HEAD TO TOE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FEELING HEALTHY AND CONFIDENT

Taking good care of your body and feeling confident often go hand in hand. If you’re on a mission to put your health first and boost your well-being and self-confidence, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you look and feel amazing. We’ll take you from head to toe, sharing top tips and tricks.

Healthy, beautiful hair

Having a good hair day can make you feel a million dollars, but what if your hair is dry or limp, or you’ve had the same style for years and you’re stuck in a rut? Just as you look after your skin, it’s important to take care of your hair. Try to avoid washing your hair too and using heated styling tools too frequently.

If you do straighten your hair or use a hair dryer or heated tongs, for example, use a heat protection spray. Apply nourishing conditioner to the ends of your hair and treat your locks to an indulgent mask every 1-4 weeks. Visit your salon every 6 weeks for a trim to prevent split ends. Eating well can also be beneficial for your hair. Add berries, oily fish, nuts, seeds and avocados to your diet to boost growth. 

As well as looking after your locks, you can also increase confidence and feel more attractive by experimenting with styles, cuts and colours. Ask your stylist for advice if you fancy a change, or you want to explore different trends.

It’s beneficial to consider your skin tone and the natural shade of your hair when choosing colours for highlights, low lights or a full colour treatment. Choosing a cut that suits your face shape is also a brilliant way to enhance your best features. 

There are all kinds of incredible trends and looks to consider including bangs, feathered cuts, pixie cuts, extensions to add length and volume, waves, curls and choppy, long or blunt bobs. If you’re thinking about getting bangs, but you’re worried about practicality, there are some ingenious ways to keep your bangs from getting in your eyes.

You can wear a headband, braid the front pieces and tie them back, put your hair in a bun or a half-ponytail or slick your hair back. Your stylist can help you choose a cut that will complement your face shape and personal style. Some people suit long, wispy curtain bangs while others look incredible with short, blunt bangs, for example. 

Glowing skin

Most of us dream of having flawless, radiant skin. In the age of the selfie and social media filters, it has become increasingly common to invest time and money in skincare products, solutions and treatments. There is a vast array of products and therapies on offer, but how do you achieve glowing skin?

Using skincare products is just one part of enhancing skin health. Start with a daily routine, which comprises cleansing, toning and moisturising. Layer products, such as eye creams, serums and lotions that target specific issues, such as redness or fine lines, and make sure you buy products that suit your skin type. Exfoliate once a week and always remove your makeup before going to bed. 

In addition to an effective, tailored daily skin care routine, it’s also important to eat a healthy diet and ensure you drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 2 litres of water per day and add a rainbow of fruit and vegetables to your menu. Other skin superfoods include oily fish, nuts and seeds. Good quality sleep can also help your skin. You may find that your skin looks brighter and clearer and feels softer and smoother after a good night’s sleep. 

Sun protection is essential for healthy skin and it can also lower the risk of premature ageing. Wearing SPF is beneficial every day, but it is particularly important to ensure that you apply sunscreen if it’s a hot day and the UV rating is high.

Use a high factor if you burn easily or you have fair skin. Stay out of the midday sun and move into the shade if you feel like your skin is starting to burn. You can buy makeup, such as foundations, with SPF, but you will need sunscreen if you’re going on vacation, or you’re spending long periods in the sun. 

A strong, fit body

A strong, fit body will boost your health and confidence. We often think about diet and exercise when discussing weight loss, but the most important reason to think about what you eat and embrace an active lifestyle is to protect your mental and physical health. Working out and eating well can help you achieve a stronger, fitter and healthier body and better mental well-being. 

If you don’t exercise already, it’s very easy to increase your activity levels. You don’t have to join a gym or run for miles every day to get in shape. Simple things like going for a walk once a day or signing up for beginner exercise classes can make a huge difference. Make time for exercise and try to have fun. There are so many ways to get fitter and stronger.

Take friends to a dance or spin class, join a local team or club or start going jogging with your dog. Organise family bike rides, take up a new hobby, such as tennis or golf, or explore the great outdoors and go hiking, kayaking or cycling. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. 

To improve your diet, focus on nutrition and try to plan a balanced menu. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and opt for whole-grain foods, such as brown rice, pasta, cereals and bread. Moderate your intake of salt, saturated fats and sugar and try to limit your consumption of processed foods. If you don’t cook much, look for quick and easy healthy recipes online.

Using a food diary app is a brilliant way to learn more about your diet and how nutritious your meals are. Once you’ve entered the foods you’ve eaten, your app will give you nutritional information. You’ll be able to see if you’re eating too much sugar, or you need more fibre or protein in your diet, for example. 

Fabulous-looking feet

We often neglect our feet when it comes to setting health targets. It’s critical to look after your feet to avoid health issues and ensure that you feel confident during sandal season. Wash and clean your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly.

Wear shoes that fit you perfectly. Try shoes before you buy them. If your shoes are too tight, they will rub your feet causing painful blisters. If they are too big, this will affect the way you walk. Moisturise the skin on your legs, ankles and feet to keep it smooth and supple and wear socks unless you’re wearing sliders, flip-flops or open-toed shoes. You may be surprised to hear that your feet can produce up to a pint of sweat every day. 

Treat your feet to a pedicure or paint your nails at home. If you have any concerns about your feet, seek advice from your doctor. Common foot problems include corns and blisters, cracked heels, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and bunions. 

Taking good care of your body often boosts your confidence and self-esteem. If you’re on a mission to improve your health and you want to feel more confident, take these tips on board. Look after your hair and skin, exercise regularly, follow a healthy, balanced diet and take care of your feet. Seek advice if you have any health concerns or you need advice about making lifestyle changes. Small steps can make a big difference.

Contributed article