Top tips on how to feel beautiful

THINK YOURSELF BEAUTIFUL!

Can you think yourself beautiful? According to Dr Linda Papadopoulos, one of Britain's top psychologists, the secret of natural beauty is all in the mind.
She has just launched her own skincare range, Psyderma, but believes we could avoid expensive treatments and products if we simply started thinking differently about the way we look.

1. LEARN HOW TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR

Women tend to underestimate how good they look when confronted with a mirror, but men don't seem to have this problem.

Next time you're standing in front of a mirror, look at your body as a whole, focusing on the entire package, and walk away keeping at least one positive aspect of your appearance in mind.

2. YOU ARE NOT IN COMPETITION WITH ANYONE BUT YOURSELF

One of the ways to make yourself feel less pretty than you are is by comparing yourself to other women. You are not in competition with anyone, so the more you try to emulate someone else's beauty, the less you will be able to explore and focus on your own.

3. PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS CAN AFFECT YOUR SKIN

The skin and mind are closely linked, and a lot of research suggests that our state of mind affects how our skin cells work.

In addition, stress hormones can have a detrimental effect on the appearance and structure of the skin.

Stress affects our immune system, and low immunity means the skin's ability to repair itself is reduced, so if you want beautiful, healthy skin, you need to start with a beautiful, healthy mind.

4. KNOW HOW TO APPLY YOUR FACE CREAMS

Investing in yourself, your creativity, your work and your health is an important part of maintaining healthy self-esteem.

This is also true of your beauty regime. Focus on the smells, textures and way your skin feels when you care for it. By doing this, you will be sensitising not only your skin, but your mind, to make the most of the vitamins and nutrients in the products you use.

5. IF YOU FEEL GOOD, YOU LOOK GOOD

How many times when you are happy do people tell you that you glow and that you look good? The skin reacts to emotional feedback; it is connected to the central nervous system, so what you feel emotionally can affect your skin. Psychological stress reduces skin's effectiveness at repairing itself. People who worry tend to frown and the muscle movements create wrinkles. Stress also reduces skin immunity, and can exacerbate conditions such as eczema.

6. HAVE A NIGHT AND DAY RITUAL

We are creatures of habit, so if you have a structured beauty or health routine, you are more likely to stick to it. Regardless of how tired you feel, make your routine something you enjoy, not a chore. Spending a little time focusing on just yourself every day is good for you.

7. LEARN TO BREATHE

Breathing deeply floods your blood with oxygen, which helps get rid of toxins and maintains your health.

When we don't breathe correctly (such as shallow breathing), toxins pile up in our cells and we feel sluggish. Try some deep breathing exercises when you apply your creams in the morning and at night.

Take a deep breath and let it out in twice the time it takes for you to breathe in. You will feel instantly calmer, and help your skin get the oxygen it needs.

8. PROJECT THE HAPPINESS WITHIN

The way we feel affects the way we look. Happiness has a healing effect. It can improve the immune system, help the skin recover faster, reduce the risk of heart disease and even help us cope and battle illnesses.

Whatever affects your body, affects the skin. So invest in your happiness and project those positive feelings!



By Elsa Mcalonan, From dailymail.