15 Ways To Improve Your Physical Appearance

Dress: Sassy Sweet Modesty (sold out)

We are all striving to be the best version of ourselves and in doing so, we want to be able to put our best foot forward. Though all of our attention should not be on our physical appearance, it is the first impression others have of us and greatly contributes to our own feelings of confidence and self-assurance. Here are some great ways you can improve your physical appearance, without making drastic changes:

Early to Bed, Early to Rise: Get plenty of sleep to look more rested. Aim for seven to eight hours a night for the best results. Be careful of oversleeping as well. 

Drink Enough Water: When we are dehydrated, we are actually more fatigued and it shows in our skin. In fact, it can even make us look older than we are. Shoot for drinking more water and less of the sugary or carbonated drinks.

Practice Affirmations: Look at yourself in the mirror each morning and repeat to yourself the encouragement you need to get going each day. As mentioned here, having these affirmations can help you have more energy and put that extra pep in your step. 

Exercise Regularly: Be sure to incorporate both cardio and weight training to increase lean muscle tissue and decrease fat storage. This will lead to a more trim physical appearance, not to mention you will have more energy, a better immune system, and greater overall health. 

Reduce Salt Intake: A diet high in salt (often due to eating processed foods or adding salt to foods) can lead to water retention and bloating. Focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, along with low sodium foods to counter these negative effects.

Buy Flattering Clothing: Sizes can vary from store to store so focusing on the number on the tag is really pointless. Instead, it should really come down to how an article of clothing fits you. If it doesn’t fit well, it won’t look good. Make a point to buy flattering clothing rather than fixating on the size. 

Smile More Often: Studies have shown that a person who smiles is more attractive than a person who is not smiling. This simple change can work wonders and help others to feel more comfortable around you.  

Be Sun Smart: The sun can do serious damage to our skin. Instead of laying out for hours, lathered in lotions, avoid the sunlight when you can and wear sunscreen when you are outside. Keep a hat and sunglasses handy any time you will be outside for an extended period of time.

Improve Your Posture: Not only is it healthy for your spine, but it gives off a great sense of confidence. Keep your shoulders back, your core tight and your chin raised for better posture and an overall better appearance. 

Practice Good Hygiene: This may be a no brainer, but simply making sure you have showered, brushed your teeth, and are wearing clean clothes can make a big difference in your physical appearance.

Shape Your Eyebrows: For women, having well shaped eyebrows can be a great improvement. While you can go to a salon or spa to have them done professionally, there are plenty of videos and tutorials online for you to learn how to do it yourself.

Keep Facial Hair in Check: Beards are a popular sign of manliness, but an unkempt beard just looks messy. If you have facial hair, take the time to keep it trimmed and neat rather than letting it get unruly. 

Whiten Your Teeth: Should you think your pearly whites could be a little whiter, you might look into teeth whitening, but become discouraged by the prices. There are more economical ways to whiten teeth, such as swishing with hydrogen peroxide, that will yield good results. 

Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol: Both tobacco and alcohol can have a negative effect on our physical appearance, from oral hygiene to quite literally aging us. Look for healthier ways to socialize or cope that won’t wear so hard on you.

Manage Stress: Our stress levels can have an adverse effect on our physical appearance. Yoga, breathing exercises, writing in a journal, and having vent sessions with a friend are all great ways to manage stress.

While none of these suggestions are revolutionary, they can all have a powerful impact on not only your physical appearance, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Confidence is something that shines through to add an extra glow to any outfit you have on.