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4 habits that slow down aging for less than $3/day

The Sunday Upgrade – A smarter, healthier start to the week

Happy Sunday,

We often invest in productivity tools, nootropics, and health tech.

But the biological drag slowing us down most?

Unaddressed micro-aging — at the cellular, metabolic, and neurological level.

Today I give you 4 evidence-backed habits that combat aging across:

- Cognition
- Inflammation
- Energy metabolism
- Skin + structural health

…And you can implement them in less than 10 minutes/day — for under $3.

Why drinking less often is safer than drinking less

Science says:

A pooled analysis of 5 large cohort studies showed that daily drinkers had up to a 71% increased risk of liver cirrhosiseven when their weekly alcohol volume matched non-daily drinkers.

Why execs should care:

The liver clears not just toxins — but used hormones, cholesterol, and metabolic waste.
A sluggish liver = elevated cortisol, lower testosterone, brain fog, and slow recovery.

Implementation for busy execs:

  • Alcohol Off-Ramp Rule: Drink only on weekends or strategic social events.

  • Sub in high-performance options:

    • Sparkling water + sea salt + citrus

    • Rooibos, ginger, or ashwagandha tea post-work

    • Tart cherry juice (bonus: supports melatonin)

Cost: $0 or savings
Time: 0 minutes (just choose smarter)

The test that predicts how long you’ll live

Science says:

In a study of over 2,000 adults (ages 51–80), those who performed poorly on the Sit & Rise Test had a 5x higher risk of all-cause mortality.

Why execs should care:

Mobility is not just movement — it’s your neuromuscular battery.
Tight hips, weak glutes, and poor stability = pain, fatigue, less confidence, and worse HRV.

Implementation for busy execs:

  • Integrate into desk routine:

    • Use a standing desk mat to stretch while on calls

    • Sit on the floor 10 mins while scrolling or reading

  • Daily test: One up-down movement every morning = mobility scan

Cost: $0
Time: 2 minutes total
Bonus: Improves circulation to the brain — critical for executive function.

The organ that controls your mood

Science says:

The gut-brain axis affects mood, cognition, immunity, and inflammation.
A 2025 study found daily probiotic use significantly reduced sadness, irritability, and worry in just 14 days — without reducing positive mood states.

Why execs should care:

An unbalanced gut = impaired decision-making, poor sleep, and chronic inflammation — the enemy of high-performance aging.

Implementation for busy execs:

  • Quick gut-support stack (under 3 mins):

    • Greek yogurt or kefir + berries + chia or flax

    • Add garlic, onion, or asparagus to dinner

  • Fridge staples:

    • Sauerkraut or kimchi with lunch = effortless microbiome diversity

Cost: ~$1.25/day
Time: <5 minutes
Bonus: Improved nutrient absorption = better ROI from your entire diet.

How to rebuild your skin in 3 minutes or less

Science says:

You lose 1% of collagen per year after age 25. This affects your skin, joint stability, and even mitochondrial energy production.
Topical creams don’t fix it — but dietary collagen can restore skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Why execs should care:

Collagen loss = accelerated skin aging, poor sleep recovery (from joint pain), and reduced workout performance.

Implementation for busy execs:

  • Morning ritual stack:

    • Stir 1 scoop collagen peptides into your coffee or matcha (no flavor, zero prep)

    • Or sip 1 cup of bone broth during your midday focus block

  • Whole food add-ons:

    • Add citrus or bell peppers (Vitamin C = collagen cofactor)

    • Use chicken thighs, sardines, or eggs 3x/week

Cost: $1.00–$1.50/day
Time: <5 minutes
Bonus: Skin glow = perceived youth + presence in high-stakes rooms.

Habit

Time/Day

Cost/Day

Performance ROI

Cut Daily Alcohol

0 min

$0–Saving

Restores liver, hormones, sleep

Sit & Rise Test

2 min

Free

Mobility, cognition, resilience

Gut Nourishment

5 min

~$1.25

Mood, focus, immune function

Collagen Nutrition

5 min

~$1.25

Skin, joints, recovery

Total: <10 minutes/day
Total Cost: ~$2.50–$3.00/day

Aging isn’t optional. But accelerating it is.
The executives who win long term aren’t younger — they just age slower on purpose.

Diego Carrete

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References

  1. Daily alcohol increases liver cirrhosis risk:
    Roerecke et al., "Drinking frequency, alcohol quantity, and liver cirrhosis: A pooled analysis of cohort studies."
    PubMed ID: 36274528

  2. Sit & Rise Test predicts longevity and mobility decline:
    de Brito et al., "Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality."
    PubMed ID: 23242910

  3. Probiotics reduce negative mood in healthy adults:
    Knudsen et al., "The mood-enhancing potential of daily probiotic supplementation in healthy individuals."
    Nature Mental Health (2025)
    Article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44184-025-00123-z

  4. Collagen peptides improve skin elasticity and hydration:
    Proksch et al., "Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology."
    PubMed ID: PMC3583892

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