NEXT+ Wellness: Philippines’ First Health Innovation Club

     NEXT+ Wellness Center is opening its first health innovation club in Quezon City. It is the pioneer of red light therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM) reformer pilates classes in the country. Beyond unprecedented pilates classes, the center also offers physiotherapy treatments and regenerative treatments.

     Red light pilates or PBM reformer pilates is a wellness trend that combines traditional reformer pilates with Red Light Therapy (RLT). PBM pilates uses specific wavelengths to boost one’s circulation, speed up muscular repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery.

NEXT+ Wellness: Philippines’ First Health Innovation Club

TRAINING WITH T: Get to Know More of Tatiana Lampa

     Hello dearies! Today, I'm so excited to share with you this article because the topic is close to my heart- Fitness. I decided to commit to a healthier lifestyle a year ago and sharing all things related to health and wellness is something that I will always do to inspire you. 

     Today, I'm featuring one of the trainers who recently launched an exciting fitness app called TRAINING WITH T, meet Tatiana Lampa- a NYC based trainer and is taking over the online space with her signature program - MOVE BETTER. Get to know more about Tatiana as she answers some of my burning questions with regards to strength training and cardio after the jump!

TRAINING WITH T: Get to Know More of Tatiana Lampa

6 Tips for Building Immunity

     This year has brought so many twists and turns that it is only May but we already seem to feel exhausted. But if there is one good thing that is the result of all the developments that have taken place, it is that we have chosen to focus on the things that are really important to us, such as our family and good health. As we now turn our attention toward making good health a new way of life, you can count on Watsons to be with you every step of the way.

    In the next few months, there will be changes in the quarantine guidelines. It will be modified, intensified, or reduced depending on the number of COVID-19 cases and the new normal will take place. Wearing a face mask, social distancing, washing, and sanitizing hands frequently are the first line of defense against the virus but there's a lot more to do especially on building your immunity.  Here are a few recommendations from Watsons on what you can do at home to help keep your immunity strong and your family healthy.

6 Tips for Building Immunity

The Top Tips for Sticking with Your Fitness Plan

     It is easy to be dedicated when you first start to work out. You have a specific goal in mind and you feel great about following through on it. After a while, though, your motivation can decline. Then, it can be a short step away from giving up altogether. 

     If you are like most people, then you have gone through these motions. In case you are determined to stick to your exercise routine this time around, though, there is great news for you. It is possible for you to do this. If you want to learn all the tips and tricks of managing this, here you go.

The Top Tips for Sticking with Your Fitness Plan 

4 Exercises You Can Do Any Time That You Like

     One of the reasons that many people give for not working out has to do with time. The issue is not so much the actual workout, but the amount of time invested in getting to and from the gym. One way to resolve that problem is to set up a workout area in your home. By investing in a plyo box and a few other basics, it’s easy to put together a half-hour workout that you can whenever you like. Here are some exercises to include in that home workout.

4 Exercises You Can Do Any Time That You Like
image from pexels.com

UNIQLO Sport Utility Wear Collection Launch

     In my recent post, I shared my intentions this 2020 and it focuses on my health and overall well-being. It has been six months since I started eating clean and going to the gym for my Yoga and Pilates classes. I struggled in the first three months, almost gave up but I'm serious about changing unhealthy habits for a healthy lifestyle. What keeps me going? The support from my husband, family, and friends and my workout essentials like a mat, water bottle, and gym clothes.

     Speaking of clothes, wearing proper exercise attire or outfit motivates you to keep going and move without limits. It's an investment that you'll be wearing four to five times a week and will be a part of your wardrobe. Nowadays, sportswear is your best friend if you love to wear comfortable clothes. It can be your outfit going to school, office, or casual and social occasions. Welcome the Athleisure trend and UNIQLO has launched its Sport Utility Wear collection, a lineup that introduces a new type of clothing that can smoothly transition from sports to casual wear, seamlessly integrating sportswear features into everyday apparel.

