It’s time for a fresh start. The new year is here and you’re finally going to achieve all those New Year’s resolutions you set out this year.
Check out our 10 tips to help you start the new year with your best foot forward.
1. Develop a hydration ritual
Drinking water is a must for both looking and feeling your best, but your skin needs extra hydration, especially in the dry winter. For a fresh, youthful complexion, moisturize your skin regularly. You should apply a moisturizer to your face within three minutes of washing it each day.
For the rest of your body, gently dry your skin after a shower and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp. It will lock in the moisture and give you a more radiant look all day.
2. Laugh it off
This might seem too good to be true, but looking and acting happy actually makes you feel better. A good laugh burns calories and helps you live longer, so next time you’re feeling anxious or unsure try out a giggle. Not only will your nerves dissipate, but you’ll also feel more confident and assured.
Add some more laughter into your daily routine by taking daily humour breaks. Set a reminder to let you know when it’s time to YouTube your favourite stand-up comedian for an instant pick-me-up and fresh glow.
3. Practice perfect posture
Standing and sitting up straight instantly improves your appearance and helps alleviate aches and pains that result from a slouched stance.
4. Rely on your fifth sense
It’s no secret that certain scents can improve our mood, calm nerves, and reduce stress. Keep soothing smells nearby by carrying a chamomile tea bag or pouch of lavender with you in your purse or wallet.
When you start feeling tense or anxious, you can pull out your secret weapon, take a few deep breaths, and transform yourself from high-strung to the picture of tranquillity. Decreasing stress lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, and helps increase wellness and discourages stress-related disease.
5. Dress the part
Sometimes all we need to do to look better, is dress better. Learn about your body type and the clothing that best suits you.
Knowing what to highlight and what to hide are the keys to feeling and looking great when you’re waiting for your fitness routine to pay off.
6. Rock out
Improving health and wellness can be as simple as cranking up your favourite tune. Music helps reduce stress, improve mood, and can even give your immune system a little boost. And one of the best side effects of getting your groove on is exercise.
Whether sashaying in your living room or sweating at a Zumba class, dancing burns calories, tones muscles, and increases flexibility. The mood boost it gives you is just another benefit to add to the list.
7. Skip having a lie-in
We all know that sleep is crucial to optimal health and nothing makes you look better than a great night’s sleep, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that more is better. Although the temptation to have a lie-in is strong, especially if you need to catch up on a few missed hours, it can actually do more harm than good. Having a lie-in throws off your body’s natural sleep rhythm, so it’s better to take a catnap later in the day if you need to make up a sleep deficit.
8. Trust a tailor
In Mindy Kaling’s most recent book, she imparts her sage fashion advice on us. The number one trick? “Have a good tailor on call.”
Having your clothes fitted lets you hold on to that favourite pair of trousers and shop at less expensive chain stores without sacrificing your style. A well-tailored outfit can instantly look designer without hurting your wallet, but you’ll find that the confidence properly hanging clothes brings is something you wear even better than that pseudo-Chanel skirt.
9. Find a cuddle buddy
If you’re looking for a painless way to improve your overall well-being and stop those wrinkles in their tracks, all you need to do is hug it out. A good cuddle can strengthen your immune system, lower blood pressure, and increase endorphins.
Whether it’s snuggling with your significant other or a good belly rub with your puppy, touch is a shortcut to lowering stress and increasing happiness. Happy people look more attractive and enjoy better health, so next time you need a boost don’t hesitate to reach out and touch someone.
10. Be detail-oriented
Everyone can sharpen their appearance by paying attention to the small details. Taming stray hairs, getting regular haircuts, maintaining clean, trimmed nails, and making your smile sparkle will immediately boost your appearance.
Use tweezers to keep unruly hairs in eyebrows, ears, and nose in check. Schedule regular haircuts, for most people a trim every six to eight weeks is plenty, and splurge at least once a season on a professional manicure and pedicure to keep hands and feet soft and attractive. And avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, like coffee.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money or time to manage the little things, but the benefits will be huge.
Conclusion
Now that you know the secrets to looking and feeling great are this simple, there are no excuses. Get out there and embrace a healthier, more attractive you this year. You’re unstoppable!
