Over the past few months, mortality has become a more of a reality to me. We all have lost friends, family members - all too young - to accident or illness. I used to keep a quarter jar for anyone that said the "o" word in my presence ... say "mature", "aging", "wiser" ... but don't say "old" please. So, I have been researching for ways to put off getting old. Ha, good luck right? However, I did run across a few tips to stay healthier and happier while "maturing" (and have more fun along the way):
Drink red wine - red wine is packed with antioxidants that help protect your body against the effects of aging. One or two glasses of red wine a day can help keep your body young.
Eat dark chocolate - Dark chocolate contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging, as well as lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.
Smile - Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood.
Have more sex - Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.
Relax - While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate, & ability to cope with life's challenges.
Make exercise play - Physical games & sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance and strength.
Spend time with loved ones - Strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, protects from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time with friends and family to improve your health and your life.
Solve puzzles and play brain games - Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity.
Be positive - Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life. Find ways to to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.
Sleep - Sleep is an essential body function. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting the amount you need. The health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.
Now, the one I noticed in the list I can do and do well - SLEEP ... even have found more on why sleep is so important for overall health, as well as helping age gracefully (because, you have to admit, aging beats the alternative!)
Sleep Keeps Your Heart Healthy - Lack of sleep has been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Your heart will be healthier if you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.
Sleep May Prevent Cancer - Light exposure reduces the level of melatonin, a hormone that both makes us sleepy and is thought to protect against cancer. Melatonin appears to suppress the growth of tumors. Be sure that your bedroom is dark to help your body produce the melatonin it needs.
Sleep Reduces Stress - When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body's functions are put on high alert which causes an increase in blood pressure and a production of stress hormones. It is good to learn stress reduction techniques that can also help for sleep.
Sleep Reduces Inflammation - The increase in stress hormones raises the level of inflammation in your body, also creating more risk for heart-related conditions, as well as cancer and diabetes. Inflammation is thought to one of the causes of the deterioration of your body as you age.
Sleep Makes You More Alert - Of course, a good night's sleep makes you feel energized and alert the next day. When you wake up feeling refreshed, use that energy to get out into the daylight, do active things, and be engaged in your world. You'll sleep better the next night and increase your daily energy level.
Sleep Bolsters Your Memory - A process called memory consolidation occurs during sleep. While your body may be resting, your brain is busy processing your day, making connections between events, sensory input, feelings and memories. Getting more quality sleep will help you remember and process things better.
Sleep May Help You Lose Weight - Researchers have also found that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to be overweight or obese. It is thought that the lack of sleep impacts the balance of hormones in the body that affect appetite. So if you are interested in controlling or losing weight, don't forget to pay attention to getting a good night's sleep.
Naps Make You Smarter - Napping during the day is not only an effective and refreshing alternative to caffeine, it can also protect your health and make you more productive. People who nap at work have much lower levels of stress. (So why does my boss have such an issue with me sleeping on the job????) Napping also improves memory, cognitive function and mood.
Sleep May Reduce Your Risk for Depression - Sleep impacts many of the chemicals in your body, including serotonin. People with a deficiency in serotonin are more likely to suffer from depression. You can help to prevent depression by making sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, between 7 and 9 hours each night.
Sleep Helps the Body Make Repairs - Sleep is a time for your body to repair damage caused by stress, ultraviolet rays and other harmful exposures. Your cells produce more protein while you are sleeping. These protein molecules form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair damage.
So what can be learned from this? De-stress your life as much as possible. Smile, stay positive, get enough sleep, surround yourself with your loved ones. Wait for it --- Don't worry, be happy!
Thanks to Yahoo.com and About.com
In memory of Charles ... You are loved and will be greatly missed, dear friend
