Medical doctor and longevity expert shares his tips for feeling and looking younger

When you got up this morning, did your energy level and appearance more closely match your children or your grandparents? Maybe it’s finally time to stop procrastinating and start living a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Daniel L. Johnson, M.D., founder and medical director of the Desert Longevity Institute in Palm Desert, California, says everyone needs a plan for naturally maintaining their youthful looks and stamina.

Exercise, good nutrition, and reducing stress top Dr. Johnson’s recommendations for anti-aging.

Below is his handy, clock-slowing checklist:

Try for 30 minutes of exercise daily – As a way to improve fitness and decrease stress, exercise offers a double bonus. What you do doesn’t matter as much as if you enjoy it. “If someone is forced to lift weights, it can add stress to their lives because they hate it,” says Dr. Johnson. “One exercise that yields the maximum benefit for the least amount of effort is rebounding – jumping up and down on a little trampoline.” And remember, exercise should make you feel better. If all exercises, even gentle ones, make you feel worse, Dr. Johnson suggests consulting a holistic doctor for adrenal testing.

Avoid stressing your body with poor nutrition – “When you eat sugar, starches and highly processed foods, your blood sugars go up dramatically. That’s a real stress your body must deal with,” explains Dr. Johnson. Replace sugary, processed foods with fruits and vegetables. Get plenty of fiber. And contrary to popular belief, you should get plenty of healthy, natural fats such as extra virgin olive oil and the fats found in coconuts, avocados, egg yolks, fish and nuts.

De-stress at your desk – It may be no great revelation, but Dr. Johnson says taking a mini-vacation in your mind’s eye is very effective. “Close your eyes, take slow breaths and imagine yourself in a pleasant situation,” he advises.

Stop back soon as we reveal more tips on feeling and looking younger.