These 7 Daily Habits Could Make You Live Longer, According To Experts

There’s no denying that there are plenty of skincare products and anti-aging supplements out there that can help you realize some of your anti-aging goals. But aging gracefully isn’t just about pumping longevity drugs and products down your throat; it’s also about quitting some of the harmful habits that make us age faster. Yes, we’re talking about your diet and your lifestyle. By choosing the straight and narrow path and quitting these vices, you’ll be able to feel happier, healthier, and most importantly, live much longer!

1. Getting Enough Sleep

Are you always finding yourself tossing and turning at 2 am in the morning? Well, a hectic work schedule, a disruptive environment, and stress could be some of the factors that are making it difficult to get the sleep you need. The question is, why do we really need a healthy amount of sleep? According to Anne Louise Gittleman (Ph.D., CNS), getting enough sleep is important for a healthier bone marrow, which is where our body generates stem cells. Stem cells are essential for repairing everything from your brain, bones, and immune system. Being sleep-deprived for just four hours every day is enough to reduce the activity of stem cells by up to 50%

2. Drinking Enough Water

Drinking water is a healthy habit to get into. Admittedly, it’s not the easiest to adopt. But why is hydration so important? Well, hydration is essential for promoting healthy aging. If you are dehydrated, it shows in your skin either as wrinkles, sagging, or discolorations. A lack of water also affects your body internally. Because the cells are water deficient, they prevent proper nutrient absorption. But that’s not the only downside. There have also been studies that show that chronic dehydration shortens telomere length.

3. Avoiding Stress

Stress is one of the worst factors that can lead you to age extremely fast. In fact, being regularly stressed out can alter your DNA, leading to weight gain, sleep disruptions, blood pressure, acne breakouts, and wrinkles. Stress shortens telomeres with time, which can lead to accelerated aging and depression. So, it’s essential that you find a way to distress. To reduce stress cortisol levels, you can pick up activities like exercise, yoga, building social circles, and meditation.

4. Eating the Right Food

Life can be pretty hectic which can leave you busy all the time. If you work 24/7, you might find that the only convenient food is processed foods with refined sugar and carbohydrates, which are the perfect cocktail to age you faster. These foods also increase inflammation and other chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Instead, try seeking healthy foods such as vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and fruits.

5. Living An Active Lifestyle

Let’s face it; exercise feels like a chore for so many of us. But you know what’s worse? Sitting at our desks the whole day or sitting home on the couch is horrible for your body and leads to quicker aging. Our bodies have naturally evolved for us to live an active lifestyle. Inactivity leads to a loss of muscle and bone strength. Losing strength affects your normal functioning and affects your balance and mobility. A sedentary lifestyle may also affect mental acuity and cause depression, both of which are symptoms of premature aging.

6. Avoiding the Sunlight

Yes, a little bit of sunlight never hurt anybody. In fact, the world needs sunlight and heat to survive. But, at the same time, prolonged exposure isn’t great for your skin. You might get permanent fiber damage, wrinkles, and sunspots. As a rule of thumb, always protect your skin with sunscreen especially if you plan to be outside for several hours on a hot, sunny day. If that’s not possible, then try to stay in the shade for as long as possible, especially during peak hours when the sunlight is the strongest.

7. Not Being Lonely

Companionship is essential in life. As human beings, we’re wired to have a sense of love and connection. This is especially the case when we grow older because as aging adults, we tend to have a lot of memory issues. To fight isolation and loneliness which can lead to depression, try as much as you can to stay connected with family and friends!