We live in a culture that prizes youthfulness, so it’s no wonder that so many people dread aging. But getting older also brings many positive attributes that we tend not to consider. Wisdom, patience, and life experience have a lot to offer.
Still, most of you might dread the idea of age-related diseases, and the physical changes that aging can bring. If you’re curious about ways to combat the aging process, and experience the process more gracefully, these tips are for you.
Stop smoking. Aside from drastically raising your risk of several diseases (cancer and heart disease, to name a few) smoking also impacts the elasticity of your skin. The end result is that you look older than you are, and are more likely to experience serious health problems. But it’s never too late to quit. Stop smoking now, and your risk of health problems will begin to drop.
Put down the cell phone (after you finish this article, of course). Spending extended periods of time looking down at a phone will strain your neck, and lead to stiffness and discomfort. It can even contribute to wrinkles along the neckline! The light from a phone screen can also disrupt your sleep patterns. Plus, most people feel better when they spend less time looking at a screen, and more time socializing “in real life”.
Practice forgiveness. Several studies have actually linked the ability to forgive with lower blood pressure, less stress and anxiety, and lowered risk of depression. Better physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being is often the result. If you’re the type of person who tends to hold a grudge, self help books or counseling might help you learn how to change this bad habit.
Correct your diet. You knew we were going to say this, didn’t you? Sorry, but a poor diet deprives your body of much-needed nutrients that fight disease. And if your concerns are aesthetic, you should know that sugar in your diet will interfere with collagen production and lead to dullness and premature wrinkling of the skin.
Come see us. Sometimes, patients still desire a little extra “help” even after pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Make an appointment with us to discuss your concerns, and we’ll help you decide whether aesthetic treatments, a weight loss diet, or other changes could help you age more gracefully.
