Narcissists often cause their partners to spike their partners’ fight-or-flight hormones due to their erratic behavior and selfish attitudes.

These stress hormones aren’t supposed to be elevated all the time; they’re designed to pull us out of immediate danger and then quickly return to normal levels.

Narcissists often increase these levels, damaging our bodies over time.

Furthermore, most partners of narcissists receive little, if any, help. Yet, they are expected to do almost everything for the narcissist, effectively doubling their workload. Years of this can take a toll on them.

Narcissists demand so much time and energy that it’s almost impossible to take care of your own health and well-being. As a result, their partners often neglect themselves.

I’ve noticed that many partners of narcissists appear bloated, pale, and unwell. I’ve noticed this, too.

When I look at photos of myself before and during my relationship, the picture becomes clear. I was healthy before the relationship. During the relationship, I gained weight and looked sick. Now, several years into the relationship, I look much better.

Related : The Angry Stage Of Healing From A Narcissist Relationship

Here are my top tips for reversing the effects of aging caused by narcissists…

Reducing Anxiety

Many partners of narcissists suffer from anxiety. I left my relationship with a narcissist feeling extremely anxious. I would sometimes tremble as soon as I opened the door. This isn’t good for your mental or physical health. So I decided to do something about it.

Daily meditation has helped me calm my mind and body. This is something everyone can benefit from.

Meditation provides quick relief, and with regular use, it helps you relax. This is important for maintaining calm.

Narcissists habituate us to stress, until it becomes our normal state. So when we’re not stressed, we feel uncomfortable. We may even feel bored and anxious. So, we subconsciously seek out drama and stress just to feel “normal.” This stresses our minds and bodies.

Once you get used to feeling relaxed, you can eliminate the need for stress and drama. You can live a more peaceful and happy life, without feeling like anything is “wrong.”

If you don’t know how to meditate, please check out this simple, guided meditation I created…

I also talked to my doctor, who prescribed medication. While I’m not a fan of medication, sometimes the need for it is unavoidable. It’s actually helped reduce my anxiety.

Prioritize Sleep

A good night’s sleep reduces anxiety. And the benefits don’t stop there.

Nearly all longevity experts agree that good sleep is a pillar of longevity. And it doesn’t cost anything.

I decided to go to bed earlier so I didn’t need an alarm to force me to wake up, which allowed me to get better sleep.

Related : How To Build Your Assertiveness After A Narcissist Relationship

If your alarm wakes you up every morning, you’re probably not getting enough sleep. Because if you were, you’d already be awake. So, go to bed early so you don’t have to interrupt your sleep.

Also, make sure to wind down for a few hours before bedtime and enter a relaxed state, both mentally and physically. (Meditation can help!)

Again, if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, it may be worth seeking medical intervention. At least for a while. While taking a sleep aid isn’t the best solution, it’s better than suffering from chronic sleep problems.

Diet

A good diet is crucial to your health and longevity. Although healthy foods may seem boring at first, we quickly adapt. Eventually, you’ll no longer crave unhealthy foods. They can make you nauseous.

Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Eat more foods created by God, rather than those made by humans in factories.

Good foods are fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, nuts, and eggs. Ingredients, not products. Everything our ancestors ate.

Reduce your intake of refined sugars, as they are known to age the body and cause many health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Avoid cooking with seed oils. Instead, use extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, butter, etc.

Don’t forget fluids. Avoid sugary drinks, especially soda. Drink more water, green tea, herbal teas, etc. Drinks free of sugar, sweeteners, and other chemicals.

Exercise

Our bodies are designed to function. But modern life offers us many conveniences that help us do so. Therefore, we need to exercise to keep our bodies strong and active.

The best exercise is the one you stick to. So, if you like hiking, do it. If you prefer swimming, that’s great. Make a schedule for your workouts, what you’ll do, and when. Treat it like brushing your teeth. Consider it an integral part of your day.

Related : Why Didn’t You Leave The Narcissist?

If you want to take your fitness to the next level, consider exercising in a workout that addresses the three main aspects of fitness: strength, cardio, and flexibility.

Personally, I lift weights to build strength, use the treadmill and cross-trainer for cardio, and attend weekly yoga classes to improve my flexibility. But I haven’t done all of these exercises from day one.

I lifted weights first, and continued until it became an integral part of my routine. Then I added cardio, until it felt “normal.” Then, after a while, I added yoga.

My routine evolved gradually; it wasn’t too shocking for my body, nor was it so overwhelming that I felt like giving up. Ease up the exercise, and gradually increase it. Be kind to yourself!

Any amount of exercise is better than none. So, even if you do two 20-minute sessions a week, that’s much better than none at all.

Conclusion

Most people take care of their cars, their homes, and their pets. But they miss themselves. However, none of these things matter if we’re in poor health.

Make a habit of prioritizing your health and longevity. Because not only will you look better, but you’ll feel better, too.

Related : Why Narcissists Hate Their Partners

When you’re at your peak, life becomes easier. Your abilities grow, making you happier, healthier, and more successful.

Narcissists take over your focus and direct it toward themselves. But now you’re free, you can refocus your energy on yourself, improve your mental and physical health, and ultimately improve your life.

There’s much more literature on longevity than this article provides, but it should provide a solid foundation to build on.

If you’d like to learn more about longevity, check out longevity experts like Jesse Anshuspeh, David Sinclair, Andrew Huberman, and Peter Attia. There’s plenty of free content on all social media platforms, especially YouTube.