5 Tips for aging backwards
You know the saying, “getting old is getting old!” To some, age is a state of mind. To others, the biological clock has been ticking since day one, and our days are numbered. What if both were true? Can’t we just all acknowledge that we’re getting older every day, but also feel the power to make sure we get the most out of our precious time? Sure, your hearing can diminish, or your knees might be able to train for the next marathon, but there are things we can all do every day to look at the clock, say “I’m going to be here for a while!” and seize the day. Hang tight for 5 tips on how to age so gracefully, you’d swear you were getting younger.
Those cigarettes will keep you from looking (or feeling) smokin’
Aside from all the various forms of lung damage smoking can cause, smoking is also associated with skin issues like wrinkles. The nicotine in cigarettes, along with other chemicals affect the skin and hair more than you’d think. Additionally, smoking can narrow blood vessels and impact blood flow so the skin isn’t able to get necessary oxygen and nutrients. You read all of that correctly. Not only do you have a highly increased risk of diseases like lung cancer or emphysema, your skin will start to turn on you, and your circulation will suffer. If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, but don’t know how to approach it, set up a general visit to weigh out your options.
Cocktails in moderation
We all like a good drink, and that’s fine. But chronic, long term alcohol abuse can do irreversible damage to your body. Staying within the recommended amount of units per day is always the healthiest way to approach alcohol. We’re not saying the occasional BBQ or block party will age you into the next decade, but a pattern of binge drinking or drinking past the recommended limits with regularity over a long period of time can take its toll on your health.
Get some sleep!
Aside from the fact that nothing quite beats a cat nap, we all need sleep. Most of us need 8 hours a night. Some of us need less than that, and some need more. Just like Goldilocks, you need to find the amount of sleep that is “just right,” and make it part of your routine. Not only does a good night’s sleep repair cells and rest your heart, it does wonders for your mental health. Vivid, and sometimes lucid dreams are a sign of your body going into a REM cycle, which means you’re subconsciously engaging in memory, emotional processing, and healthy brain development. If you take a sleep aid, and don’t have time to make it to the doctor’s office, scheduling a telehealth visit for a prescription refill will make sure you stay on top of your routine and get a good night’s sleep.
Don’t set your supplements aside!
A lot of us suffer from “overconsumption malnutrition,” which basically means we’re consuming too much of the wrong things. Starting a supplement regimen can help you achieve balance. Multivitamins including vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha lipoic acid can put some more pep in your step. Having more energy, feeling more mentally alert, and feeling an overall sense of wellness is a great way to feel younger. Speaking to a medical professional can get you on the right track to taking your vitamins, and coming up with a plan for your overall wellness and longevity.
Age truly is a state of mind
We keep hearing the phrase “50 is the new 40,” and “30 is the new 20,” and we think everybody who’s saying that is onto something. It’s really easy to become what you think. If you keep putting yourself down, then you’re going to stay down. If you call yourself smart or dumb, fat or thin, you’re going to believe what you think about yourself whether you’re right or wrong. While it’s perfectly fine to have a high-level of self-awareness, make sure you’re being honest with yourself. You can be 65, but are you 65 years “old” or 65 years “young?” On paper they’re both the same thing, but in your mind they have 2 totally different implications. Having a positive self-image and being self-aware are not mutually exclusive like we sometimes think. If you’re struggling with self-image, or negative and self-defeating thoughts, there are medical professionals that can help you through your issues and get you on track to being your best self.
Bonus tip: knowing your resources
Are you experiencing symptoms or do you have medical concerns, but you aren’t sure what they mean or how serious they are? You don’t have to take time out of your routine and spend the afternoon sitting in the waiting room at the clinic in order to get answers. Instead, you can speak to a licensed medical professional with a convenient telehealth visit from home.
First, you will answer some questions that enable the medical provider to determine if a test needs to be ordered at your local pharmacy. Based on your symptoms, concerns, and the findings from any tests you took, you will receive a diagnosis and a course of treatment that may include a prescription—all without having to go to the doctor’s office.