A woman smoking
In Photo: A woman smoking. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Aging is a natural process but there are things that can make us grow old faster than normal. We have lifestyle habits that speed up aging and though we can’t see or feel them today, you’ll wake up one morning and look 10 years older than your real age. Below are some of these habits that will make wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and other signs of aging appear.

  1. Smoking cigarettes

Cigarette smoking is linked to all kinds of diseases including lung cancer and heart problems. But did you know it can also speeds up aging? You use the same muscles whenever you puff a smoke and eventually, the skin will start to sag and fine lines become visible making you look older.

  1. Sleep deprivation

Having a lot of sleepless nights can also affect your real age. Sleep deprivation causes deep and dark circles under your eyes. Though you can conceal it with makeup, the constant lack of sleep will leave you with a gothic look. It also has ill effects to your health.

  1. Poor diet

Neglecting fruits and vegetables in your regular diet can lead to fast aging. These foods are loaded with nutrients like vitamin E and antioxidants which are the key ingredients to having younger-looking skin. Consuming a variety of leafy greens and colourful fruits while you’re still young can minimize the presence of wrinkles and sagging skin as you grow old.

  1. Too much stress

A very common lifestyle problem that people encounter is stress. In fact, it is one of the major causes why individuals look older than their age. Stress causes your physical and mental health to decline. You become forgetful and cranky. On the outside, your hair becomes dry and baldness occurs in men.

  1. Lack of exercise

There are many things that keep people busy in such a way that they no longer have time to move their body. Lack of exercise can speed up the aging process and decrease one’s lifespan. Further, skin sags easily as you grow old because your muscles aren’t well-toned and firm.

Learn to avoid these lifestyle habits that speed up aging especially if you want to look and feel younger than your real age. By avoiding these habits, you’ll be able to grow old gracefully.

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