5 (More) Simple Habits to Improve Your Appearance

Welcome back! I’m so excited to share more tips with you on how you can live a healthier, happier, prettier life! Let’s jump right into it!

Habit 1: Getting sunshine! I love soaking in the sun, adding some color to my skin. I like to lie on an inflatable raft floating around the pool on a hot summer day, or relaxing on a lounge chair in my  backyard with a book or some earbuds in. I love to multitask when I can, so soaking in vitamin D while spending time in my hobbies is always a win-win! Of course, I keep in mind the risk of sunburn and sun poisoning, so I do use sunscreen… at least most of the time. (-; There have certainly been those times of miserable sunburns and long days in the sun that drain my energy, but I love the summer sun too much to try too hard to avoid those unfortunate consequences. So get out in the light, soak up some vitamin D, and see if your mood doesn’t kick up a notch or two. And hey, there’s a chance you might even come home with an awesome tan!

Habit 2: Good posture. I will be honest. I don’t have perfect posture. But it could be worse! I have been through phases where I will try harder to practice better posture. Looking back, I realize that in those phases, I have formed some small habits, such as sitting in my kitchen chair right even when I’m at home by myself and feel like sitting more comfortably in some unladylike position like I did when I was younger. I eventually found out that having good posture by sitting up straight helps with digestion, too, so not only is it better table manners to sit properly, it also improves your health! (Have you noticed by now that a lot of the things you might do for your looks also helps keep you healthy? Or vice versa?) I also believe exercising, especially focusing on your core, will help with your posture (and overall appearance!). One of my favorite ways to exercise that helps with posture is taking dance classes! 

When I go around with my shoulders back and chin lifted, I feel better about myself, knowing that I look better that way and am making a difference in my health. So maintain that good posture -and encourage me to as well so I won’t end up a hunched over old lady!

Habit 3: Using lotion. Lotion your hands in the winter as regularly as you can if they usually get dry and cracked. It helps! I have a hard time with this, since I use my hands so much of the day, but if I’m going to watch a movie in the evening (as long as I don’t plan to eat popcorn), that would be a good time to put lotion on top of my dry hands, or maybe while typing, reading, or riding in a car for a longer period of time. I also try to use lotion on my arms and legs after showering sometimes, which, in the summer when I’m wearing sleeveless tops and shorts, looks pretty good! So soft with a subtle sheen!

Habit 4: Good hygiene. Hopefully you already shower, brush your teeth, and change your socks. If not, now’s the time to start! Other good habits are flossing, using mouthwash if you want, cleaning out the inside of your ears, brushing your hair, putting on clean clothes, using deodorant, cleaning under your fingernails, trimming and filing your nails, washing your hands frequently, etc. I love the transformation on a shower day, washing and conditioning my grimy hair, cleansing my oily face, shaving and making my legs smooth, using pretty-smelling deodorant and perfume, moisturizing, putting on cute, clean clothes… Ah… It can honestly be kind of fun, and I feel so much better after getting all around! (Ok, I admit, sometimes it does wear me out…) Even if I don’t do my hair or makeup, doing these things can make me feel prettier and enhance my natural look!

Habit 5: The small things matter! Here are some small things you can consider adding to your routines: Use heat protectant on your hair before using heat on it; use dry shampoo if it’s getting a little greasy on top; wear a little jewelry if you like jewelry; wear colors that you think you look good in; wear clothes that fit; use concealer on redness in the face; use blush to give your face some color; use friendly body language. I know these are pretty random, but as I’ve said, the little things make the difference. Find what works for you. For example, I’ve learned I can use facial moisturizer, put on a black t-shirt, and put in sparkly stud earrings and feel better-looking just by doing that!  What I want to leave you with, however, is this: Be yourself, and remember that beauty that’s true and that lasts is on the inside! <3