#HowHardDidAgingHitYouChallenge How Hard is it, really?

I see friends posting in Facebook their photos taken in 2009 and 2019. The 10 year challenge is fun to see how most aged/developed into the best version of themselves. I am somewhat skeptical to join the bandwagon because I read somewhere that the photos might be used to test AI for face recognition. Memes are nice but sometimes we give too much information about ourselves.  

I would like to think that I am aging gracefully and I still feel flattered when people think that I look younger than my age. I guess that is one of the cons of looking matured when I was in my teens.

I know I am badly hit by aging with the obvious slower metabolism,  puffy face and gray hair (I am expecting this because I have a natural dark brown hair). 


I tried to look for a solo photo of me in 2009 but I couldn’t find any trace from Facebook. I lost most of my photos after I changed several laptops and broken external drive.

What I want to share is the this photo collage featuring two of my good friends. We have been friends for more than a decade and it is nice to know that through highs and lows we still find time to reconnect and be there for each other.

Ruth, #T and #D

They say you are lucky to have one good friend in this lifetime. It is true that friends come and go – it is because of different life changes, decisions and circumstances. It is good to have friends who would allow you to be yourself, be vulnerable and be silly.  I am so happy to have friends (and readers)  who have been with me through the years.

Anyway, here’s my photo taken in 2010. I seriously want to go back to that body. This was when I didn’t need to dye or treat my hair to cover my gray hair. 

Sometimes I wish I knew years ago how to take care of my body, my skin and my well-being – but life happens and I lived a rock n roll life. The most important thing is looking back with no regrets. I am not the most healthy and fit person you would know – and I still have my vice and I eat my Cheetos. I believe that living a good life is all about finding balance. 

I am sharing some tips on how to enjoy life and age gracefully: 

Drink Lots of Water

I drink 1 gallon of water everyday (actually, I think I drink more). 

I notice that I experience migraine and irritability when I feel dehydrated. Water flush out toxins and promotes healthy weight management. 

I still drink my rootbeer once in a while. 

 Sleep is Luxury

I always make sure that I get 8 hours of sleep every night. I enjoy my nights in my bed and Netflix. Getting enough sleep allows me to function fully the following day. 

Stretch and Exercise

You don’t have to do an intensive workout for hours. Just do 15 to 30-minute workout every day and that would help your body to function well.  I am surprised that even if I am not the gym buff, I can still perform tasks that need physical strength – that includes holding shopping bags, walking for ours during travel, and carrying my luggage around during trips. 

Do Face Yoga and Face Lift

I am no longer laughing at Donna Cruz for doing that face exercises. I started to be more focused on doing facial exercises because we cannot argue and fight gravity especially after I see my laugh lines becoming more prominent.

Aside from natural face massage, I also go to Svelt’i for my monthly Microlift Treatment . The Microlift is a non-surgical face lift that tones, smoothens, and diminishes wrinkles by using a micro current on the skin for 30 minutes. It is tingling yet relaxing. You can have the current adjusted. I especially love the treatment for the eyes and forehead. 

The Facial Masks Habit

The right facial mask can help restore skin moisture, removes excess oil and promotes healthy glowing skin.

These are my current favorite masks from Esfolio. Esfolio is a Korean Brand that offers really nice KBeauty products in cute packagings. I love the facial masks because it is moisturizing (my face feels dry lately), and smell really good!

You can buy Esfolio products online via BeautyMNL. 

Stick With Your Facial Care Clinic

Stick with your facial care clinic and dermatologist who can recommend the best body and skin care treatments and products for you. I know some of the deals online can be very tempting, but I would really advise that you stick with a derma that you trust. I am currently with Svelt’i and I love how they take care of my body and skin needs. 

Try KBeauty Products

KBeauty is so accessible now and it only means that we are closer to achieving the best skin condition that we could have. Here’s a tip, if you don’t want to buy the full size products, you can check out some stores and ask for a sample pack.

Here are some of my current favorite items that help me cleanse, heal and restore different problem areas of my face/body.

Ginger Sugar Lip Scrub


My lips tend to feel dry and peel off due to weather. I make sure that I use the Ginger Sugar Lip Scrub to exfoliate my lips.

Onsaemeein Magic Solution Skin Powder


This is my favorite 2-in-1 solution powder that targets zits and make them go away over night!

Go to the Beach!

We have already read how the sea waves can help us relax, how the salt air helps fight depression, and basking on the sun cures certain skin diseases. Head on to the beach and maybe, your quick drive would inspire you to take a nice photo, post on your Instagram with a nice caption and inspire others too!

When you are ready to come back to face the world again, you would feel more motivated, inspired and happy. 

I hope you find this post helpful. 

Don’t forget to read the other Life Skills articles on this blog. 

Related Read:

how i survived 4 days in athens without a luggage + dealing with delayed baggage
life skills: my new morning rituals to supercharge my day

5 real ways i got to travel