Having turned 40 last year, I do feel that now I can share tips on anti-ageing with some degree of confidence and experience.
Ageing is a very personal process, and it affects different people differently. However, over the years I have realized that there are some habits or practices that can help the process of ageing a beautiful experience. Here are some of my tried and tested suggestions.
Maintain A Routine
Following a grooming regimen is the first step towards maintaining healthy and beautiful skin and hair. You may use 10 different products, or you may just use three basic things like cleanser, toner and moisturizer, but following a routine is the defining factor. Make this a commitment to yourself and keep at it. If you find it hard to maintain a regime, try taking Bach Flower Remedy of Hornbeam. This flower essence helps you to stop procrastinating.
Take Supplements
Speak to your doctor and start taking vitamins and mineral supplements. While eating healthy food can manage your nutrients, taking supplements helps to tide over deficiencies that become pronounced when you reach your 40s.
Get Moving
The need to exercise just can’t be overemphasized. Whether you do aerobics, strength training, pilates, yoga, swimming, running, dancing or whatever activity you like, you must dedicate at least 40 minutes to it each day. I walk 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. If I can’t go out, I spot walk in my room.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Wondering how that can help? Just give this exercise a try. For a month, every day read something and then in a journal make note of the words that you liked or even sentences and quotes that caught your attention and spoke to you. Read anything and everything and keep increasing your vocabulary. This habit has given me much joy and confidence. A well-spoken person is always attractive, and to that throw in a few lines or quotes of poetry and shairi, you will instantly ace your grace.
Develop A Pleasant Personality
A friend of mine had once shared, that there are three kinds of people in this world – first, one whose presence make the people around her grimace; second, one whose presence or absence doesn’t make a difference to others and third, whose presence makes everyone feel happy. Quite obviously one would want to be in the third category. Being kind, genuine and concerned contributes to developing a pleasant personality. And that’s the best way to age gracefully. A happy person is always a beautiful person.
Be Mindful
Whether you meditate or follow any spiritual practice, spend some time each day to look within. Simply sitting in a quiet place for 10 minutes and observing your breath, mind and body helps you connect with yourself. Cut out the mental chatter and just observe. This helps one in developing a calm mind. And this calmness always gets reflected in your demeanor.
Dress Up, Even When You Don’t Have To Show Up
In our current scenario, must of us are stuck at home. It is frustrating, tiring and annoying. However, wearing a little makeup (a red lipstick always makes my day), some nice fragrance, spending a little time on personal care, and wearing neat and comfortable clothes, keeps one happy and looking good.
Learn Something New
Learning is the best anti-ageing formula. Be it an instrument, dance, singing, gardening, cooking…whatever you like, pick a subject and learn it. New skills keep one youthful.
Consult An Expert
Once in every six months visit your dentist and dermatologist. This is the best way to keep your body and mind ship-shape. Also, get your annual health check ups done. Do remember that mental health is important and if you are feeling anxious, sad, listless… anything that is bothering your peace of mind, seek out the professional help. Having gone through episodes of depression and anxiety, I can say that no one understands your emotions better than you. And while we may be lucky and privileged to have considerate friends and family, at the end of the day, only you will know when to seek professional help.
Finally, as flower therapist, I will suggest you spend some time with the flowers. Wear them: it’s an instant makeup update and adds a touch of whimsy and grace to your beauty.
Meet the Writer: Jhelum Biswas Bose
Author, entrepreneur and flower therapist, Jhelum Biswas Bose has worked in the beauty industry for 15 years. As a beauty journalist she has worked in lifestyle magazines like Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health and Harper’s Bazaar. Later she switched roles and headed the marketing of Sephora and Satya Paul. After that she took a break from work to address her health issues and used that time to learn various forms of alternate therapy. Jhelum now runs her own beauty brand called Jhelum Loves, offers healing, conducts workshops and continues to write articles, poems and short stories.