Who does not want to look youthful and wrinkle-free skin always? But ageing is inevitable. It is said that in ancient times Yogis and Saints lived 200 years and some of them even managed to stop ageing. One Sage Markendeya is believed to have stopped ageing at 16! We can certainly not be immortal and defy ageing but slow it down by adopting yogic practices.

There have been several modern techniques and therapies to improve the skin glow and the look but most of them have side effects. In several cases, they have proved to be extremely dangerous and leaving its scar forever. Yoga scores over most of these therapies and help you look younger with skin glowing and taut even in your 50s and 60s.

Various yoga poses not only keep you physically and mentally fit but also removes toxins from the body. It improves strength and vitality by infusing pranic energy into the body and cleansing the entire system. The mix of easy and intermediate poses improves blood circulation strengthening the internal organs. The various pranayamas miraculously squeeze out negative energy and injects positivity bringing glow on the face.

Not without reason, people across the world have adopted the ancient Indian health discipline. Health experts recommend various asanas and pranayamas to slow down ageing in a healthy way. Along with healthy and satvik diet, the asanas help the practitioner feel young, energetic and confident.

Here are some of the asanas and pranayams that would keep you young for longer period of time and age gracefully:

Asanas and Pranayama

Our body and mind start ageing for a number of reasons as we grow older. Our cognitive function may see a decline, our skin starts to look dull, our metabolism slows down, and as we approach old age, our bone mass starts to become less. While the process of ageing cannot be stopped by some miracle, Yoga and Pranayama can slow down the process of ageing. There are many asanas and pranayamas that improve the flow of oxygen in the body. Yoga can also improve function of internal organs like thyroid, lungs, heart and prevent sagging of skin. Many asanas and breathing exercises also improve brain function and memory. We can retain the muscle mass with yoga and our muscles stay strong and flexible even in old age. Asanas like Veerbhadrasana 1,  Tree Pose, Simhasana, Hastpadasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana and Pranayama like Kapal Bhati, Anulom Vilom can reverse or slow down ageing.

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Diet

What you eat can have a big impact on how you age. It is said that you are what you eat. Consuming junk, fried, high fat or stale food can make you age faster and put you at risk of several lifestyle diseases. Leading a yogic lifestyle means you are consuming satvik food which includes seasonal fruits and vegetables and locally available food that has the essential nutrients to nourish your body. Certain kinds of spices, herbs or food like amla,  turmeric, ashwagandha repairs the damaged cells and reverse degeneration or ageing process. Having food at the same time is also helpful and keeps the body healthy and disease-free. 

Your diet also decides your thought pattern. Non-vegetarian or food high on spices and oil triggers aggressive thoughts which causes imbalance of mind. This is surely going to take a toll on physical health too.

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Facial exercises

Skin is among the first external organs to shows the signs of ageing or wear and tear. Facial yoga helps improve circulation of oxygen and blood in the skin around face and rejuvenates it. Stress takes a toll in the form of wrinkles, acne and stress lines, but like the other body parts, face can also be relaxed thanks to a series of exercises that play wonders on the skin. These exercises take care of sagging skin around neck, jaw, eyes as well as the dull and darkening skin. Doing them for a period of 3-5 times in a week for 15-20 minute can bring a great difference. While people may be using anti-ageing creams for a youthful skin, the truth is nothing is better than natural remedies to slow down ageing. 

There are a range of exercises for improving facial glow. They stimulate the muscles, enhance blood circulation, soothe nerves and alleviate tension. Moreover, they also help get sharp facial features like chiseled jawline. There are targeted exercises to address the issue of drooping eyelids.

Read More : 6 Yoga Tips to Cure Skin & Benefits for Skin Health

Lead a simple lifestyle

Yogic life also encourages people to practice non-violence and lead a truthful life. Having these principles in life also draws one towards non-materialism and a simple life which reduces stress and thus its adverse impact on health. It is often said that there is enough on the earth for everybody’s need, but not enough for everybody’s greed. 

Letting go of toxic thoughts will purify your mind and bring you calmness and peace. By attaining mental stability, you get rid of anxiety and other mental health disorders that make you age faster. In present times, the root of most problems is in a person’s thoughts which are generally negative and emanating from unfounded fears. Limiting the need to basics could just do wonders in your life. 

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Following schedule 

Due to sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food, unending stress, people start showing signs of ageing as early as late twenties at time.  Have you ever thought how your waking time or the time of your first meal for that matter could be influencing how rapidly or slowly you will age? Having healthy food on time, a sleep-wake schedule, a cleansing routine and a proper schedule help you to be healthier over a longer period of time. A fixed health regime keeps many ailments away. Just going to bed on time could add many years to your life by bringing the body and mind in harmony with the nature. They will keep many age-related health problems at bay and put you on the path of happy ageing.