While
it is essential that you work towards having your emotional
and spiritual house in order, you also need to take care of
yourself physically. If your lifestyle isn't healthy, you won't
be at your best and it will be that much harder to achieve your
goals.
The
trick to being and looking your best is simple: love life, love
yourself and practice a few basic disciplines:
1.
Drink lots of water - at least 1.5 litres daily. Water keeps
everything fresh and gives you energy. This is the best tip
for feeling and looking your best.
2.
Eat
well and don't diet - dieting creates a mentality of lack. There
is no such thing as 'going on a diet' because you are already
on one. In fact, you probably need a lot more food than you
think, so eat three nutritionally balanced and healthy meals
per day. Let your body tell you what it needs to give it energy.
And don't eat or drink junk food - if you can't pronounce the
ingredients on the label, stay away. Also, try not to skip meals
- it plays havoc with your blood sugar levels, your emotions
and your metabolism. And remember - fruit and vegetables rule.
3.
Take
a multivitamin supplement, especially if you are under stress,
working harder than usual, traveling or your usual routine is
disturbed or changing.
4.
Exercise
regularly - start early and stick to it. Join the gym and use
it at least three times per week, or find a sport that you can
do. Walk. Run. Stretch. Move. Exercise reduces stress, which
profoundly affects how you look. Exercise in fresh air as much
as possible for maximum oxygen benefits.
5.
Protect
and look after your skin - face and body - every day. Use sunscreen
and moisturizers.
6.
Don't
smoke - smoking affects your skin, as well as causing all kinds
of other health problems.
7.
Rest
and recover with regular sleep. Work out how much you need in
order to perform at your best. Nothing robs you of vitality
and health faster than lack of sleep.
8.
Avoid
or limit alcohol and caffeine - they dehydrate your skin and
can cause other health problems. They can also affect your personality
if you indulge too much or too often. Alcohol and caffeine should
be an occasional treat, not a regular part of your lifestyle.
And, of course, any form of drug taking is a definite no-no.
If you want to keep your lifestyle and your mind intact, stay
well clear.
9.
Observe
cleanliness and hygiene - you need to be clean on all levels:
mentally, physically and spiritually. Get into having lots of
showers and baths and washing your hands frequently to cut down
on germs and reduce the transmission of illnesses like colds
and flu. Enjoy the sensual side of being clean; pamper yourself
in your private time in the bathroom. Clean and floss your teeth
at least twice a day: keep them sparkling, so you'll want to
smile at the whole world.
10.
Look
after your hair - have a haircut every six weeks or so. Natural
is usually best: only colour your hair if you can afford to
really maintain it. Don't go for a colour that's too radically
different from your natural state: nothing looks worse than
the roots growing out look. And eat well, your hair will love
you for it!
11.
Care
for your hands - they are on display constantly. Keep them in
good condition and don't wear too much jewellery or bright polish.
Understated is better. The same goes for feet, so check them
out - you might get a shock!
12.
Relax
- meditate daily, have regular massages and practice yoga. Stress
reduction is one of the greatest things you can do for your
health and your looks.
This
checklist for tightening up your lifestyle can be found in Anthea
Paul's, Girlosophy: A Soul Survival Kit. This must-have book
will help you take charge of your destiny and your practical
life by giving you the spiritual, emotional and practical means
to achieve your full potential. To learn more, visit www.girlosophy.com
and be sure to grab a copy at major bookstores or order it online
at www.amazon.com.
Photos courtesy of Girlosophy: A Soul Survival Kit by Anthea
Paul and photographer Chris L. Jones
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