External beauty actually often stems from internal health. When you feel your best, you look your best — you might even have a certain “glow” about you.

So, how exactly does inner health contribute to outer beauty? What can you do to prioritize and focus on your health and well-being? Let’s take a look at a few healthy habits you should start incorporating into your life.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

The average adult should get at least seven hours of sleep each night — if not more — but far too many people fall short of that number for a variety of reasons. A lack of proper sleep won’t just have you reaching for an extra cup of coffee the next day. Sleep deprivation can actually have health consequences, including:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Diabetes

A lack of sleep can also enhance the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and might make your eyes look droopy and saggy. You’re not going to look your best when you’re not well-rested.

Finally, a lack of sleep can impact your mental health. People who don’t get enough sleep are often more prone to anxiety or depression, creating a vicious cycle.

You can fight back against sleep deprivation by establishing a healthy nighttime routine. Your bedtime routine should include things like creating an ideal sleep environment, participating in relaxing activities, and trying to get to bed around the same time each night.

Eating for Health and Beauty

Nutrition is essential for looking and feeling good. Most people understand the importance of eating healthy to manage their weight and boost energy. But, “you are what you eat”, and by fueling your body with the right things, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin very quickly.

Some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet for healthier-looking skin include:

• Ginger: This ingredient has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine, and can reduce inflammation. You can use fresh ginger on your dishes, or even use candied ginger as a snack you munch on throughout the day. Of course, you can also put pickled ginger on your food as a condiment, or drink tea steeped with ginger.
• Chia seeds: As nutritious and fiber-filled as they are, chia seeds are a great healthy addition to any diet. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Add these to crackers, smoothies, or even water — they are flavorless but packed with nutrients.
• Tomatoes: Another nutrient and water-filled fruit, tomatoes are great in salads, added to stir-fry or even in grilled cheeses. Some prefer to eat tomatoes like apples, sprinkling the smallest amount of salt and pepper before each bite.
• Sweet potatoes: High in vitamins A and C as well as manganese, sweet potato fries or chips can make a great snack.
• Oats: Oats can lower blood sugar levels and contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease. Certain types of bread and baked goods with oats are easy to get ahold of, and nothing beats a hearty oatmeal.

Poor diet has a huge impact on your skin. While you don’t necessarily need to eat all of the foods listed above, make sure you’re incorporating as many nutrients into your daily diet as possible. Additionally, make sure you’re staying hydrated. Dehydrated skin looks dull, and people are more likely to notice fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking enough water and staying hydrated will leave your skin looking younger and more elastic.

Establishing a Healthy Mindset

There’s no denying that we’re living in a stressful world. According to the American Institute of Stress, 73% of people experience stress that impacts their mental health. If you really want beauty to shine from the inside out, focus on adopting a healthy mindset. Doing so will allow you to prioritize your mental and physical well-being holistically.

The term “self-care” gets thrown around a lot nowadays, but it’s more than just a buzzword. Self-care involves doing at least one thing each day that benefits your well-being. That includes finding things that reduce stress in your life and boost your mental health. For example, meditation is a fantastic way to lower stress, improve your mental well-being, and boost your overall focus and concentration. Meditation can also improve the health of your skin while decreasing inflammation within the body.

Yoga is another great option that can help your physical and mental health while boosting your beauty. It improves flexibility and increases blood flow to the skin. That improved circulation will improve your heart health, boost concentration, and create “glowing” skin that friends and family will undoubtedly notice quickly.

Whether you’re hyper-focused on looking your best or you just want the outward benefits of a healthy lifestyle, changing your perspective on what it means to be healthy can help. Put your well-being first, and make choices that are meant to better your health. The more you take care of your inner well-being, the more you’ll start to see positive, healthy changes on the outside.

Author by: Luke Smith