Radiant, luminous, glowing – all terms that describe light and terms that are used to describe health, beauty and youth.  Your skin and body certainly can give the impression of vitality and health, of energy and light, or, the impression of a lack of vitality, health, and energy. 
    What I call the energy of life, or life force energy, is studied in almost every culture.  It can be called chi or prana or the breath of life.  It is the animating force of life and is thought to be carried on the breath.  This energy can be vibrant or subtle.  What we see and sense in someone as age or youth, health or illness is based on our impression of their life force energy.  Your body emanates this energy and can even give off light as has been seen through Kirlian photography or noticed as brightness in the face or a shimmer just around the shoulders or head. 
    In a Case Western Reserve University study, a team of plastic surgeons, released findings on differences in the appearance of age in 186 pairs of twins.  Their study, published in the journal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, looked at how environment and behavior choices might contribute to a person looking significantly older than their own twin. 
    Stress was noted as the most common cause for a twin to look older.  Those who used sunscreen and those who were nonsmokers appeared 2-5 years younger than their twin.  In twins of “normal” weight, the slightly heavier twin most often appeared to be younger looking.
    As stress was cited as the main factor in the appearance of age, it seems that de-stressing is the first step. 
    One of the easiest ways to begin de-stressing is to take a deep breath and smile.  The breath oxygenates your cells, eases muscles and sends out the message that “all is well”.
    Next steps in de-stressing might be stretching or some light exercise, like a walk outside.  It is interesting to note how your perspective opens and your breath deepens when you walk out in nature.  A little vitamin D from the sun (remember your sunscreen) and a breath of fresh air go a long way toward brightening your face, your skin, and your disposition. 
    The impression of age or youth, health or illness is based in what we see and sense in the life force energy of others.  So, even if you do not feel very youthful or energetic at a given moment, if you put on a smile or extend a hand to assist someone else, you may find your energy expands.  It takes effort to be dreary or stressed when you are smiling.
    You have the power to choose a relaxing deep breath at any moment and at most every moment. As you de-stress and deepen your breath you are able take in more of the joys around you.