Staying Young

Maybe it’s college life, but I’ve been getting, “I thought you were 23,” a lot. Maybe I could take this the wrong way, but I actually think I’m somewhat grownup 33 year old. Age is a factor that hits all of us inevitably, but I do believe that we can significantly slow the process. Here are 10 things I do:

1. Be around good people. At college you’re around a lot of young(er) people. At first I will admit I found it draining, but as I’ve adjusted to the culture here it has sparked new life in me. It’s not to say that older people, or those my age won’t bring you life, it’s just that they’re usually in the wrong mindset. I think it’s 20 year olds perspective and excitement towards life. Their ability to shake things off and openness to connect with new people. They’re positive. It has inspired and has helped me feel youthful, once again.
2. Always be learning. Being in a college environment you’re expected to learn. I don’t remember it being like this back in Uni (many years ago now), but it stretches you. Maybe it was just the state of mind of “learning is my life, so let’s get on with it.” The constant engagement, and what is becoming hunger to learn more, has truly impacted how I feel.
3. Run often. This has made a significant impact on my state of mind and stress levels. I’ve been practicing it regularly for a few years now and the results are incredible. Your entire body changes and strengthens. It’s one of the best ways that I know how to clear my head, make better decisions and freshen things up. It’s also a great time to have a chat with someone that’s bigger than my situations.
4. Be alcohol and sugar free. One thing in particular I’ve had to cut out here has been alcohol. I guess it wasn’t completely out of choice. The college has zero tolerance for alcohol consumption, and well, it’s been a good thing. Alcohol tends to affect your quality of sleep, the moisture in your skin and it even leads to more gray hairs. In excess of course. If you can’t cut it out, limit it, significantly.
5. Turmeric. I discovered this ancient root a few years ago thanks to an article that praised its powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant qualities and ability to treat a wide range of illnesses. A daily dose (tablespoon) doesn’t hurt. I enjoy adding to hummus, shakes, eggs and dishes. Learn more about the benefits of turmeric.
6. Spirulina. This green powder is magical. I’ve found it has helped bring balance to my body. I think being naturally wired I’ve had to find ways to neutralize the chemistry of my body. It also is a great energy booster. It’s that powerful that I notice when I skip a day. The green stuff is extremely high in nutrients such as protein (comparable to eggs) omega 3 & 6, vitamin B1, B2, B3, copper and iron, high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. It also improves muscle strength and endurance, and helps neutralize the pH in the body. Learn more about the benefits of sprirulina.
7. Green tea. This stuff. Amazing. It doesn’t need much of an introduction.
   I promise you, if you cut back on the coffee and get into this leafy drink, things will start to change in your days. Green tea has caffeine, but not the levels of coffee, nor is it acidic so you won’t get the same jitters. It will actually help neutralize the alkalinity in your body. Green also has tea some powerful antioxidants (flavonoids and catechins). It makes you smarter, increases your fat burning and physical performance! It also helps with your teeth and gums. And you’ll feel superhuman (but better than Nicholas Cage). Isn’t that worth it alone? To level it up, try out the ground stuff: mAtcha! Learn more about green tea.
8. Get some sunshine. Vitamin D. Just get more of it. Sunlight penetrates deep into the skin to cleanse the blood and blood vessels, it increases oxygen content in human blood and it helps your skin glow. Just don’t get to much of it. Rule of thumb: 99% of things in excess will have the opposite affect. Learn more about the benefits of sunshine.
9. Meditate. It might just be one of the best things you do all day.Meditation reduces feelings of anxiety, anger and confusion and feeling down (are we still calling this depression?). It will help you control my thoughts, it calms me and makes me feel at peace, increases energy, reduces stress.
10. Devotion. I think being devoted to something and a cause much greater than myself, as opposed to my own mission and success have really changed the story for me. Helps you have inner peace which let’s face it, no matter how many yoga sessions you do that zen will not last. There’s a new level of freedom I’ve experienced since I’ve turned the keys over.

So that’s it. As they say in Aus, “give em’ a go, mate.” I’ll let Spoke have the final word on this post.