UNIQLO Sport Utility Wear Collection Launch
Wearing Women’s AIRism UV Cut Mesh Hoodie in Red and Women’s AIRism Soft Leggings in Olive.

My Intentions for 2020

     Here comes New Year and all things resolution. I've seen a lot of friends sharing lists, ideas, infographics, essays, and even memes to kick off their 2020. Let's start the year right by changing one habit or attitude at a time. Do you have a New Year's resolution or intentions for 2020?

     I became serious about my health and fitness journey six months ago because of a medical condition that prevents me from having another baby. I said to myself that apart from regular exercise, I will also follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, more sleeping hours, and less stress. All these intentions are focused on the physical aspect or area of life and that includes our health. If you are also focusing on being the best version of yourself this year, sharing tips and my personal views on health and wellness after the jump.

My Intentions for 2020
One of my intentions last year is to be STRONG. Yes for a stronger for 2020!

Don't Let These 4 Fitness Hurdles Hold You Back

     Everyone is guilty of at least one fitness or weight loss mistake. The problem is that the lack of any noticeable results can destroy your confidence and send you back to your old habits. Pinpointing the biggest fitness saboteurs is one way to avoid making any unhealthy decisions.

Adopting a Boring Workout Routine

Don't Let These 4 Fitness Hurdles Hold You Back
Image via Flickr by seecofsue

Fitness Playground MNL 2018

     One of Asia’s biggest fitness events is bringing together the active and the high-spirited of all ages and from all walks of life. Fitness Playground MNL 2018 is happening on September 29 and 30, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia.

     Set to inspire all fitness enthusiasts and newbies alike, the event is the venue for each and every activity that an individual might want to embark on his or her journey to becoming fit: zumba, jiu-jitsu, yoga, cycling, CrossFit, circuit training, pilates, and many more. 

Fitness Playground MNL 2018

10 Ways to Jumpstart a Healthier, Happier Digestive System

     The world’s leading1 digestive health products— Essentiale Forte P and Dulcolax— join hands in a campaign to make our digestive systems happier and healthier. Together, the two brands take action on World Digestive Health Day on May 29th, reminding people about the importance of keeping their digestive system happy and healthy.

     Having a healthy digestion is important for both adults and children. For adults, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle and follow this advice in order for you to have a healthy and happy tummy. So how do you keep your gut healthy and happy? Let us count the ways after the jump!

10 Ways to Jumpstart a Healthier, Happier Digestive System

Anytime Fitness Glorietta 5 Branch Now Open

     It's not easy to get fit. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life, you have to commit and dedicate yourself to proper nutrition and exercise. If your goal is to stay in shape and build stronger muscles, it is important to use proper exercise equipment and in my opinion, those can only be found in a gym.

     Anyhoo, I have great news to all gym buddies in Makati area. The world’s number one, largest, and fastest-growing fitness franchise has opened the doors to its 50th branch in Glorietta, Makati, in the Philippines- Anytime Fitness. Sharing the highlights of the opening after the jump.

Anytime Fitness Glorietta 5 Branch Now Open

The Importance Of Having A Healthy Body And A Healthy Mind

     The body and the mind are interconnected and they influence each other. If your body does not function properly, your mind will be affected and vice versa. In order to live a happy, fulfilled life, we have to give the same attention to the mind as the attention we give to our bodies. 

     Spirituality also plays an important role in the body-mind equilibrium and we cannot ignore it if we want to be happier and healthier both physically and mentally. The mind is a powerful tool but when it is affected, people tend to ignore the effects and to stay focused on their physical bodies even if the same thing caused problems in both areas. Medical doctors recommend therapy in certain situations. However they cannot identify all the situations in which a patient needs more than a treatment for their body. 

photo from pexel.com

App Review: Philam Vitality Active App

     Do you have a fitness plan? Are you one of the many Filipinos (including me) who struggle to achieve that long-time fitness goal? It's not easy to stay fit and healthy for life because it will always include dedication and determination that's why I salute all my friends who devote time to stay fit and healthy.

