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Get the complete You on a Diet Workout , developed by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen, authors of the best-selling You on a Diet. Recent studies show that stress causes physical changes in the body that can accelerate aging. Surges of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol cause blood pressure to rise and the heart to beat faster. These days, when our stressors seem unrelenting a steady stream of job pressures, traffic jams, money problems , chronic doses of adrenaline and cortisol take a heavy toll on our physical and emotional health.
The most effective way to halt this destructive chain of events is to meditate, using what Dr. Benson calls "the relaxation response. A study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston showed that meditation helped prevent age-related changes in the brain. Once or twice daily, for 10 to 20 minutes yes, you do have the time — you just have to make it , sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, relax your muscles, roll your head, neck, and shoulders, and breathe deeply.
On each exhale, repeat your mantra. If other thoughts try to invade, says Dr. Benson, tell yourself, "Oh, well," and return to your word or phrase.
When you're done, keep your eyes closed for an extra minute; slowly allow everyday thoughts to flow back into your mind. Still not into the idea of meditation? Do yoga, or something active and repetitive, like running, instead. Focus on your breathing and how your feet land with each stride. Get your to-do list out of your head, says Dr. The healthy kind, that is. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, walnuts, and seeds help stabilize your mood, maintain bone strength, and help prevent visible signs of aging by reducing inflammation in the body, explains Nicholas Perricone, MD, a leading anti-aging expert and author of 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity.
Eat plenty of fatty fish such as wild salmon a 3-ounce serving has 6. If you aren't getting enough omega-3s from your diet, consider taking fish-oil supplements.
Get the right nutrients. Even if you go to the gym six days a week, the real key to lifelong fitness is to simply be more active and walk more in your day-to-day life. She only takes a pill for high blood pressure and rarely, very rarely does she take an Aleve. My improved core strength has helped my running and ability to carry my disabled child when needed. Lunch is either a Butter Finger on the run or peanut butter crackers. Climb and Descend Ab Workout Challenge. Never stop learning and challenging yourself.
Not only does regular exercise help you lose weight , tone muscles, build healthier bones, and boost mood, it can also help you think clearly. Studies cited by the National Institute on Aging demonstrate a connection between physical exercise and better brain power. Make time for three minute workouts a week.
Run, bike, swim, dance — do whatever you enjoy most. Anyone who's ever fallen head over heels or discovered an activity that makes them eager to jump out of bed in the morning knows that passion is a powerful drug. The ability to embrace life boosts self-esteem, fuels the immune system, and improves cardiovascular health. Passion in bed can be particularly beneficial: Banish boredom and isolation at all costs. Rekindle the flames with your partner.
Some like to go to the shooting range or play pickup basketball or soccer. A great habit to get into is weight lifting or running to relieve stress. Sitting too much is a proven health risk.
Ideally, you should get up and walk a few hundred steps at least every hour it only takes a few minutes! Stay hydrated throughout the day. Not drinking enough water can lead to mental and physical fatigue.
Research also suggests drinking more water throughout the day can help you lose weight. Many people often confuse hunger and thirst, and end up eating more than they need to because they reach for food instead of a glass of water. Spend some one-on-one time with nature.
Going outside is better for your overall health than you thought. A little fresh air, even for 15 minutes, can have a huge impact on your mood and pull you away from the stress and noise of the cramped indoors. And learn to love it. After the match, we won I'm not so proud of that , I shared the news with my partner who was totally amazed and appreciated that I had kept this quiet until we'd finished. We both fired questions at her about the secrets to aging and staying fit.
I was thrilled when Mercy agreed to talk to me off-court for an interview. Her story could be a road map for many of us to follow as we strategize about staying athletic and fit for decades to come.
Here's what I learned from Mercy Wheeler about staying in the game so successfully for all these years. I practice the 3 "W's": Walk my dogs with my friend every day for one hour. I have a golden doodle and standard poodle and I walk them off leash. Work at my tennis. I play four to five times a week.
Work in my garden and weed for three to four hours every day. My husband gave me a racquet on our honeymoon but I didn't start playing until after I had my three daughters. Do you have many friends your age to play with? There aren't a lot of people to play with my age. Most have retired from playing or moved to Florida.
I did however compete in something called "The Sectionals" this past November and played in the 80's group. It's an age-related tournament held in Florida and San Antonio.
There were four of us sent from New England. My partner and I played the 1 team in the country and beat them! I've had no major knee or hip issues. However, when I had a meniscus issue I chose not to have surgery at I'm pretty disciplined so I just rehabbed it and it was fine. Ok clearly, Mercy has great genes as well as an incredible attitude. There's so much to emulate so she and I created a "top" 17 list of how to stay in in the game of tennis for decades to come:.
Good nutrition -- Mercy never feels deprived. She eats everything she wants, but what she mostly wants is healthy food, and no sodas!