There’s not a vina out there who doesn’t wish we could all have the body of a 19-year-old and the wisdom of a 90-year-old. Unfortunately, these things are mutually exclusive. SPF numbers and anti-wrinkle cream don’t really rank at the top of the average vina’s list of things to worry about, but they’ll be inevitable conversation topics in the future. Aging gracefully isn’t about the physical, though! Here’s how to age gracefully in mind, body and spirit.

HEALTH

The less food you get from a drive-thru window or shiny metal mylar bags, the better off you are. As a general rule of thumb, nutritionists suggest you stick to the outer perimeters of the grocery store. That’s where the unprocessed foods such as produce, dairy and meat are, as opposed to processed frozen meals and snacks. Studies show that foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries, can lessen the effects of aging.

Chopping and steaming veggies may seem like a little extra work now, but the tradeoff is well worth it for decades of a well-functioning body. Also be sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night and try to quit smoking if it’s a habit you find yourself slipping into.

FITNESS

Find a fitness regime you love – any fitness regime! There’s no one exercise that specifically prevents the effects of aging, though some happen to be particularly stellar for various reasons. Swimming, for example, is a great way to get cardio in without putting pressure on your joints. Yoga is great for maintaining flexibility.

Whether you’re a tough mudder kind of vina or you just like taking Pokemon Go walks, as long as you’re moving consistently, your body will enjoy a positive lasting impact.  

SKINCARE

WEAR SUNSCREEN. Baseball caps and sunglasses are also your friend to keep those squinty lines away. Exfoliate and moisturize regularly to keep your skin in top form and protect yourself from wrinkles.

STYLE

I’m not saying you can’t rock a crop top into your 70’s – you totally should if you want to! Your personal style may evolve as you get older, embracing it can only do good things for your spirit and mindset. Embrace your personal style at every age and acknowledge that it doesn’t have to be the same throughout your life.

Interestingly, a 2010 study found that women who had their hair cut and colored and thought they looked good had lower blood pressure. So explore every style and restyle hunch you’ve ever had. There’s no limit to reinventing yourself!

SPIRITUALITY

Emotional distress can speed up cellular aging. It’s in your own best interest to practice proper self-care and make sure all of your emotional needs are met. Talk therapy, meditation and regular venting sessions with your vinas can all help here! 

Learn to appreciate the tradeoffs of aging. Your metabolism may have slowed, but you’ll never overstay a toxic friendship again because you’ve learned your lesson. If you can appreciate the knowledge gleaned from every year you’ve lived, it won’t seem like such a hindrance. Treat yourself to a lovely reflection of how far you’ve come in the past 5, 10, and 15 years. And if that’s not enough of a reason to be optimistic, consider this: a 2012 study found that a resilient attitude may be the secret to successful aging.

Live well to age well.

And of course, there’s no point in aging gracefully if your years aren’t full of friendship! So grab a vina, and make some memories!

Featured image via https://killerstrands.blogspot.com