Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
Looking and feeling great add to your confidence and life satisfaction. Unhealthy choices abound, so you must be proactive in caring for yourself. Try these tips to function at your peak and look fantastic doing so.
Shop for a Flattering Fit
Clothes that are cut correctly create a slimming effect and an attractive silhouette. You may be tempted to squeeze into an old item as motivation and a reminder to lose weight. A healthy body is not necessarily the one you had years ago. Enlist the help of a good tailor or stylist to help you find clothes like leggings, shirts, and dresses that flatter your physique. The body positivity movement is assisting people in learning how to dress for their type and not an unrealistic model’s figure.
Eliminate Stress
Internal stress displays externally, so start by making your home a haven. Clear out a space for meditation. A few plants and soothing aromas with candles or a diffuser can put you in an anxiety-free state. Make your bedroom peaceful and without unnecessary distractions. Remove electronic devices and keep the space open and uncluttered.
Lessen your stress at work by organizing your day to minimize time with toxic people. Schedule to complete intensive assignments early. If your current career is too draining or uninspiring, think about pivoting to a vocation that motivates you, which can dramatically improve your mental health.
Begin Clean and Mindful Eating
Empty calories weigh you down, so make progressive adjustments to eat better. Add healthy snacks, like almonds, walnuts, fresh fruit, and baby carrots, to your grocery list and cut out one unhealthy item weekly. Don’t focus on losing weight, or you’ll get frustrated by slow progress. Instead, pay attention to how you feel and count healthy decisions as victories. Avoid guilt and fad diets and look for ways to minimize stress eating. For instance, practice mindful eating to enjoy your food in a relaxed atmosphere, paying attention to your body for signals of when it’s full. Indulge in the eating experience, and don’t deny yourself delicious desserts.
Start a Fitness Program
Your body needs movement to perform at its best. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes daily of moderate to high-intensity physical activity. When you’re stretched for time because of work, try some of these ideas:
- Stand up every 20 minutes and stretch
- Park further away from the front door to get in some extra walking
- Use the stairs instead of an elevator
- Take a walk during your lunch break
- Walk or bike to work if possible
- Sit on a gym ball at your desk
Learn a New Skill
Acquiring a new ability can fill you with pride and connect you with unique circles of people. Plus, you may be able to add the competency to your resume. Recent research shows that employers and clients desire to hire successful people with crucial soft skills, so develop yourself by learning an instrument, woodworking, or a new language and join supportive communities to accelerate your progress.
Looking and feeling your best is not about forcing yourself into an unrealistic body type or public perception. Work at adapting your clothing, fitness, and lifestyle to practices that complement who you are and allow you to enjoy life fully.
