Perhaps no habit on this list is as dangerous to our health and aging as stress. Feeling stressed out not only robs your day of happiness, but makes you older in the process. "Studies have shown that excessive worrying can lead to premature aging. Frequent or habitual worrying increases cortisol and promotes oxidative damage," Psychiatrist Jared Heathman told me. "This results in shorter telomere lengths that may reduce lifespan by two to eight years." Those darn telomeres again!

The stress hormone cortisol is to blame for this expedited aging process. "Cortisol is considered the stress hormone, which pinches off the health and pleasure hormones triggered by the 'relaxation response' we can achieve in yoga and meditation," Midwife Elizabeth Manning told me. "Cortisol literally causes wrinkles in our plump little cells, causing us to shrivel like raisins."

And it's not just the stress on our cells that causes aging. "When we are stressed, we are less likely to take care of ourselves, drink plenty of water, eat the right foods, and practice regular self care. Instead we are not taking breaks, pushing ourselves to the max, squinting at a computer screen, and staying up too late," Manning explained. "When we are stressed, we are pinching and scrunching our faces, frowning, and pursing our lips. We are slouching, tired, and droopy." Start brainstorming activities to help you ditch the stress. Try a new workout class or go for a walk with a good friend.