Look and Feel Your Age (And Not a Day Older!)

 We are all going to grow up, and we’re going to feel the effects of the years. But, that is not a bad thing, and there are many benefits that come with the maturity of your 30s, 40s, and beyond. This does not mean, however, that there aren’t things we can’t do to prevent aging faster than necessary. Here are some tips that can help you look and feel like the best version of yourself, no matter how many birthdays you have seen.

Eat right.

It may sound cliché, but food is truly what fuels us. And eating healthy is the best way to give your body what it needs to regenerate all the things that make you look and feel your very best. Prioritize “clean foods,” which are those that have been processed minimally, if at all. Chances are, you already have plenty of food in your pantry now that can support a healthy dietary routine. These might include rice, soups, cucumbers, or legumes.

If you are not big on cooking, you can find low-calorie and healthy options by using a convenient meal delivery service. These, along with grocery shopping services, can help keep you accountable to your diet without overspending. Before you commit to any one service, read the reviews to confirm it’s right for you.

 Wear sunscreen.

Wearing sunscreen might not be out of the ordinary, but it does have extraordinary benefits. Allure points to a recent study sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Skin Research Center that found that wearing sunscreen not only prevented sun damage but also had some reversing effect on things like wrinkles. And when your skin looks good, you feel better. If you can look in the mirror and see fewer lines and wrinkles, you’ll be less self-conscious about your appearance and better able to enjoy being in the skin you are in.

 Treat yourself.

 Speaking of appearance, many people find that taking care of how they look makes them feel exceptional. So, if you enjoy using products to enhance your appearance, definitely keep it up! In fact, Forbes has a wonderful list of products that you may want to try. And while edit splurging on beauty products may seem extravagant, there are definitely ways to save. For instance, if you shop at Ulta, you can use Ulta coupons to help make those purchases more manageable.

 Laugh every single day.

 The amount of laughter echoing through your hallways is a good indicator of how you feel age wise. Believe it or not, happiness can do everything from lower your risk of disease to encourage you to exercise and eat right. Griswold Home Care advocates laughing for seniors for its immune-boosting qualities. And, if nothing else, laughing triggers dopamine production, which is a natural way to stave off anxiety and depression.

 Exercise.

No list of ways to make your mind and body younger would be complete without a mention of exercise. Exercise has benefits that you can see and feel, including helping you maintain your weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and other health conditions. Plus, if you start exercising in your early to middle adult years, you’ll have stronger bones, which can protect you from accidents and injuries as your hair starts to gray.

As you can see, there are many ways to become a master of age. From eating right to exercising to wearing sunscreen, the above tips can help you do right by your body so that your body can do right by you.

If you’re looking for professional guidance and want an alternative to traditional therapy and life-coaching, connect with U-Nify, which offers an array of affordable programs (therapy workshops, wellness programs, etc.) that can help you feel your best.

**** Written by Dana Brown for Meridian Counseling.