How many times have we had the best intentions of making the new year about focusing on ourselves to look and feel good? We start laying the groundwork in our heads and planners about joining the gym, eating healthy, getting a new haircut, updating our makeup look, and trying a new clothing style, to name a few. However, once we are back in our routines and busy with our work and personal lives, our plans are often discarded and forgotten. Here are some ways for us to solidify those plans to looking and feeling better in 2022 without a lot of time, effort, and expense.
Work Out
There are a number of trends for 2022 where working out is concerned. As the pandemic continues, one of the main trends we will continue to see is virtual workouts. Whether it is an exercise bicycle, a treadmill, or even a virtual class, we no longer need to leave our homes to get fit. Another work out craze that is rising in popularity is the mini-workout. You don’t need a 45 minute block of time anymore. Mini workouts combine cardio, strength, and mobility exercises and can be spread out throughout the day for five or 10 minutes each. Even running errands is now considered a mini workout. Just 30 seconds of sprinting up a flight of stairs, carrying our shopping bags instead of using a cart, or even walking at a faster pace than normal will all contribute to improving our fitness.
Eat Well
Eating well plays an extremely important part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into our diets is important as it provides the necessary daily dose of vitamins we all need. It also helps us to feel full and avoid snacking on sugary or carb-laden foods.
Sleep
Getting our seven to eight hours of rest per night is highly suggested on our journey to looking and feeling good. Remember to stay off those blue screens right before bedtime. Ear plugs and a sleep mask can also help us get that uninterrupted snooze.
Sunshine
The sun helps us produce a brain chemical called serotonin, which gives us more energy and keeps us calm, positive, and focused. It also increases the vitamin D levels in our bodies, which is vital in building strong bones. The minimum suggested amount of sunlight is 15-30 minutes per day. Many of us go to work in the dark and return home in the dark this time of year. Sunlight therapy lamps can be purchased inexpensively online.
Look Good
While feeling good is important, looking good is also important. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. How can we create a new look for ourselves without a lot of effort? Is it possible to look good without breaking the bank? Here are a few key things that can be done to assist us on our journey to looking and feeling good in 2022.
Dress for Success
Studies have shown that those who dress better have more confidence. They feel more powerful and are more focused on details. Researching fashion blogs is a great way to see what style we are interested in replicating and adding our own personal touches. Then we can go to clothing websites or fashion catalogs and look for those key pieces that will upgrade our look without spending an exorbitant amount of money.
Makeup and Skin Care
Taking care of our skin and wearing some flattering makeup can make a big difference in how we feel about ourselves. It is important to cleanse and moisturize our skin daily, especially this time of year when we are often in dry, heated rooms and offices. Even though it is winter, SPF is still a must. These products vary in price range and there are good ones at all levels. Keeping some moisturizer by the bed is a great way to be sure to slather it on every night. After the excesses of the holidays, January is a great time to treat ourselves to a facial to start the new year with fresh skin.
Finding the right makeup style can be difficult. Let the professionals give a hand, whether it is the cosmetic counter at a local store or a makeup consultation at a salon. These professionals can assess skin type and facial structure to create a personalized look.
Making the Effort
By putting in some reasonable effort, we can work towards our goals to look and feel better in 2022 without overwhelming ourselves. Knowing we are worth it goes a long way in keeping us motivated.