Happy new year! 🎉
It’s 2025, and every new year reminds me of just how precious life is.
I find myself reflecting on the past year—on the places I’ve seen, the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the ways I’ve grown.
For me, 2024 was incredible.
I hiked in stunning new landscapes.
I finally took up kitesurfing—a bucket list hobby I’d been dreaming about for years.
I danced at festivals, sang along at amazing music concerts, and learned skills that stretched my mind and heart.
But what surprises me the most is how good I feel physically.
Back in 2000, when I was just 15, I thought people in their 40s were old.
I imagined life at 40 would be boring, filled with aches and pains, and a slow decline into “falling apart.”
But here I am, about to turn 40, feeling better than I ever have.
And to be honest? I know it’s only going to get better.
This past year, I realized something deeply empowering:
Aging is a Choice.
We can’t stop time from ticking, but we can take control of our biological age.
It’s all about the daily habits we choose.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve built more healthy habits than unhealthy ones—and that has made all the difference.
And if you’re sitting there thinking your best years are behind you, I want you to know: you have the power to change that.
Here are the 11 habits that have helped me stay youthful, energized, and strong:
1. Yoga: My Fountain of Youth 🧘♂️
When people tell me I look 10 years younger and ask for my secret, my answer is always, “Yoga!”
Yoga has done more for me than I ever thought possible.
It’s made me more agile than I was in my 20s. It erased my back pain, fixed my posture, improved my cardio fitness, and even lifted my mood.
Above all, yoga has taught me to embrace life’s ups and downs with grace—on and off the mat.
2. Veggies with Every Meal 🥬
Leafy greens, like spinach and lettuce, are non-negotiable in my diet.
They support digestion, reduce inflammation, make my skin glow, and keep me full, so I don’t overeat.
Excess body fat speeds up aging, and veggies are a simple, powerful way to prevent that.
3. Protein Power 💪
Protein is the building block of life—and staying young.
It helps maintain muscle mass (which naturally declines with age), repairs the body, and keeps me feeling fuller for longer.
I make sure to include protein in most of my meals, whether it’s eggs, fish, chicken, or plant-based sources like tofu or lentils.
4. Water Over Everything 💧
I stopped drinking sugary soft drinks in my 20s and switched to plain water.
Drinking at least 2 liters a day keeps my digestion running smoothly, my skin hydrated and glowing, and my energy levels steady.
5. Resistance Training 🏋️♂️
I’ll admit, lifting weights wasn’t my thing for a long time. But resistance training is essential for keeping muscles strong, especially as we age.
Every move we make—walking, climbing stairs, lifting groceries—depends on strong muscles. Resistance training ensures I stay active and pain-free.
6. Daily Walks 🚶♂️
Walking is one of the simplest yet most impactful habits I’ve built over the years.
Whether it’s 30 or 60 minutes, walking clears my mind, boosts my mood, improves circulation, and keeps my joints healthy.
It’s my favorite way to nurture both body and soul.
7. Breaking Up with Sugar 🙅♂️
Giving up sugar wasn’t easy—especially with my sweet tooth!
But cutting out sugary drinks, snacks, and processed foods has made a huge difference in my energy, skin, and overall health.
Sugar messes with blood sugar levels, speeds up aging, and increases the risk of chronic diseases.
8. Fruit as My Go-To Snack 🍌
Thanks to my mom, who used to give me a plate of fruit every day, this habit stuck with me.
Fruits are nature’s multivitamin, packed with nutrients that keep me energized between meals.
9. Meditation: The Ultimate Stress Buster 😌
Meditation is my go-to remedy for combating chronic stress.
Stress accelerates aging by disrupting sleep, causing hormonal imbalances, and increasing inflammation.
Meditation calms my mind, supports my body, and helps me stay youthful and resilient.
10. Trying New Things 🏄
Whether it’s exploring a new cuisine, watching ballet for the first time, or traveling to unfamiliar places, trying new things keeps my spirit curious and my life vibrant.
Growth and joy are always within reach.
11. Lifelong Learning 📚
Learning new skills is like a workout for the brain.
This year, I started kitesurfing, picked up Portuguese, and deepened my knowledge of yoga and nutrition.
The moment we stop learning is the moment we stop truly living.
Takeaway
These 11 habits have made the biggest impact on my biological age.
If I’d stuck to my old habits—smoking, drinking, eating too much sugar, and being inactive—my life today would be completely different.
I see friends my age who held onto those habits, and at 40, they look over 50 and feel closer to 70.
I want you to know that you have the power to shape your future.
Start small.
Choose one habit per quarter.
By this time next year, your health and life could look completely different.
In case you missed it, I shared a 4-step method to build new habits in a previous newsletter. Check it out here >
Here’s to redefining aging, staying fit, flexible, and energized—because aging is a choice.
Cheers to your best year yet! 💛
Have a wonderful day ✨
Idan
By opting in, you agree to receive emails from me and to my