At 55, These 9 Small Changes Can Make You Feel Decades Younger Almost Overnight
JackF | Canva Have you ever heard the expression, "Age is just a number?" Although it's obviously impossible to reverse the aging process, many people can agree that they occasionally feel older or younger than their defined calendar age.
Believe it or not, an increasing number of studies show that individuals can drastically improve their physical, emotional, and mental health, restoring energy, mood, and general emotional well-being to the time before the stress and responsibility of work and family life took over.
I've learned that age is not mutually exclusive from having health problems and looking old. Implementing healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in ensuring you feel good and look good well into your golden years. There are a few small changes for simple lifestyle adjustments that can help ensure you stay feeling and looking young for the foreseeable future.
At 55, these small changes can make you feel decades younger almost overnight:
Small change #1: Change your diet
Don't let another day go by, opting out of fruits and vegetables for quick, fast-food meals. We've been told since we were children that a healthy diet can make all the difference, but the science behind this is even more impressive.
It has been shown that a balanced diet can result in an improved hormonal equilibrium, better sleep, weight loss, and overall improved physical health, among other positive benefits. It might take a few minutes to prepare a simple dinner of healthy ingredients, but isn't it worth the time investment? We think so.
Small change #2: Take time out
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Work duties can quickly become an all-consuming lifestyle. That being said, a study has explained that the disadvantages of this level of dedication often include increased stress levels, which can quickly result in a hormonal imbalance leading to sleep loss, depression, and reduced vigor. By taking a few minutes each day to relax and enjoy oneself, even if it happens after work, adults can ensure they remain in control of their bodies.
Small change #3: Get more sleep
No matter what your workaholic friends tell you, sleep is necessary to maintain energy levels and a youthful verve. The negative results of prolonged sleep deprivation can prove to be significant in adults of all ages.
Hypnotherapist Michele Molitor advised, "Creating good sleep habits leads to waking up naturally and easily in the morning. Stop looking at your phone or devices at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from these screens disrupts melatonin production and will keep you awake longer, and thus make you groggier in the morning. Eat at least three hours before bedtime and reduce alcohol and caffeine intake. Create a sleep atmosphere that is comfortable and cozy for your body type."
Small change #4: Limit time in the office chair
Researchers have recommended that individuals pull themselves out of their office chairs for at least a few minutes every hour to keep circulation levels in check. Not only will this reduce the threat of blood clots, but it will also help maintain energy levels in adults, allowing them to remain active and optimistic.
"Exercise not only produces immediate changes in your physiology that boost your mood, it actually rewires your nervous system to become more flexible, energized, and resilient," explained wellness coach Jeffrey Siegel. "When you understand the links between physical fitness and the brain, you can see how exercise produces short, medium, and long-term shifts in your physiology and psychology that help you live at your best."
Small change #5: Accept less responsibility
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Although many of our duties in life are very real, others are created by our innate desire to feel “in charge.” Many adults heap ever-increasing levels of stress on themselves due to their uncontrollable urge to constantly expand their to-do list. This type of negative energy can quickly age individuals.
Leadership coach Brent Roy elaborated, "For certain personalities who like to be active all the time, it’s easy not to notice areas where a lack of balance and peace could be an issue. That was me, and I needed to find ways to reclaim lost balance.
Why do you lose balance in life when you're burned out? It's from a lack of equilibrium. We pass off exhaustion as just a normal part of getting older. And who doesn’t get cranky and cynical once in a while? We all have days when we question our abilities, even if we’ve excelled at our skills for years."
Small change #6: Spend more time socializing
We often tend to let ourselves go when outside the presence of other people. By maintaining an active social life, individuals will be more likely to check their appearance and make improvements when necessary. Socializing also tends to put people in a good mood and can also serve to keep the brain sharp. If you're a single senior, staying in the dating pool or jumping back in the dating pool can also keep you youthful.
Small change #7: Reward yourself
As it's common knowledge that our mood affects our appearance, it seems reasonable to assume that individuals who reward themselves for small achievements will be happier and thus appear younger. Don't let yourself forget how great a person you really are. Little treats and indulgences can help you stay focused and live in the moment.
"Reward yourself with gifts, no matter how small," recommended therapist Dr. Ava Cadell. "Whether it’s an emotional gift, like sleeping in longer than usual, or a tangible gift, like buying your favorite coffee, flowers, or fragrance."
Small change #8: Exercise
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An oldie but goodie, the popular advice to exercise more has been proven accurate and effective by numerous individuals from all walks of life. Taking time to play a casual sport or simply walk around the block can dramatically improve the appearance of both men and women.
"It’s always easier to do something when you know why you're doing it," suggested professional organizer Diane Quintana. "Once you understand your reason for incorporating physical fitness and exercise into your daily routine, write it down. Write it in big letters on a piece of colorful paper and post it in your bathroom, your kitchen, or somewhere in your home to remind you every day. Start by adding small amounts of exercise into your day. Do whatever makes sense."
Small change #9: Find your confidence
Although all of these tips can definitely improve an individual's appearance and help them look younger, it takes a certain level of confidence to embark on the road to improvement. Positive affirmations, meditation, and small positive changes can go a long way in restoring the confidence you had when you were younger. Have faith in yourself, and allow yourself to embrace small life changes as an investment towards a happier, younger-looking you.
Rob Miller is an avid sports and nutrition enthusiast who graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and holds both a B.S. in Business Management and an MBA with a concentration in e-commerce management.
