All over the world, there have been stories about fountains of youth, elixirs and plants that will grant you eternal life, youth and beauty. Why people are so obsessed with staying young is still a thing of debate, but a lot of it certainly has to do with the strength and health we have when we are younger, so we’re all trying to turn the clock back. And while I’m sorry to tell you that there still hasn’t been a fountain of youth discovered, there are some things in nature that can help us stay strong, vital and youthful for longer.
Clear mind – young soul
There is no reason why someone who looks young wouldn’t also be wise and calm. After all, being young isn’t all about partying all the time and doing insane things. This is where meditation comes into play. People who meditate are more mindful, self-aware and calmer than their peers who don’t practice meditation. On one hand, less frowning, anger and stress decreases the chance of any worry lines etching deep into your forehead, while it also allows your body to create collagen and keep the skin smooth and tight naturally. But perhaps most importantly, being at peace with yourself and the world around you helps you come to terms with the fact that aging is a natural process and that nobody stays young forever, so that when your fine lines appear, you will still keep your cool and accept them as a new part of you.
Help from nature
Everything we have comes from nature, but there are some things that we could consume that do a lot more than just give us a boost of energy. For starters, if you’re an average person, you’re probably eating more fat than recommended, but probably not the right kind. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the body, but they also help stabilize your mood, prevent visible signs of aging and improve bone strength. You can get omega-3 from fish and walnuts, and about two grams per day will get you a long way. Another secret ingredient is almighty curcumin: it has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidants, helping you feel better and preserve your youth. It’s not easily absorbed through food, but you can find supplements that will give you the results you want.
Yoga
here’s nothing better than some stretching in the morning. But yoga is a lot more than that and, combined with the meditation we mentioned before, can be your way of staying young. Not only is it a great workout that will help tone your muscles and improve your flexibility, but it is made to have an effect on your organs as well. Yoga will help regenerate your digestive system and the reproduction system, which will both add years to your life. Additionally, the breathing practiced in yoga helps oxygenate your cells and rid them of toxins. Practicing the simple tree pose will help you increase your balance and proprioception, which decreases over time, and the downward dog will help you have a healthy spine for a long time. Remember to always train with a professional instructor if you’re new to this, because repeatedly doing poses the wrong way can have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for.
Outside in
There’s only so much you can do for your skin from the inside, and while how your skin feels from the inside is important, if you want good results, you will have to tackle it from the outside as well. Forget about the lotions and potions – let’s talk natural. Sure, rubbing banana peel on your face will give you some benefits, but if you want to see real change, you want to get something more concentrated. Retinol might have a scary name, but it’s just a type of vitamin A, and it is the be-all-end-all supplement for skin rejuvenation. It will tighten pores and make your skin shed the outer layer, leaving it rosy and plump – which also means you shouldn’t overdo it so you don’t damage your skin. If you want an alternative, an Asian plant called madecassol will do the trick, and it has an additional benefit of healing scars. For a mild, everyday option, try washing your face with oatmeal. It will give you smooth, soft skin every time, and will act as the gentlest scrub, so it’s safe to use every day.
Looking young forever is impossible, but slowing the clock is well within our grasp, so if staying youthful is your goal, make sure you are taking good care of your body and giving it all it needs from nature to win the battle against the clock.