What are the benefits of feeling youthful?

There’s a good reason why we all aim to be young at heart

They say youth is wasted on the young, and that’s something many people choose to agree with as they get older. It’s all too easy to look back on younger days and be wistful for the amount of energy you had, the lack of wrinkles and the freshness that you took for granted. However, we don’t simply have to dive head first into getting older. Age is just a number, after all, and there are plenty of things you can do to look and feel younger for longer, including researching the treatments available from experts like Skin Vitality Medical Clinic Toronto.

So why is it important to hold onto your youth instead of pushing it aside? That’s what we’re here to answer. Research suggests that their may be more benefits to staying young that you might realise. Let’s take a closer look.

Why should we try to be more youthful?

Plenty of studies have been carried out into the effect of feeling younger on our physical and mental health, finding that those who feel young enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing, less inflammation, better cognitive function, lower risk of hospitalisation and even a longer lifespan on average.

One study, published by the American Psychological Association, found that those who felt younger in middle age were better able to buffer themselves against the damaging effects of stress, which itself can have an impact on physical and mental wellbeing.

A study published in Psychology and Aging involved researchers from the German Centre of Gerontology analysing three years of data from over 5,000 participants, all aged 40 and older. The survey included questions about stress levels, functional health, daily activities and more. On average, those who reported greater stress in their lives experienced a steeper health decline over three years, yet subjective age provided a protective buffer. Those who felt younger than their actual age saw less stress and less of a decline in their functional health.

These results suggest that helping people feel younger could reduce the harmful impact of life stresses, improving the health of older adults in the long run. In short, feeling young at heart is more than just a saying – it’s something we should all aim for in order to improve our wellbeing and outlook overall.

How can you look and feel younger in your daily life?

When we look good, we feel good. Making even the smallest lifestyle changes can help to improve how you look and feel, improving the youthfulness of your appearance and giving you more energy to deal with the stresses of daily life.

Hydration, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep are three of the most important factors when it comes to looking after your health and wellbeing. Drinking lots of water helps to keep skin looking radiant, encouraging skill cells to replenish, as can enjoy a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

What’s more, a consistent sleep schedule that includes 7-9 hours of sleep every night is vital for cell renewal and keeping your skin fresh. When we miss out on sleep, our skin and our immune system suffers, and we’re less able to cope with stress and other obstacles. Making time for rest is key to protecting your health and wellbeing in the long run.

However, these aren’t the only factors involved in looking and feeling youthful. Skincare, sun protection, treatments and dealing with stressful factors head on can all contribute to a more youthful appearance and outlook on life.