5 Simple Ways To Look As Good As You Feel

Many of the same paths to wellness can lead to you looking good too. Here are five ways to look as good as you feel:

1. Hydrate

Water makes up approximately 50 to 70 percent of our body mass. The benefit of hydration is present in all aspects of your health, including physical activity, mood, thinking, digestion and circulation. With inadequate water intake your skin can become dry and tight. Dry skin is less resilient and elastic, making it more prone to wrinkling. We should be drinking 2 to 3 liters of water a day. Put down that coffee and grab a glass of water.

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2. Protect your skin

Using a hydrating moisturizer after showering is important, as hot water can remove all the moisture and oil out of your skin. Moisturizers act as a barrier, holding water in your skin. Don’t forget to use a sun protectant. Choose any product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant.

3. Catch some z's

We should all be sleeping at least 7 hours a day. Aside from being linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, a weakened immune system and mood swings, sleep deprivation leads to increased hunger and weight gain. Start tonight by setting up your bedroom to optimize your sleep environment. Create a relaxing routine that is free of your smart phone, tablet and television.

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4. Meditate

Stress is ubiquitous and spares no one. In excess, stress can take a toll on your hair, skin and nails. Meditation is an effective method to reduce stress. By engaging in this simple exercise, you will protect you health. Take a few minutes, anywhere and at anytime of the day. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.

5. Take the stairs

Exercise regularly. It has tremendous effect on our psychological and physical health. The key is to set aside a recurring protected time. For those extremely busy days, it is easy to find ways to incorporate healthier activity at work or in the home.

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Neil Tanna, MD, is a double board certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast and body. He serves as associate professor of surgery and associate program director of plastic surgery at Northwell Health. Dr. Tanna's work has been published in more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, and he has been invited to present at more than 100 national and international scientific meetings. Dr. Tanna is among a very small group of plastic surgeons in the world to have completed formal training in otolaryngology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and microvascular surgery.

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