1. Take better care of yourself. That means exercise daily. Whether you take a 30 minute walk or go to the gym. Put it in your calendar, promise yourself to go, tell others that you ARE going (and maybe ask them to hold you accountable -- no excuses allowed) and, as Nike ads used to state, "Just Do It"!
I have found that if I buy a couple of cute workout clothes, I am excited to wear them and more likely to work out at the gym. If fashion motivates you, too, get thee to a store ASAP! Old Navy, Target, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross -- you can buy some really cute, inexpensive workout pieces at these today.
2. Wear sunscreen and moisturizer every day. How much time does it take to protect your skin? Five minutes and, seriously, you can spare five minutes of your day protecting your skin and your life. Skin cancer is a serious killer and there is no reason you can't do that. There are even moisturizers with sunscreen in them, so why wouldn't you? You can whichever you like at any corner drugstore for not too much money. And you could be looking younger, wrinkled less and fresher. What's not to love about that?
And while we're talking about protection, wear a hat in the sun. It isn't just trendy - your scalp can use the sun protection. It also saves your hair from too much sun, which can be drying, making it brittle and faded.
I found my $20 sun-protecting hat at Marshall's last spring and wear it a lot. It prevents the sun rays from penetrating and protects my face, ears and scalp. You can wear a baseball cap but that doesn't keep your ears from the sun, so be sure to sunscreen them.
3. Drink a lot of water. It's an old Weight Watchers trick: drink water and you won't be so hungry. I also have learned that sometimes you're not hungry but thirsty -- the internal "pain" isn't hunger but thirst. Don't dress up your water with flavor enhancers. It is the most important thing you can ingest - be grateful for it. It is just a tap away and yours to cherish (some countries don't have this luxury).
4. Make good food choices. Yes, a bit of sugar is a wonderful treat but it should be just that...a treat. There are studies that state that sugar causes aging (wrinkles, degeneration of cells, and dental problems even at our ages). Fat is necessary but not a lot. Eat more vegetables, fruit and true grain. A bit of protein is also important but not exclusively to a meal. You eat better, you feel better and you look even better -- glowing, lighter and energetic. (I recently gave up Splenda because I had a lot of headaches and body aches, read what it was made of and decided it just wasn't worth it. Now I use just a little Stevia and am ache free.)
5. Clean out your closet. But not only to get rid of things you no longer want to wear but more importantly, get rid of your "fat" clothes. Every woman has some fat clothes (clothes she keeps for when she might gain weight again). Don't plan on that! It is okay to have some "skinny" clothes, however. They can serve as goal clothes. Something to look forward to. And try them on at least once a month to see how you are progressing.
6. Clean out your make up stash. Now is a great time to purge old mascara, lipstick, brushes and all those make up bases you bought. Clip some coupons and go buy some new stuff. Remember that powder is not kind to wrinkles and shadows. Moisturizers are critical to blending your make up. Good cosmetic and hair brushes are so important to maintain and use. Don't buy a lot of colors - women "of a certain age" don't need all those colors for eyes, blush and lips to attract attention; we use our personalities, wit and wisdom which are all priceless. Be conservative but have fun with your make up.
7. Wear good quality clothes in basic colors that fit you well. Buy great stylish shoes and handbags. Accessorize with beautiful jewelry and watches. Stand tall and straight. Walk with purpose with your head up and a pleasant expression (Mom wasn't wrong when she said "If you keep making that face, you'll end up looking like that all the time!").
8. Be grateful every single day. It shows as how you treat others, it shows on your face and on how you dress.There are many people who don't have your blessings (you might want to give some of your time or money to those less fortunate, as well). Keep a list of your blessings. Maybe you can buy a little journal and write, daily, one thing you are grateful for. You will be amazed at all gifts you are given.
I am grateful for each of you who read this blog. Thank you and I wish you a year of joy and fashion.
Until next week, I remain,
Stylistically yours,
Sooz
Excellent advice ... every single word!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Luv!
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