     A healthy lifestyle is what we Filipinos need now. In this fast-paced life, we often forgot to take good care of body. We rely on "instant" and temporal things. Instant food and instant weight loss to name a few. We need to set our minds and do things the way they should be- eat the right kind of food, stay active by doing physical activities, and be rewarded for the goals we achieve. Speaking of rewards, let me share with you an app that makes being active rewarding- Philam Vitality Active App :)

App Review: Philam Vitaly Active App
Philam Vitality App

7 Ways Exercise Make You Gorgeous

     Exercise is known to make us healthy and strong. It makes us feel comfortable and flexible. On the other hand, it can also make us look gorgeous. It gets us in shape and helps us become physically attractive. There are many ways to become gorgeous, and exercise is just one of them.

      Meanwhile, there are also several ways exercise makes you gorgeous, and today, we will be going over seven exercises that achieve this. Let’s get started!

7 Ways Exercise Make You Gorgeous

Benefits of Physical Therapy

     Do you have chronic back pain? Perhaps you think medication will help but your doctor wants you to undergo physical therapy. Can it really help you? Physical therapy helps persons of all ages who have medical conditions and illnesses that limit their ability to move. At the first sign of a problem, your primary care doctor will be the first to suggest physical therapy. Here are some benefits of physical therapy:

Reduction or elimination of pain

     Studies have shown that people who choose physical therapy usually experience a greater enhancement in function with reduced pain. Although medication may be prescribed in some cases, physical therapy helps a great deal when it comes to the reduction of pain.

Shorter recovery period

Benefits of Physical Therapy

     You can shorten your period of recovery by opting for physical therapy. Injuries involving a joint, muscle, or ligament usually cause a specific part of the body to become stiff or immobile. Without physical therapy, it could take a long time for you to regain full mobility in the injured area. As you start getting used to physical therapy, it will become easier to do once you see that your strength and overall health are improving.

Regaining original capabilities

     Throughout the years, physical therapy has been very effective for numerous patients. With continued treatment under the supervision of an experienced physical therapist, it is quite possible for you to regain most of your original capabilities or make a full recovery. Moreover, physical therapy comes in handy for those trying to improve their overall fitness and health significantly.

Avoiding surgery

     If your injury heals after you undergo physical therapy, you may not need surgery. Even if you still require surgery, you will benefit greatly from pre-surgery physical therapy. When you go into surgery stronger and in good shape, you are more likely to recover faster after the procedure. Hefty health care costs can be avoided by eliminating surgery.

Improving your balance and preventing falls

     Before you start your physical therapy sessions, you will be screened for fall risk. Those who are at a high risk for falls usually do exercises that carefully and safely challenge their balance in a way that mimics real-life situations. A therapist will also help you with exercises that improve your coordination and the use of assistive devices that aid safer walking. If your balance issue is caused by problems in your vestibular system, the physical therapist can perform maneuvers that will restore your vestibular system to proper working order, eliminating dizziness and vertigo.

Managing diabetes

      Exercise usually forms a part of the overall diabetes management plan. Moreover, persons with diabetes usually have sensation problems in their legs and feet. A physical therapist can help in educating such patients on the right foot care to prevent further problems in future.

Preventing or recovering from a sports injury

Benefits of Physical Therapy

     A physical therapist has a basic understanding of how different sports can increase your risk for specific injuries. Therefore, they can design an appropriate prevention or recovery exercise program that will ensure a safe return to your beloved sport.

Recover from strokes

     After suffering from a stroke, it is common to lose some movement and function. Undergoing physical therapy will help in strengthening the weakened parts of your body whilst improving your gait and balance. Physical therapy will also help you to be more independent around the home, reducing your burden of care.

     Many physical therapy facilities such as Riverside Medical Group can help you to become stronger after suffering from an injury. All you have to do is choose the right physical therapist.

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch #Freshtival

Every year, Robinsons campaign to a healthy lifestyle is becoming bigger and better. Shopping is always rewarding at Robinsons Supermarket because this July, the highlight for the year-long "Route to Wellness Campaign" is all about health and fitness! This 3rd leg is called the Wellness Festival.

