Guest contribution by Derek Goodman
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
We’re talking about a lot of love going around, with gifts and dates being planned.
But are you taking care about yourself? Are you doing anything to make yourself look great and feel better?
If you’ve been going through a stressful time lately, or just aren’t feeling as upbeat or confident as you’d like, it might be helpful for you to tap into different things you can do to feel better about yourself and your appearance.
Making choices that are conducive to mental and physical health can make a huge difference, sometimes almost immediately.
So, start now and try some of these things that could help give you that extra spark you need in your life.
Don’t forget basic self-care
Sometimes we forget that taking care of our own basic needs is just as important as anything we do at work, or for others. This can be an issue if you are exceptionally busy – but it can also be an issue if you’re feeling stuck in a rut with no motivation even to do the things that help you feel better.
Put some effort into the fundamentals of self-care like drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, setting boundaries, and making sure you fit in some daily exercise.
My latest generation Kindle is at the core of my self care plan. I make sure I get some 1 on 1 time with my Kindle every night. This allows me to let my stresses from the day slip away and get lost in a world of fiction.
Dress well to feel well
Especially if you’ve had to stay home a lot due to public health concerns, you may have gotten into the habit of just tying your hair back and putting on sweats or yoga pants.
There’s nothing wrong with being comfortable, of course – but you may find you feel better about yourself if you take a little extra time for beauty rituals such as styling your hair or putting on a little makeup. Even if you prefer a more natural aesthetic, putting on clothing that is not only comfortable but also stylish and attractive may help you feel more confident about yourself.
I first did a clothes rental service when I was pregnant with my son, now a toddler. I needed different clothes for my office and I knew I wouldn’t need an entire wardrobe of maternity clothes after I had my baby.
Funny thing is, 3 years later, I am still renting clothes and absolutely love it! If you want to explore this lifestyle, give the Amazon Try Before you Buy a shot- free for all Prime members: https://amzn.to/3sgAsTS
Treat yourself to a little luxury
Luxuries are distinct from self-care, but they also have their place.
While overspending and overindulgence tend often to backfire, treating yourself from time to time can help you feel more positive about your life. This could be a meal at your favorite restaurant or a spa day. Or you could buy yourself some clothing items or accessories that help you feel great. Sometimes just getting yourself a new piece of jewelry like a striking and iridescent ammolite necklace or earrings can boost your self-esteem. Or consider treating yourself to an experience like a night at a concert or enrolling in an art class.My little secret to indulgence always involves leather accessories. Like, this little Valentine’s Day gift to myself :
Try something new
A little change in your life can be just what you need to get you out of the doldrums. Consider incorporating new rituals into your daily routine, such as walking at a park you’ve never been to before or sampling some different recipes for supper.
Switching up your hairstyle for something fresh and fashionable can sometimes make a difference in your self-image. Or you may want to learn a new art or craft or take up a new hobby. Sometimes, though you might feel it’s time for an even bigger change – like switching careers or moving to a new neighborhood or city.
Here is an example of a Calligraphy set I picked up to stroke my love for stationary and hone my handwriting skills:
Focus on the positive
If there are things in your life getting you down that you can’t change right now, try not to obsess over them. Focus on the positive things you can enjoy right now, or on good changes you are anticipating in the future.
This doesn’t mean you should ignore the things that are bothering you or pretend they don’t matter. But don’t let them take up all your thoughts and energy if you can avoid it. Reaching out to friends and loved ones in your support network can help with this.
If you start making healthy habits and self-care a regular part of your life, this can have a beneficial cumulative effect. You may find yourself with improved energy levels, better health, and more confidence in how you look. All of this will add up to feeling better about yourself and your body, over time.
Having access to good health care can also help you improve your wellness and alleviate anxiety, so if you need some advice in selecting a plan, reach out to a licensed professional advisor like me!
A useful tool that helps me every single day to frame my day around positive is the 5 minute journal, life changing! Buy yours here:
Ready to feel better? Not sure where to start with your health insurance? Don’t get caught in the world of searches and too much information. Let a health insurance professional handle all the research. Book a 15-minute health insurance consultation with me today.
