SIMPLE AND NATURAL WAYS TO GLOW FROM WITHIN
Published: 03.15.2022
There is definitely something to be said about ‘glowing’. It’s more than just having radiant, luminous skin; it’s a feeling. The idea of glowing embodies a sense of wellbeing that runs deeper than just running a highlighter stick along your cheekbones and calling it a day. To glow really means you have your ‘sh$t’ together – you feel balanced, optimistic, satisfied, confident, and of course, radiant.
‘Glow’ is a feeling you can sometimes capture after yoga or a morning jog or drinking a green smoothie, and when you head out, people notice. Your friends or coworkers notice and comment on it, and that feels good, but what feels even better is how good you feel.
But it can be fleeting, can’t it? You finish a fantastic yoga class then eat something that disagrees with your stomach, or get bombarded with stressful work emails, or go to bed too late that night and wake up deflated and grumpy.
It goes without saying that your emotions affect your skin. Much like how stress, anxiety, fatigue and embarrassment show up on the outside, happiness, confidence, and a sense of well being also affect your appearance. David E. Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York, shared his thoughts on how positive emotions affect your skin for Shape magazine:
“You get the release of chemicals like endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, the so-called feel-good hormones, but it wouldn’t surprise me if these chemicals could have an effect on barrier function, helping our skin stay better hydrated and appear more radiant. It’s even possible that the release of feel-good hormones causes the little muscles around the hair follicles all over your body to relax, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother.” Dr. Bank stresses that while these are just hypotheses, “there is plenty of science to support them.”
Whether you’ve linked your good vibes to your glowing skin days or not, it’s safe to say that when you’re feeling good, other people take notice, and your confidence gets a nice, positive boost.
So, how can you capture and maintain that radiant glow inside and out? We have identified three super powerful and – some may argue – fun ways to lasso that glow all day, every day.
Three ways to glow from inside out:
1. Morning self-guided visualization:
Whether you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or simply just feel less than radiant, starting your morning off with a self-guided visualization can allow you to release any stagnant energy, unwanted anxiety or tension, and step into your glow on a subconscious level.
HOW TO:
- Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down where you won’t be tempted to fall back asleep. Play a peaceful soundtrack (we recommend Tibetan bowls) and make sure your phone is on ‘do not disturb’ mode.
- Visualize yourself in the middle of a zen forest, floating down a tranquil stream.
- From there, allow yourself to settle into this visualization, then intuitively address any stress, anxiety, or tension in your body. Identify where the emotions are resonating from physically, and imagine yourself pulling those emotions out of your body. Take a moment to acknowledge them and then lovingly let them go.
- Once you’ve moved through each of the emotional blockages, imagine approaching the bottom of a peaceful waterfall where you will rinse away any of the remaining negative emotions.
- When you feel cleansed and detoxed, visualize a glowing archway on the other side of the waterfall, then imagine yourself walking towards it. As you slowly walk into the glowing radiant light, imagine your body filling up with that exquisite sense of calm, optimism, vivacity, and wholeness from your toes to the top of your head. Then mentally repeat ‘I am glowing’, as many times as necessary until you truly feel it.
- Once you’re done, give yourself a little smile in the mirror, because ‘girl, you’re glowing’!
2. Dance it out:
This may sound overly simplistic, but the acts of dancing and singing out loud have been known to produce endorphins, increase dopamine levels, and promote confidence. Allowing your body to physically express itself without fear of judgement or ridicule gives you a chance to just be yourself, which has astoundingly positive effects on not only your brain, but your body and your skin as well.
We recommend setting aside as little as five minutes to turn on your favorite song and just let loose. You can do this in your bedroom, office, or even outside (if you dare) and ideally do it right before you start your workday or in the middle of the day when you feel your energy waning.
3. Cook your glow:
You’ve heard the age old adage that you are what you eat, and you more than likely have experienced this in action. After a vacation or a busy week where you may have replaced meals with fast-food, unhealthy snacks, or fried appies at a cocktail bar, you more than likely feel it in your gut (achy, bloated, heavy feelings), your energy levels (or lack of energy), and your sleep (which is likely interrupted by indigestion and night sweats). Not to mention the toll it takes on your skin; dehydration, dryness, and breakouts.
On the contrary, when you’re eating a vibrant, well-balanced diet rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein, you feel really good. Your energy is high, your body feels light and agile, and you tend to sleep better. These are the times when you really embody that glowing essence and your skin is seemingly more supple, radiant, and smooth.
Every body is different, and contrary to what the racks of cook books out there tell you, there is no one stop diet for everyone. The goal is to develop an intuitive relationship with your body by paying attention to what it craves and how you feel after you eat certain foods.
Kale may be the hot ticket item according to nutritionists, but it might not react well with your gut. Just because something is deemed healthy doesn’t mean it’s right for you, and just because something is deemed bad – bread, for example – doesn’t mean you need to cut it out, unless your body is asking you to.
In addition to these fun glow game changers, if you prioritize sleep, get a bit of physical activity everyday (like jogging, yoga, or swimming), and make sure to spend time with loved ones who fill you up, you’ll have no problem roping in that internal and external glow, day in and day out.
One last thing… Remember that life happens. There will be days when you follow these three steps and still feel crappy – that’s normal. One of the most important things you can do for yourself is honor where you’re at and take time to just be, without forcing anything. When you’re ready, pick yourself back up and keep moving forward, because you’ve got this, and we’ve got you!
