Let it Flow

Today I turn 35 and that puts me officially in my mid-thirties. To some that’s over the hill, to others I’m “still a baby” and talk of aging shouldn’t even be in my vocabulary. Ok, well, I’d like to think I’m a mature adult who is healthy, happy, and quite frankly not really concerned with my “number”. My thirties have been the best decade for me to date. I got married, bought a house, traveled, quit my corporate job to start my own business, made new friends. I have no reasons to complain.

I started thinking about aging and getting older only when I was recently asked by my hairdresser “Are you going to start coloring your grays?” Not something I had ever considered. True, my grays are starting to show, but only around my temples, and to be honest, I hardly notice. They are part of who I am. I responded “No”. The look on her face told me she was horrified as she took a step back, eyes wide, mouth dropped open. I kept on, “I do not have time to keep up with the color, and there are other things I’d rather spend my money on. Besides, gray hair is part of the aging process!”

Let’s face it, we all age, it’s part of life, and it can’t be stopped. Because I’ve always challenged authority and the stated rules, I chose not to color my hair, not to have an elaborate skin cleansing routine (facial soap and lotion, that’s it, same as my grandmother with super soft skin!), I don’t get injections of any kind, and I don’t wear cover up or foundation. I never needed to, perhaps I have good genes to thank. In any event, I started to think about what I do that may in fact be considered anti-aging by some and came up with the list below.

I swear by the items on this list as the reason why at 35 I still often hear “What are you 27, 28 years old?”

Here is my current “anti-aging” routine.

1. Exercise daily - walking, strength, some movement daily
2. Drink plenty of water - I never leave home without a water bottle (and an apple). Hydration is key!
3. Yoga/meditation - to keep my face and body relaxed - no lines!
4. Good support system - Including friends, family and colleagues
5. Optimism - My life is great as it is and feeling happy keeps me from thinking that my life is getting shorter by the minute!
6. Consistent eating habits - I didn’t say healthy because it’s not always, but it is consistent. No rapid weight loss or gains, just consistency and plenty of fruits and veggies.
7. Letting go - I’ve learned over the past few years to let go of things. It’s so much better than holding tension.
8. Nothing artificial about me - I don’t use anti-aging skin products, I don’t color my hair, I don’t get injections of any kind to give me a lift. I swear by the idea that the top three items in this list keep me wrinkle free.
9. No smoking - I’ve heard that the smoke may cause wrinkles, making people look older than they are
10. Staying present - learning to take breaks, enjoying moments when I have them, keeping perspective

BONUS: Manage my stress. I read recently (and I forget where) that chronically stressed people may look around 10 years older than they are. YIKES.

I’m sure there is more to be added to the list. What are your secrets to aging gracefully? What works and what have you tried that hasn’t worked?

Tags: Food for thought, Miscellaneous Wellness //