By Emily McLaughlin
Some of you might already be thinking, “You are young! Why the heck are you worrying about aging?” Well, if we don’t start thinking about these things now, we are going to regret it in our 40s.
In college, I didn’t really get into a solid ‘beauty’ routine. I was moving quite frequently, making weekend trips home, and working a lot, so a lot of those “good, healthy habits” fell by the wayside week-to-week. But, it’s not too late! There are a few things, that I am trying to get better about now since I know they will make a difference in the future… here’s my list:
1. Nutrition health: Take those vitamins
I might beat this topic to death, but taking at least a multivitamin every day will keep you healthy and your energy up. People seem to be a little turned off by vitamins (guilty) because we associate them with a big, gross smelling pill. But, science has solved that one for us — GUMMY VITAMINS! My roommates are used to me shoving gummy vitamins in their mouths quite often… and they love them! (I hope.)
Another downside of vitamins is the price. Buy them in bulk when they are on sale. Many stores do B1G1 vitamin sales a couple times during the year and there are ALWAYS coupons for them out there. Bite the bullet and spend the money, it’s for your health.
2. Skin health: Moisturize with SPF
Oh my gosh, just do it! Go to Target or Walmart and buy hand lotion for your purse/car, a large bottle for your bedside, another one to put in the bathroom, then a moisturizing face cream to use daily. Eventually, you will develop some kind of routine and you won’t be able to go a day without silkening that skin of yours.
Putting lotion and chapstick on my nightstand was probably one of the better ideas I had. When I get into bed, it’s right there to apply to my feet, hands and anything else feeling dry.
Applying lotion is important all-year long, especially the winter when it is dry and in the summer when you are spending a lot of time outside. Buy something with SPF, no matter the time of year and get used to using it.
3. Exercise (obviously)
Let’s get into some specifics here. According to Prevention, adding weightlifting and yoga to your routine will keep you feeling young while prolonging the aging process.
It makes sense, right? Aggressively exercising during times of stress might feel amazing and offer up some mental clarity, but it can’t be that great for your body. Confession: My favorite outlet when stressed is high-intensity cardio. Even better? Cardio kickboxing. However, I also must admit that yoga offers a stress relief like no other. Stress ages you… prevent it.
As for weight-lifting, building muscle tone will help prevent sagging skin. Compare it to collagen injections — building muscle will lift and firm in a more natural way.
4. Vitamin D: Drink milk
Something I don’t do, admittedly, is drink milk. I don’t like to drink it — I’ve never liked to drink it. There are times (maybe 3x a year) when I am craving a ice-cold glass of milk, accompanied by a cookie or twelve. Actually, now I don’t know if I’m craving the milk or if it’s the cookies.
Vitamin D, found in milk, is essential for building strong teeth and bones which will keep your body strong as you age… just like your momma told ya. Lucky for me, milk isn’t the only great source of vitamin D. There are a number of other foods to incorporate into your diet to ensure that you are getting enough. Try:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Egg
- Some yogurts/ice creams (check the label)
5. Boost energy: Sleep, eat energizing foods and get your B-vitamins
Do your body some good by resting when you need it. In addition to getting enough sleep, eat energizing foods during the day to keep you going and giving you the fuel to do all the things above.
As for beverages, revitalize your body with H2O, tea and coconut water. Choose foods high in protein and things fortified with B vitamins, i.e. seafood, eggs and cereals or soy products fortified with B12.
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There is your list of things-you-wish-you-did-but-are-too-busy-for. I’m trying the best to make these things impulsive and second-nature.
*Other tips to stay young and slow aging…
- Quit smoking now while you’re young. It will not only be easier, but the damage will be less worse.
- Save your liver and drink less… soon.
- I heard a rumor that chewing gum gives you wrinkles around your mouth… I’m not about to stop, but if you prefer mints… good for you!
Stay healthy, stay happy, stay young.