     Everyone is striving to live a healthy lifestyle. Most of my friends are setting their fitness goals since last year. In this age where stress is inevitable, we need to look for alternatives to sustain a healthy mind and body not only for ourselves but also for our family. The Wellness Festival was recently launch with a larger-than-life FRESH Salad bowl. A symbol of healthier eating habit. It's a fun-filled afternoon because there were also activities and engaging booths to all the guests invited. More highlights below :)

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch

   
     The Wellness Festival event was held in Robinsons Place Magnolia and it was an afternoon Fitness glow party, led by coaches Jim and Toni Saret, perfectly captured the joyful feel of the celebration. The event was hoted by Tonipet Gaba and the party started at sunset so that the glow sticks will light up the sky as the crowd's energy rise while doing different exercise movements.

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch
Hosted by Toni Pet Gaba

   
     Robinsons Wellness Festival promo launch was open for everyone. Loyal customers and invited guests from the media enjoyed engaging booths and scored sample products from the brands that are participating this month's promo. See the booths and activities here:

1. Engaging activities like riding a bike together and get a prize at the finish line.

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch
Bike Together

2. Pick a fruit by jumping using the trampoline and catch a prize.

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch
Pick A Fruit

3. Booth activation for product sampling and information from participating brands like healthy juices from Tipco, Ceres, and Del Monte. Promil was one of the milk products from participating brands.

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch
Ceres and Tipco Booths

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch
Promil and Del Monte Tipco

4. Skin care is also important and plays an important role in healthy body. Products from Myra-E and Johnson's and Johnson's were on display too.

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch
Myra-E and Johnson's and Johnson's

The Wellness Festival promo for this month of July is as follows:

• Shoppers can get an exclusive Healthy You Rolled Oats bundle for every P3,000 single receipt purchase inclusive of P750 worth of participating products from Nestle and Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, Wyeth, Fontera, Nivea, Delfi, Del Monte, Federated, Unilever, Unilab and P&G, among others. 
• All these brands share RSC’s mission to bring health and wellness options to all Filipinos. Promo is from July 1 -31, 2016.
• Healthy You is Robinsons Supermarket’s exclusive healthy brand. The product line ranges from nuts, juices, oats, brown rice, coffee and many more. 
• All of these products have been evaluated healthy by DOST-Food Nutrition and Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). 
• Loyal customers will also get an additional 15 Robinsons Rewards Card points for purchase of P500.00 worth of Healthy You products for the whole month of July. 

“A truly healthy and fulfilling lifestyle takes genuine commitment and follows a process that requires the will to say ‘yes’ to what it takes to achieve it. And Robinsons Supermarket’s role is to keep everyone on the right track by offering an accessible and fun route to their desired lifestyle,” said RSC General Manager Jody Gadia.

     But wait there's more from Robinsons Supermarket this month of July as they also holds its annual festivity highlighting the Fresh department called “Freshtival.” The festivity features daily exciting offers of fresh items – from discounts and additional Robinsons Rewards points, to amazing freebies. This compliments the ongoing wellness program as it encourages shoppers to choose more fresh items for a healthier lifestyle.

Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival Promo Launch

   
     Join RSC in celebrating wellness by checking out its special promo this whole of July and be on the lookout for the exciting activities and amazing deals. Robinsons Supermarket's Route to Wellness campaign is a testament to its commitment to ease access to healthier food options and alternatives for Filipinos. Find out more about Robinsons Supermarket's year-long Route to Wellness series of promos and activities below :)

For more information about Robinsons Supermarket Route to Wellness Campaign, 

visit the official website www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph

Like them on Facebook: RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial 

#ILoveWellness 

Good Times!~

Healthway Medical's New Year 2016 SEED Campaign

     Let’s face it: most people are looking forward to the new year as this means a new beginning—and for people who want to look and feel better, losing weight as a resolution may just be the right way to start. Or is it? For some, losing weight as a resolution is tough and challenging. We may write in our diaries and say to ourselves "this 2016, I'm going to the gym and eat healthy" but it's really hard to do right?

