9 Ways to Nurture Inner Beauty

Six years ago, I made the decision to pursue a healthier lifestyle—not only for myself but also for my children. I wanted to experience a greater sense of wholeness, self-assurance, and attractiveness.

Despite my efforts, I found myself feeling less confident and more anxious than before.

I appeared thin, but also more aged. Was I truly healthy? Why hadn’t weight loss resolved my issues as I had hoped it would?

Now, my approach to health and beauty has shifted; I’m focusing on inner well-being. Initially, I thought I could improve one aspect of myself in isolation. However, I’ve learned that true transformation requires addressing the inner self to foster external change. Below are some insights—both practical and conceptual—that I have discovered (and continue to explore!) about nurturing inner beauty.

True beauty starts with how we perceive ourselves—our self-image. Challenging and reshaping negative beliefs can be tough, but it’s a vital first step towards transforming perceived flaws into beauty.

Self-image is influenced by many factors, which will be explored in this piece, but fundamentally, it is a mental challenge. Make it a daily practice to compliment yourself, and notice how your self-image begins to shift.

We often find ourselves lingering on social media, absorbing the curated highlights of others’ lives. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy—a “social media hangover” if you will. At some point, we forgot that we can curate this experience.

Be mindful of your feelings when you scroll through your feed. Are you experiencing sorrow, jealousy, exhaustion, or negative self-image? If so, it may be time to clean up your feed by unfollowing accounts that trigger such emotions. Opt instead for those that uplift you and enhance your online experience.

Exercise is often associated with either achieving a muscular physique or shedding pounds. While these can be byproducts, it’s essential to approach physical activity with a different mindset. Engage in exercise for its well-documented mood-boosting benefits instead—it’s not about looking a certain way!

Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which can enhance your overall health and self-esteem. Regardless of your fitness inclination (which I admit, is not very high), we all can appreciate the feeling of being energized!

While we’ve all been told about the significance of “beauty sleep,” the truth is sleep indeed contributes to our appearance. Adults generally need around seven to nine hours of rejuvenating sleep each night. Even a small increase in hours can deliver noticeable improvements. Adequate rest can help diminish wrinkles, dark circles, and dry skin, enhancing your overall glow.

The food we consume can significantly influence our beauty, from reducing wrinkles to achieving a radiant complexion. Instead of following restrictive diet fads, let’s appreciate the beauty-enhancing properties of whole foods.

For example, avocados may provide UV skin protection, while walnuts combat inflammation. Foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, can give your skin a warm glow. Vitamins C and E work together to shield our skin from sun damage while promoting collagen production. (Curious about collagen? Let’s dive deeper!)

Let’s turn to the popular topic of edible collagen. Regular consumption of collagen promises beneficial effects on our skin, hair, and nails.

Collagen is a fundamental protein found abundantly throughout our bodies. It connects tissues and maintains their structure. Supplements derived from sources like fish, chicken, cow, and pig are thought to enhance skin elasticity and potentially reduce wrinkles. (For additional insights, see “An ND explains the science of collagen.”)

One notable supplement often seen in health shops is biotin, or vitamin B7, which is naturally occurring in various foods such as organ meats, egg yolks, fish, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, and almonds.

Biotin supplements are commonly advertised for improving hair, skin, and nails, primarily because low biotin levels can lead to various issues like rashes, hair thinning, and brittle nails. Maintaining adequate biotin levels can help mitigate these symptoms and contribute positively to your beauty journey. Just keep in mind that biotin might influence certain lab results, so inform your healthcare provider if you have upcoming tests.

Probiotics are beneficial for our gut and overall wellness, while prebiotics serve as food for these healthy bacteria. Together, they significantly influence numerous bodily functions, including skin health. Research suggests that this combination may aid in treating acne and protecting against sun damage. Though studies are ongoing, it’s evident that a healthy gut is linked to enhanced skin!

Several months ago, I incorporated a prebiotic/probiotic blend into my routine through a beauty powder. Within weeks, others noted my glowing skin, and a persistent rash on my chest disappeared. The only change I made was adding that blend!

You are inherently beautiful and deserving. Do you recognize that? Do you truly feel it?

Dedicate time to honor your body today. Reflect on the journey you’ve undertaken and how your conception of beauty has transformed over the years. Once you acknowledge that you are worthy of beauty and a fulfilling life, your perspective shifts—not only regarding how you view yourself but also how you interact with the world. Until you believe this deeply, no amount of beauty products, diets, or workouts will allow you to truly see it.

This narrative appeared in the June 2019 edition of The Windows Club Canada, titled “The Thoughtful Glow-Up.”