3 Ways to Look and Feel Better Now

When you look good, you feel good.  A shower and a clean change of clothes after performing a dirty job, a new pair of shoes, a spiffy haircut, or even a brightly colored shirt can improve your mood. By taking a few minutes everyday to improve your appearance, you can also improve the way you feel.

Rest Well

While most people never really get the full 8-10 hours of sleep per night that is recommended, you can make sure you get enough rest to look and feel your best. Squeeze in a nap or two on days that you feel a like you’re dragging.

Even a five or ten minute nap can significantly improve the way you look, feel, and think. Since the body can go for days without sleep and still physically function well but experience impaired thinking, scientists speculate that sleep serves solely to restore your brain. Even a small nap can recharge your mind and improve your mood- along with your appearance.

Drink Up

Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to improve your mood and your appearance. Adequate amounts of water intake are necessary for healthy skin, clear thinking, and proper body function. If you chronically deprive your body of enough water, your thirst reflex will actually decline over time.

Drinking extra water will help your body function, heal, and look its best. Since one of the first signs of even mild dehydration is a headache followed by confusion, getting enough water will help you think more clearly with almost immediate results.

Play Hard

Even on the busiest of workdays, it’s important to take time-out for a few minutes of recreation. Physical activity is best for your body, and even a walk around the parking lot, a quick game of basketball at lunch, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can improve your circulation and your mood. The harder you play, the more benefits you’ll reap. Even intense periods of laughing can serve as stress relief and physical activity, so go ahead and enjoy yourself.

If you prefer a little less physical activity, reading a good story for 15 minutes, playing an online game, listening to relaxing music, or feeding the ducks at lunchtime can all help brighten your mood. Anything that provides a physical and mental break from the daily grind can help you recharge.

Looking and feeling good is an important part of enjoying life. We don’t all have to look like movie stars, but we can take care good care of ourselves and live up to our full potential. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Live yours well by getting enough rest, drinking lots of water, and taking time out for enjoyable recreation every day.

Jamie Simmerman is a registered nurse and freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter

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photo credit: ©istock/Adamkaz