8 bad habits of people who age faster than their friends, according to psychology

Aging is a natural process, but have you ever wondered why some people seem to age faster than their peers?

Psychology might have an answer for that. It turns out, certain habits could speed up the aging process. And no, I’m not just talking about smoking or excessive sun exposure.

There are subtle, everyday practices that could be adding years to your biological clock, even if you think you’re living a healthy lifestyle.

In this article, I will list down eight of those bad habits, backed by psychology, which might be making you age faster than your friends.

1) Sleep deprivation

Do you often find yourself burning the midnight oil? Forgoing sleep may seem like a badge of honor in today’s busy world, but it can actually speed up the aging process.

Renowned psychologist, Matthew Walker, author of “Why We Sleep,” warns us of the dangers of sleep deprivation. He says, “Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.”

Not getting enough sleep doesn’t just leave you feeling groggy and unfocused. It can lead to skin aging, cognitive decline, and has been linked with various health issues such as obesity and heart disease.

So if you want to keep up with your peers and age gracefully, it’s crucial to prioritize your bedtime routine and aim for a solid 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Be aware of this bad habit and remember – skimping on sleep is not worth the cost of aging faster.

2) Neglecting mental health

I’m not proud to admit it, but there was a time when I neglected my own mental health. I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that I ignored the signs of stress and burnout.

Over time, I noticed that I started feeling and looking older than my friends, and I realized something needed to change.

Psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

This quote resonated with me. It made me realize that caring for my mental health was just as important as physical health.

Stress, anxiety, and depression can all speed up the aging process. They can lead to premature wrinkles, hair loss, and even more serious health issues like heart disease.

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Take time for self-care and mental relaxation. Whether it’s through meditation, therapy, or simply taking a break when you need it, prioritizing your mental wellbeing can help you age more gracefully.

3) Poor diet choices

Here’s some raw honesty for you – I love junk food. Burgers, fries, sodas, you name it. But when I started to see the impact of my poor diet choices on my health and appearance, it hit me hard.

As the famous psychologist, Jordan Peterson says, “Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.”

It’s a powerful reminder that we often neglect our own wellbeing while caring for others.

Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can accelerate the aging process. These foods generate free radicals in our bodies which can cause cell damage and lead to premature aging.

Changing your diet can be tough – believe me, I know. But taking responsibility for your own health and making better food choices can slow down the aging process and improve your overall health.

4) Sedentary lifestyle

I’ve always been a bit of a couch potato. At the end of a long day, nothing felt better than sinking into the sofa and binge-watching my favorite shows. But over time, I started to notice the toll this sedentary lifestyle was taking on my body and health.

B.F Skinner, a renowned psychologist, said, “The consequences of an act affect the probability of it’s occurring again.”

This couldn’t be more true when it comes to exercise and aging.

Leading a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate aging. Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain, loss of muscle mass and flexibility, and even impact mental health.

So, I decided to make a change. I started with small steps like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for short walks during my lunch break.

Remember, any physical activity is better than none. So get off that couch and move your body – your future self will thank you.

5) Being overly optimistic

Now, this one might surprise you – being overly optimistic can speed up aging. Yes, you read that right. While it’s generally good to have a positive outlook on life, an excessively rosy view can sometimes lead us to neglect risks and ignore potential health issues.

Famous psychologist Albert Bandura said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

This means it’s important to have a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of life.

Overly optimistic people may ignore symptoms of health problems or avoid regular check-ups, believing that nothing bad will happen. This can lead to late diagnosis of illnesses which could have been treated more effectively if caught earlier.

So while optimism is a good trait, it’s crucial to pair it with realism for healthy aging. Remember, it’s okay to anticipate the best, but always prepare for the worst.

6) Ignoring social connections

We are social beings. And maintaining healthy relationships is not just good for our mental well-being, it’s also essential for our physical health.

John Bowlby, a pioneer in attachment theory, said, “All of us, from the cradle to the grave, are happiest when life is organized as a series of excursions, long or short, from the secure base provided by our attachment figures.”

This highlights the importance of our relationships and social connections in our overall well-being.

Ignoring social connections and isolating oneself can speed up the aging process. Studies have suggested that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

So make sure to foster your relationships and spend time with your loved ones. It’s not just fun, it’s also a key to healthy aging.

7) Constant multitasking

I used to pride myself on my ability to multitask. Juggling multiple projects at work, keeping up with friends, and maintaining a home seemed like a testament to my efficiency.

But over time, I began to realize how this constant juggling act was causing stress and accelerating my aging process.

Renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman said, “Effort is only effort when it begins to hurt.”

This statement made me rethink my approach to work and life in general.

Constant multitasking can lead to cognitive overload, increased stress, and decreased productivity. These factors can contribute to accelerated aging, affecting both your mental and physical health.

So instead of trying to do everything at once, I’ve learned to prioritize tasks and take breaks when needed. Remember, it’s okay not to be ‘on’ all the time. Your health is more important than your productivity.

8) Neglecting hydration

Here’s a confession – I was never good at staying hydrated. Water just seemed so…bland. But after noticing the toll dehydration was taking on my skin and energy levels, I knew I had to change.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, once said, “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”

This quote resonated with me deeply when I started to make conscious efforts to drink more water.

Neglecting hydration can lead to dry skin, fatigue, and even cognitive issues – all signs of accelerated aging. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water and every single cell needs it to function properly.

So now, I make it a point to carry a water bottle wherever I go. It was a struggle in the beginning, but looking back, it was worth every sip. Trust me, your body will thank you for staying hydrated.

Final thoughts

Aging may be inevitable, but how quickly we age is often within our control.

By becoming aware of these subtle habits—like neglecting sleep, mental health, social connections, and hydration—we can make small yet impactful changes to support healthier, more vibrant aging.

The key lies in finding balance, making mindful choices, and prioritizing both physical and emotional well-being.