Eliza Hartley
Age is just a number, isn’t it? I know some folks in their 70s who could easily pass for a decade, or two, younger.
Curious about their secrets, I dug a little deeper.
Turns out, it’s not just about good genes and expensive skincare. It’s also about habits.
Specifically, the things they do every evening before hitting the sack.
These are the habits that help them stay vibrant and youthful, without resorting to any tricks or gimmicks.
Just simple, mindful practices that they’ve incorporated into their routine.
And guess what? They’re happy to share these habits with us!
Let’s dive into their world.
1) They swear by their skincare routine
Let me tell you, people who defy their age take their skincare very seriously.
It’s not just a quick wash-and-go for them.
Evening skincare routines aren’t just about pampering the skin.
They’re about providing it with the nourishment it needs after a long day of exposure to the elements.
This nightly ritual can range from a simple cleanse-tone-moisturize routine to an elaborate 10-step Korean skincare regimen. The point is consistency and dedication.
It’s not about using the most expensive products, but rather about understanding what your skin truly needs.
Taking time to nurture your skin before bed can make a world of difference in how you look and feel, and it reflects on your face in the form of that youthful glow.
Are you ready to commit to an evening skincare routine? Because these age-defying folks definitely are.
2) They practice gratitude
I’ve noticed something interesting about these forever-young folks. Their evenings aren’t just about physical care, but also about nurturing their minds and spirits.
Every night, without fail, they take a moment to reflect on their day and express gratitude.
It could be for something as simple as a beautiful sunset or a phone call with an old friend.
Let me share a personal story. I remember visiting my grandma, who is in her late 70s but could give any 50-year-old a run for their money when it comes to radiance.
One evening, I found her jotting down something in a journal. When I asked her what she was doing, she smiled and said it was her “gratitude journal”.
Every night, she would write down at least three things she was grateful for that day.
It could be anything – from the delicious apple pie she baked to the laughter-filled chat with her neighbor.
This simple act of acknowledging and appreciating the good in her life, she explained, kept her heart light and her spirit young.
The more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
Gratitude can shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right, leading to a more positive outlook, which inevitably manifests externally too.
There you go – another secret out of the bag! Ready to start your own gratitude journal?
3) They prioritize quality sleep
Good sleep is a non-negotiable for those who age like fine wine.
And I’m not just talking about getting enough hours in, but also ensuring that the sleep is restful and uninterrupted.
Here’s something to chew on: According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults aged between 18 and 64 should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, while those over 65 should get 7 to 8 hours.
Getting this optimal amount of sleep is linked with a host of health benefits, including improved concentration, a stronger immune system, and yes, healthier skin!
In fact, it’s during deep sleep that your skin goes into repair mode, fixing the damage from the day and preparing itself for the next.
Prioritizing good sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed in the morning.
It’s a crucial part of maintaining a youthful appearance. These forever-young individuals understand this and do everything they can to ensure they get their beauty sleep.
Are you ready to hit the sack early tonight?
4) They opt for a light evening meal
Another thing I’ve noticed about these age-defying individuals is their approach to dinner.
They keep it light and simple, avoiding heavy or greasy foods that can interfere with their sleep or cause discomfort.
It’s not about rigorous dieting, but rather making mindful choices.
They focus on eating nutrition-rich foods that give their body the right kind of fuel without overloading it.
Having a lighter dinner can aid digestion and contribute to a better night’s sleep.
It also helps maintain a healthier weight, which is beneficial not just for looking good, but for overall health.
Next time you plan your dinner, think about what you’re putting on your plate.
Is it heavy, or is it light and nourishing? Your decision can have a big impact on your quest to look significantly younger.
5) They limit their screen time
In today’s digital age, it’s so easy to get sucked into the world of screens.
But these ageless wonders understand the importance of unplugging, especially in the evening.
I’ll be honest, this is something I struggle with.
My job demands that I stay connected, and sometimes it’s hard to resist the temptation of one more email or one last scroll through social media before bed.
But screen time, especially before bed, can mess with your sleep cycle.
The blue light emitted by our devices suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
Limiting screen time in the evenings can lead to better quality sleep and reduce eye strain, which in turn helps maintain that youthful glow.
It’s a habit I’m trying to adopt myself, and while it’s tough, I’ve seen firsthand how beneficial it can be.
Tonight, let’s try to put away those screens a little earlier, shall we?
6) They keep their minds active
Ever noticed how the most youthful-looking seniors also tend to be the sharpest?
There’s a reason for that. Keeping the mind active and engaged is a key part of their evening routine.
They might read a book, solve a crossword puzzle, or even play a game of chess.
The activity isn’t as important as the intention behind it: to keep their brains challenged and stimulated.
Research shows that keeping your mind active can slow cognitive decline and could even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Plus, it provides a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, contributing to a positive mindset.
What will you do tonight to give your brain a workout?
7) They cultivate a positive attitude
Above all, these age-defying individuals share one common trait: they maintain a positive attitude.
They understand that aging is a natural process, but how you feel about it can make all the difference.
A positive outlook can impact not just your mental health but your physical appearance as well.
It reduces stress, improves your mood, and gives you that spark that makes you look and feel younger.
Embracing the aging process with grace and positivity, they show us that age truly is just a number.
The most transformative habit you can adopt is to cultivate a positive attitude towards life and aging.
Final thoughts: It’s about conscious living
At the heart of these habits lies an important truth: aging beautifully is less about looking young and more about living consciously.
These age-defying individuals are not defying the laws of nature, but rather embracing them.
They understand that aging is inevitable, but how they age is largely within their control.
Their secret isn’t found in a jar of expensive cream or in a surgical procedure.
It’s found in the way they live their lives, with mindfulness and respect for their bodies and minds.
It’s in the way they nourish themselves with healthy food, meaningful activities, and positive thoughts.
American author and motivational speaker, William Arthur Ward once said, “We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.”
The same can be applied to aging. We can complain about it, dread it or we can choose to embrace it and build with it.
As we tuck ourselves into bed tonight, let’s reflect on how we can incorporate these habits into our own lives.
It’s never too early or too late to start living mindfully. After all, youth isn’t about age; it’s about how we feel inside.
And that’s something we have the power to influence every single day.
