How to Reverse Aging for a Body Up to 15 Years Younger!

It’s true:  you have the capacity to reverse aging for a body up to 15 years younger! Deepak Chopra, M.D., and his colleague David Simon, M.D., explained how this could be done in a book they wrote together 20 years ago. Their findings are just as pertinent today as they were then. Since not everyone may be aware of their recommendations, I decided to provide you with an overview of their book:  Grow Younger, Live Longer:  10 Steps to Reverse Aging.

When the book came out, Chopra & Simon wrote an article in the “Vegetarian Times” presenting an excerpt containing the ten steps. Based on that article, which is difficult if not impossible to get today, I have listed the ten steps below to get you started on the path to transformation and renewal.  Following these steps promises immediate improvements in your physical and emotional well-being. Age doesn’t matter.

I hope this is helpful to you!

The authors noted:

“The human body is not a piece of biological machinery that deteriorates steadily and inexorably over time. Rather, human beings are magnificently organized networks of energy, information and intelligence…The field of mind/body medicine is based on the belief that you can influence your health and well-being through the choices you make. Your mind and body are so intimately interwoven that changes in one instantaneously influence the other.”

The 10 Steps to Reverse Aging for a Body Up to 15 Years Younger:

Step 1:  Slow Down Your Inner Clock

Scientific studies have shown that your expectations can help make the difference between health and illness, life and death. Chopra and Simon wrote:

“To reverse the aging process, not only do you need to change your perception of aging, but also of time….If you are always in a hurry, your biological clock speeds up. If you feel you have all the time in the world, your clock slows down. During meditation, when you enter into the gap between thoughts, time stops. That also happens when you’re playing a game you enjoy, when you are listening to great music, when you experience the beauty in nature, when you fall in love….

“Similarly, you must change your perception of your body. Rather than viewing it as a static biological machine, think of it as a field of energy and intelligence, constantly renewing itself.”

Step 2 – Get Your Zzz’s

When the mind/body system is in survival mode, it is not rested and erodes. But when the mind is in a state of restful awareness and/or the body is in a state of restful sleep, this renews the body and slows aging.

Practicing meditation also helps. Over time, the restful awareness you learn to cultivate will carry over into your daily life. As this helps you to avoid stress, you’ll end up slowing the aging process.

Try your best to get six to eight uninterrupted hours of sleep each night. This gives your immune system time to recharge. You’ll also feel more energetic, alert and vibrant.

Step 3 – Think Before You Eat

It’s not hard to eat in a way that reverses aging. It just requires attention and intention. Here’s a simple rule from the authors:

“Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are satisfied.”

Besides how much you eat, pay attention to what and how you eat. Choose fresh foods. Feed your body, not your emotions. Eat mindfully, chewing fully before swallowing.

 Step 4 – Consider Supplements

It has been becoming increasingly clear that some nutrients have additional benefits when taken in quantities higher than those provided by a normal diet. Since everyone has different nutritional needs, it is wise to consult your health-care provider for dosages that work best for you.

Step 5 – Think Yourself Young

The authors say that when you listen to your body, it responds with energy, strength and flexibility -the qualities of a younger body. When your body signals a need for something (like sleep, for instance) and you ignore it, imbalances begin.

Thoughts and feelings influence our body and vice versa. For instance if you are feeling depleted and exhausted and you sit or stand erect instead of slouching, your mental state transforms accordingly.

Yoga, tai chi, qigong and other disciplines use breathing and movement to bring your attention into the body and the present moment. These are approaches that help you listen to your body.

Step 6 – Get Moving

Your body needs to move, so much so that it is often said, “Use it or lose it.” Exercise can alter the biomarkers of age such as muscle mass, strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility and bone density. The authors stress that within a week of beginning an exercise program, you’ll notice definite improvements in your sense of well-being.

For a complete exercise program, include stretching, strength training and aerobic activity. The recommendations by the authors of this book are:

• aerobic activity at least three times a week for 30 minutes,
• strength training at least three times a week for 20 minutes,
• and make choices that keep you active such as taking stairs instead of the elevator and walking instead of driving.

Step 7 – Clean Up Your Act

An essential step to reverse aging is to identify and release toxins from every level of your life:  from food, drugs, relationships, emotions, etc.

1. Eliminate toxicity from your diet and drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.
2. Take anti-oxidant vitamins, such as A, C and E.
3. Eliminate tobacco, excessive alcohol and non-essential drugs.
4. Reduce stress through meditation, yoga or exercise.
5. Release resentments, regrets, hostility and grievances; and open your heart with feelings of harmony, forgiveness, laughter and love.
6. Heal or eliminate toxic relationships.

Step 8 – Learn to Let Go

People who live long lives let go of attachment to their preferred outcomes. They let go of the “shoulds.” They surrender to the wisdom of uncertainty. They learn acceptance of the way things are. This state of flexibility thwarts the aging process.

Besides flexibility, you need creativity in order to grow younger. When you engage in creative thinking and pursuits, you will recapture the energy and enthusiasm of youth.

Step 9 – Love and Be Loved

Human beings need love for survival. Scientific studies have proven that love is not just a psychological experience but also transforms our biology. Love is healing, nourishing and good for us.

Step 10 – Be a Kid

You already have a youthful mind; you just need to allow its expression. Here are some ways to do that:

• Pay attention to your environment.
• Feed your senses:  smell, touch, taste, hear and see your environment with fresh eyes.
• Play and laugh with abandon.
• Let go of the past and forget about the future.

Let’s Connect!

Are the ten steps to reversing aging helpful to you? Do you already do all of these things or are you thinking about changing your habits? Please leave a reply below.

Like this post?  You might also want to read…

• Are You Conscious of the Clock Ticking? How to Stop It!
• Following This Advice Can Make You Look Like Age Doesn’t Matter!
• What Is the Fountain of Youth Really?

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Angie

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