     “The New Year does not serve as a catalyst for sweeping changes in your body, more so in your overall health,” said Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical. “In fact, now is the right time to reflect on past behaviors that may be affecting your health, and resolve to making positive lifestyle changes in preparation for next year and for many more years to come.” Read more and discover a new way or making those resolution possible!

Healthway Medical's New Year 2016 SEED Campaign

     According to de Leon, setting small but attainable goals are better than making big goals but later on, fail to meet them. But she says that “you need to make it happen.”

     As Filipinos list down their resolutions for 2016, it is important to put healthy living on top of the list, de Leon said.

     “By making more realistic New Year’s resolutions, there is a greater chance of keeping them all-year round. As for your health, your resolution towards a healthier you should start in the most attainable way. More so, you should start now,” de Leon emphasized. 

     De Leon continued, “Your lifestyle change can start from minimizing cigarette smoking, lessening alcohol intake or exercising more religiously. But whatever lifestyle changes you want to make for next year, what matters most is that the changes are for your health.”

Healthway Medical

• the most trusted and preferred mall-based clinics in the Philippines—offers excellent primary and multi-specialty care that promotes healthy living as a lifestyle. 
• It offers a unique one-stop-shop platform where minor surgical operations, special medical examinations and preventive healthcare as well as specialized medical consultations are performed by some of the country’s top-performing healthcare experts.
• For your all-year-round care, Healthway Medical offers top-of-the-line services that range from cardiology, dental care, family medicine, internal medicine, ob-gynecology, ophthalmology, pediatric medicine and dermatology, to name a few.

     As part of its ongoing initiative to promote a healthier lifestyle, Healthway Medical aims to impart the importance of quality Sleep, being able to Eat right, having enough Exercise, and taking time to De-stress (S.E.E.D.) to Filipinos of all gender and ages.

     De Leon concluded, “New Year’s Resolutions always start with good intentions, and what better way to start the year right than prioritizing your health? At Healthway Medical, we can help you stay in good shape all-year round.”

     Healthway Medical rolls out its SEED campaign to major corporations as part of its preventive health advocacy. 

For more SEED tips and health education, 

visit the website at www.healthway.com.ph 

Like them on Facebook: Healthway Medical

FWD Life for a Healthy and Fit Filipino, One Move at a Time

     FWD Life encourages Filipinos to stay healthy and fit, one move at a time. Can you really be healthy and fit by investing just four minutes of your day in exercise? Apparently, it is possible and FWD Life is showing Filipinos how they can be healthier and fitter pursue their passions and live the life they dream of.

     To encourage more Filipinos to start living a healthy lifestyle, FWD Life recently launched a health and wellness movement aptly called Live to Move—premised on the idea that attaining better health is key in living life to the fullest.

FWD Life for a Healthy and Fit Filipino, One Move at a Time

     At the heart of the campaign is the FWD Motion, a specially designed four-minute metabolic fitness (MetaFit) workout which has a health benefit equivalent of up to one-hour exercise. Its four primary steps – jump, squat, push up, and lunge – will encourage Filipinos to get into their exercise gear and start moving. Short, simple, and effective, the four primary steps easily encourage people to work outregardless if they are novice, intermediate or advanced fitness enthusiasts. 

     FWD Motion is a simple regimen. Its four primary steps can be integrated into daily activities and can be done anywhere, reducing the need to go to the gym or attend a workout class. Having been developed by celebrity fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret (“The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Season 2,”“Fit Filipino Movement”), who are also the campaigncollaborators, it is scientifically-proven to make an individual lose as much as 600 calories, depending on the intensity of execution and number of repetitions. 

FWD Life for a Healthy and Fit Filipino, One Move at a Time
Coach Toni carrying dumbells with other instructors

     “FWD encourages Filipinos to be healthier through the Live To Move movement and it matches perfectly with our advocacy. Through Live To Move and the FWD Motion, we are able to motivate people to start moving in as short as four minutes only, so they can live better and healthier lives,” said Coach Jim Saret. 

