When we hit the big 5-0, we start taking notice of our health more: physical and mental. We know we’re getting older, but we also want to step into our golden years healthy and strong and, hopefully, with good skin, too.
Unfortunately, there are many bad habits that age you faster than you think, and so many of us are still doing some (or most) of these. These bad habits hurt not only our physical health but also our mental health, which is equally important when trying to maintain the fountain of youth.
Today, I want to share the 13 of the worst habits that age you faster than you want! Surprisingly, these habits are pretty common.
While it won’t be a piece of cake to drop all these bad habits, it won’t be impossible either. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I quit #1 and #4 at the same time!!! You can learn more about that here.
Eating Processed Foods and Sugar
Processed foods are loaded with preservatives, additives, and excess salt that can take a toll on your skin and health over time. And sugary treats are no better, as they can cause wrinkles and dryness, among other health issues.
Do yourself a favor and start eliminating those today, and watch how your health and skin improve over time.
Not Getting Enough Rest
Sleep is essential for keeping your skin healthy and giving your body time to rest and recharge. Aim for at least 7 or 8 hours of quality sleep every night.
For those of you who suffer from insomnia, try melatonin or talk to your doctor and see how he can help. Adequate sleep is important for your physical and mental health.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Water is essential for keeping your body hydrated and flushing out toxins, so make sure you’re drinking enough throughout the day! And I get it: water is boring and bland. Try adding a cucumber slice and some mint leaves to spruce it up.
You could also squeeze a lemon, lime, or orange into it to give it some flavor. Use your imagination, but drink up!!
Smoking
Smoking can cause premature wrinkles and age spots, as well as damage to your lungs and respiratory system. I mean, we’re not stupid people. We already know how bad smoking is for you overall.
We also know how hard it is to quit an addiction. Why not set a date, find an accountability buddy, and give it your best shot? Keep trying, and don’t stop until you’ve given up this stinking habit.
I recently quit smoking after almost 50 years using hypnosis. You can check out the one I used here.
Forgetting to Apply Sunscreen
Sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits of accelerated aging, so make sure you’re applying sunscreen every day (even in winter!) and staying out of the sun during peak hours. If you have sensitive skin, you can look for more natural ways to make your own sunscreen at home.
Wear wide-brimmed hats when out walking or enjoying the beach, and don’t forget those sunglasses, too!!
Not Exfoliating and Moisturizing
Exfoliating and moisturizing your skin on a regular basis can help remove dead cells, keep lines and wrinkles at bay, and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Coconut oil and baking soda are two great ingredients to use to get the job done right. Use gently! Do this at least once a week. Find a light moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type, and you’re good to go!
Neglecting Physical Exercise
Exercise is great for improving circulation, building muscle, and releasing endorphins that can make you feel more energized and youthful. Not only that, but improving circulation also supplies oxygen and blood flow to the skin to help you maintain a glow and younger-looking skin.
Aim for at least 15 minutes of exercise daily, more if you can and shoot for 5 days a week. Thank me later!
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate your skin and cause wrinkles to become more pronounced over time. And let’s not forget that most alcoholic drinks are very high in sugar, which we already know is bad for your skin.
Coffee as well can also dehydrate your skin, so if you are an avid coffee drinker, try switching up your coffee with green tea and limit your alcohol intake as much as you can.
Social Isolation
Social isolation can speed up the aging process by triggering stress responses in the body. This prolonged stress leads to increased inflammation and higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
These changes can damage cells, weaken the immune system, and potentially shorten telomeres – the protective caps on our DNA associated with cellular aging.
Make an effort to meet up with friends at least once a week. Join a group in your area of like-minded people.
Consuming Unhealthy Fats
Eating unhealthy fats, such as trans fats, seed oils, and hydrogenated oils, can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress that can accelerate the aging process.
When buying oils, check the labels to make sure they have good fats. Let’s not forget that eating unhealthy fats adds excess weight, which leads to stress, which leads to aging faster.
Not Getting Enough Antioxidants in Your Diet
You know they say we are what we eat, and it’s so true. If you continuously feed your body bad fuel, it will show up physically, especially on your skin.
Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. We need these! Next time you want a sweet treat, reach for some berries instead of a donut or cake.
Neglecting Your Mental Health
It’s important to take care of your mental well-being as you age. Studies have shown that women over 50 who practice self-care and mindfulness are less likely to experience accelerated aging than those who don’t.
The more relaxed we are, the less angry, agitated, and stressed we are, and the healthier we are. It just makes sense.
You might really like this article about self-care activities for women over 50.
Being Stressed Out All the Time
Nothing will age you faster than stress. Okay, well, smoking and drinking will come in close second and third place, but really, stress is damaging not only to your mental health but also to your physical health.
Too much mental or emotional stress can accelerate the aging process, so be sure to take time out of your day to relax, meditate, and practice stress-relieving activities.
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