Have you ever known someone that seems to get better looking as he or she ages?  Perhaps this person has discovered a “Fountain of Youth?”  Or, maybe they have no stress in their lives?   As much as we would like to think the “fountain of youth” only happens for those people without stress or the rich and famous, there are many things you can do to prevent accelerated aging.

Dr. Herbert Benson, author of The Relaxation Response and renowned researcher and director of the Boston-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts states that depression, anger, high blood pressure, and insomnia, all stem from every day stress.

If we could live in a world with no stress caused by traffic, bills, financial worries, children, our health, and our jobs, imagine the impact it could have on our well-being. You’re probably thinking “That’s great advice, but how do I stop worrying?”

Here are three things you can do today to help alleviate the stress in your life and dramatically slow down the aging process:

1. Exercise.  I have said this before and I will say it again:  get outside and get some fresh air.  Exercise is the best way to make yourself feel better.  It can be difficult to make the effort and the time, but once you get started you’ll feel great! You just have to resist the couch and move.   Looking for something different? Try yoga.  Need encouragement?  Take a friend.  At the very least take your dog for a walk.  You will both be glad you did!
2. Eat Gogi Berries. Gogi berries are a great source of Vitamin C and iron.  Plus they have B1, B2, and B6. You can find Gogi Berries at a whole foods grocery store, or sometimes even in a local supermarket.  Instead of reaching for the bag of chips, or chocolate, reach for the Gogi Berries!
3. Become the person you would love to love. Be Positive!  Try to only let positive comments come out of your mouth and watch how your life changes for the better.  Not only will you begin to feel better about yourself, but others will also see you in a more attractive light.  Compliment people on their cute clothes, Challenge yourself to not ridicule anyone for a whole day, then two, then a week, then it will become a habit! Being positive decreases stress and slows the aging process!

By simply making these minor changes you can start to feel and look younger.