Daily habits and choices that can make you age faster

Your daily habits and choices can all affect how you age.

Not drinking enough water every day is a habit that can easily make you age faster - Illustration photo

Here are a few habits that can silently age you faster.

Not drinking enough water

Many people operate in a chronically dehydrated state, which affects brain function, detoxification, and joint lubrication. “Dehydration also shrinks brain tissue and impairs concentration, mood, and memory,” says neurologist Kavin Mistry, MD.

Over time, chronic dehydration contributes to fatigue, aging skin, kidney problems, and a reduced ability to cope with stress. Mistry recommends drinking a glass of water (perhaps with lemon) when you wake up, keeping it nearby, and sipping regularly throughout the day.

Overwork

Working long hours continuously can keep the sympathetic nervous system in a constant state of activation, leading to exhaustion, emotional disturbances and a weakened immune system.

“Our bodies have circadian rhythms – wakefulness and sleep, stress and recovery. When we overwork ourselves, we can deprive our bodies of time to recover and regenerate.”

Mistry recommends taking a 15-minute break every afternoon to relax. “Let your mind be free so you can be more inspired to work.”

Use headphones a lot

Headphones are a common tool in the workplace because they can help you concentrate and not be distracted by noise. But using headphones for long periods of time can be harmful.

“Prolonged use of headphones can disconnect you from your sensory environment and overwork your auditory system, leading to overstimulation and attention fatigue,” says Dr. Kavin. “This constant stream of sound can limit the brain’s ability to transition into a state of rest and recovery.”

Excessive headphone use can also affect posture, compress nerves, reduce blood flow to the brain, and impair respiratory function. This can cause mental fogginess and spinal degeneration, he adds. Take short breaks from headphones to give your senses a chance to rebalance.

Skip the workout

Muscle is an important sign of aging. Loss of muscle mass and strength can slow metabolism, increase fat storage, and reduce insulin sensitivity.

“Muscles produce powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that improve brain health and immunity. Without resistance training, your body becomes metabolically sluggish, and your risk of frailty, falls, and even cognitive decline increases significantly,” says Dr. Kavin.

Try to do a 10-minute bodyweight strength training routine every morning.

Poor oral hygiene

Brushing your teeth before bed is important for your health and longevity. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth loss and health problems like heart disease, says Dr. Hankenson, a dental expert.

“Bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream, affecting cardiovascular health. Make it a habit to brush your teeth at night to make sure you don’t skip brushing before bed.”

Sleep without removing makeup

Sleeping with makeup on can accelerate skin aging, hinder the skin's natural regeneration cycle and cause acne.

“During deep sleep, your skin undergoes its most intense repair process. If the skin’s surface is clogged, this repair process is hampered, leading to dull, inflamed skin and signs of premature aging,” says Dr. Kavin.

Doctors recommend removing makeup with a gentle massage, then wiping with a warm towel and taking deep breaths to help relax before going to bed.

Sharing a table but each person has a phone or tablet surfing the internet, not communicating or talking to each other. Not leaving the screen and not resting, you age quickly - Photo: QL

Attached to electronic devices

If you never take a break from your screen, social media, or constant to-do list, you may be aging your nervous system by forcing it into a state of constant alert.

“The vagus nerve—the nerve that helps calm your heart rate and digestion—needs moments of stillness and connection,” says Joseph M. Mercola, MD.

Take time each day to disconnect from screens or work pressure. Rest is not laziness, it is necessary recovery.

Negative thinking

Having a consistently negative outlook on life can affect mental health, strain relationships and reduce life satisfaction.

“In the long term, negative emotions can even contribute to physical health problems through chronic inflammation and stress,” says Dr. Eichenberger, a neuroscientist. She suggests journaling about positive experiences, expressing gratitude, and reframing negative thoughts.

“Surround yourself with positive, optimistic people and limit your exposure to toxic environments or media,” he says.

Ways to increase longevity

Here are some easy ways to increase your chances of living a long and healthy life:

Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Eat healthy, nutritious foods

Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking

Focus on preventive care and regular health checkups

Find a hobby or make time for activities you enjoy.

Protect your mental health

Your lifespan is often influenced by the choices you make every day. To promote good health and longevity, give up habits that can age you faster, such as overwork and negative thinking.

Instead, prioritize moving, taking a break from your electronic devices, and doing things you enjoy. This can help improve your health and keep you feeling young.

NGUYET DUC

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-thoi-quen-lua-chon-moi-ngay-co-the-khien-ban-lao-hoa-nhanh-hon-20250620171703272.htm