By Erika Long
Aging is a natural process that is unavoidable. However, there are effective solutions that can slow down the aging process. With anti-aging serums claiming to reverse the clock and med-spa treatments that swear by their results, it’s hard to trust that anything will work. Instead of spending time and money on products and procedures that unfortunately give short-term gains at best, let’s look at tips that give real results.
- Deep Sleep
Sleep can be the key factor that makes the clock slow down no matter our genetics. Sleep not only refreshes the body and mind but it also helps to slow down the aging process. The body goes through different stages of sleep every night when we go to bed. Each stage of sleep plays an important role in enhancing our overall health and wellness. However, out of three stages of sleep, there is one stage that is considered to be most beneficial to the body and that is deep sleep.
Deep sleep is the stage of sleep when brain waves and body movement slow down. Deep sleep usually occurs in the final stage of non-rapid eye movement (REM). During this stage, breathing and heartbeat slow down drastically, and muscles relax. Because brain waves slow down, it’s hard to awaken from this stage of sleep even with loud noises and if we do, we feel tired and disoriented.
There are many benefits of deep sleep. First, it is the time when the pituitary gland secretes crucial hormones such as the human growth hormone which plays an indispensable role in slowing down the aging process. Deep sleep also helps regenerate cells while strengthening the immune system both of which help slow down the aging process.
Experts recommend that we sleep for at least 8 hours a day to increase our chances of getting deep sleep. When we get quality deep sleep, we will not only wake up feeling rejuvenated, but we will also look and feel younger.
- Reduce Stress
Stress is part of life. It’s difficult if not impossible to live a completely stress-free life. However, how we manage our stress level can determine how well we age.
Chronic stress increases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well as triggers the brain to release stress hormones that damage cells leading to premature aging. Most people who suffer from chronic stress usually embrace unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking alcohol to help relax. But these are a short-term fixes with long-term consequences on our major organs.
When we get adequate sleep, it’s easier to manage stress. One solution that is growing in popularity to reduce stress and anxiety and help induce sleep is CBD oil. This natural product derived from hemp, has special cannabinoids that help regulate hormone production and works on the receptors in the brain that lead to feelings of calm and relaxation.
- Drink matcha
The popularity of matcha green tea has increased drastically over the last few years because of its amazing health benefits. Full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and chlorophyll, matcha is a bright green elixir that could be the fountain of youth. It is the finest grade of green tea and the only form in which we consume the whole tea leaf ground up in powder form. It helps detoxify blood, burn fat and destress the body. All of these attributes combine to help slow down the aging process plus it gives what is known as a “alert calmness” as it contains both caffeine and L-theanine, a rare amino acid, that has a relaxing effect.
- Weight Training
Exercise can help with improving metabolism, posture, flexibility, mood and sleep, but weight training has a special effect on the heart. Whether we use dumbbells or our body weight, even as little as one hour per week can cause a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease. Plus, resistance training also improves bone health by increasing bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Good form is a must as injury is avoidable when we train smart.
- Laughter
The hormone, cortisol, is essential for a number of important functions in the body like controlling blood sugar levels, regulating metabolism and reducing inflammation. Yet, stress causes an increase production of cortisol which can damage neurons in the brain. Studies have shown that laughter reduces stress and in turn improves memory, lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow. It also increases the release of endorphins and dopamine creating an overall elevation in our mood.
Try these 5 simple anti-aging solutions and notice an increase in energy, better overall health and happier life. With better sleep, less stress, more laughter, a little weight training and some delicious match tea, you can enjoy a long life as you age gracefully.
About the Author
Erika Long loves corgis, curry and comedy. Always searching for the next great snuggle, flavor or laugh, she inspires people to live their best life now. When not writing, Erika can be found at her local brewery dominating Harry Potter trivia night.
