I think nowadays, most of us have a problem with those numbers called our age. People are afraid of getting older, they fear the era of wrinkles and saggy skin. Most of them want to stay forever young.
And I mean, who wouldn’t give in to the temptation of having a sensual, soft skin for all eternity?
Still, despite our deepest and craziest desires of becoming glorious vampires, aging is a part of this life and as such, it is beautiful in its own unique way.
That being said, even though we as humans are far away from ever being immortal, there are certain things we should make sure to avoid if we want to make the best of it while we’re here.
Here are 8 destructive habits that will make you age faster:
1. SMOKING
You can ask anyone, even a smoker, and they’ll tell you that it is a deadly and disgusting habit. Cigarettes are made from all sorts of junk, while the actual, pure tobacco is the ingredient that it is least included.
Smoking can cause a lung, throat, and skin cancer. But, smoking will also make your body age faster than it should. And after a while, you’ll start noticing that.
According to WebMD, “Maybe there is no fountain of youth, but there is a surefire way to make yourself look older. Smoking changes the skin, teeth, and hair in ways that can add years to your looks. It also affects everything from your fertility to the strength of your heart, lungs, and bones.”
2. SKIPPING FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND VALUABLE NUTRIENTS
If you want to provide your body the everlasting healthy glow, rather than just let it wrinkle faster than it should, you should start adopting more nutritional diets. And the sooner, the better.
Replace your usual junk food, pizzas, fries and chocolates with healthy substitutes. It might be difficult to make the transition, but once you do, you’ll feel much more energetic and healthy. It’s also important to be eating healthy and taking supplements for your overall hormone health, which will help you age slower.
3. NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
I keep seeing people who work until they faint. And I keep hearing that sleep is supposedly for the weak. I actually know people who sleep for 3 or 4 hours tops.
You may think that as you get older, you don’t actually need much sleep, but professionals have stated that an average person needs seven or eight hours of solid sleep in order to make it through the day.
A lack of sleep and in worst cases a long-term sleep deprivation may pose a risk for potential chronic illnesses, heart strokes, and weight gain.
4. HIGH AND DANGEROUS CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
This is something that people tend to overlook when they are in their young years. But the real danger creeps in later in life and usually strikes hard.
High cholesterol levels, particularly high levels of the so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol (Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) has the power to clog our arteries with fat.
Make sure to maintain a healthy balance between the good and the bad cholesterol and keep an eye on it every once in a while.
5. DRINKING ALCOHOL (A LOT)
I’m guessing that booze enthusiasts might not agree on this one, but let’s clarify one thing. Drinking in normal amounts might be good for your health and of course, that also depends on what are you drinking. However, normal is a relative term.
Excessive alcohol consumption can eventually lead to addiction that will also result in organ failures.
Additionally, according to this dentist who does Invisalign in Upper East Side, alcohol is detrimental to your dental health. Alcohol is acidic and, therefore, erodes your teeth enamel every time you consume it. Teeth with weakened enamel are more prone to cavities.
6. LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
I can’t even begin to tell you how beneficial and good for you exercising is. I’m guessing you probably know, but in case you didn’t – Exercise improves our mood, boosts our body with energy, reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, strengthens our bones and muscles, improves our mental health etc.
Is this enough to get you started?
If not, according to Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, Ph.D., “a person can slow the speed at which they age by exercising regularly.” And you don’t have to become a weightlifter, but for a healthier life, starting up some exercise is the best choice.
7. CONSTANT STRESS
We live in such hectic society, it seems like stress is unavoidable these days. However, if you could only try to locate the sources of stress and help yourself by reducing it, you’ll be able to spare yourself your mind from the negativity.
Stress that it’s left untreated can be the main cause of various health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart diseases, obesity or diabetes.
Start practicing some good, old ‘Hakuna Matata’. “It means no worries for the rest of your days.”
8. NOT LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
It is the eternal truth. And it is that simple. When you don’t live your life the way you intend to, when your life choices make you miserable and unfulfilled, that is my friend, the real highway to hell.
People who live a more joyous and fulfilled life are a lot healthier and tend to live longer lives. Choose wisely. We are all given one life.
Image: Esteworld Wide
