There’s a clear difference between aging naturally and speeding through the process.

The difference lies in habits. Aging faster than your peers might be a sign of habits that are doing you more harm than good.

Letting go of these habits can be your first step to slow down the aging process. Through this, you’re choosing for yourself, even while acknowledging a healthier way to live.

Saying goodbye to these harmful habits is like accepting that there’s a better way to age gracefully. And those who are aging well know that there are specific habits that need to be ditched.

Here are 7 habits you need to drop if you notice you’re aging faster than your friends.

1) Lack of sleep

Sleep is more critical to your health and well-being than you might realize.

And those who age well understand the importance of a good night’s rest.

Often, you’ll find yourself juggling multiple responsibilities that eat into your sleep time. And it can be challenging to prioritize sleep over these tasks.

Welcome to the power of restorative rest.

Sleep is your body’s time to repair and rejuvenate itself. The idea is simple — the better quality and quantity of sleep you get, the more your body can recover from the day’s stresses.

Think about it. It’s why you feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep, and why chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a host of health issues, including accelerated aging.

When faced with the decision between staying up late for that extra episode on Netflix or going to bed for a full night’s rest, those who age well usually choose the latter.

So if you notice you’re aging faster than your friends, consider reevaluating your sleep habits.

But remember — it’s about consistent, quality sleep, not just the number of hours.

2) Skipping sunscreen

Sun protection is one habit that I’ve learned the hard way.

As someone who loves the outdoors, I used to think that a tan was a sign of a well-spent summer. I would often skip sunscreen, thinking that it wasn’t necessary.

But boy, was I wrong.

Welcome to the reality of sun damage.

Sun exposure, especially without protection, speeds up skin aging like nothing else. It’s not just about wrinkles and sun spots; it can also lead to more serious skin conditions.

Think about it. It’s why dermatologists stress so much on wearing sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy.

I remember a time when, after a summer of frequent beach trips and no sunscreen, I noticed more fine lines and freckles on my face than ever before. That was my wake-up call.

Nowadays, I never step out without wearing sunscreen. And trust me, my skin has thanked me for it.

So if you’re noticing signs of premature aging, take it from me — don’t skimp on the sunscreen. It might just be the easiest anti-aging habit you can adopt.

3) High sugar intake

Sugar might taste sweet, but its effects on your body are far from it.

And those who are aging gracefully are often mindful of their sugar intake.

You might be wondering why. Well, here’s the not-so-sweet truth.

Excessive sugar consumption doesn’t just lead to weight gain and health issues like diabetes. It also accelerates the aging process. This is due to a process called glycation, where sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins to form harmful molecules called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs).

These AGEs damage collagen and elastin, the protein fibers that keep skin firm and elastic. Once damaged, the skin becomes dry and brittle, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

It’s no wonder then that people who consume a lot of sugar often look older than their actual age.

So if you’re noticing that you’re aging faster than your friends, it might be time to rethink that sweet tooth of yours.

4) Chronic stress

Stress is a part of life, but chronic stress can take a toll on your body, including speeding up the aging process.

Those who age well usually have effective stress management strategies in place.

Chronic stress can lead to a host of health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and even premature aging. This is due to the body’s stress response. When stressed, the body produces cortisol, known as the ‘stress hormone.’

While cortisol is necessary for survival, constant stress means constant production of cortisol. Over time, this can lead to cellular damage and accelerated aging.

Think about it. It’s why activities like meditation, yoga, and other forms of stress relief are often associated with longevity and good health.

So if you’re constantly stressed and noticing signs of premature aging, it might be time to find ways to manage your stress levels better.

5) Neglecting hydration

I used to think that as long as I wasn’t thirsty, I was hydrated enough. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Maintaining good hydration is an essential part of healthy aging.

Your body needs adequate water to function correctly, and that includes keeping your skin healthy and youthful. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dry and lose its elasticity, which can lead to wrinkles and premature aging.

I remember noticing how dull and tired my skin looked during a particularly busy period in my life when I wasn’t drinking enough water.

Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and the difference is noticeable. My skin looks healthier, brighter, and yes, younger.

So if you’re not drinking enough water and you’re noticing signs of early aging, it’s time to up your hydration game. You might be surprised at the difference it can make.

6) Smoking and excessive alcohol

It’s no secret that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of health issues. But did you know they can also speed up the aging process?

People who age well usually avoid these harmful habits.

Smoking is known to cause premature aging of the skin, leading to wrinkles and a dull complexion. This is due to the nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes, which damage the collagen and elastin in your skin.

On the other hand, while a glass of wine here and there might not hurt, regular heavy drinking can take a toll on your skin. Alcohol is dehydrating and can leave your skin dry and dull.

Think about it. It’s why people who smoke or drink heavily often have skin that looks older than it should.

So if you’re a smoker or heavy drinker noticing signs of early aging, it might be time to reconsider these habits. Remember, it’s not just about looking younger, but also about overall health and wellbeing.

7) Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle can accelerate the aging process more than you might think.

Those who age gracefully often maintain an active lifestyle.

Physical activity isn’t just about staying in shape. It also helps maintain healthy circulation, which keeps your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

When you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you’re not giving your body the chance to pump blood efficiently throughout your system, leading to a host of health issues, including premature aging.

So if you’re living a sedentary lifestyle and you’re noticing signs of early aging, it’s time to get moving. Even small changes like taking regular walks or doing some light stretching can make a big difference.