4 Horrible Habits That Ruin Your Aging years
The process of aging is inevitable. However, there are measures we can take to decelerate the process of which would have otherwise been premature. Remember… our bodies are like automobiles; as in they must be maintained and taken care of to function (Run) properly.
This means we must develop good habits but for now, we want to address four habits that are sure to ruin the aging process.
# Denying Your Stress
Stress is a killer, it causes inflammation inside the body and chronic stress means that stress hormones are coursing through your body on a regular basis leaving it in a constant state of arousal which can have detrimental consequences for your health.
This may mean taking on way less than you are currently doing, or just simple saying “NO” more often. Life is surely too short, and we need to be making sure that we are enjoying life as much as possible.
Raymond Casciari, MD, chief medical officer of St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Calif Says, “People think multitasking is good, but you don’t actually get anything done—you just create more stress.”
Stress is something that needs to be managed and not neglected.
Solutions:
- Say NO more often
- Focus on less things at one time
- Eliminate the things causing you stress (If possible)
- Isolation
Robert Waldinger, one of the researchers in the 80-year-old Harvard Study Of Adult Development says, “Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”
This study along with many others finds that healthy relationships and strong social ties improve aging on all levels, including emotional, physical and mental health.
This includes, cardiovascular and brain health and the Harvard study found that those with strong relationships lived longer than those who had weak social ties.
Marriage increases life expectancy, and happy relationships can help reduce stress, thus reducing the risk of heart disease, improving the function of the gut, and boosting the immune system.
# Not Taking Care Of Your Skin
According to C, associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, “the number-one cause of nearly every sign of premature aging on the human face is ultraviolet exposure.”
What a huge concern as every day millions of people go without the use of protection from the sun.
We are exposed to the harmful rays of the sun even when there is cloud cover (So don’t think you’re safe).
How can we prevent skin damage by the sun?
• Use a sunblock with somewhere between 30 and 50 SPF
• Wear clothing and use protective shade to avoid long exposure to the sun
• Make your skin care routine a habit for the rest of your life
# Being Sedentary and Not Exercising
Exercise has a ton of benefits, with the reversal of premature aging being one of them. Sitting too much can cause many health problems like obesity, diabetes and the worst leading to an early death. Technology is a big reason for a lack of activity since a lot of our entertainment requires little to no movement, and it’s becoming an epidemic. In
In a study done on the effects of a sedentary lifestyle of elderly women, primary researcher Aladdin Shadyab, PhD, from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine said “Our study found cells age faster with a sedentary lifestyle. Chronological age doesn’t always match biological age.” So next time you find yourself sitting for longer periods of time, try to rememeber that you are not helping your health, either in the short term or long term.
Ways To Combat Being Too Sedentary:
• Join a gym and hold yourself accountable
• Find hobbies/interests that involve being active
• Join a group or involve friends that are always active (You become who you’re around)
# Bad Nutrition
Unhealthy foods and beverages are bad for our bodies and consuming endless toxins is a recipe for bad health. There is a long list (That we won’t get into) of bad nutritional choices. Some things are just too irresistible for our taste buds to avoid all time, but moderation is better than excessive consumption.
Sugar, alcohol, junk food, red meats and processed foods in general all contribute to accelerated aging. The issue is peer pressure and convenience, which is not improving in a good way any time soon. However; it is possible to turn back the clocks and make better choices.
You can start by doing these few things:
• Consume in moderation
• Buy more natural foods
• Avoid bad nutrition altogether
Make the choice to live healthier and you’ll be happier!