    Coaches Jim and Toni Saret are also healthy lifestyle ambassadors of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), the official advocacy partner of Live To Move. FWD Life supports PHA’s 52100 advocacy, a simple guide to remind people of the essentials of good health, with each number representing a daily target: five (5) servings of fruits and vegetables, two (2) hours maximum recreational screen time, one (1) hour of moderate activity, zero (0) sugared drinks, and zero (0) smoking/secondhand smoke.

FWD Life for a Healthy and Fit Filipino, One Move at a Time

     “This partnership enables PHA to further promote public awareness on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We are also grateful that through Live To Move, FWD is able to support our 52100 advocacy which encourages Filipinos to adopt simple heart-friendly daily habits,” said Dr. Alex Junia, Philippine Heart Association President.

     The campaign started with the FWD Motion online video challenge wherein participants post their workout videos featuring their passions and their variations to the four primary steps. It continues with the Live To Move Tour, a series of health and wellness-themed pocket events around Metro Manila which includes group activities called Move to the Beat (Hip Hop), Move to the Groove (Zumba), Move to Fight (boxing and cardio), and Move to the FWD Motion (MetaFit). It will culminate on October 24 with the Live To Move Grand Festival where participants will enjoy exciting activities and rewards in surrounding booths for free medical consultation, cooking sessions, group workouts, and a free-for-all wellness concert. 

FWD Life for a Healthy and Fit Filipino, One Move at a Time
FWD Warriors warming up

     Campaign participants are entitled to raffle entries which give them the chance to win exciting lifestyle gadgets during the tour and the grand festival. 

     “We have established Live To Move as a platform and the FWD Motion as a key workout routine to encourage Filipinos to start living a healthy lifestyle so they can pursue their passions. We are committed to lead the cause for Filipinos’ health and wellness in the life insurance industry, since we strongly believe in the benefits of living a healthy and more active life,” said FWD Life President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes. 

Upload your FWD Motion videos until October 23. You can also catch upcoming Live To Move tour stops in Bonifacio Global City on October 10 and Alabang Town Center on October 17.

     For more information about Live To Move campaign, visit 

www.livetomove.ph

FWD Life Philippines

The Global Mala Project

     Healthy lifestyle is the in thing today. If  you think that traditional exercises in the gym is boring, there are many forms of exercise that will condition your mind and body. One of the popular forms of exercise and meditation today is yoga. In line with this, I would like to interest you in one of the event that will happen for a cause. The Global Mala Project, the largest unified worldwide yoga event, will occur on September 26th, in line with the United Nation’s Day of Peace and the Fall Equinox at WhiteSpace Manila.

The Global Mala Project

     Dedicated to promote peace and positive change through yoga, as well as raise social consciousness and funds for noteworthy causes, The Global Mala Project is Teresa Hererra’s annual heart project. Seeking to create a “mala around the earth,” (In traditional yoga, a mala is a set of beads, used to focus awareness during meditation) she was inspired by her yoga mentor and the Global Mala Project’s founder Shiva Rea, to bring the event to our shores. As a model, environmentalist, and yoga teacher, Teresa shares the vision of her mentor in creating a positive energy through yoga that would pulsate around the world. In the recent months, she has been working closely with event producers and yoga centers around Manila to ensure the success of this event. All of the event collaborators are doing the work completely pro-bono, to ensure that 100 % of its proceeds go to charity. This year’s event will benefit Children’s International.

The Global Mala Project

     Yoga is a union of body and mind. When you practice yoga, you put yourself in a state of openness and grace. From this place, mindfulness stems and we make conscious decisions for ourselves and for our world around us,” she emphatically shares. While the beads of the mala allow an individual to focus during meditation, it is the hope of the organizers ofthe Global Mala Project to create a chain of connection and compassion among those who will be a part of it. “There is no pre-requisite to begin this practice. Just an open mind and an open heart. Hope to see you on the mat,” is Teresa’s message to the class attendees. 

