How to look and feel younger

13 March, 2013

If you want to look and feel younger, you don't need to shell out huge sums for Botax and anti-aging elixirs. The secret for smooth and glowing skin is very simple - you just need to undergo some lifestyle changes. There are many positive steps you can take to make your 'golden years' healthier and more enjoyable.

If you have a hectic schedule make sure you sleep well. Research shows that cutting on sleep makes one age faster. This is due to adverse hormonal changes that result from sleep deprivation. Memory loss, obesity and diabetes are just three problems that lack of sleep can cause in people of all age groups.

Make regular exercise a must, because it is essential to keep the heart in shape and your weight in control. Yogic exercises like backward bending or sarpasana are best for posture, but make sure that you consult a doctor in case you suffer from a spinal ailment. Taking up a hobby also helps keep people young. Activities that stimulate the mind and socializing reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Even indoor games like chess or cards help, though you could also consider joining a book club or doing voluntary work that interests you.

And stay away from tobacco in any form, as it puts pressure on the heart to pump in more blood. Avoid fast foods and have a balanced diet containing greens, protein, fiber and seasonal fruits that are loaded with health-giving antioxidants. If you are a non-vegetarian, avoid red meat and go in for oily fish varieties, as they are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which help prevent cardiovascular diseases, wrinkle and joint pains. Above all, it is important to be happy and peaceful.