Looking for the fountain of youth? It’s easier than you think with these 4 keys to aging well that you overlook every day that will take years off your mind and body.

Thank you Douglas Laboratories for this post. I was selected for this opportunity by Douglas Laboratories and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Water. Sleep. Sex.

Three things adults often say they don’t get enough of…but wish they did.

Ironically all three help to keep our mind, body and spirit, in healthy check, but for many of us, don’t make the cut.

So we continue to feel exhausted, age quicker, and look like it, too.

And even though they are all free, we continue to research and investigate the newest (and often much more expensive) technologies to just make us look like we’ve been sleeping, drinking our recommended ounces of water, and had time for a roll in the hay.

I just celebrated my 36 birthday…

It’s taken a few weeks to admit it’s 36 even though I feel like I look 46, but my soul says 26 (and some days, 16.)

But in that moment of realization, I decided to feel proud of 36. I don’t have to settle with “this is what I’ve to do” but “this is what I get to do – so make it worth it – every freaking day.”

It’s not an easy progression to change your mindset, but I did figure out that it’s not that hard to make some BIG differences in life to make you look, feel, and be better – even if you’re 36, 46, 56 and all those treasured landmark dates I can only hope to celebrate in my future birthdays.

So what’s the fountain of youth that makes it all better?

There isn’t one that we’ve found, but we did find five things that can make a really big impact and don’t involve surgery, trips to foreign lands, or much out of your pocket book.

I’ve said it so many times and yet, it somehow has taken decades to understand it’s really THAT important. However, when I was able to learn a few weeks ago that sleep (or lack of it) was one of the biggest reasons I couldn’t lose weight, my desire to hit the pillow became much stronger. And my idea that sleeping less than everyone else was some kind of medal for “I’m doing more than you and can handle” was a load of crap. Sleep, feel good about, and believe me, your body will bless you with positive benefits because you allowed it to do what it’s supposed to do.

We all know this…drink water to be healthy.

Your body needs water to work. Your skin looks better when you’re hydrated. Your system works more efficient when you drink water.

There are all kinds of reasons you should drink water. The question really is how much.

For years it was you need 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day. Then there was to drink as many ounces as you weighed…believe me I tried that one and felt like I was running a river through my body. Most recently experts say you should multiply your weight by 2/3 (67%) for the total amount of ounces of water you should drink. And then for 30 minutes of exercise, add 12 ounces.

While the equations are important, ultimately, the most important thing is to drink the stuff – and a lot of it. It makes you look good, feel good, and it’s free.

While I plan not to share too much here, sex is good for your health. Between the endorphins (the feel good, natural mood enhancers) that it produces and the connection it strengthens between you and your mate, sex is good for you to have.

Wonder when you can fit THAT in between the kids, work, and all the other crap when you’re gotta get done? …Well it doesn’t take a long time to produce a positive and lasting benefit (read through the lines here, folks.)

Remember when you were 26 (or maybe younger) and that healthy glow you had? You can still have that – just go spend some alone time with your partner. Plan it if you have to, but the benefits to both of you will happen if you just give as much time as you care to stand in line waiting for your caramel macchiato – and this is much cheaper than your $5 Venti.

You know I’m right there.

Remember when your mama said “take your vitamins”? Remember when this morning you told your kids, “take your vitamins”? Practice what you preach and take it from Mary Poppins – and make that medicine go down.

Confused about all the vitamins, supplements, and other concoctions you should be consuming to make you look like a Disney princess? Then start with the basics.

General Multivitamin

This is going to give you what you need with the minimum daily allowance of the 10 essential nutrients needed for optimal health.Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily includes important vitamins and minerals plus powerful antioxidant support derived from natural foods like spinach, blueberries, and strawberries.

Probiotics

Thought this was something just for babies and grandmas? Nope, a probiotic really has less to do with age and more to do with keeping your gut healthy.

Studies have shown the importance of “gut health” and it’s just as important as a healthy brain. Probiotics, like the ones that are found in Multi-Probiotic 15 Billion help to support digestive issues, mental health illness, and neurological disorders with over 15 billion beneficial organisms you need for a stronger immune system and gastrointestinal support.

Fish Oil

Most women that have had children have heard about the benefits of fish oil in regards to the development of a child. However, on a very basic level, fish oil supports healthy cholesterol levels, boosts your mood and helps to maintain strong bones, which we all need.

But not all Fish Oil is made the same.

It all can get quite complicated in regards to DNA and science, but with Quell Fish Oil ® with EPA and DHA, studies show it may help to slow the progression of age-related memory loss, may support memory and learning ability including focus and attention, and may support healthy brain function and promote a positive mood and well-being.

So that basically means this fish oil stuff, along with just two other nutritional supplements, and three things you already can get for free, keeps it all in check so you can remember who you are, how old you are, and make sure that your next birthday is even better than your last.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment: 

“The Sleep Diet”