We are often fascinated by people who look younger than their years.  How do they do it?  How do they maintain their youth despite the onslaught of years, work experiences and a hectic lifestyle.

According to studies how well we age is partly determined by genetics-and much of it is influenced by factors under their control:  Our outlook in life, what we eat and exercise.

Here are practical steps to promote physical and mental health from the experts:

1.  Avoid stress.   Avoid stressful situations at all means. Stress may come from materialism, change, conflict, worries and fears.  A  renowned author cited that the world is constantly being shaped at a pace faster than only of us can comfortably grasp; continuously feeling of anxiety as disease of change is the cause of stress.  According to expert, the care for stress may not be a chemical tablet, certainly it is not a mind damaging, addictive drug.  Rather, it is an optimistic approach to life and an outgoing and an interest in the needs of others.

2. Diversions.   From the ordinary routine of life, everyone needs time for something different.  A gateway vacations and is marvelous if you have no time due to financial constraints you cannot take a real vacation.  Try a single day of complete change of scenery, it can energizing such as spending in the cool mountains or in the seashore.

3.  Improve your brain power.   According to a renowned author, the more you used your mind; the better it functions; He believes that the greatest threat to mental vigor is setting mindlessly in front of the TV.  He cited that there are so many ways to stimulate the mind such as:

• Build your ability to handle words fluently by reading new books.  If you are a writer or want to be one, explore new depths and horizon by incorporating these into your articles.
• Solving crossword puzzles or play scribble.

4.  Nutrition.   Food  should be a pressure, rather than a source of anxiety.  A good diet should be integral part of one's lifestyle.  Dieting often adds stress to life and make more people miserable.  According to dietician:

• Reduce the use of salt.  Minimized smoked foods like bacon or meat or foods that are salt-preserved
• Cut down on sugar.  Fruits are often preferable.
• Drink plenty of vitamin AC rich foods found mainly in fresh fruits, vegetables, and grain cereals when help to form collagen, giving the skin an elastic youthful quality.

• Eat smaller quantities but sufficiently, to satisfy your appetite.  Chew your food thoroughly and slowly.  Never eat when not hungry; stop eating the moment you feel full.
• Reduce alcohol intake and cigarette.

5.  Exercise.  Studies show that exercise not only make you look better and promotes a heightened sensed of physical well-being but also improves intellectual functioning.  Walk at least twenty minutes daily or three times a week to improve stamina.  Dancing, aerobics, swimming and calisthenics are all very good for building flexibility and help to firm up muscles and improves posture.

Resource: 

                 Benedicto, Juliet, "Forever Young."  Woman home companion 12 Sept 01

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