UltraSound Technician School

I’m not sure that I’ve met a person that doesn’t want to look younger (well if they are over the age of 25).  The good news is that through a positive attitude and some super easy changes to your appearance, you can fool people into thinking that you are several years younger than you really are.

Let’s Start with the Easy Stuff – Attitude

Mind over matter… One of the best things you can do is think young (not a problem for some of us, note I did not say immature).

1. Sleep more. One of the worst things you can do is to skip sleeping because it is hard on your body and your mind.  We’ve all heard people say that they only need a few hours of sleep per night… that will eventually catch up with them so get your eight hours in as feeling rested without dark circles under your eyes will help you look and feel younger.
2. No smoking. If you are a smoker, you need to kick the habit because it is not only bad for your health but it can also prematurely age your skin and alter your voice (smoker’s voice anyone?).
3. Do young things.  If you remain active with a decent social life you will be happier and you will give others the impression that you are fun-loving and a great person to be around.  It’s not about what you say, it’s about what you do so put yourself out there some.
4. Stand up straight. You know that slouching over is a characteristic of an older person (who hasn’t grabbed a cane and acted that one out).  Watch your posture when your sitting and when you walk keep your shoulders back and head up (own it).
5. Water is your friend.  You need water to stay healthy and even your muscles need to remain hydrated.  You don’t want to drink so much that you get puffy, but eight glasses per day should be your target (spread out throughout the day please, no chugging…).
6. Forget stress. One thing that it is good to forget is stress and one thing that you usually get as you age is more of it so the best thing you can do is to try and forget it or relieve it anyway you safely can.  Stress can cause you to feel horrible, depressed, and even give you physical symptoms like being tired and having headaches all of which will make you appear older and run-down.
7. Pure energy. Get up off of your seat and walk around briskly and get with your physician to figure out a good workout plan for your.  Keeping yourself in shape and moving will definitely give the appearance of youth.
8. Be happy. Don’t worry be happy…  Find a way to make friends and do whatever it is that makes you happy.  That may be going to the movies, playing poker, or even reading books.  Whatever it is… seek out happiness.  A smile will take years off of your face.
9. Go out. Don’t sit at home on the couch watching TV and relaxing all of the time, Get out there and experience life by volunteering or playing sports or anything else that will get you out of the house (including romantic dates of course).
10. Keep your mind trained. Your body isn’t the only part of you that needs regular work to stay in shape.  Read books, do crossword puzzles, and memory games.  Challenge your mind on a regular basis to avoid losing your edge and appearing too old to remember.

Now let’s talk about your physical appearance.

Changing how you look can really shake things up whether it’s your hair or your wardrobe.

1. New dew. If you have had the same hairstyle for years, it might be time for a change.  Find out what the current style is and give it a try.  Remember, your hair will most likely grow back (at least for most of the women).
2. Change your hair color. If you really want to make a statement go all out and completely change your hair color (please consult your stylist though and choose an appropriate color).  You generally don’t want to go from gray to hot pink, but if you do make sure you wear it with pride.  If that seems over the top consider getting highlights to turn your salt and pepper hair into something less salty.
3. Don’t be shy with the scissors. Long hair on an older person can really age you, if you get a nice, clean short haircut you can really lighten up your appearance and show off your face (that should be a positive).
4. No Santa beards (men). Unless you are looking for a part-time job as Santa, a beard will usually age a man several years and that is definitely the case if it is snow white or dirty gray.  Just get the clippers and razor out and give it a try… it will grow back.
5. Nose, ear, eyebrow hairs. What is that?  Hair coming from everywhere out of our bodies.  That’s no good, you definitely look older when you have the wild bushy eyebrows and hair coming out of your nose and ears.  Trim it and you will look younger and feel better.
6. Get a supportive bra (women). Make sure you get a bra that will give you a little lift while still giving you the comfort you need.  It will definitely keep your shape looking better and your clothes fitting better.  No bro’s necessary for you men who are also into Seinfeld.
7. Show off your waist (if you have one). Try to flaunt what you’ve got.  If you are getting older but have a great waste-line or even a decent one, show it of by using a belt.  If you don’t have a great waste then by clothes that accent the thinnest part of your body.ve yourself an hourglass figure and you’ll look more fit and trim. Use a belt, flattering jackets or dresses that cut in at the narrowest part of your body to give you a great waistline.
8. Find clothes that fit your current body. Nobody likes to admit when their body is changing for the worst, but it happens to the best of us.  You actually look better if you are wearing clothes that fit you and not things that are too big or too small.  Do what you can to find the correct size and you will look better.
9. Don’t flaunt your flaws. Everyone has a body part or two that could use some adjustments or changes.  This really goes along with wearing the correct size of clothes, but also means to watch your stripes horizontal one’s make you wider, vertical one’s are slimming, etc.
10. Lighten your wardrobe up. Interestingly, wearing lighter colors has a way of giving you a more carefree appearance and tends to drop years off of your appearance.  Give it a try and see if you get any comments from your friends and family.
11. What year are you dressing? If you are wearing the same clothes you used to wear a few decades ago, they may be comfortable to you but chances are they are tipping people off about your age.  Try something new for a change.
12. Dress close to your age. Don’t be the 45 year-old that wears the same clothes as their 15 year-old daughter.  There was a time when that worked for you, but you must let your children have their time too.
13. Keep glasses current. You can easily let people know your age if you are wearing huge glasses or horned rim frames.  Go to your optician and find out what is currently hot and will fit the shape of your head well and you will take years off of your face.

Getting older is unavoidable… having everyone comment on just how old you look is controllable.  If you make an effort you will be surprised by how easy it is to get compliments and to drop years off of your appearance.

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