Large breasts, flawless skin and full lips may
play leading roles in the modern-day beauty equation, but there is something
deeper that transcends beyond what we see in the mirror: true beauty radiates
from within. There is no
denying that the most beautiful women in the world are far more than a product
of external beauty. Inner spirit, positive emotions and healthy relationships produce
a natural beauty that cannot be found in a bottle—even the most expensive
treatments cannot conceal negativity, fear, anxiety or the emotional toll of a
toxic relationship. Inner beauty is the secret that is often forgotten on the quest to remain forever young. Here, nine wellness elements
that enhance inner beauty and reflect an all-natural glow.
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Preventative health maintenance
It may not sound as sexy as the latest and
greatest facial rejuvenation procedure, but before making that Botox appointment, have we scheduled our yearly mammogram or seen our internist? External
beauty means nothing if our internal organs are not well maintained. Poor
nutrition, excess alcohol consumption, smoking or lack of exercise do not do a body good. Annual
physical examinations—including age appropriate screening tests—are necessary to
allow for early intervention and lifestyle adjustment to maintain quality
health. Preventative health care not only
saves lives, but it is vital to living life to the fullest and remaining young
at heart both literally and figuratively.
Exercise
Movement
is the key to health. It also contributes to happiness, weight loss, increased
libido, brain function and memory. Regular exercise and strength training can
boost circulation, improve bone density, increase energy levels and release
endorphins, making us feel as good as our body looks! There are many ways to
exercise, but finding a physical activity that you truly enjoy is the key to
staying motivated each and every day. Even a simple 30-minute daily walk can
begin to transform your body, mind and spirit. The positive feedback is
exponential as exercise helps with stress reduction and sleep quality, allowing
us to wake each morning feeling stronger, leaner and more confident in our
appearance.
Proper nutrition
Nutrition
is more efficacious than any medicine. Without the building blocks of good
nutrition, instead of a temple, our body will become a house of cards. Crash diets and processed foods not only cause inflammation, but they deprive our
bodies of the vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary to build healthy
skin, lower cholesterol and reduce our risk of cancer.
Nutritional
deficiencies are apparent on the outside: Skin, hair and nails are structures
that undergo constant renewal and require natural, healthy food to fuel this
process. Collagen is the protein responsible for elasticity and firmness of the
skin and is most affected by the aging process. Oxidative stress is a main
cause of aging and occurs when there are more free radicals than antioxidants
in the body. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to build collagen and prevent free
radical damage. Reducing our sugar intake and eating a diversity of whole,
natural foods that are high in protein and green, leafy vegetables gives us the
essential nutrients we need such as vitamin C, iron and zinc. Natural foods
provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent diseases and slow
the aging process.
Mental health
We are what we think. A beautiful exterior is
only a façade if it conceals inner turmoil and negativity. Everyday life can be
filled with stress; mental health is a product of many things but the books we
read, the media we watch and the music or podcasts we hear can influence our
outlook on the world. Eliminating toxic relationships and minimizing the chaos
of social media may be the first step towards a brighter mindset. Whether its meditation or professional
support, the journey to improve our ability to manage our
feelings directly contributes to our sense of peace and contentment. A feeling of relaxation and inner peace is priceless and is reflected in our positive attitude and the way we view our reflection in the mirror.
Healthy relationships
Humans have an
inherent desire to connect and build relationships; multiple studies have shown
that companionship increases longevity. The health benefits of companionship
include fewer doctor visits, lower blood pressure and decreased anxiety,
depression and substance abuse. Having the emotional (and even financial) support
of a loving partner or friend also improves our ability to cope with the stress
of life. Social support is important not only during times of crises, but also during
times of success and celebration.
Sexual wellness
Sexual wellness
lies at the core of our human existence. Although this may sound primitive in today’s sophisticated
society, it is the basic motivation behind our every action, desire and
thought. Our quest for beauty would be remiss without including our inner
spirit animal longing for companionship and intimacy. Despite
our best efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, hormonal changes as we age
pose a significant roadblock to our sexual wellness—insomnia, depression and reduced libido can affect both sexes
during midlife. Menopause and andropause
clinics abound as people are recognizing these changes and seeking early
intervention. Hormone replacement therapy along with innovative new procedures
to regenerate the female and male organ systems, such as the O-Shot and P-Shot,
can improve libido and enhance the sexual experience. Finding a board-certified doctor to explore
options and get ahead of the curve is critical. Doing so will not only improve
individual health, but the ripple effect will benefit your love life as well.
An attitude of gratitude
In the never-ending chase for “better” and “more”
out of in life, we often forget the many reasons we have to be thankful. There
is a clear link between improvement of well-being and gratitude. Cultivating
gratitude is a skill that takes time and repetition. From a beauty perspective, are we grateful for the
reflection we see in the mirror or do we compare ourselves to others? Gratitude
reduces feelings of jealousy and envy. It has been shown to increase self-esteem
while also making us less self-centered. As we age, we can be grateful for the
smile lines and crinkles around our eyes that show we live a life filled with
happiness!
Beauty sleep
Sleeping Beauty was on to something with her
countless days of slumber. The process of repairing the body occurs during
sleep and this includes making new collagen for the skin to prevent sagging. The
body also boosts blood flow to the skin during sleep, allowing for a healthy
glow and rosy cheeks. When blood flow is diminished, it can collect under the
eyes where the skin is thin, reflecting dark circles. Sleep deprivation can
also lead to red eyes, puffiness, wrinkles and dull skin. A good night’s sleep is just as important as
any expensive night cream. The goal is
to maintain at least seven hours of quality sleep each night so we awake
looking and feeling rested, energized and ready for a new day.
Self-love
To quote Audrey
Hepburn, one of the most iconic and classic beauties in history, “The beauty of
a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her
heart, the place where love resides”. It
all begins with loving ourselves. This differs vastly from being selfish, which
seeks external satisfaction and feeding our ego. The concept of self-love is
about love coming from the inside out. The power of self-love gives us the
freedom to let go of trying to obtain the picture perfect life and instead
accept ourselves as the uniquely beautiful and perfectly imperfect human beings
that we are. We can begin to accept our mistakes, have gratitude for the wisdom
we have gained along our journey, establish healthy boundaries, trust ourselves
and follow our passions. Self-love gives us the freedom to enjoy life and not
take ourselves so seriously, which ultimately, is the Holy Grail to finding
inner beauty.
Like a mirror image, beauty has two sides. Inner
beauty is the missing piece of the overall beauty puzzle and evolves from within, not from a store
shelf or doctor’s office.
Source: DailyBeauty – A beauty blog powered by NewBeauty Magazine –