Natural ways to look and feel your best

Today’s post I originally wrote for Style Adventure Magazine, but thought it was valuable to share here too! It’s about some natural, no cost ways to look and feel your best

You can become more confident with yourself and the way you look if you practice some key things. They work for me (well except for numbers four and five as I am still struggling with getting enough!)

1.Learn to accept yourself

Start telling yourself you’re good the way you are and don’t let anyone take that away from you. If people don’t accept you for who you are, find someone that does. It’s much better to be yourself around one person than be someone else for many people.

2.Spend time with people that make you feel good

I say this one often. You can’t like yourself if you’re surrounded by the ones that put you down. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but you can spend other time with those that appreciate you. Sometimes all it takes is a simple out-of-the-blue  compliment. Find people like that to be in your life.

3.Develop a positive attitude

Your outlook on life can improve your overall health, affect your mood, and the way you look. Start by trying to focus on the positive things others say about you and life in general.

4.Get enough sleep

I talk about this all the time. Not getting enough sleep makes you feel and look tired. It also makes your skin look sallow and can give you circles under your eyes.

5.Drink enough water

You need about eight glasses per day. It helps flush toxins out of your body and skin.

6.Smile more

A smile not only brightens up your face, but it also makes you feel better. Have you ever noticed that your mood improves if you’re smiling, or if someone smiles at you? If you’re having a bad day, try smiling at someone and see if they smile back. It can help you both feel better.

7.Watch your posture

Stand up straight with your head and chest held high. It can make you look more confident, and your body look it’s best. If you need to work on your posture, check out this video posted on Art of Being Fabulous.

8.Workout regularly

Well, we all know that regular exercise changes the way our body looks. It also releases endorphins in your brain that can help improve your mood and blood circulation to make your skin glow and keep your hair and nails healthier.

9.Eat well

Eating right will help you get a natural glow and make you feel better overall. I’m also talking about eating enough calories in a day. Not getting enough nutrients may get you to a weight goal, but it will impact your mood, energy, health and your skin (it can make your skin look sallow and sickly) and hair (it can become brittle, fall out and lose its natural shine). Eat lots of veggies, fruits, and the right amount of protein and carbs. Overeating is also something to pay attention to because other than weight, it will impact your sleep, mood, and health.

10.Develop a good skin care routine

Everyone is different. Some people need to wash their face once a day, or twice or whatever works for your skin. Don’t forget to exfoliate and use a mask on your skin once a week. Always use an SPF on your skin and lips before you go outside. Try an at-home spa day once a month.

11.Take care of your hair

Shampoo, condition and use deep conditioning. Try not to wash it too frequently depending on your hair type.

12.Dress to highlight your best feature(s).

We all have one or more things that we like, or someone else has told us they like about us. For example, if you like your arms wear shirts that show them off.

For some more ideas, check out some more of my skincare tips.