At some point we all feel it … those regular body aches creeping in, getting tired easily and feeling low on energy. And you ask yourself: Why do I feel so old? People reach their physical peak when they are between 30 and 35 years old, and after that the average person experiences a bit less than a 1% physical and mental decline each year. But while you may feel slower, achier and low on energy at various times, there are steps you can take to reduce the effects of feeling your age or feeling older than you are.
Sedentary lifestyle – One of the main accelerators of aging is physical disuse, which also causes a number of chronic diseases. The answer is exercise. Even if you haven’t broken a sweat for years, you can still change your lifestyle by focusing on getting 30 minutes of exercise a day. Moving your body helps keep your joints from getting achy and your muscles weak.
Mental stimulation – One other thing to go as you age is mental cognition. You may have a hard time focusing on certain tasks, or get lost when someone talks really quickly. You may also forget more stuff. You can stave this off by keeping mentally stimulated. Try puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku, or simply read a book. Even better, learn a new skill because when you learn, the brain actually creates new synapses.
You are what you eat – If you eat unhealthy foods, it will catch up with you eventually. The mantra should be lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat like fish. Also, try to avoid scarfing down your food and instead eat slowly and enjoy the taste.
Reduce your stress – Besides poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress can take its toll on not only your psyche, but your health, giving you the feeling that you are older than you are. It can lead to inflammation and metabolic malfunctioning. Try to identify the things that elevate your stress level, and take steps to manage how you will deal with it. Some good habits to reduce your stress include taking deep breaths, meditation and yoga.
Positivity – A bad attitude and negative outlook can have profound effects on your health. Try to look on the bright side of things and don’t let small issues get you down. If you approach everyone with a smile and friendliness, that inner glow will affect your health, too.
Check your booze consumption – Too much drinking takes its toll on many of your organs and, if you drink too much at night, the next morning you’ll pay for it with sluggishness and perhaps moodiness.
Don’t smoke – Smoking is unhealthy and can lead to respiratory and pulmonary problems. Smoking definitely ages your insides – and often your outside appearance, too.
Too many pills – Unfortunately, many Americans are taking too many pills to manage various conditions. Often drugs are prescribed for conditions that you could manage with better lifestyle choices. Only take the pills that you must for your health, and definitely try to avoid prolonged use of highly addictive opioids.
The takeaway
While there is no cure for those feelings that you’re getting old, a few changes to your lifestyle can make a world of difference and give you more spring in your step.
Small, simple lifestyle changes can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, no matter how many candles weigh down your birthday cake.
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