Stressful experiences take their toll on the body physically as well as mentally and emotionally. This can result in premature signs of aging, no matter what your birth certificate says. When it seems like life is trying to make you feel older, there are steps you can take to reverse these effects. While they might not literally roll back the years, try incorporating these four easy, wellness-focused tips from HueTrition to add a spring to your step and feel years younger.
1. Meditation
An increasing number of people have been trying meditation. There are a variety of meditation methods to explore, and the right one may help you to feel calmer and more balanced. This mental and emotional benefit may also help encourage you to take part in other areas of physical activity and to embrace mindfulness throughout your day.
2. Walking
Did you know that most of us aren’t getting the recommended amount of muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise each week? As Healthline notes, there has been some debate on whether running or walking is better. Although you can burn more calories while running, it ultimately comes down to choice and ability. Running is a higher-impact activity than walking, but you can still get most of the same benefits just from a regular walking routine if something like a bad knee prevents you from running.
3. Strength Training
Studies show that strength training may help to ward off frailty that occurs with aging, particularly in the case of sarcopenia, which presents as losing strength and muscle mass. Building strength and muscle mass takes something a little different than an aerobic workout. It typically means focusing on your body’s core and working with weights and resistance bands. Examples of strength training exercises that are easy to do at home include:
- Squats
- Planks
- Lunges
- Push-ups
If it has been a while since you did any aerobic or strength training exercises, that’s okay! You may want to consult with a physician to determine which exercises are the best starting place for you. Keep track of the exercises you do each week and take pictures at the same time each week or month. 8Fit explains this creates a physical log of your progress and allows you to see the changes that are happening in case you start worrying that the exercises aren’t making a difference.
4. Yoga
According to research, yoga does much more than just improve your physical health. Depending on the routine and how often you do it, yoga may assist with:
- Cardiovascular health – It can help lower blood pressure for those with hypertension.
- Eating habits – Yoga may give you a better body image and encourage you to pay closer attention to what you eat.
- Gut health – Certain yoga poses can stimulate the entire digestive tract, helping it to work more effectively.
- Mindfulness – It may help to focus your mind and make you more aware of and engaged with your surroundings.
If you’re going to practice yoga at home, it’s important to have an area set aside specifically for this task. Try to make it as calming, relaxing, and inviting as possible. This includes spending time keeping it organized, as clutter can cause issues such as anxiety and stress. The last thing you want is to feel stressed out when you’re trying to practice!
These activities are a great way to release hormones that make you feel better in general. It’s also important to pay attention to your diet by getting a rainbow of foods every day and drinking plenty of water. Time continues to pass, but it’s never too late to make this your best year for fitness and health.
HueTrition is a nationally-recognized family wellness program that promotes a minimalist diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as an active lifestyle. Want to partner with us in making the world healthier, more colorful, and more delicious?