In a modern world that's seemingly obsessed with looking youthful and stopping the aging process, spiritual leader Deepak Chopra tells Oprah that he likes to follow the maxim, “People don’t grow old; when they stop growing, they become old.”
In this clip from "Super Soul Sunday: Oprah and Deepak Chopra in India," Deepak explains how changing your perceptions and thoughts can change -- and even reverse -- the aging process.
"Do you believe that you can change your age if you change your perception?" Oprah asks.
“More than perception, but... yes," he says. "There are 10 really very specific things that you can do to change your biological age. Your biological age means your blood pressure, your bone density, skin thickness, number of wrinkles, hearing, immune function…”
Deepak goes on to reveal how you can use the power of thought to reduce your age, from repeating a daily mantra to putting an end to the feeling of always being in a hurry. "Change your relationship with time," he advises. "Because if you're always in a hurry, then your biological clock will speed up. People who are saying, 'I'm running out of time,' their blood pressure goes up, their heart rate speeds up."
Another anti-aging trick? Falling in love! "People fall in love [and] their biological age decreases," says Deepak. "So stay in the state of love all the time."
In the clip, Deepak also mentions one of his own favorite anti-aging activities: meditation. "Think of your body as an energy field," he says. "Monitor your energy.... You've got to have rest."
Join Deepak and Oprah for the 21-Day Meditation Challenge, happening now, and begin your own journey toward balance and perfect health. Register here for a life-changing experience.
3 Anti-Aging Products You Don't Need (Plus 3 You Really Do)
Don't Need It: A Cleanser That Claims To Do More Than Clean(01 of06)
Open Image Modal"Cleanser stays on your face for about six seconds -- no anti-aging ingredient can affect your skin in six seconds," says Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. Almost every skin doctor we know washes her face with a basic drugstore cleanser -- they're simple, cheap and do what a cleanser should: clean your skin. Save your money for skincare products that you don't immediately wash down the drain. (Hirsch's current favorite cleanser: Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash, $6; drugstores.) (credit:Shutterstock)
Don't Need It: A Cream That Comes With A Tiny Spoon(02 of06)
Open Image ModalMoisturizers with triple-digit price tags and fancy trappings -- layers of elegant wrapping, glass jars that weigh more than a newborn, Lilliputian gold spoons -- do the same job as the basic drugstore versions. "The purpose of any moisturizer is to seal in moisture, keeping your skin supple and smooth," says San Diego dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, MD. "Whether the moisturizer costs $200 or $20, it uses the same basic ingredients to do that." (credit:Alamy)
Don't Need It: A Neck Cream(03 of06)
Open Image ModalThe cream you use on your face at night is likely rich enough to soften and smooth the skin on your neck. There's no need to invest in a separate product. However, there is one exception: If you have oily skin and use a very lightweight moisturizer (or none at all), you should get a separate cream for your neck (which has fewer oil glands and needs more hydration than your face). You don't need to buy a pricey cream marketed as a neck product, though, says New York City dermatologist Jessica Krant, MD, who recommends La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche ($28, drugstores), which has a high concentration of skin-softening shea butter. (credit:Alamy)
Need It: A Sunscreen(04 of06)
Open Image ModalNeed It: A Retinoid(05 of06)
Open Image ModalLotions or creams that contain a retinoid are your best shot at making your skin look younger. Piles of research prove that this vitamin A derivative really can undo wrinkles and discoloration caused by sun damage. At the drugstore, look for the word "retinol" in the ingredients list (the higher up it appears on that list, the better); one great option is RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($22, drugstores). A dermatologist can prescribe a stronger retinoid cream, like Retin-A or Tazorac. Retinoids can be irritating at first, so ramp up slowly until you can tolerate using one every night. You should apply a retinoid cream on your neck as well, but because that skin can be more sensitive, use it more sparingly and not necessarily nightly. (credit:Courtesy of RoC)
Need It: A Basic Moisturizer(06 of06)
Open Image ModalSo you know you don't need to spend hundreds on a moisturizer. But what do you need to look for? An effective moisturizer will contain two types of hydrating ingredients: a humectant (to draw water to the skin) and an emollient (to prevent water loss). Common humectants are glycerin, hyaluronic acid and propylene glycol; emollients include dimethicone, petrolatum and coconut oil. Look for at least one of each in the ingredients list. (Aveeno Positively Ageless Restructuring Treatment Cream, $20, and Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream, $25, are good bets you can find at the drugstore.) Unless your skin is oily, apply a moisturizer on top of your retinoid at night. And if your face isn't shiny in the morning, skip the cleanser and just splash your face with lukewarm water. "There's no better moisturizer than the natural oils on your skin," says Benabio. "Why wash them off?" (credit:Courtesy of Aveeno)
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.