Be the Best You Can Be

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

As the baby boomer generation nears retirement age, numerous companies continue to target us for new anti aging products. For the most part, the best anti aging strategies are common sense based, without the need to dip into your wallet.

Often times, the biggest obstacle to feeling young is our health. Nagging, chronic health problems often get in the way of feeling our best and doing our best. While some health conditions are unavoidable, others are easily kept at bay by simple alterations to our daily routines.

In order to combat the aging process, we need to place equal emphasis on our physical and mental well being. As we age, we tend to focus on our physical health. It’s equally important to monitor our mental health as well, especially since optimum mental health can actually help us overcome physical health challenges.

Here are the top 10 anti aging tips you can start today:

1. Make a quick list of all the beverages you drink in a day. For just one of those beverages, substitute a glass of water. Hydration is extremely important, and helps your skin tone as well as helping your internal organs perform their functions.

2. Get some sleep. Sounds simple enough, but the key here is making sure your sleep environment is as comfortable and as free from distractions as possible. Deep, restful sleep will invigorate you and add positive benefit to other aspects of your life.

3. Just a little exercise. Go for a walk, pedal a bike, go dancing … whatever strikes your fancy! Exercise burns calories and reduces stress. As you may know, stress is a major contributor to premature aging.

4. Stretch for five minutes every day. Flexibility diminishes as we grow older. Stretch your limbs, back, and other muscle groups often.

5. Work on your balance. Have you seen older people who struggle with their balance? Balance is a skill that diminishes if we don’t work at it. Try simple balance enhancing movements like standing on one foot for 20 seconds. Doing this every day will dramatically improve your balance.

6. Incorporate mind challenging activities to stimulate your brain. Think of your mind as a muscle and make sure it gets a proper workout too. Puzzles, discussion groups, and even playing along with Jeopardy are good mental stimuli.

7. Look up an old friend. Have a friend you’ve fallen out of touch with? Reconnect! It’ll widen your social circle and give you something to look forward to, as well as helping to keep your mind sharp.

8. Eat more fresh fish. While there are dozens of healthy eating suggestions we can discuss, eating fresh fish is an easy strategy to implement. Try substituting fresh fish for red meat once a week. Your body and mind will both enjoy the health benefits.

9. Put your goals down on paper. Jot down what you want to accomplish tomorrow before you go to bed tonight. You’ll be surprised at how much of a positive difference this makes. You’ll awaken more refreshed and you’ll accomplish more than ever. Try it, it works!

10. Adopt a new friend. Get a pet, as there are millions of shelter animals wanting a good home and someone to love. Studies show pet owners are more active, live longer lives, and have broader social circles. And, don’t underestimate all the companionship and enjoyment a pet will bring to your life.