Beauty is not just physical, and it goes beyond makeup. Feeling beautiful is different from looking beautiful.
Ten practices are outlined, aimed at cultivating an appreciation for beauty and promoting a sense of personal well-being.
1. Smile… it will brighten your day and others around you will feel your energy.
2. Stretch… mimic the cat’s natural inclination to stretch. Upon waking, gradually rise from bed and perform gentle stretches.
3. Exercise… a minimum of 20 minutes of continuous activity will increase energy and decrease harmful stressors. Any kind of movement will do, even dancing around the kitchen while cooking dinner!
4. Drink water… this liquid is unparalleled. It aids in system detoxification. Eight glasses daily are recommended for radiant skin.
5. Rest… you need to take breaks during the day and sleep at night. Take breaks away from your work space to keep fresh and focused. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep at night since your body regenerates while you are sleeping. If you find your mind wandering a lot, decide to save those thoughts for the morning. It’s surprising how well your subconscious mind listens to what you tell yourself, so make sure you’re telling yourself good things.
6. Do good… Performing acts of service without expecting reciprocation yields unexpected and significant personal benefits. (The essence is to act without anticipation of return.)
7. Exchange… Invest the money used for junk food in wholesome nourishment that benefits both physical and mental well-being. Begin a healthy diet now.
8. “Stop and smell the roses”… Look for good in everything. It’s hard because we’re used to looking for what’s wrong. Start by making a list of all your good qualities, not just how you look. Then, appreciate all the good things about yourself. Start looking for the good in other things around you. Do this every day until it becomes a habit. You’ll start to see good everywhere without even trying.
9. Learn… something new every day. Pick up a book, or search online. Pursue a long-desired skill or interest. Online resources provide free starting points for exploration. Begin stimulating and enriching your mind today.
10. Reward yourself… Establish financial and personal goals, and associate them with rewarding incentives upon completion. (These rewards can include special experiences or activities, not just material purchases. However, after achieving consistent progress, consider indulging in a well-deserved treat.)