THIS IS WHAT 54 LOOKS LIKE

hypnotherapist Wendy Chalk lives in suffolk with her husband. they have two children. here, she shares her secrets to staying young.

GO BLONDE

WHEN I was 40, I decided to dye my hair blonde, and I have had it highlighted ever since. I think it boosts my complexion. I make sure not to over-treat my hair, especially as lightening often involves bleach, which can make hair dry and brittle. Looking at photos of myself before I went blonde makes me realise how much older I looked then!

PRACTISE HYPNOSIS

AS A hypnotherapist, I believe it’s important to set aside 15 minutes each day to practise self-hypnosis. This is similar to meditation, in that the mind and body are very relaxed, but selfhypnosis is much more goal-orientated. For my clients, I make a personalised recording, but if you are new to hypnosis, you could try listening to a CD or download, such as Self-Hypnosis For Sleep, Relaxation And Mindfulness (free from the App Store). When I practise it, I think of a specific goal, such as exercising more, and clear all other thoughts from my mind. You’ll enter a relaxed state and your mind will be focusing on the positive, making your resolutions much more likely to stick.

TAKE SUPPLEMENTS

I SWEAR by good quality supplements to look and feel youthful. I started taking vitamin C in my 30s, after a terrible bout of flu. Today, I also take a B-complex, which is good for stress, and omega-3 fish oils, which is the best natural skin-booster.

USE SUGAR ALTERNATIVES

WHAT we eat has an enormous impact on how we look and feel. I cook meals from scratch using fresh, organic ingredients — we’re lucky in Suffolk, as we have wonderful local produce, so it’s easier to avoid processed food. I avoid sugar as much as possible, as it’s not good for the waistline and causes wrinkles.

TAKE A NAP

SLEEP is especially important as we age, as it’s when our body repairs and rejuvenates. If I’ve had a disturbed night, I make sure to have a 20-minute nap the next day. We shouldn’t feel guilty about it — I think everyone would nap if they could. It means we’ll wake refreshed and energetic or, in other words, younger. A gorgeous pillow mist also helps me drift off — my favourite is This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (£16, johnlewis.com). Do yoU look good for your age? tell us your secrets at inspire@dailymail.co.uk