Put effort into yourself to be your absolute best
Guest post by Leslie Campos of WellParents.com
As women, we are conditioned to give our all to everyone else. However, depleting our inner resources leaves us less able to care for those we love and, more importantly, to take care of ourselves when we need it most. Today’s blog is brought to you by Woman of Wonder, Inc. and touches on some of the easiest ways to be good to yourself. By focusing on you, you can be your personal best.
Go back to school, and reclaim your finances.
Money is a significant source of stress for most single women. Competing demands on our financial resources leave many of us reluctant to pursue higher education. Don’t let money get in the way of making money. There are plenty of scholarships for women that can help reduce your financial burden. Even if you choose not to pursue a four-year degree, you might consider an accredited trade school that can fast-track you to a $50,000-plus per year job. A few options include dental hygienist, medical sonographer, and IT support specialist.
Flatter your body with the right clothing.
The clothes you wear can affect your mood. Whether you’re dressing for summer, winter, spring, or fall, make sure to choose outfits that are both comfortable and stylish. Ideally, you can try many different brands and styles to see what fits your particular body the best. Don’t stick to cute and comfortable clothes only when you go out. A new pair of leggings, a supportive bra, or a cozy robe are all great options for home, especially if you’ve recently had a baby.
Eat the right kinds of foods to enjoy more energy.
The foods you eat are what give your body energy. Too much processed, boxed, or sugary foods, and your body will not get the nutrients it needs to sustain you each day. The good news here is that it’s easy to eat a nutritionally balanced assortment of foods, and you probably have the items – rice, bread, soups – in your pantry right now. Foodies Today suggest other easy meals, like macaroni and cheese bowls or a stew made of soup stocks, meats, and vegetables you already have. Want something lighter? Make ahead a Waldorf salad – with or without pecans – for a savory summer lunch.
Exercise in the morning to start your day off right.
If you dread getting out of bed, you’re not alone. Many of us turn our noses up at our phones when the alarm goes off before the sun comes up. Instead of sneaking back under the covers, give yourself a quick stretch, splash some water on your face, and exercise. Personal trainer Dave Smith tells the Make Your Body Work blog that morning exercise boosts your metabolism, helps you gain a sense of consistency, improves your energy, and increases your chances of getting a good night's sleep.
Do something you love just for yourself.
It’s never too late to treat yourself right. And, if you’ve spent your life up until this point taking care of everyone else, you owe it to yourself to take up a hobby that fuels your inner passions. Painting, for example, fosters creative growth and relieves stress. Your hobby doesn’t have to be artistic — you can do anything that makes you smile on the inside. Traveling, reading, or even listening to music are all great options.
Feeling and looking your best is a matter of choice. Choose to do things that spark the light inside of you, and the world will see you shine. Remember, everything you do affects how you look and feel. Make decisions that put yourself first because you deserve it.
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