Not everything is up to your genetics. Science suggests that maintaining your health and youthfulness depends on how you live your life. That said, here are 8 lifestyle hacks you should adopt as everyday habits. These healthy habits promote longevity, delay the appearance of aging and prevent the early onset of cognitive decline.

1. Get 8 Hours

Sleep makes time for repairs after the “wear and tear” the day brought on your body. Chronic sleep deprivation promotes degeneration, weakens your immune system and raises your risk for neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Get at least 8 hours a night for proper beauty sleep and to protect your brain.

2. Exercise Regularly

Excessive exercise stresses the body, but regular exercise actually lowers stress levels. As a result, a consistent exercise regimen slows your rate of aging, both physically and mentally. It also lowers your risk for age-related neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

3. Drink More Water

Dehydration is known to cause wrinkles, but it actually ages the body in many other ways as well. Without enough fluids, everything starts to slow down, and you’ll feel it in your energy levels. Prevent dehydration by limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake, drinking more water and eating water-rich foods like fruits and raw vegetables.

4. Manage Stress

Chronically high levels of stress hormones are associated with a host of degenerative diseases and a shorter lifespan. Stress accelerates the aging process and prevents you from living your life to the fullest. Find ways to actively manage stress in your life. Try taking up yoga, meditation or an outdoor activity like jogging or biking. Spend time alone to relax and disconnect from your devices for at least 20 minutes in the morning or evening.

5. Wear SPF

UV radiation from the sun causes free radical damage on the surface of your skin, which not only accelerates your skin’s aging but also raises your risk for skin cancer. Get in the habit of applying SPF to exposed areas of skin before you leave the house. Even if it’s not particularly sunny, the UV rays are still making contact with your skin.

6. Be an Optimist

Positive thinking is a fantastic habit for promoting brain health. Plus, it has the added benefit of improving virtually every area of your life. Studies have linked several health benefits to positive self-talk, including reduced stress levels, longevity, better immune function and a lower risk for diseases and mood disorders like depression or anxiety.

7. Eat Leafy Greens

Fill up on greens by eating a salad or a fruit smoothie made with frozen fruit and leafy greens like spinach or kale. Greens are packed with vitamins and minerals to prevent harmful deficiencies. Plus, they’re low in calories, leaving you feeling light and energized.

8. Taste The Rainbow

Antioxidants are nutrients found in colorful plants that are proven to neutralize free radicals–the oxidative molecules that speed up the aging process. By reducing oxidative stress, the antioxidants found in so many fruits, vegetables and herbs boost your energy levels and protect against disease.

Being healthy is a long-term goal that doesn’t go away. As such, it requires developing healthy daily habits. Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can save you on medical bills, and more importantly, increase your ability to live a long and satisfying life. After all, your most ingrained daily habits make the greatest impact in the long-term.