5 Ways to Feel Better Inside and Out

by Lisa Walker of neighborhoodsprout.org

We live in a stressful, demanding, and fast-paced culture. That, combined with the stress of the pandemic and current social climate, is a recipe for feeling sluggish in mind and body. Just because we aren’t seeing as many people at in-person gatherings doesn’t mean we should drop our health and wellness game. Stay looking fresh and feeling good, right now through the next year and beyond, with these healthy tips and tricks.

Practice yoga and meditation

A regular yoga and meditation practice can do wonders for your overall health and well-being. Yoga will rejuvenate your body and meditation will transform your mind. Studies show that people who take up the practice:

Can better manage stress with breathing exercises.
Relieve stiffness and muscle pain by holding deep stretches.
Improve balance with the flowing movements.
Have more compassion for oneself and others.

Keep the energy positive

Maintaining a positive outlook is a way to let your happiness shine through, so you look and feel like a million bucks. Examining unhealthy habits and learning to let go of negative thoughts takes practice, making it a perfect quarantine goal. You can:

Write in a gratitude journal every morning.
Clean and declutter your home to remove bad energy.
Celebrate your small victories at the end of each day.
Compliment people, whether you see them in-person or on Zoom. Soon they’ll start returning the favor.

Revamp your look

You don’t have to make big, sweeping wardrobe changes to make a noticeable improvement to your look. A few simple changes to your clothes and makeup can refresh the way you feel inside and the confidence you exude on the outside. Try something new like:

Wearing a new lipstick to brunch or a Zoom party.
Using the hair oil to give your hair a rich, silky look in-person and on camera.
Updating your fall look with a jacket dress or combat boots.
Organizing your bathroom to transform hectic mornings into a day at the spa.

Become a home chef

While many restaurants offer delivery and curbside pickup, cooking at home at home is the safest choice when it comes to the pandemic—and your overall health. Practice meals you plan on cooking for friends after the pandemic ends or even during a safe and socially distant porch picnic by:

Using this at-home time to explore your inner gourmet with meal delivery kits like Blue Apron, Home Chef, Purple Carrot, and more.
Planting a garden to grow your own fruits and vegetables for healthy, wholesome, and home-cooked meals.
Trying seasonal recipes like pies in the fall, warm stews in the winter, fresh salads in the spring, and naturally-flavored water in the summer.

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is crucial for looking and feeling good. If you struggle to fall asleep, bedtime routines can encourage relaxation. You can create a bedtime routine that illuminates you inside and out by:

Caring for your skin with soothing creams and scrubs.
Taking a warm bath to help your body wind down and learn that it’s time for sleep.
Using lavender essential oils on the pillow or with a diffuser to both encourage and enhance sleep.

We have a lot of options to help us manage our health, but living healthier is more of a lifestyle than a goal. Yes, diets can help. So can skincare products and more. But looking and feeling your best isn’t about crossing a finish line. It’s about making healthy changes, small and big, that will keep you looking and feeling your best.

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