Growing older is a fact of life, but how we feel as we age can be controlled by our daily choices. You know the old saying “ you’re only as old as you feel.” Well, it’s true, and if you want to maintain your health and stamina then we have some tips for you!

1. GET AMPLE REST
   Sleeping less than 6 hours a night can leave you feeling exhausted and lackluster. For optimal cognitive sharpness and adequate energy to last through the day, it’s important to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, in order to get optimal rest, make sure the room is dark and free of electronics. It also helps to stick to a sleep schedule and ditch your mattress if it’s over 10 years old.
2. SOCIALIZE
   Human contact is a vital aspect of longevity and overall health. Spending time with friends and family can have tremendous benefits to your emotional and mental well-being. So visit friends or host a social event. It will brighten your mood and uplift your spirits. If you enjoy your space, maybe a furry friend is more up your alley.
3. TAKE A VACATION
   Stress is a health destroyer and it often goes undetected as the true source of health issues. Stress can manifest itself in physical, mental and emotional ways. To avoid overstressing yourself, take time to whined down. It tends to be a widespread thought that vacations are a once in a blue moon affair. Vacations don’t have to be extravagant. They can be just a trip to the beach, a walk in the park, or a night in a nearby town. The point is that you get away from your normal routine for a moment to recharge your batteries and honor your need for rest.
4. AVOID SWEETENING WITH SUGAR
   A high sugar diet can be detrimental to your health long term. Be wary of adding sugar when unnecessary and consider added sugar in foods that you buy at the grocery store. Read food labels and avoid things with high fructose corn syrup. The less sugar the better.
5. EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES
   Eating adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables each day provides vital nutrients and energy to your body so that you can feel great each day. Work toward eating two more servings of fruit and vegetables each day and notice the improved way you feel.
6. CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS
   It’s best to get your vitamins and minerals form your food, but if you’re unable to replenish your micronutrient needs through diet, then supplementation may be a good option. Consult a dietitian or physician to have testing done to see what you’re deficient in and proceed accordingly.
7. STAY HYDRATED
   This one is probably the most overlooked and underestimated. Drinking adequate amounts of water has a long list of benefits associated with it. Hydration allows your body to function properly and supports its system maintenance. It keeps your skin glowing and nourishes your cells. It also helps to increase energy and stamina. So drink up!
8. GO GREEN
   If coffee doesn’t do it for you, consider drinking green tea instead. It contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and provide many health benefits. A few benefits supported by recent studies include, improved brain function, increases fat burning, improves physical performance, lowers your risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and improves dental health by killing bacteria.
9. STAY POSITIVE
   Our bodies are directly affected by our minds. When we possess a negative outlook, it can take a huge toll on our body. By staying positive and uplifting our mentality, this gives us a feeling of expansion rather than contraction. Try taking a few deep breaths in times of stress and frustration. This will help you collect yourself and remind you to remain positive.
10. FIND YOUR PURPOSE
    Do you wake up every day looking forward to something? Doing something worthwhile that matters, gives you a sense of purpose. It’s directly correlated with 7 extra years of life according to a study conducted in areas of the world where people live the longest. This is great news! Try finding something you can look forward to each day to boost your sense of purpose. It can be helping a neighbor or joining your local community center. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something you really enjoy.