The Global Mala Project

Parking will be available for the Global Mala Project on September 26, 2015 at the following locations:

Whitespace Manila

2314 Don Chino Roces Avenue Ext. Makati City 

Open All-Day 

Free Parking

EcoPlaza Building

2305 Don Chino Roces Avenue Ext. Makati City

Open All-Day

Pay Parking: Php 50.00 first 2 hours, Php 25.00 for every succeeding hour

Makati Hope Christian School

2312 Don Chino Roces Avenue Ext. Makati City

Open until 3:30pm only

Pay Parking: Php 50.00

For more information on The Global Mala Project Manila

Like them on Facebook: Global Mala Project Manila

Follow them on Instagram: @globalmalamanila 

Look Good, Feel Good

     You go through your days feeling low, feeling bad about yourself, lacking self-confidence, and all these negative feelings discourage you from taking care of yourself. You gain weight, you dress sloppily, you leave your hair unkempt. Or maybe you’ve let yourself go a bit. You’ve put on some pounds, your clothes have grown ragged, and the image you see in the mirror leaves you feeling down and steals your self-confidence.

     There's a reciprocal relationship between looking good and feeling good, or on the flipside, feeling bad and letting yourself go. It’s a negative cycle that, regardless of how it started for you, has the power to suck you farther and farther down until the prospect of ever again looking good and feeling good can seem a distant hope. 

Look Good, Feel Good

     We understand what it’s like because we’ve been there, too. We also understand how, little by little, anyone can instill positive habits until feeling good and looking again become realities. Read our tips below and put them into practice. You’ll be amazed at how fast things start looking up.

To start feeling good, try out the following:

1. Commit to becoming a lifelong student. Read books on subjects that interest you, watch educational programing on TV, and stay up to date on global news. Improving your mind will lead to a greater belief in your own abilities and allow you to engage in the important matters of the day.

Look Good, Feel Good

2. Help others. When we seek out opportunities to help those close to us or those in need in our communities, we stop thinking about ourselves and start using our innate gifts to be of service. Not only will you get bursts of feel-good when you experience what it means to make others’ lives better, but you begin to understand that meaning and life satisfaction do not come from outward appearances but from life lived in gracious community.

Look Good, Feel Good

3. Exercise. No, this isn’t about getting ripped biceps or a flat tummy. This is about putting to use a body that was designed for hunting and gathering. Physical inactivity can quickly lead to depression, but extended physical exercise releases a powerful cocktail of mood-improving neuro-transmitters in your brain. And yes, it will improve your physique, and there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you don’t live or die by the appearance of your body.This doesn’t have to take place in a gym, either. Go for a run or a long, vigorous walk. Ride your bike, play tennis with a friend, go rollerblading, practice yoga. Whatever physical activity brings you the most joy, that’s what you should do.

Look Good, Feel Good

To start looking good, try these out:

1. Use designer products. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank. However, occasionally spending a bit more for designer products, whether clothing or makeup or hair care products or various accessories, can lead to a more put together, polished self-presentation. This means taking the time to find clothing that fits your shape nicely, makeup that’s suited to your coloring and features, and going to a professional hairstylist who can help you determine the best look for you. This is not about competing with others, fitting in, or following trends. Rather, it’s about knowing you’ve taken the time to look your best and done so in a manner that feels comfortable. 

Look Good, Feel Good

2. Consider how you carry your body. We all know that our body language speaks to those around us. Often without even knowing, our sour facial expressions, slouched shoulders, crossed arms, and so on, communicate to others just how low, angry, and standoffish we might feel. What many don’t know, however, is that, due to our mind-body relationship, our body language speaks to our own hearts. Just as the body will follow the mind’s lead, the reverse is also true. If you’re feeling down, force yourself to smile and laugh, to stand tall, to make eye-contact, etc. Make these things habits and you will look only look better to yourself and to others, but you will feel better because you will train the posture of your heart to follow the posture of your body.

Look Good, Feel Good

     We all want to feel good. We all want to look good. What we don’t always realize is just how much those two things go hand in hand. Follow our suggestions above, and we think you’ll find that both aspects of your life start falling into a healthy, life-giving place.