We all know the importance of staying healthy, but did you know that looking younger could be beneficial to your overall health? While you can't literally turn back the clock, you can get your body into gear with these helpful tips that will have you looking and feeling a little younger and healthier.

Why Not Take the Stairs Instead?

We all know how important it is to exercise. But, as adults, we sometimes forget or run out of time due to how hectic our schedules can be. According to WebMD, even 30 minutes of exercise a day could help us shed those extra pounds. Losing weight can give you a more youthful-looking silhouette and the weight loss from your face can help to widen your eyes, giving you a more fresh appearance and making you feel a little younger. Try to fit more activity into your schedule. Even if you start slow, progress is still progress!

Drink Up!

Now that you're up and moving, you'll probably be getting pretty thirsty, too. When it comes to beverages, water is always a great choice. Mayo Clinic recommends you have about 15.5 cups of fluids daily if you’re a man and 11.5 cups of fluids daily if you’re a woman. Drinking more water will keep you hydrated both inside and out, which will make your skin more youthful-looking and help internal organs function better. According to Estilo Tendances, “being well-hydrated can combat saggy skin by rejuvenating the cells in your epidermis.” Try to cut out sugary and caffeinated drinks like soda whenever possible.

Protect Your Skin

Sunscreen can protect your skin from skin cancer and keeps you looking more young and fresh. According to the AAD, you should be applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 at the minimum, which will keep you protected from 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Protect your skin and you'll not only keep yourself healthy and safe, but you'll also retain a youthful, even-toned glow and be less prone to the aging effects of sunlight, such as wrinkles and uneven skin texture.

Eat Foods Rich in Protein

Your body uses protein in a variety of ways, including keeping your hair and nails strong and resilient by producing keratin. Aging tends to make our hair and nails thinner, more brittle, and less lustrous. However, if you want to keep them strong and youthful-looking then you'll want to make sure you get enough protein. This could include eating more eggs, lean meats, yogurt, beans, and seafood.

All in all, when you look good, you tend to feel a little younger and more confident as well. Remember to take care of your body, your health, and your self-esteem.