Tips for Looking and Feeling Your Very Best Each Day
We all have days or weeks when we don’t look or feel as great as we’d like, but making a few positive changes to how we care for our minds and bodies can make these days much more infrequent. Align Pilates shares a few tips to help us to look and feel our absolute best, and glow from the inside out!
Make Physical Activity a Priority
Most people know that physical activity is essential for good health, but few realize just how important it is for looking and feeling your best. Exercise helps keep your skin looking young and healthy, gives you more energy, improves your mood, helps you sleep better, and reduces stress. In addition, physical activity can also help to boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick. And if you are trying to lose weight, exercise is an essential part of any successful weight-loss plan. Whether you are trying to improve your health or your appearance, there is no doubt that regular physical activity is an important part of the equation. If you’ve been looking to shake up your routine, why not consider Pilates? You can build and tone muscle, boost your endurance and even lose weight. Check out the options available at Align Pilates to find out which class works best for you, and get started today!
Address Skin Concerns Naturally
Acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis are some of the most common skin conditions affecting Americans, and many conventional skincare products can exacerbate these skin concerns — especially those containing preservatives, fragrances, sulfates, and silicones. And when our skin is suffering, our self-esteem and mental health often take a hit as well.
If you’re experiencing skin concerns but find that conventional beauty products aren’t delivering the results you’re hoping for, it’s time to make the switch to natural skincare products. Natural products are gentler on the skin, free of toxic ingredients like sulfates and polyethylene glycols (PEGs), and better for the environment. For those with acne-prone skin, it’s important to adopt a natural beauty routine that removes excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural barrier.
Love the Way You Look
Due to the pandemic, many of us are spending a lot less time on our appearances — opting for sweatpants and joggers and a more natural makeup look whenever possible. And while caring less about our looks may feel emotionally liberating, physical appearances can either positively or negatively affect our self-confidence.
Here are some of the things you can do to feel great in the skin you’re in, even when dressing up or applying a full face of makeup is out of the question:
Wash and style your hair, even if that’s all you do.
Accessorize with a pair of statement earrings or necklaces.
Wear polished loungewear pieces that flatter your body shape, including yoga leggings, fleece joggers, and soft hoodies.
Experiment with a new haircut or color.
Talk to Someone
If your self-esteem has taken enough of a hit that you are suffering from depression, it’s time to turn things around. You are worth the effort. You matter, and talking to a trained professional can give you the tools you need to learn to love yourself inside and out, addressing the root of what’s causing you to feel the way you do. With an improved perspective, you can learn to see all the good stuff.
Finding a counselor isn’t too difficult. Simply refer to your insurance provider’s network to narrow down your choices. If this proves too tedious, you can always try an online therapy platform. If you're open to receiving therapy online, it’s easy to connect with a licensed, reputable counselor. You can choose a therapist based on their specialties, and probably even book a same-day appointment. Many platforms take some of the most common insurance providers, which helps limit your out-of-pocket costs.
Eat for Better Brain and Gut Health
Looking and feeling your best day in and out has a lot to do with the foods you’re eating, as the gut-brain connection is quite strong. If you’re eating a lot of fast food, drinking too much alcohol, or consuming foods high in refined sugars, grains, or artificial sweeteners — your mood, body, image, and self-esteem could suffer.
To improve the health of your gut and brain, eat lots of fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut, omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. mackerel, salmon, flax seeds, and chia seeds), olive oil, eggs, and whole grains. These foods can help to improve gut health, fight inflammation, and improve mood and memory.
Look Great, Feel Even Better
How you look often affects how you feel, but there are some steps you can take to improve your body image and appearance if you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, skin concerns, or self-esteem issues. Start by adding Pilates to your regular physical regimen, developing a personal style you love, talking with a trained professional and eating for better brain and gut health. You’ll look and feel your absolute best, and what could be better than that?
Article was written by Jennifer McGregor