Man Jumping with Mask on by adam-niescioruk

Dana Brown

 

 

There’s nothing worse than feeling older than your age. Fortunately, you can reverse this feeling completely by making small lifestyle adjustments and adopting healthier habits. This should be great news because research suggests that — when it comes to the health of your body and brain — the age you feel matters more than your actual age. While you may not be able to roll back the clock on your years, there are things you can do to feel and look younger right now!

Eat a Balanced Diet

Diet plays a very important role in how you feel on the inside and how you look on the outside. Just remember to steer clear of fad diets that promise rapid weight loss — these often have little to no basis in science. One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean up your diet is to choose healthy options and alternatives when grocery shopping, eating out and cooking at home. Building a healthy diet doesn’t have to mean long hours in the kitchen. Local meal delivery services are a convenient option for throwing together healthy meals when you’re short on time, and many offer low-calorie and organic selections!

As explained by Calorie Secrets, whole grains play a very important role in your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show that diets rich in whole grains are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Whole-grain foods also provide steady, consistent energy throughout the day, unlike simple carbs that result in that familiar afternoon slump. Try to include a variety of whole grains in your diet, such as wild rice, quinoa, barley, and buckwheat.

Mix Up Your Workout Routine

Engaging in regular exercise is one of the best ways to feel younger. While any exercise is better than nothing, optimal results come from mixing up your routine and incorporating different kinds of exercise into your weekly schedule. Balance and flexibility training are important for keeping your body limber and resilient as you grow older, so consider taking up yoga. Hot yoga, for example, can boost your metabolism, reduce blood pressure, relieve chronic pain, and alleviate stress while increasing balance, strength, and flexibility. Plus, you can find classes for anyone of any fitness level!

Another great way to mix up your exercise routine is to spend more time outside. There are numerous ways to get a great workout in while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing. The right outdoor gear can make it easier for you to get outside and stay active, so make sure you have everything you need! For example, if you plan to take up fishing, invest in some top-grade gear and a good-quality trolling motor that will help you maneuver your boat around in the water as smoothly as possible.

Have More Fun

Who doesn’t feel young at heart when they’re having fun? NBC News reports that, like children, adults can benefit from a regular dose of playtime. Find ways to incorporate more fun, laughter, and excitement into your day-to-day life through team sports, creative hobbies, and family games. If you feel like your life is lacking some much-needed fun, get into crafting, learn a new skill, adopt a dog, take a trip, spend time with kids, schedule playful date nights with your partner, or just put some music on and dance your heart out. Remember, it’s okay to be silly!

The secret to longevity might not be much of a secret at all. Your age is just a number, and it shouldn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of! From eating healthy and exercising daily to incorporating more fun into your life, there are endless ways to keep your body strong and your brain sharp as the years creep by. Treating your body and mind with care is the ticket to youth at any age!