It’s been a rough year. There’s no point in denying or sugarcoating it: the pandemic has affected the global economy and our personal lives as well.
Every negative feeling is valid. It feels hard because itishard. But as we recently approached the last quarter of the year and as we acclimate to the new normal, it’s time to start taking care of our minds and bodies well. Scientists predict the coronavirus is here for the long haul-and we need to do all that we can not just to survive but to thrive.
Here are simple, everyday habits you can do to help you look your best.
Hydration, hydration, hydration.
It may sound simple, but staying hydrated can help improve your skin and keep your organs healthy. Staying hydrated is more than just about drinking water; it’s also about eating healthy. Make fruits and vegetables a staple in your diet.
Sometimes, when we think we’re hungry, we’re just thirsty. So drink plenty of water-invest in one of those tumblers with time marks on them, so you’re always reminded to drink water at certain hours of the day. Experiment with lemon water recipes to give it a variation.
Don’t neglect proper sleep.
There’s a reason they call it “beauty sleep”-sleep deprivation affects our appearance more than we know. In the short term, a lack of sleep can cause puffiness and bloodshot eyes. In the long-term, it can slow wound healing, induce skin dryness, and even cause acne, wrinkles, and droopy eyelids.
Try to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, consult with your doctor about taking organic and non-habit forming sleep aids, like melatonin.
Sweat it our for at least thirty minutes a day.
You don’t have to be an Olympic gymnast to be healthy-studies show that we need 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous routine, or a combination of both, spread out during the week.
Stretch every morning before doing anything else. Take your dog for a walk or a run in the park, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. There are ways to incorporate physical activity into our daily routines, even when we’re busy.
Practice good hygiene.
It’s tempting to just lay in bed all day and stare at the ceiling when the outside world is falling apart. Research suggests that there is a correlation between mental health and hygiene.
If you’re feeling down, even the simple acts of taking a shower or brushing your teeth can help improve your mood. Look for products that will suit your skin and hair needs, and set an appointment with your family dentist. Even these simple acts of self-care can improve how you see yourself.
Find a simple skincare routine that works for you.
Staying home most of the time can cause us to neglect proper skincare, thinking that no one will see us anyway, but there are still benefits to doing even the bare minimum when we’re in quarantine. Start with a simple three-step routine: cleanse, moisturize, and protect.
Find a gentle cleanser to wash dirt and dead skin cells, moisturize your face to keep it hydrated, and wear sunscreen even when you’re home. It will help protect your skin against the blue light of your devices.
Stay connected with your loved ones.
The pandemic has forced us to keep our distance from others, but that doesn’t mean we need to cut off contact altogether. Now more than ever, you need to stay connected with people you love and who love you. Schedule a video call with your friends and family you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while.
Allow yourself to find joy and laughter in these connections. You know that serotonin boost you feel when you spend time with people you love? Studies show that it helps give your skin a radiant glow.
Be kind to yourself.
If you have the habit of negative self-talk (“I’m a failure,” “I’m ugly,” “I will never be able to bounce back after this recession”), then it’s time to find a new way to speak to yourself.
It may seem silly, but adopt the habit of looking in a mirror and telling yourself that you are beautiful, worthy, capable, and strong.How we talk to ourselves greatlyimpacts our mental health and well-being.
Look Good For You
Ultimately, looking good is never about how others see us; it’s about how we see ourselves. If we’re going to be in this situation for the foreseeable future, we also need to see ourselves as someone we can rely on.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
