7 Surprising Habits That Are Secretly Aging You – And How to Stop Them Now
If you ask me, there’s something deeply satisfying about looking in the mirror and feeling comfortable with what you see.
I’m not talking about obsessing over every fine line or racing to schedule a cosmetic fix. I’m referring to that moment you catch your reflection and sense a healthy glow—inside and out—without any frantic effort.
Over time, I’ve noticed that so many of us try to look younger by doing more: more beauty routines, more expensive products, more frantic diets.
But what if, instead, we focused on doing less of what ages us prematurely? Sometimes, it’s as simple as letting go of behaviors that steal our youthful radiance.
Here are seven that I’ve identified along the way.
1. Constant worrying and stressing
Ever had those weeks where you grind your teeth at night, skip lunch because you’re buried in deadlines, and realize your neck is constantly tense?
Chronic stress shows up on your face faster than you might imagine. Dark circles, dull skin, and that ever-so-lovely permanent frown line—stress can speed up external signs of aging. And let’s not forget the toll it takes on your mental and emotional well-being.
The folks at Verywell Mind stand behind this, noting that “chronic stress can lead to decreased immune function and, over time, visible signs of aging.”
Nothing ages us faster than carrying a load of anxiety wherever we go. I’ve seen it not just in the people I counsel, but in my own life, too. When I let my stress levels spiral, my skin breaks out, my posture droops, and I feel older than my years.
Stress management isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about looking better too. Journaling, meditating, or talking it out with a friend can do wonders.
Personally, I lean on yoga a few times a week because that’s the sweet spot where I let my guard down and let my body relax. Maybe your relief comes from a quick walk or dancing around your kitchen. The key is to do something that lets you breathe.
2. Not getting enough sleep
Sleep is the reset button we tend to underestimate.
Pulling an all-nighter might have felt like a badge of honor in our twenties, but now, it’s an express ticket to puffy eyes, lackluster skin, and irritability that can make you look (and feel) older.
Poor sleep affects hormone regulation, mood, and even how your skin repairs itself. If I’ve learned anything from my late-night Netflix binges, it’s that I always regret them the next day.
Every time I choose a good seven or eight hours of shut-eye, I wake up looking more refreshed and, quite frankly, in a better headspace.
Michelle Obama once said, “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.” And that includes giving ourselves permission to rest, rather than cramming more tasks into the wee hours.
If we allow ourselves proper rest, our bodies reward us with healthier-looking skin, sharper focus, and a more youthful energy. It’s like instant rejuvenation—no fancy creams required.
