Wellness Wednesday

I know that life can be trying at times and happiness can feel like a challenge during those times.  Sometimes all we need is quick boost to improve our moods and when we feel better we look better and when we look better we feel better.  With that being said below are a few tips to help you not only feel better, but look better on the outside as well as in.

BOOST YOUR MOOD:

Be confident in yourself and in your body. Confidence comes from within so if you are considering a change make sure the change is for you and not how others want you to be.

Get enough sleep.  Sleeping at least 7 to 9 hours a night can have a huge impact on how you look and feel.

Keep your mind alert.  Do a daily puzzle, like Sudoku or a crossword. Read a new book and then discuss it with others. Challenging yourself to remember something releases feel-good brain chemicals.  You will feel younger if you give your brain a daily workout.

Smell the roses. Did you know that just looking at flowers improves sociability and boosts your mood?  Studies have even shown it can rev the immune system and the smell of roses tames stress and anxiety and creates a positive effect on your mood.

Appreciate what you have and be thankful to those who have given it to you.  Too often we get caught up in the daily rat race and forget about those who really make our lives worthwhile.  When you go home tonight tell your family how much they mean to you and how thankful you are to have them around.

Crank up the tunes. Music stimulates a part of your brain that releases endorphins which are critical chemicals in creating overall happiness.

Do things that you find pleasurable and forgive those who have hurt you.  This can be a very hard task, but if you can’t let go of that hate, how can you expect to grow as an individual.  Be the bigger person, it’s never too late to say sorry.

Now that we have you felling a little better here are a few tips to keep you looking good as well.

LOOK YOUR BEST:

Exercise.  It is the base of a healthy lifestyle and will keep you looking and feeling young. Exercise stimulates the production of healthy chemicals.  If you have health problems that prevent you from strenuous activity, do what you can even walking at a slow pace for 45 minutes a few times a week will do the trick.  Sex is also exercise and having an active sex life will leave you happy and healthy. 

Eat Healthy. Having a well balanced diet will help you feel better in general because your digestive system will be in sync with the rest of your body.  They say beauty comes from within so be sure to eat a lot of dark leafy greens, bright fruits and veggies, and load up on vitamin C.  Eat plenty of flax, walnuts, salmon, and tuna, they are high in Omega-3 fatty acids which fight inflammation and enhance the effects of SPF, acting as a natural sunscreen.  Order dessert, dark chocolate (in small doses) is rich in antioxidants like epicatechin and gallic.  I like to keep a bag of special dark Hershey kisses around for that afternoon craving at work.

Wash your face every night.  This is an easy way to make you look better. Also, prevent bacteria by washing your hands and pillowcases, as well as other things that come into contact with your face, as often as possible.  Place an adhesive bandage over any blemishes before you go to bed, along with antibacterial cream.  Use plenty of moisture at night and during the day, as we age our skin looses moisture, so this will keep it fresher.

Tone down your make-up.  Too much make-up can age you. Try to stick with natural hues to complement your skin type and color. 

If you are a Blonde stick with soft shades and pastels, dark tones are too strong unless you are going for a fierce look. Use brown mascara instead of black, use makeup with yellow undertones, use pink or peach lipsticks.

If you are a Redhead, stick with green, reddish-brown, and copper shades.  Avoid dark eyes; choose light pencils in red-brown and taupe, while using make-up with beige undertones and hot pink or flesh toned lip sticks.

If you are a Brunette go wild.  You can pull off almost any shade have fun with gold, bronze, peach, orange, yellow, red, and purples. Always match your face powder to your foundation and avoid pale or bright pink lipsticks.

Wear clothing that suits your body type and personality. If you want to look young you have to dress young, but not too young.  Look in magazines to see current trends.  Even if you don’t think you can wear it, try it on. Youth is all about spontaneity and taking chances.  So try new things, learn new terms, and listen to new music.

Smile.  This is the most important tip I can give anyone.  It will light up your face and take years of instantly.