we should limit our sugar consumption, but you can also add aging to the list. Sugar attaches to proteins in the bloodstream and damages them through a process known as glycation. Two of the proteins affected are collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping your skin plump, glowy, and looking youthful. Not to mention the havoc it can wreak on your systems, it's best to keep the sugar intake low for a multitude of reasons.
Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
Inflammation isn't just something we get when we're hurt or sick— many of us have chronic, low-grade inflammation that can cause damage to the body over time. Foods such as leafy green veggies, fatty fish (think salmon and mackerel), and nuts contain anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the signs of aging. Some herbs, such as thyme and basil, also are anti-inflammatory. Avoid inflammatory foods, such as sugar and processed foods. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a risk factor for many lifestyle-related conditions, which you certainly are trying to avoid.
Load Up on Antioxidants
Our cells undergo damage from the environment. Compounds known as free radicals, accumulate in our bodies and cause oxidative stress which damages DNA and cells. Over time, this damage leads to signs of aging. Antioxidants in fruits, veggies, and other whole foods neutralize these free radicals and prevent DNA and cell damage. Try having some mixed berries as snacks or in your breakfast. Dark, leafy greens, Russet potatoes, red bell peppers, and apples also contain many antioxidants, but you won't go wrong with any fruits and veggies.
Eat Enough Protein
As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass. Muscles need protein to grow and remain strong, which is why including enough protein in all of your meals is essential for longevity. Try adding proteins such as lean meats, fish, or plant-based options such as beans and legumes. Nourishing your muscles is especially important as you age because it helps you stay active and functional, allowing you to go out, have fun, and explore.
Take Care of Your Digestion
A healthy digestive system is critical for our overall health and wellbeing, but it also helps slow down aging. What you put into your body has to come out, and if the digestive system isn't doing an excellent job at removing waste, accumulated toxins are going to have a difficult time leaving your body. This can lead to a dull, congested complexion, skin issues, and even wrinkles. Drink enough water, eat a diet full of whole foods, and take probiotics to ensure your body eliminates waste and toxins regularly.
Now that you have a good understanding of the secrets of aging well, check out a few ideas below for how you can do a wellness reset and start improving your wellbeing.
Wellness Reset
Aging is something we can start to prepare for at any time, but how do we start? Sometimes, all we need is a fresh clean slate. It's never too late to reset your habits and start building new ones. Here are some ways to reset your wellness habits and start improving your wellbeing from every aspect.
Social Wellness
After the past year, having a social life seems like an imaginary concept. Now that life is getting back to normal, it's time to start rebuilding some of those social habits, whether it's through a video call or a safe in-person get-together. Check up on your family and friends, call them, and ask how they're doing. Make a habit of reaching out to them regularly. It will not only help your relationships, but it will also improve your mental wellbeing. Set aside some time in your calendar so that you don't forget.
Intellectual
One of the best ways to improve your intellectual wellness is to read more books. Read books about your hobbies, how-to books, fictional books, non-fiction books— whatever you enjoy. Make a habit of reading for at least 5-10 minutes each day. Set aside the time, whether it's before bed, on public transportation, or during your lunch break, and get those readings done. Books will teach you new things, help you discover new hobbies, and improve your creativity and imagination.
Physical
Physical wellness habits are common, but not all of them focus on your wellbeing. It's easy to get swept away in the diet mindset, but try something different this time. Instead of making a goal to lose 'X' amount of weight, focus on taking care of your body. Move your body daily, even if it's a short walk around the block. Eat healthy whole foods such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Whatever your physical goals may be, make sure you put your health first and don't be hard on yourself. Everything flows much easier that way!
Emotional
Emotional wellness can be a difficult aspect to work on because it requires a lot of self-reflection. You don't need to be cheery and optimistic all the time— emotional wellness means that you know how to understand, process, and work through your emotions, bad and good. Try journaling every day to write down how you're feeling and where those emotions came from. Over time, you will communicate these emotions more clearly and work through them instead of suppressing them.
Spiritual
You don't need to have any religious or spiritual beliefs to tend to your spiritual wellness. Spiritual wellness is all about creating deeper connections with the earth, with yourself, or with a higher power that you believe in. Meditation is a proven way to decrease stress, increase mindfulness and gratefulness, and have many other wellness benefits. Start with a few minutes each day, and build it up once you feel comfortable.
Occupational
Work can either be a passion and joy or unsatisfying and unfulfilling. Spoiler alert— it should be the former. Whether you make more time for other aspects of your life by improving your work/life balance or find a side passion project that fulfills you, try to improve your occupational wellbeing somehow.
Environmental
It's not always easy or possible to control our environment, but try your best to situate yourself in an uplifting and inspiring place. This includes not only the physical place but also the people in it. If you are in a negative environment, try to get outside and in nature at least once a day. Nature is always grounding and will help you clear your mind.
Taking stock of every aspect of your life can help you see some imbalances, notice what needs some focus, and will help you consistently lead a well-balanced life. Having a wellness reset may also make aging inadvertently a little easier as we all try to live and feel our best.
Let me know in the comment section below your best tips for feeling great.
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