Reaching the big 3-0 doesn’t have to be the end of an era. You can still feel and look young as long as you take proper care of yourself. It’s all about making the right choices and building the right habits in order to age gracefully. To that end, here are 12 things you should incorporate to your daily routine whether or not you’ve already blown out 30 candles:
#1 Load up on fruits and vegetables
As you age, your metabolism slows down due to shifts in your hormones. As frightening as that may seem, there are always ways to hold off these natural changes. Sticking to a healthier diet can boost your fat-burning potential and can remove fat in your digestive tract even before you can absorb them.
#2 Hydrate
Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day has been claimed to keep skin looking plump and supple by dermatologists and celebrities alike. However, there is more to guzzling the recommended amount of water than just glowing skin. It is also vital in keeping our organs performing their functions well.
#3 Kick the bad habits out (and don’t start on a new one!)
You probably already know that smoking and heavy drinking seriously increases your odds for diseases such as cancer and organ damage. Research shows that women who quit these habits before 40 live at least ten years longer than those who don’t. You’ll thank yourself later!
#4 Find a workout that you actually enjoy
At this age, your muscle mass and bone density begin to decrease – a bad combo for the changes in your metabolism. Engage in heart-pumping and weight bearing exercises at least 3 times a week to keep the flab at a minimum. And if you’re having trouble finding motivation, try these 5 measures to help you get started.
#5 Wear sunscreen
Once you hit 30, collagen production decreases by 1-1.5%. This has an obvious negative impact on your skin if left unprotected. Make sure to apply sunscreen daily to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from developing too quickly.