By Eliza • 19 Comments
Here’s a little secret: all those “flaws” you think you have are what make you beautiful and unique. I know it can be hard to embrace them and they can make you feel less than lovely. We’ve all been there! There are lots of things you can do to boost your confidence and make every day a beautiful feeling one. Here are some things to try. You are going to love what they do for you!
Research shows that when someone is smiling, other people perceive her as more beautiful. What more reason do you need to smile all day long? Even if you are down or having a less than perfect day, pasting on that smile will make you look and feel better with very little effort.
There are tons of reasons why you should be exercising every day. Not only does it support good health and weight control, but it also pumps your body full of endorphins. These feel good hormones make you happy. Get in a good workout and pay attention to how you feel afterward. Pretty great, right? So strap on those Nikes and head out for a run right now.
Maybe you have a gap in your teeth or a bunch of freckles across your cheeks. Whatever your “flaw,” chances are other that others like it. What counts is that you don’t. Play up your favorite features to detract from what you don’t like. Don’t like your mouth? Create a dramatic eye to draw the attention that way. Think your ears stick out? Have a stylist give you a cute new ‘do to hide them. Easy, right?
We all have that one outfit that we feel the best in. On days when you feel down about your looks, throw that baby on and take on the world. Whether it’s a wrap dress or a really well fitting pair of skinny jeans, whatever you feel best in will boost your confidence and make you feel as gorgeous as you are.
Maybe it’s not your best day, but slouching around and slumping in your seat isn’t going to help. Research shows that standing tall will make you feel better. Probably because it makes the blood flow through your body easier and more efficiently. Even if you don’t feel like it, hold yourself up while standing, walking and sitting and I bet you’ll be amazed at how much lovelier you feel.
Shallow breathing is like hyperventilating. It’s not going to make you feel that good. On the other hand, slow deep breathing will calm you down and make you feel better. Not only that, but it will boost your circulation and give you a lovely glow that you will love.
Deep breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, encourage full oxygen exchange and can be truly transformative. By slowing down your breath, you increase the amount of oxygen that enters your body, helping to relax your muscles and clear your mind. This kind of mindful breathing can actually help reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, leading you to a state of serenity and promoting an inner sense of beauty and peace. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed or a tad self-critical, take a moment to inhale deeply, hold it, and exhale completely – and watch as your spirit lifts and your confidence blooms from the inside out.
It’s not easy to accept when someone says something nice about you. Whether you truly don’t believe it or it embarrasses you, deflecting praise is no way to feel beautiful. Accepting when someone says how fabulous your new dress looks on you or how great your new heels make your legs look, just say “thank you” and move on. That praise will make you feel wonderful.
What do you do to feel more beautiful? I hope you have some new ideas now. Which one will you try today?