I’ve always believed that age is just a number.

Sure, we can’t deny the physical changes that come with time. But even physical ageing differs drastically from person to person.

Why is this?

Why do some 60 year olds like like they are in their 40s?

According to psychology, it’s the small daily habits that we don’t even think twice about, which determine how fast we move towards old age.

Yes, that’s right, If you’re wondering “What can I do to stay youthful?” start by taking a look at your daily routine.

In this article, we’ll shine a spotlight on seven everyday habits you should ditch if you want to maintain that youthful glow from within.

1) Skipping sunscreen

Let’s start with a seemingly innocent but surprisingly harmful habit.

You may think, “I only need sunscreen when I’m at the beach or during the summer”.

But here’s the truth.

Sunlight doesn’t discriminate between your beach vacation and your daily stroll to the grocery store. The harmful UV rays can cause premature skin aging and damage regardless of the weather or season.

So, if you’re in the habit of stepping outside without applying sunscreen, it might be time to rethink that decision.

Remember, a daily dose of SPF is your best bet against wrinkles and age spots.

Plus, it’s a simple addition to your morning routine that can make a world of difference in how you look and feel as you age.

2) Lack of proper sleep

Here’s one that I’ve personally struggled with.

There was a time when I used to brag about getting by on just a few hours of sleep. I thought the extra hours awake gave me a head start on the day.

However, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Over time, I noticed my skin looking dull and my energy levels dropping. It was also harder to concentrate and remain productive throughout the day.

That’s when I realized the importance of a good night’s sleep.

Sleep is our body’s way of rejuvenating and repairing itself. When we skimp on sleep, we’re essentially denying our body this crucial recovery time.

In fact, a study by UCLA found that just one night of insufficient sleep can increase cellular aging!

So, if you’re in the habit of burning the midnight oil or binging your favorite shows into the wee hours, it’s high time to reevaluate your sleep schedule. 

3) Neglecting hydration

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey towards better health and vitality, it’s the irreplaceable value of water.

There were days when I’d find myself reaching for cup after cup of coffee, just to keep me going.

But the more I relied on caffeine, the more tired and run-down I felt.

It was a wake-up call.

I realized that no amount of coffee or energy drinks could replace the benefits of staying hydrated with good old H2O.

Research has found a strong connection between staying hydrated and healthy aging. This is because eater not only keeps our skin moisturized and glowing, but it also:

• Aids in digestion
• Flushes out toxins
• Keeps our energy levels up

So, if you’re one of those people who forgets to drink enough water during the day, consider this your gentle reminder.

Carry a water bottle around if you need to, but make sure you’re giving your body the hydration it needs to stay vibrant and youthful.

4) Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is the most common lifestyle of the modern world.

Whether it’s working long hours at a desk job or binge-watching the latest series on Netflix, we often prioritize convenience over activity.

But the reality is, our bodies are built for movement.

Regular physical activity keeps our muscles toned, our bones strong, and our heart healthy. Plus, it’s a natural mood booster!

So, if you find yourself glued to your chair more often than you’d like to admit, it’s time to make a change.

Start small – take a walk during lunch breaks or commit to a short daily workout routine.

5) High sugar diet

Sugar is a stealthy culprit that often slips under our radar.

While we all love a sweet treat now and then, a high sugar diet can wreak havoc on our health and vitality.

You see, sugar molecules can attach to the proteins in our skin, leading to a process called glycation.

Ever heard of it?

Well, glycation accelerates the aging process, causing wrinkles and sagging skin.

Beyond that, consuming too much sugar can lead to:

• Weight gain
• Energy crashes
• Chronic diseases like diabetes

So, if your daily menu is filled with sugary snacks and beverages, it might be time for a rethink.

Opting for natural sugars found in fruits and cutting down on processed foods can make a huge difference in how you look and feel as you age.

6) Neglecting mental health

In our pursuit of physical youthfulness, we often overlook a crucial aspect – our mental health.

Remember, it’s perfectly fine to have off days. We’re all human, after all.

But if you find yourself constantly stressed or anxious, it’s important to address these feelings rather than brushing them off.

Research shows that chronic stress fast-tracks aging and also takes a toll on your overall well-being.

Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, therapy, or simply taking time out each day for self-care, nurturing your mental health can go a long way in maintaining your youthful spirit.

This is because a calm and positive mind often reflects in a radiant and youthful complexion.

So, let’s make mental health a priority too. After all, true youthfulness stems from a state of harmony between the mind and body.

7) Excessive alcohol consumption

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – alcohol.

While a glass of wine here and there is fine, excessive alcohol consumption can speed up the aging process significantly. It dehydrates the skin, causes inflammation, and can lead to various health issues.

Most importantly, it can rob you of your zest for life.

So, as you strive for a youthful glow and vitality, consider moderating your intake of alcohol. 

Final thoughts

Discovering that how quickly we age comes down to our habits can feel truly empowering. We have the power to slow down the aging processes in our bodies.

But with great power comes great responsibility. And that responsibility includes saying goodbye to these 7 habits.

Now that you know what these accelerated-aging habits are, you can gradually start to replace them with healthier alternatives.

Whether it’s adding more water to your day, getting that extra hour of sleep, or reducing sugar intake, every small change makes a big difference.