This is a guest post by Fiona Adams.
The way we look doesn't always reflect the way feel about ourselves. There are days when we feel off, and not even an ocean of compliments can help. That's because feeling attractive is much more than how we physically look.
If you're one of those people who feel that way, it's time to stop self-criticizing and start boosting yourself up. It doesn't require any drastic moves. There are small steps that you can take that will increase your self-confidence and change the perception that you have of yourself.
Here are some easy ways that will help you both look and feel beautiful.
1. EMBRACE YOUR FLAWS
Focusing on your flaws instead of your virtues is probably the biggest obstacle on your self-loving journey. Nobody's perfect, remember that. The only difference lies in accepting all those little imperfections of yours and embracing them as the things that make you unique. They are part of who you are.
If you hate your scars, start treating them as memories because that’s what they are. Stand in front of the mirror and take a good look at yourself. Instead of focusing on all the things you don’t like, how about switching your focus on the things you do like. Bring them to your attention and treat them with love and kindness. That’s the first step towards loving yourself, and when you get there, you’ll realize how beautiful you really are.
2. EVOLVE YOUR LOOK
It goes without saying that beauty comes within. However, sometimes changing your hairstyle or a makeup routine can trigger that change in perspective you need. When you start seeing yourself in a different light, it can help bring back that self-esteem that you thought you’d lost.
Science has proved that hair and eyes are the first things that we notice when we meet someone for the first time. Having that in mind, it’s no surprise that the eyebrows have been a thing everyone is buzzing about in the last couple of years. The good news is that now you can get perfect eyebrows that you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re looking for the right way to do it, ask your friends to recommend you a good beauty studio like Lash Blossom and try a microblading technique. It will not only change the way you look but the way you feel, too.
3. BEAUTY AND THE FEAST
You are what you eat is something we can all agree on. The choice of food we consume directly affects not only the way we look, but also the way we feel. In order to boost your energy levels and immune system, introduce some healthy habits into your diet.
You don’t have to take drastic measures. Take baby steps. Prep and plan your meals carefully and do the grocery shopping on an empty stomach. That will stop you from purchasing all those unhealthy snacks that you may regret later. Instead, try to base your diet on fresh fruit and vegetables. Foods rich in protein are good for the recovery of your muscles. Antioxidants fight fatigue and help remove toxins from your body. Citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C while whole-grain bread will provide you with fiber.
When you start eating healthy, you'll sleep better, have more energy, and be in a great mood. When you feel good, you'll look good too.
4. GET YOUR SWEAT ON
One of the most important changes you need to make on this transformational journey is to start exercising regularly. Physical activity is known to have numerous health benefits on both body and mind. When you workout, your blood flow increases and provides the cells in your body with fresh oxygen. The levels of bad cholesterol and your blood pressure go down while the endorphins go up.
So-called feel-good chemicals are the reason why we always feel good after a workout. Aside from that, exercising regularly will strengthen your core and tone your muscles. You’ll get rid of the pain in your back and neck and correct your posture. You’ll feel and look strong and nothing can boost your self-confidence more than that. We can gladly agree that strong is the new pretty.
These are the ultimate tips that will help you boost yourself up. Introducing these healthy habits into your daily routine will reap huge rewards. Loving yourself starts with accepting yourself as you are, beautiful, and taking the world with bells on, flaws and all.
Fiona Adams is a freelance lifestyle writer inspired by traveling and the colorful world around her. Different cultures, people and food make her want to stay on the road forever. Follow: Facebook, Twitter