For years, I’ve been fascinated with the concept of aging.
You know what I’m talking about:
– Looking a decade younger than you are
– Having a vibrant, youthful energy
– Being physically and mentally fit at any age.
And achieving all this without the need for a magic pill or an expensive cosmetic procedure.
My name is Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a self-professed psychology enthusiast. A few years back, I found myself looking older than my age. I was sluggish, stressed, and not in the best shape.
During that time, I was living with a sense of frustration. My reflection in the mirror seemed to be aging faster than I was ready for.
But then, psychology came to my rescue. I discovered certain behaviors that people who look significantly younger than their actual age typically display.
In this article, I will share these behaviors with you. Here’s to turning back the clock naturally!
Let’s dive in.
1) They prioritize self-care
The first behavior I noticed about those who look significantly younger than their age is their commitment to self-care.
It might seem obvious, but it was a revelation for me.
Self-care, as I discovered, goes beyond skincare routines and regular exercise. It’s about treating your body with respect and kindness, and it’s also about taking care of your mental health.
People who look younger than their age understand that a healthy mind contributes to a healthy body. They invest time in activities that nourish their spirit and calm their mind – things like meditation, reading, or simply spending time in nature.
They also pay attention to their diet, favoring nutritious, whole foods over processed ones. They hydrate well and ensure they get adequate sleep.
It was a wake-up call for me. I started investing more time in self-care – not just physical but also mental. I began meditating, eating healthier, and ensuring I got plenty of sleep.
If you want to start looking and feeling younger, my advice is this: start taking better care of yourself. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. And trust me; it shows.
2) They embrace positivity
Here’s another thing I noticed about people who look significantly younger than their age: they are incredibly positive.
Now, I’m not talking about blind optimism. These individuals understand that life has its ups and downs. But they also believe in the power of a positive mindset.
I’ll be honest; I used to be a bit of a pessimist. I would often expect the worst, and my negative thinking was taking a toll on me. Not only was I constantly stressed, but I also noticed that I was aging faster.
Then, I came across a quote from Dr. Martin Seligman, a renowned psychologist and the father of positive psychology: “Optimism is invaluable for a meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can throw yourself into the service of that which is larger than you are.”
This quote resonated with me deeply. So, I decided to give positivity a shot.
I started by practicing gratitude every day. Each morning, I would write down three things I was grateful for. This simple practice helped shift my focus from negative to positive.
And you know what? The change was incredible. Not only did I feel happier, but I also started looking fresher and more youthful.
Try embracing positivity. It may not come naturally at first, but with practice, it can become second nature.
3) They stay active
People who look significantly younger than their actual age typically lead an active lifestyle.
Growing up, I was never much of a sports enthusiast. My idea of a perfect day involved lounging on the couch with a good book or a movie.
However, as I began to notice my energy levels dipping and my waistline expanding, I realized something had to change.
Physical activity is not just about maintaining a healthy weight; it’s also about keeping your body agile and your skin glowing.
So, I made a decision to incorporate more physical activity into my daily routine. It started with simple changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and going for short walks during my lunch break.
Gradually, I began to enjoy being active. I joined a local gym and started swimming regularly. The transformation was remarkable. Not only did I feel more energetic, but I also noticed my skin looking healthier and more youthful.
It’s never too late to start leading an active lifestyle. If you’re someone who’s been sedentary for a while, start small. Remember, the goal is not to run a marathon overnight but to make physical activity a regular part of your life.
If you’re aiming for that youthful glow, get moving! Your future self will thank you for it.
4) They maintain strong social connections
Another common trait among those who look significantly younger than their age is their strong social connections.
I’m an introvert by nature. While I enjoy spending time with friends and family, I also relish my alone time. However, I noticed that those who seemed to defy aging were often surrounded by a vibrant social circle.
Research backs this up. A study published in the journal PLOS Medicine found that individuals with strong social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with weaker social relationships, highlighting the significant impact of social connections on our health and longevity.
Inspired by this finding, I made an effort to strengthen my relationships. I started spending more quality time with my friends and family and even made new connections through shared hobbies and interests.
The result? An unexpected but welcome side effect – a youthful glow, both inside and out.
Cultivate your relationships, meet new people, and cherish the bonds you have. They might just be the secret to your youthful appearance.
5) They cultivate a growth mindset
The final behavior that I’ve noticed in people who look significantly younger than their age is the cultivation of a growth mindset.
I used to be someone who was set in his ways. Change was something I resisted, and this resistance was not only limiting my potential but also reflecting in my appearance.
Then, I came across the concept of a growth mindset – the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s about learning from challenges and failures instead of avoiding them.
Inspired by this, I started embracing change and challenges. I began to see failures as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in mindset not only helped me expand my potential but also instilled a youthful, energetic vibe.
Embrace change, take on challenges, and never stop learning. After all, age is just a number, and with the right mindset, you can keep your youthful spirit alive no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.
6) They practice mindfulness
The final behavior I discovered in people who look significantly younger than their age is the practice of mindfulness.
Before my journey into exploring psychology, I was constantly rushed, my mind was always elsewhere, and stress was a constant companion. I realized this was not only affecting my mental health but also reflecting physically.
Then, I chanced upon a quote by Sylvia Boorstein, a famous psychotherapist, and Buddhist teacher: “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.”
This made me understand the power of being present in the moment and accepting it as it comes without judgment.
I started practicing mindfulness through meditation and simple exercises like mindful eating and walking. The results were astonishing. My stress levels reduced dramatically, and this calmness reflected on my face making me look younger.
7) They are not afraid of aging
Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but people who look significantly younger than their age are not actually afraid of aging.
For the longest time, I was caught up in the societal fear of growing old. Every new wrinkle or gray hair would send me into a spiral of anxiety. But then I realized, those who truly seemed to defy age embraced it.
Aging is a natural process, and it brings with it wisdom, experience, and growth. Those who look younger understand this. They view aging as a privilege and not something to be feared.
So I started to change my perspective. Instead of dreading each birthday, I began celebrating it as another year of growth and experience.
Here’s a practical tip: The next time you spot a new wrinkle or grey hair, instead of panicking, take a moment to appreciate your journey so far. Remember the experiences you’ve had, the wisdom you’ve gained.
Embrace your age; it’s a testament to your journey in life. And who knows? This shift in perspective might just give you that youthful glow you desire.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the behaviors that people who look significantly younger than their age typically display. But remember, it’s not just about looking younger; it’s about feeling younger too.
Start by adopting one or two of these behaviors, and gradually incorporate more as they become a natural part of your lifestyle.
Remember, the journey to a youthful appearance starts from the inside out. Prioritize self-care, cultivate positivity and strong social connections, maintain an active lifestyle, embrace a growth mindset, practice mindfulness, and most importantly, appreciate your age.
And always remember this: Age is just a number. It’s how you feel inside that truly counts.
Here’s to embracing our age while feeling and looking our best!
