Anti-Aging is a Lifestyle: There is no Magic Pill that will Stop
the Clock
By Tabb Stacy
Let me first start off by saying that the term “anti
aging” is a misnomer of sorts. The grim fact is that we will all age
and eventually die. Not one of us is immortal. The good news is that
we can prolong our lives and avoid disease by making a conscious effort
to take care of ourselves.
Prevention is key when it comes to anti-aging. Many
people are still looking for that perfect cream or pill that will
make them look younger. The fact is that it’s most important to take
care of what’s on the inside before you will see external results.
What you put into your body is a reflection of what you see on the
outside.
The path to healthy aging (or antiaging) takes dedication
and a conscious effort. Nobody is perfect – we all have our vices
– those things that we just love and feel must be included in our
lives, be it lying out in the sun, drinking that morning cup of coffee,
or the occasional sweet indulgence.
The key is moderation. Don’t deprive yourself of that
which you love because you will only be likely to over-do it next
time you are tempted. Think about the things you put into your body
every day: the things you eat and drink, the stress you put upon yourself,
the exercises you do, the exposure you give your skin to harmful UV
rays and cigarette smoke, and the time you take to let yourself relax.
By making a conscious effort to cut down and possibly
eliminate those things that are dragging our health into the gutter,
we will live happier, healthier, more youthful and productive lives.
You can start small and work your way up to a healthier lifestyle.
When you start seeing the benefits of your efforts, you will be more
motivated to stick with your plan and implement more healthy changes.
Here are some basics to look at. You may already
be doing some or even all of these things – if so; you are on the
right track!
If not – congratulations for making a conscious effort
to start living a healthier life. Remember, start small with one or
two items a month and keep adding more as you go:
1) Drink water. Many people don’t realize that they
actually drink more calories than they eat. Soft drinks and juices
can pack on the pounds and make you feel sluggish. On the contrary,
water will make you feel more energized and can also suppress your
appetite between meals. If you are trying to loose weight or increase
energy then water is your friend. Your skin will thank you, too.
2) If you smoke – quit. Be hard on yourself about
this one. We all know that smoking is linked to cancer and a host
of other health problems. You must win this battle or all of your
other efforts will be in vain.
3) Exercise at least 20 minutes every day. Even if
you have to get up at 5 a.m. to take a brisk walk around the neighborhood.
Fit it into your schedule somewhere. You will find that you have more
energy and your body will begin to show the effects of your efforts.
The key is to stick with it even when you don’t feel like it – the
results don’t come for free.
4) Eat more veggies. Vegetables (and fruits) are a
wonderful source of age-fighting antioxidants. To get the best health
benefits, eat a range of colors. Get your greens, reds, yellows, and
purples every day. Some good choices are spinach, tomatoes, carrots,
and blueberries. Not only will you be getting your antioxidants, but
you will also be adding more fiber to your diet.
5) Limit your time in the sun. Always use SPF 15 or
higher when you know you will be out in the sun. Damage from the sun
will cause your skin to look older, faster. If you really enjoy that
“bronze” look, try a self tanner. You will get the look of a tan without
the harmful UV exposure.
6) Take time for yourself. The world can be a stressful
place. Stress that is built up in your body can cause you to age quicker.
Take time to meditate, read a book, or get a massage at lease once
a week, if not more.
These six tips for antiaging may seem simple,
but if you actually implement them into your lifestyle, you will see
positive changes in your health, mood and looks. Your body will thank
you in many ways and you will be able to live a more youthful, more
active life well into “old age”.
Stacy Tabb is a successful publisher of many informative
websites including http://www.aa-antiaging.com
