7 Secrets to Instant Youth

Reader's Digest EditorsUpdated: Feb. 08, 2017

Smile! Forcing yourself to smile actually makes you happier. And people perceive those with broad smiles as being younger than

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Smile!

Forcing yourself to smile actually makes you happier. And people perceive those with broad smiles as being younger than those who don’t smile as much.

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Sleep on your back.

When you sleep on your side or stomach, you bury your face into the pillow, “pressing in” wrinkles and crevices. Lying on your back also helps prevent fluid buildup in facial tissue, so you avoid that puffy look.

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Stand tall!

Think of yourself as a puppet with a string coming out of the top of your head. Now imagine that someone’s pulling on that string, causing you to sit (or stand) straight and hold your head high, with your chin tucked in slightly. You’ll take 10 years off.

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Lie back on a couch or easy chair with your legs higher than your heart.

This lets blood that has pooled in your legs drain downhill toward your heart. For a more active approach, lie on your back near a wall, placing your heels on the wall with your legs at a 45-degree angle. Hold the position for three minutes.

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For shinier hair, point the blow-dryer down, not up.

Drying hair from above your brush instead of below will help close the cuticles for smoother, shinier hair.

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Get a haircut.

Women: Keep your hair between your chin and shoulders for fuller-looking hair and a younger look.

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Buy a new bra.

Ask to be fitted by a bra specialist, and you’ll get the lift you may need.

Originally Published: October 20, 2011

Originally Published in Reader's Digest