STRESS (- 2 years)

Did you know that you could lose a year of your life for every major stressful event that you experience (losing your job, personal injury/illness, death of a family member or spouse, divorce)? In order to cope with stress the body releases cortisol, the stress hormone.

Research is showing that raised cortisol levels kill cells within the brain that controls memory and can cause premature aging of the brain. Stress increases your chances of heart attack or stroke and may have a very negative effect on your immune system.

Negative stress-management techniques such as overeating, denial, binge drinking, taking drugs and smoking are only short-term solutions that should be avoided. Focus on positive ways to cope with stress such as relaxation, exercise, massage, artistic expression or talking with family, friends, or a therapist.

YOGA (+ 5 years)

This type of physical exercise slows down the aging process by creating a more flexible spine, eliminating stress, correcting poor posture, and toning the skin. According to yoga philosophy, your spine’s flexibility is the biggest factor in determining your age, not the number of years. It is said that yoga affects all the crucial determinants of your longevity – the brain, internal organs, spine, and circulation as well as having a positive effect of the adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, and sex glands. Who can’t use a boost in that department?!

For those lucky individuals combating gray hair, yoga claims that the inverted postures assist with the common aging process due to increasing blood supply to the hair follicles. Toying around with the idea of botox? The inverted posture is a healthier solution that can assist with facial wrinkles, improving vision and hearing. After practicing several types of yoga for over a decade, Jennifer highly recommends discovering a yoga practice and instructor that suits your personality, fitness level, and health goals. The sense of deep relaxation and heightened sense of positive mental and emotional state after class is confirmation to make yoga a priority in my schedule.

Ready to take your health to the next level? Atlanta Nutrition coach Jennifer Hnat can lead you down the path of nutrition success!

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS (+ 2 years)

Conscientiousness is related to emotional intelligence, higher academic achievement and involves being thoughtful, organized, committed, and thorough. These personal qualities tend to create a heightened awareness of your own health needs, leading to a serious emphasis on optimal living and disease prevention. In fact, the Terman Life-Cycle Study (1922-1991) found that adults who were not very conscientious during their childhood died at a younger age. Conscientious individuals are more likely to place a major focus on:

a. eating healthy foods even though they may prefer to indulge in fattening, unhealthy foods
b. exercise even when they don’t feel like it
c. have regular physical exams and screening tests
d. avoid health-reducing activities such as drinking, drug use and dangerous sports because they have a genuine concern about the effects on themselves as well as those around them.

Being conscientious can develop into care for others and the community, building support and stability in your own life as well as the lives of those around you and is more likely to create work and living environments that promote good health! Here here to conscientiousness!

Are you ready to increase your conscientiousness, improve your health, and focus on a happier, healthier life? Atlanta Nutrition coach Jennifer Hnat will lead you down the path to optimal health at a pace that is comfortable for you!