Your Environment Can Keep You Young

The environment has an important role to play when it comes to staying young. In fact, research has shown that factors in our physical and chemical environments may play a greater role in how we age than is genetically determined.

While we all need to make a contribution to improving the physical environment if you want to look feel live younger it is necessary to create a personal environment that is free from clutter and toxins. Clearing the clutter in your life has both a practical and emotional dimension. Having a clean and well-organised home is the first step to making your personal environment more efficient and will minimize the ageing impact of too much stress.  Organising your home may require you to create systems for routine tasks around the house and schedule them to be done at the same time each day. This will create efficiency and free you up to engage in more meaningful activities. Clearing emotional clutter or baggage means coping with or accepting the setbacks that life has brought you and consciously acknowledging your present reality. Letting go and moving on will help you to feel lighter, freer and better. Clearing clutter is one of the best-kept secrets on how to look feel live young.

When it comes to toxins most people think of extreme examples such as swallowing poison, inhaling exhaust pipe fumes, sticking your head in a microwave but the fact is there are many toxins in our immediate environment that can damage our health and contribute to the ageing process.  Many of the commonly used products on the market may well be toxic although it is not yet known whether they are safe or dangerous.  Nevertheless there are things you can do to improve the home environment. For example don’t microwave plastic as small amounts can get into your food when heated. Instead cover food with ceramic, glass, a paper towel or waxed paper. Throw away sponges and replace with dishcloths that can be cleaned with bleach every week. Use products that protect your pillows and mattresses from dust mites. Use non-toxic products to clean your home such as baking soda for cleaning sinks and baths, and vinegar for cleaning windows and mirrors.

Remember while doctors can diagnose what’s happening in your body, it’s up to you to diagnose what’s happening in your environment.