Ten Surefire Ways to Improve Your Appearance
August 19, 2011
BY DIANE SNOW JAVAID
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” the famous paraphrase of a statement by Plato gives far too much credit to the other person. I like to think, “Beauty comes from within, so how can I bring forth that beauty?”
Here are some tried-and-true ways to perk up your appearance and your beauty. (Gentlemen, you want to look great too, so keep reading, even though this is from a woman’s perspective.)
1. Exercise. You know it’s good for you in so many ways, but as a beauty aid? Yes! When you’ve had a good aerobic workout your circulation – and complexion—simply glow. There’s no makeup that can equal that healthy look. Plus, after vigorous exercise you are relaxed and feel good about yourself. Even your posture can be improved. That’s a boost for your appearance and the results last for hours.
2. Food. “You are what you eat.” Although there’s debate about where this famous quote came from it is absolutely correct. What you eat has a direct effect on every part of your body and it certainly influences how you look. Many people can see a rapid improvement in the appearance of their facial skin with increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. You know your own system – perhaps a slight reduction in refined carbohydrates decreases chronic inflammation and simply makes you feel better. Others benefit from eating less red meat or eating more soy products. We are all different. In general, a balanced, diverse diet that is low in sodium and fat, high in fiber with plenty of fresh produce greatly improves the immune system, digestive health, mental faculties, nervous system and the appearance of skin, hair and nails.
3. Sleep. Ask anyone over 40 what they need more of, and after “time, money and sex,” it’s sleep that we crave. A good night’s sleep can undoubtedly help you look and feel your best, but how to get it? Do whatever you can to help yourself . Turn in an hour earlier, streamline your morning routine if you need more sleep in the morning, buy a new mattress, darken your bedroom at night (dim those glowing numbers from clock radios or alarms), eliminate caffeine completely or limit intake after lunchtime and get regular exercise. Consider reading before bedtime. It’s best not to tackle the horror thriller. Try an inspirational biography or travel journal from a place you’d like to visit to trigger pleasant dreams.
4. Feet. Another truism, “if your feet are happy it shows on your face.” Mom was right. Don’t buy the shoes (no matter how stylish) unless your feet love them. Go ahead and get those new shoes to complete your outfit, just be sure you can walk in them. So many designers are creating lavish flats or low-heeled shoes that there’s rarely a reason to suffer in something uncomfortable. And if your discomfort is not coming from your shoes, take yourself to your GP, podiatrist, chiropractor or acupuncturist (if that’s your thing) to find out what’s aching your feet.
5. Smile. Smiling can instantly make you feel and look better. And, it’s amazing how powerful it is. I’ve used this trick when I get stressed driving in heavy traffic. I simply plaster a gigantic smile on my face (to the extent it almost hurts my muscles and I make certain no one can see how goofy I look) and it changes my mood about the traffic I have no control over. A brightened smile can take years off of one’s appearance and cosmetic dentistry as well as over-the-counter or dentist-provided whitening agents can bring sparkle and increased whiteness to your teeth.
6. Prayer/Meditation. Worry and frown lines soften, heart rate and blood pressure are reduced and mental focus is sharpened with regular prayer or meditation. Why resist the amazing power and healing of these time-honored practices?
7. Clothing. While it’s nice to go out and buy something entirely new – perhaps encouraged by a stylish personal shopper or attentive retail professional – it’s not always necessary. Go into your closet and select the clothing that makes you feel great. You’ll notice that you gravitate toward items that accentuate your natural coloring and fit precisely. Whatever you select for work, play or special occasions, be certain to use care in accessorizing. And don’t forget the iron. It only takes a few moments to touch up a garment and brand-new or not, it shows that you care about how you present yourself to the world.
8. Eyeglasses/Contacts. If you haven’t changed your eyeglass frames in a few years or if you are considering switching to contacts (after consulting with your eye care professional, of course) go ahead and make the change. It will be an expense, but it will quickly update your look. Take a loving and frank spouse or friend with you when you shop. Use the advice of that trusted individual to tell you how you look in those new frames (especially if you can’t see into the mirror yourself!)
9. Skin Care. Everyone can benefit from a trip to a dermatologist. Aside from the necessary checks for cancerous moles or suspicious spots, these specialists know that beautiful, healthy skin is imperative to a lovely appearance at any age. The best doctors will not only sell you their high-end skincare products, but will suggest budget-conscious alternatives.
10. Gratitude. If true beauty comes from within, this is really the place to start. No matter where we are in life – on top of the world or going through a tough situation – there’s always something to be grateful for. Yes, Pollyanna, you can find some time each day to recognize the joys, the abundance, the pleasures in life. If you’ve ever traveled in a third-world country remember what we have here in U.S. Even with our political, fiscal and social problems there’s so much to be thankful for. That attitude of gratitude will permeate your entire being and improve much more than your appearance.
Diane Snow Javaid, a former executive with U.S.News & World Report, also writes a personal blog at http://godposts.wordpress.com.