Lifestyle change of heart

MANILA, Philippines – Your heart will beat an average of 100,000 times a day, 35 million times a year, and almost 2.5 billion times in a lifetime, and it’s this constant stream of thumps that keeps you alive. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and renews itself every 28 days. This is an example of your body doing its best to keep you up and running, so why would you ever want to give it a hard time?

The body is exposed to all kinds of harmful things, whether intentional or not. And the average woman’s concern over the other aspects of her life, like career, relationships, and her appearance, are more often than not at the cost of her health. Working late nights, hanging out at smoke-congested clubs, and not getting enough exercise can all put the body, especially your skin, at risk.

Staying healthy and fit is as simple as a lifestyle change – it’s just not that easy. It takes discipline, patience, and will. But good health is what will enable you to give your best in all the other fields of your life, so given that, you can’t really be too conscious about your health. Never settle for less when it comes to your body.

The best part is when you take care of yourself from the inside it will clearly show on the outside. You become more discerning of the products that you slather on your skin, you start having a better gait, and your confidence is definitely something people can’t help but notice.

Beauty, inside and out, also helps put things into perspective. You have a more positive outlook in life, you are more forgiving of yourself, and realize that though you may be far from perfect, you can still be your best beautiful.

It’s all that matters. Try out these tips and practice gradually shifting to a healthier lifestyle. You will find yourself becoming your best beautiful self.

1. Cook food at home

A lot of people nowadays are intimidated by cooking. If you are one of those people, then perhaps you can delegate the cooking to somebody else, as long as you are eating more home-cooked meals. It is the healthier option to constantly dining out. First of all, you have control over what’s going into your system and what’s not. At home, you can opt to use better quality oil for frying, go easy on the patis, or skip the MSG, and still have a meal that tastes good. Second, you’re less likely to “over-order” at your own home or be tempted by fettuccine Alfredo, or the like.

2. Fill your pantry with the good stuff

If you can manage with the first tip, by all means, commit to this as well. Keeping healthy food and snacks available in your pantry at all times and ditching junk food altogether will ensure that you’re eating well at home. Simply kicking out soda from your life or opting to munch on a handful of nuts can make a huge difference.

It wouldn’t hurt if you also stock your shelves with food rich in Vitamins A, C, D and E like carrots, dark leafy greens, low-fat yogurt and raw seeds to maintain healthy skin.

3. Work out with friends

Stop applying for that year-long gym membership package that you never use – unless you do it with friends. Working out doesn’t have to be a solitary form of punishment. Trying out a new sport or going to the gym alone can be incredibly intimidating and overwhelming for a beginner, but bringing a friend along might just ease the nerves. It helps to keep tabs on your progress with a partner or a group, so not only will you have the confidence to come back, you may even find it perfectly fine to go alone after some time.

 4. Limit your nights out

There’s no need to remove your Friday night drinks and KTV sessions altogether, but moderation is key. Cramped bars and clubs allow too much secondhand smoke into your lungs, and you’re probably going to end up drinking far more than your liver can handle. The hangover aftermath is no pretty sight either. Easing out of the party scene can do wonders for your weight and your skin. Lessen your gimiks, and you just might find yourself less dependent on your derma’s wonders.

5. Take care of your skin

Develop a proper skin care regimen and really know the products you use. Here are some tips: Make sure it’s for your skin type and it won’t be too harsh on skin. Begin your skin care regimen by cleansing your skin to remove dirt, and then use a toner to close the pores and to prepare your skin for the next steps. You may use a serum for specific problem areas on your skin but don’t forget the last step: moisturize. It’s also better to use products with SPF to protect your skin, even when you are indoors.

Try to minimize exposure to harmful elements such as pollution and smoke. Skin will begin to look and feel better with some TLC every now and then as well. Having a no make-up day or using a body scrub at home are some simple steps that will make such a huge difference on how you feel and your overall appearance.

While its paramount to take care of yourself from the inside, don’t forget that you can also take extra steps to get the best results.

So check yourself. Are you living a healthy and balanced life? Are you taking care of your skin? Remember that with the right frame of mind you can achieve your best beautiful self, even when it comes to your health. Do you have any tips? Share it with us in the comments section below. – Rappler.com