When it comes to making lifestyle choices, we often think about either our health or the way we look. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to enjoy the best of both worlds. Here are some simple ways you can boost your health and your appearance to ensure you look good and feel great.

Hydration, hydration, hydration

You often hear people talking about the importance of staying hydrated, especially in the summer, but have you ever stopped to think about why it’s so important to hit that crucial 2 liters of water per day target? Water has a range of essential roles within the body, and it doesn’t take long for a lack of fluid to take its toll on how you look and feel. Dehydration causes the skin to become dry and the hair to become brittle, and it can also elevate the risk of headaches and muscular pain. When you’re dehydrated, you may also find that you feel sluggish and you lack energy and enthusiasm. Usually, 2 liters of fluid per day is enough to keep dehydration at bay, but bear in mind that your body loses fluid through sweating, urinating, and even crying. If it’s a hot day, you’re working out, or you’ve been struck down with a fever or a sickness bug, you’ll need to increase your intake. If you find that you get to 3pm and you’ve not had a drink since a coffee at 8am, now is the time to make a concerted effort to drink more. Carry a water bottle around with you everywhere you go and take breaks throughout the day to have a drink.

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Sleep

You’ve probably noticed that a lack of sleep can affect the way you look, as well as your mood and your energy levels. Sleep is vital for good health, but it can also make a massive difference to your appearance. If you’re tired, you’ll probably be able to spot signs like bags and dark circles underneath the eyes, and your hair and skin may also be dry and limp. If you find it difficult to sleep, or you don’t get enough downtime, try adjusting your sleep routine. Many of us go to bed hours after we start to feel tired. If you’re guilty of nodding off on the sofa every night, start going to bed an hour earlier, and stick with this time. If you’ve got a regime in place, this will help your body clock to adapt. It’s also really important to make time to relax before hitting the hay. If you’re prone to stress or anxiety, take half an hour to meditate, soak in the bath, read a book or listen to music. If you climb under the covers feeling calm, this should make it a lot easier for you to doze off. A good night’s sleep will help your skin and hair glow, and it can also stave off signs of premature aging.

Skincare

Your skin is the largest organ in the body, and it plays a crucial role in protecting you from the elements. Skincare is essential for both men and women, especially in the winter when cold weather and high winds can increase the risk of dryness and irritation. If you don’t already have a skincare regime in place, start thinking about steps you can take to nourish and protect your skin. Exfoliate once a week, cleanse and moisturize daily, and take care when shaving. If you find that shaving irritates your skin, take a look at this website to find out more about achieving a closer, smoother shave. When you’re choosing skincare products for any part of your body, bear your skin type in mind, and buy items that are tailored to you. If you have sensitive skin, for example, it’s best to avoid perfumed and heavily scented products.

Diet

Many of us buy foods and choose recipes based on controlling our body weight, but your diet plays a much more important role than regulating your BMI. Although it’s really beneficial to be a healthy weight, it’s also vital to ensure that your diet comprises nutrient-rich foods that provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. If you’re slim, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re healthy. Focus on incorporating foods that have nutritional value and including products that will make you look and feel fantastic. Many healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruit, oily fish, seeds, and whole grains also have aesthetic benefits. Oily fish, for example, is very good for your skin and hair thanks to its selenium content. If you’re looking for simple rules to follow, aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, avoid heavily processed foods and fast food, opt for whole grain cereals, bread, pasta, and rice, and moderate your intake of salt and sugar. It’s always a good idea to read food labels, as many items that are marketed as healthy are actually packed full of added sugar. Smoothies you can buy in cafes and supermarkets, for example, may have the same sugar content as a can of soda.

Exercise

Many of us take up exercise to lose weight or tone up, especially before the summer and after the holidays. The truth is that exercise is great for helping you drop those extra pounds, but it has so many more benefits. Working out reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer, but it can also improve skin health, lift your mood, and help you avoid common digestive issues, such as bloating. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of exercise per week. This doesn’t have to mean daily trips to the gym. You can walk your dog, do a dance class with friends, play tennis with your partner, go for a bike ride or get on the trampoline with the kids. Regular exercise is proven to increase confidence, and it can also make you feel happy, as it releases endorphins.

When you look good, you usually feel good, right? Often, we make choices in life based on wanting be healthier, but the decisions we make can also make us happier. If you’re keen to boost your health and feel more confident about the way you look, hopefully, these ideas will ensure you look and feel a million dollars.