Let’s talk about aging. More specifically, about those people who seem to defy it.
You know who I’m talking about. Those people who are constantly being complimented for their youthful looks and vitality.
What’s their secret? Is it genetics or is it something more?
As the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve spent a fair amount of time pondering these questions.
And according to psychology, it often comes down to certain habits, and I’m here to share them with you.
So, if you’re curious about the secrets behind that youthful glow, keep reading.
After all, who wouldn’t want to be complimented for looking young and healthy?
1) They prioritize self-care
We all know that person who seems to be constantly on the go, yet somehow manages to maintain a youthful glow.
What’s their secret?
It’s not as complex as you might think. Actually, it might be something that you’ve heard a thousand times before: self-care.
People who regularly get compliments for looking young and healthy usually prioritize taking care of themselves.
This doesn’t just involve eating well and exercising regularly, but also taking time to relax, destress and rejuvenate.
We live in a society that tends to glorify busyness.
But those who understand the value of self-care know that slowing down and nurturing oneself is not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining one’s health and vitality.
This is backed up by numerous studies that have shown the positive impacts of self-care on our physical and mental health.
In other words, looking young and healthy isn’t about where you are at this moment, but about the journey you’re on and the habits you cultivate along the way.
2) They stay hydrated
I’m sure you’ve heard it before – hydration is key. But let me tell you, it’s absolutely true.
There was a time in my life when I was running Hack Spirit, juggling a myriad of responsibilities and burning the candle at both ends.
During that period, I neglected one simple thing: drinking enough water.
My skin started to look dull, I felt more tired than usual and my energy levels were plummeting.
It was a wakeup call for me. I began making conscious efforts to increase my water intake, and gradually, I started seeing a difference.
People who are often complimented for looking young and healthy understand this basic but powerful habit: staying hydrated.
Our bodies are primarily composed of water, and maintaining hydration is crucial for our overall health.
It helps in digestion, absorption of nutrients, circulation of blood, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
And the results?
Glowing skin, increased energy levels, improved physical performance, and more.
3) They practice mindfulness
You may have noticed that people who often receive compliments for looking young and healthy tend to have a certain calmness about them.
It’s as if they’re not constantly rushing around, but instead, they’re fully present in the moment.
This is a practice that I’ve personally seen make a significant difference in my life – mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment, acknowledging and accepting it without judgement.
It’s about taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just breathing.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of mindfulness.
I talk about how this ancient Buddhist philosophy can be integrated into our modern lives, to help us navigate our daily challenges with more clarity and grace.
People who practice mindfulness tend to have lower stress levels, improved mental clarity, better emotional control and overall improved health.
And of course, it shows on their faces – there’s a certain glow that comes with inner peace.
4) They maintain a positive outlook
Ever noticed that people who frequently receive compliments for looking youthful and vibrant often seem to have a certain positivity about them?
Turns out, there’s a psychological basis for this.
Positive thinking has been shown to have numerous health benefits that can lead to a healthier, and perhaps younger-looking, appearance.
These benefits include better stress management and coping skills, lower rates of depression, increased lifespan, greater resistance to common colds, better physical and mental well-being, and improved cardiovascular health.
But how can one maintain a positive outlook amidst the daily ups and downs of life?
One key strategy is to focus on gratitude.
Studies show that keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking time each day to think about what you’re grateful for can significantly increase your overall happiness and positivity.
Another strategy is to practice positive self-talk.
This means replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, or looking at setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
Taking these steps can not only improve your outlook on life but also impact your physical appearance.
As the famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said: “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
And having a positive outlook can be a significant step in that direction.
5) They aren’t afraid to indulge
Now, this might seem counter-intuitive in an article about healthy habits.
But people who often get compliments for looking young and healthy do indulge, albeit in a mindful way.
Rather than denying themselves of pleasures, they understand the concept of balance and moderation.
They enjoy a slice of cake at a party, or relax with a glass of wine after a long day.
The key is that they do so without guilt and without overdoing it.
This approach to indulgence aligns with the concept of intuitive eating, which encourages listening to your body’s cues rather than rigid diet rules.
It’s about enjoying food and other pleasures of life, while also taking care of one’s health.
Depriving ourselves can lead to stress, frustration and even feelings of guilt when we eventually give in to our cravings.
By allowing ourselves to indulge mindfully, we can avoid these negative feelings.
6) They connect with others
People who frequently receive compliments for looking youthful and healthy often have strong social connections.
They understand the importance of maintaining relationships with family and friends, and they make an effort to connect with others in meaningful ways.
Numerous studies show that having a strong social network can lead to better mental and physical health, and even increased longevity.
Social connections can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose—all of which can contribute to a healthier, more youthful appearance.
It’s important to note that it’s not about the quantity of social connections, but the quality.
Having a few close relationships where you feel understood and appreciated can be more beneficial than having numerous superficial ones.
As psychologist Carl Jung once said: “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
This underscores the power of human connection in transforming our lives—and perhaps even our looks!
7) They get enough sleep
As someone who used to burn the midnight oil regularly, I can attest to the transformative power of good sleep. There’s a reason it’s called “beauty sleep”.
People who often get compliments for looking young and healthy prioritize getting enough quality sleep.
It’s during sleep that our bodies repair and regenerate, including our skin cells.
Not getting enough sleep can lead to a host of health problems, including an aged appearance.
But it’s not just about the quantity of sleep, it’s also about the quality.
This means establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a calm and quiet sleep environment, and developing a relaxing pre-sleep routine.
Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And it’s one that can significantly contribute to a youthful and healthy appearance.
In the words of John Steinbeck: “It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.”
So, never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
8) They embrace aging gracefully
Here’s an interesting paradox: people who often get complimented for looking young and healthy are usually the ones who aren’t overly obsessed with their age or looks.
These individuals understand that aging is a natural part of life and they embrace it gracefully.
They don’t waste time and energy trying to fight the inevitable.
Instead, they focus on maintaining their health and vitality.
This doesn’t mean they neglect skincare or healthy living.
Rather, they nurture their bodies and minds, accepting the changes that come with time.
They take care of themselves not out of fear of aging, but out of respect for their bodies.
In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into some of these habits.
I explore the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and how its principles can be incorporated into our modern lives to enhance our well-being.
But remember, while these habits can contribute to a youthful appearance, the ultimate goal is not merely looking young.
It’s about nurturing our health and happiness, and living a fulfilling life.
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