How to Stay Young (Despite the Number of Candles on Your Birthday Cake)

"Laughter is good medicine", is a phrase taken from the Bible verse Proverbs 17:22~ "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

According to www.helpguide.org,

"Laughter is good for your health. Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system."

Listening to one of your favorite comedians is a good way to bring more laughter into your life. Watching a funny TV sitcom can also work. Finding more humor in everyday life or just laughing with your friends and family are definitely the best ways to bring more laughter into your world.

Thankfulness and gratitude unlock an inner joy unlike anything else. When you dwell on all the people and things you're thankful for in life, it causes you to realize how very much you have and to be more grateful for the many blessings God has given you. True joy does not consist in the abundance of your possessions, or in acquiring more, but in being thankful for all that you already have. Being joyful, in turn, gives you a youthful glow.

Drinking water is so important, since our bodies are made up of about 60% water. Staying hydrated keeps your skin soft and healthy, which may reduce the looks of wrinkles. Drinking water helps flush toxins out of your body, which could potentially help you live a longer and healthier life.

It's fairly common sense, and we constantly hear it, but it's true that you do need to eat enough fruits and veggies in order to be healthy and keep that youthful spirit. There's nothing quite like fresh fruits and vegetables to increase your vitality and add years to your lifespan. Plus, you'll feel much better than you would if you only ate fast food every day!

Holding a grudge can make even the most good-looking person seem unattractive. It can also cause health problems and can really age you. Learn to forgive, even if the other person is not sorry and does not apologize. Forgiving frees you from the negativity associated with staying angry. That, in turn, will cause you to feel a burden lifted and to keep your youthfulness.

Taking the time to wash your face and apply some facial lotion can be very beneficial. Having a skincare routine that involves hydration is a good idea, especially in the colder fall and winter months, when skin tends to get dry and chapped. When your schedule gets busy and life becomes hectic, this routine is likely to be one of the first things to get pushed aside, but if the youthfulness of your skin is a priority for you, you must make your skincare routine a priority as well! (I'm preaching to myself here, as I have gone to bed with my makeup still on more times than I care to admit!)

Being well-rested is important for your health and longevity. There are certain circumstances that make it difficult to get enough sleep, though. If you've been staying up late to write an important essay for your high school class, or to study for a college mid-term, or if you just had a baby and he/she is waking you up every two hours to nurse--all these are examples of times when you may not be able to get as much shut-eye as your body really needs. Taking a nap during the day can really help rejuvenate the body, if you find yourself in any of the above circumstances. Going to bed early if you can, or at least at a decent time, is also very helpful. Do what you can to make sure your body gets a chance to get the refreshment and rejuvenation that only a good night's sleep can provide.