How to Feel Younger than Your Age

Anthony J. Yeung of Eat This No That offers seven tips to feeling your best.

Drink enough water. Proper hydration is essential for your body and mind and can even improve the health of your skin to help keep you looking youthful and healthy. Some statistics show that your body is approximately 60% water, and staying hydrated can help you feel mobile, limber and energetic. TIP: Drink enough water so that your urine is a light-yellow hue.

Eat anti-inflammatory foods. Inflammation adds to the aches, pains and other difficulties of growing older. Inflammation is also implicated in adding to the possibility of developing serious illness and disease. Anti-inflammatory foods include berries, nuts, healthy oils, fatty fish like salmon, leafy greens and other veggies. TIP: avoid processed foods and those with trans fats, added sugars and artificial ingredients which can all worsen inflammation.

Get enough sleep. Sleep allows your body to repair itself and also supports brain health. Lack of sleep negatively affects your hormones and metabolism. While people tend to sleep less as they age, the National Sleep Foundation guidelines recommend aiming for at least seven hours per night. TIP: Take naps if you didn’t get enough sleep the night before.

Move frequently. In addition to your regular exercise routine, be sure to get up and move each day throughout the day. Work to avoid sitting for long periods of time. Low-intensity activities such as walking, gardening, stretching or even household chores can help. When you run your errands, park farther from the door than usual. Take the stairs instead of the elevators. TIP: frequent movement makes a big difference.

Speaking of stretching… Stiffness, muscle strains, being less steady on your feet can all be part of the aging process if you don’t take care to maintain your muscle masa and stretch. Gentle stretches everyday will help you maintain your mobility and flexibility as you age. TIP: consider signing up for a senior exercise and stretching program.

Practice mindfulness. Research shows that developing a meditation practice, or even mindful breathing exercises, can fight aging in your brain. TIP: A few minutes of day will help!

Live life to the fullest. “The honest truth is that I know people in their 80s who are more youthful than people in their 30s,” writes Anthony Yeung. Keep hobbies and passions in your life. Keep learning and trying new things. TIP: Make the most of every day.