Making the right choices can help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Here are 7 things you need to avoid to help prevent aging too quickly.

1. Poor food choices

Eating a poor diet is one way to definitely cause your body to age more quickly. It is essential to eat enough healthy foods to get the right balance of nutrients. Aim for getting foods that are as fresh as possible, and try to stick to whole foods when you can. Avoid eating processed foods, or foods that contain added salt, sugar, and preservatives.

2. Poor sleep habits

Not sleeping well is one way to age yourself more quickly. When you are sleeping, your brain rests and your body heals. You can recharge yourself every night with a good night’s sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, you are at risk for many health problems, including weight gain, cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and more.

3. Too much stress

People require a small amount of stress in order to function. The right balance of stress can trigger hormones that make you more productive. But too much stress can cause health problems, ranging from headaches, to inflammatory diseases, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and other problems that can shorten your lifespan.

4. Not enough physical activity

By now you know that too much sitting is bad for your health. When you are sitting for long periods of time, the skeletal muscles in your lower body become deactivated and this can lead to negative metabolic functions. Stand up when you can, and move around more, even when you can’t get in a full workout.

5. Toxins

You may not even realize that you are being exposed to toxic substances, but it is important to avoid them whenever you can. Chronic exposure to toxins can cause major health problems, even at low levels. Because toxins can be stored in your bloodstream, body fat, and other tissues, they can affect all of your major systems. Avoid any exposure, even low levels, to mercury, lead, or arsenic.

6. Addictions

It is pretty well believed that overindulging in booze, cigarettes, or drugs can lead to health problems. Smoking, in particular, can damage your body very quickly and very seriously. Quit your vices while you can, and seek help if you need it. The effects of addictions adds up and can lead to major health problems.

7. Ignoring risk factors

If you have major risk factors for health problems (obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, etc.) then you need to pay attention and do what you can to decrease your risk. Many people don’t know that they have these risk factors until they become sick. Make it a point to visit your doctor regularly and pay attention to your health!