I recently celebrated my 34th birthday. Age is just a number, so it doesn’t really matter. However, there are undeniable changes in the body. I discovered three gray hairs in my once-prideful hair. My skin has become very dry. The hands of the clock cannot be stopped. But the earlier you start Anti-Aging efforts, the more you can preserve that youth. Everyone is equally at their youngest right now.
A New Beginning with the Seasons
According to the calendar, spring has begun. It feels like we just celebrated New Year’s a short while ago. But the “Risshun”, in the 24 seasonal divisions, is considered the true beginning of the year. Thinking about that, my spine straightened a bit, and I felt refreshed.
I recently found a tea that I really enjoy—Rooibos tea, known as the “tea of immortality” in its native Africa. Every day, I find myself deliberating on which flavor to choose. The moment you open the package, the aroma is delightful. While Rooibos tea has antioxidant properties, I also add goji berries for an extra boost.
Nourishing from the Inside Out
I incorporate Chinese herbs and supplements into my routine. It might be strange to say, but cutting vegetables relieves my stress. The rich umami from vegetables and salmon means I don’t need to add broth.
I add a bit of miso to my regular soy milk soup, along with a spoonful of sake lees—both potent fermented foods that help maintain a healthy gut environment. Miso soup serves as my morning detox. This aligns with the idea of “Medicine and Food as the Same Source” from Chinese medicine.
Aging Gracefully: More Gained Than Lost
It is said that aging begins with emotions rather than physical strength. Keeping curiosity alive is essential. I don’t wish to go back to my youth. I find myself capable of more now than in my twenties. I’ve gained wisdom on what improves my well-being. In that sense, aging is not about losing but accumulating.
Last year, my son cried because he was scared to even walk on the snow. But in just one year, he has grown so much. This reminds me that growth is a continuous process, at any age.
Skincare and Haircare Rituals
You can also absorb nutrients through your skin that you may be lacking from food. Magnesium is often referred to as the “anti-aging mineral.”
My hair, which should be damaged from bleaching and perms, remains manageable. I wash my hair with jojoba oil to lift dirt before shampooing.
I also believe that hands that work every day look the most age-appropriate. When I become old, I want to have warm and wrinkled hands. My mother used to use this cream often. When family members recommend something, there’s no mistake.
Simple, Time-Honored Remedies
One of my favorite homemade remedies is honey-pickled dates and goji berries. I add them to black tea or dilute them with hot water. It’s also delicious drizzled over yogurt or cereal.
We live in an era overflowing with information. But in the end, it’s not about what’s good or bad—it’s about what suits you. Anti-aging is an individual journey, and I choose to embrace it with care, nourishment, and gratitude.
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