It’s definitely hard to think about looking and feeling your best right now. Especially in the middle of a pandemic.
On the other hand, it’s probably the prefect time right now to start trying and creating better habits for when this whole thing is all over. I’m sure, like me, you’ve been living in joggers and t-shirts or sweats every day.
Honestly, I’m just starting to feel blah. Granted we’re only 4 months into this whole thing, it’s definitely starting to take its toll.
So I decided to put together a little list of things that I do that help me look and feel better throughout the day. Some days are definitely harder to do but I promise even a couple of these will for sure make you feel better.
Then in turn, start looking better because your inside feeling will translate to how you carry yourself in your day-to-day activities.
Get Good Sleep
I honestly thought this would be just a “byproduct” of the pandemic and not really having anything to do but sleep. However, for me at least, it’s been the opposite. I find myself binge watching shows till late at night and then getting up early because… kids.
Rest is critical for your body to regenerate and recharge from the day and for the next day ahead. Getting enough sleep also keeps you from being cranky first thing in the morning and foggy brain during the day.
Drink Water
Water does much more for your body than just quench thirst and hydrate. It’s helps in cellular repair, boosts metabolism, aids in digestive health, and makes your skin look healthier.
I try and keep a big 32 oz insulated cup with me at my desk to remind myself to drink. Then I’ll try and drink at least 1/2 of my body weight in water daily. Not always as easy as it may sound… but I’m trying.
Eat Better
Ya girl loves her some greasy cheeseburgers and french fries. However, I also love me a good salad and veggies. It’s all about balance, making healthier choices when given the opportunity, and also giving myself grace when I don’t. I also definitely don’t have the willpower to stick with limiting diets – it just makes me want to eat more.
Beating yourself up about eating something unhealthy does nothing for you or your self-esteem. Just own it and move on and make a better choice next time if you can. Just try not to fall into the vicious cycle of always eating unhealthy and thinking that one salad or good day is going to undo all the bad stuff you’ve eaten lately.
Move Your Body
Weather it’s getting 10,000 steps by taking a walk around the block or walking through your house at set intervals through your work-at-home day, just move your body. I’m sure we’ve all fallen into bad habits of sitting at our desk all day with the pandemic but it’s imperative for our bodies to move. Exercise releases endorphins and makes you feel better and happier.
As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve found that I need to be a little more aggressive with my workout routine. As much as I don’t want to, it needs to be done to offset my ever slowing metabolism. Thankfully, I subscribe to Beachbody on Demand and have a plethora of workout programs to choose from so it never gets boring and there’s always something new to choose from.
Take Care of Your Skin
I’ve never had a great role model and someone to tell me how to take care of my skin from a young age. I did start wearing eye cream in my 20s but at that time it just felt like way too much time and effort for something that might not even work. I was also the one that would sleep in my makeup just because I was too lazy to take it off at night.
Now that I’m older, I’ve developed a great routine that I love and doesn’t take too much time at night or in the morning. And I’m very disciplined about taking my makeup off at the end of the night now. On the days that I don’t wear makeup – which is definitely mor often now – then I at least swipe with some micellar water and a thin layer of moisturizer for the night.
The secret is finding a routine that you know you can stick with – no matter how many products it is.
Practice Self Care
I’ve honestly fallen off the self care bandwagon and I can feel my mental health is suffering. I need regular time to myself – shopping, getting a massage, locking my bedroom door, whatever it may be – to make me feel like “me” again. Happiness comes from me doing things that I love and sometimes just sitting on my own is all that is needed.
Have Fun
I absolutely love my work from home life that I’ve had for almost 10 years but it can definitely be a little isolating. Not getting out often enough with everything I have going on with work and family starts making me feel a little down.
I have to actively schedule date nights with the hubby or girls nights out with the girls – and stick to them – to get me dressed, out, and spending time with real people. It energizes me and makes me feel refreshed to tackle the next few weeks of work.
I hope some of these tips will help you get through this stage of life we are in now. Let me know some tips that you have to help you feel & look better for yourself!
