Getting older doesn’t have to mean that you lose your zest for life. Canadians have an edge when it comes to appearing younger since we live in colder climates. The cold is far better for a youthful appearance than the heat.
Let’s face it though, most of us would love to look and feel younger. The good news is that there are certain things you can do to make it feel as though time is travelling much slower.
Here are six practices you may consider incorporating into your daily routine:
1. Say no to sugar. Sugar is notorious for causing inflammation, making joints ache. Some say nothing can replace sugar, but there are healthier alternatives in moderation like honey and Stevia. To reduce your sugar cravings, eat more healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds and fish caught in the wild.
2. Take your cue from children. Watch kids. They know how to have fun doing the simplest things. Let loose and do the same every so often. Relax more or do something that gets your creative juices flowing like painting, writing or taking up a craft. Dance like no one is watching.
3. Incorporate a multivitamin. You may not be getting the required number of vitamins and minerals each day, so it’s important to at least take a good quality daily multivitamin. Talk to someone at a health store to see what else you may want to add to your daily vitamin regimen.
4. Eat healthy fats. Fats are not the enemy. In fact, good fats are essential to keep your body in tip-top shape. Consider adding olive oil, coconut oil, avocados and wild fish to your diet. You will have healthier skin, less inflammation and, ironically, probably lose a few pounds.
5. Get more sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep is not overrated. Sleep reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Take naps if you can. They don’t have to be long—even 20 minutes will help.
6. Live in gratitude. When you wake up in the morning, say five things out loud for which you are grateful. When you focus on what you have rather than what you don’t, your blessings make you feel and, ultimately, look better. You can even start a daily gratitude journal.
