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2) Have a power snack
According to bestselling author Elizabeth Somer, when you snack, choose colorful fruits and vegetables. An anti-aging diet should include eight or more fruits and vegetables each day. Instead of reaching for the donuts, soft drinks, granola bars, and cookies reach for a ight red apple or some crunchy orange carrots. Add some low fat yogurt or a handful of nuts to provide protein and feel an energy boost that lasts through the day.
3) Reach for the Golden Ring
Everyone should have a dream they want too attain. What's your dream? Spend some time each day working towards obtaining the dream that makes your heart sing. Maybe it's a move to an exotic place, a fabulous vacation, a chance to go back to college; but you have to dream it first before it can ever happen. Just by using your imagination to visualize your dream and taking some small action to ing it closer to reality you'll gain a youthful glow.
4) Refresh Yourself with a Nap
Recharge your batteries with less than 20 minutes of sleep between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 and you will be amazed at how much better you feel with just a
small amount of rest. Do not sleep longer than 20 minutes because your sleep cycle will becomes too deep, making it difficult to awake and rejoin the activities of the day. If you nap too late in the day, it will interfere with your normal sleep patterns. Many creative people take naps intentionally because it helps give their thought processes a eak and helps them to take new approaches to projects when they awake.
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5) Stretch
Start every day by improving your flexibility. Stretching helps you in many ways, explains author of Total Renewal, Frank Lipman M.D., improved circulation, faster healing, reduced stiffness, and joint lu ication are just some of the benefits of stretching as part of your daily routine. Hold your stretches for a minute and a half and aim for the limit of your ability. Never force your body and if you feel any sharp pain, stop. According to Dr. Lipman, current research demonstrates that muscles can be stretched 150 percent of their resting length before tearing. With a supple limber body you are certain to walk with a spring in your step and feel younger.
6) Learn to say “No”
Look out for number one, yourself. Realistically access what responsibilities you've already committed to and determine what you have time for in your life . Establish boundaries and say “no” when you feel overburdened. By lightening your responsibilities, you'll feel more relaxed, with energy to spare.
7) Eat some almonds
Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts are all high in anti-oxidants and good for you in many ways. That's why they are such a popular snack among people who care about their health. Almonds are particularly rich in manganese and copper along with riboflavin (vitamin B2), minerals and a vitamin that help our bodies with energy production. A number of medical studies have shown that almonds can also help lower bad cholesterol and help prevent heart disease. Don't just save nuts for snacks, they make great additions to salads and sautéed vegetable and meat dishes. Not only do they taste great but also you'll feel good.
8) Do some aerobic exercise
Take a isk walk, run, bicycle, swim, or dance. According to the famous Dr. Andrew Weil, aerobic exercise has many benefits, ”It improves immune function and cognitive function and has a marked effect on mood,” he writes in his book Healthy Aging. And in addition to those calories you'll burn you'll feel invigorated and recharged. Take your exercise outside and feel even better because the rays of the sun trigger the release of serotonin, a chemical in your ain that promotes a feeling of well being.
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9) Make a New Friend
“Friends nourish and sooth the soul, providing a mirror from which to reflect on our path through life and a haven from daily problems,” writes Elizabeth Somer, author of Age-Proof Your Body. Emotional support from good friends helps us face adversities when the going gets rough. More friends will ing more joy into your life and boost your energy with a renewed sense of camaraderie.
10) Drink more Water
Water helps us process our food. When we don't drink enough water, our body has to work harder to digest what we eat and the result is a feeling of fatigue. How much water is enough? While eight tall glasses of water a day may or may not be exactly what you need, the best gauge is the color of your urine. Clear urine means you're drinking too much water, dark yellow means you're no
t getting enough, and light-colored yellow is just the right amount. Keep a refillable cup or bottle for your water and you'll save energy for the earth while maintaining your own energy.
11) Get a good night's sleep
How much sleep do you need? Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep to feel refreshed and well rested. How can you get the sleep you need? It's important to establish a regular routine as to when you go to bed and rise in the morning. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol in the evening and create a bedroom that is peaceful and serene. Regular exercise and no naps after 4:00 p.m. will help you to obtain your goal of a good night's sleep.
12) Breath Deeply
Take a deep eath and inhale down to your naval. Notice that when you take the time to eath, you'll feel relaxed and gain a better perspective on life. “Breath straddles the mind –body interface,” writes Dr. Andrew Weil . He describes it as a tonic for the nervous system. Release stress and control your emotions at the same time by taking the time each day for some deep eathing exercises. Inhale deeply through your nose while counting to four. Hold that eath for seven counts and then slowly release the eath through your mouth in eight counts. Do this three or four times and you'll lower your blood pressure, increase circulation, and improve your digestion. The result will be a more relaxed, energetic, youthful you.
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