Always check your inner beauty first
Without inner beauty, outer beauty is just a facade. Psalm 139:23-24 tells us to examine ourselves before the Lord. Check in with Him daily. His Word is the first mirror we should be seeking.
Pray this: “Dear Lord, help me to SHINE YOU, and not ME. Cause my inner beauty, the confidence I have in You, to boldly proclaim your beauty. Cause my very countenance to reflect You in everything I do and say.”
Be careful-watch your sugar and salt intake
Sugar can age you and salt will make you feel bloated and look swollen. No one wants to look extra wrinkled or like a blown up balloon. Avoid these two enemies.
Cry
Yes. Schedule a good cry-fest. Ever just seem so frustrated, stressed and overwhelmed that it led to crying? Most likely you felt better afterwards. It is a scientific fact that crying rids our body of hormones that can be toxic to our emotional and physical well-being. Excess stress hormones will take a toll on your body and age you quicker than necessary.
Don’t compare and have realistic expectations
Comparing ourselves to others steals our joy. The Lord has us in the place we are in for a purpose. Do your very best, with the resources you have, to the glory of God. Contentment is key to embracing the beauty of life.
Exercise
The benefits of exercise far outweigh the toil of the process. More than just toning your muscle, it makes you a happier person. It’s a natural anti-depressant. It gives you that rosey-cheeked glow and it strengthens your heart. Stop using the excuse that you don’t have time. Make time!
Just by exercising 20 minutes a day can help you feel so much better. Go give yourself that mood booster today!
Friendship
Cultivate friendships with other women. Lay aside your insecurities and be vulnerable.
Choose edification and encouragement over seeking to “one up” the other person.
Go on regular dates
Make every effort to date your husband weekly. Married couples who date regularly tend to stay more connected and close.
Hygiene
Brush your teeth, shower, and get dressed first thing in the morning! It will make you feel better and ready to conquer the day!
Intimacy
Make love to your husband. This is one of the benefits of marriage. On days when you are tired and burnt out it may seem like a curse. Choose to make it a priority. Pick a day (in your mind and and don’t tell him). Plan all day. Think about ways you can surprise him after the kids go to bed.
Pursue him with your eyes, your words, and your touch.
Jeans-skinny
Do you have a weight loss goal in mind? Stick to your goal. Hang that pair of skinny jeans you’ve been dreaming of fitting into front and center in your closet as a reminder.
Keep tabs on your health
Get regular check ups. Has it been awhile since you’ve had a full blood work up done? You might suggest having them check your thyroid, sugar, and vitamin D levels.
Laugh, smile, hug and kiss
There is a cute, older lady at our church that hugs and kisses everyone she sees. She puts a smile on my face and a cherry colored lipstick stain on my cheek. Receiving and giving affection raises your hemoglobin levels. Who knew? Laughing and smiling raises your endorphins as well.
Make a new purchase
Don’t go crazy but do find time to treat yourself. Pick a time when you have a little extra cash. Be frugal, but buy something you really enjoy. One of my favorite things to do is shop at thrift stores. Maybe purchase a small bottle of your favorite perfume? Buy a new pair of high heels? Whatever makes you feel pretty and feminine. Perhaps some new lingerie? Remember what that looks like?
Never let yourself get too “H.A.L.T”
I read something once that said never let yourself get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. So true!
Open your curtains
The winter can put us into serious “blue-mode”. When there is a sunny day, open up all your curtains and let the sunshine warm your face. Soak up some vitamin D.
Pamper day
Pick a day during the week to pamper yourself. It doesn’t have to be the same day each week. Do things through the day as your schedule permits. Maybe do some extra shaving, plucking, tweezing or clipping. Lotion your legs, arm and face. Scrub your feet. Lotion them and paint your nails. After the kids go to bed, put on refreshing facial mask. Maybe take a bubble bath? It is sure to rejuvenate you.
Sometimes I like to take a second shower at night, just so I can stay in there as long as I want without little people interrupting me.
Quiet time
Find some time, whether it is 2 minutes or 2 hours, to have some scheduled quiet time in your home. Turn off all electronic devices that make any noise. Sit quietly. Read a book.
Lower all voices to a hush.
Relax
Don’t be so uptight! Learn to have fun and not take life so seriously. Stress will add years to your life. It also has the ability to cause major health problems.
Sleep
Get a good night sleep. Managing cortisol levels is super important for our health!
Tone and tighten up
Add some strength training exercises into your day. Lift some weights. Do a short workout video. Lay on the floor and raise your baby up and down- just watch up for that drool!
Understand and be flexible
Sometimes, no matter how we plan our day, it can get shaken up. Kids wake up early from naps. Loved ones get sick. Unforeseen trials can and will hit your family. Learn to be flexible and trust God’s timing.
Vacation
Has it been awhile since you and your hubby went on a vacation without the kids? Trust me, it will be good for your marriage and good for the kids. Even just one overnight someone would be great.
Wear some flirty clothes
For your husband- after the kids go to bed.
Wear something that he really loves and makes you feel sexy.
X-press yourself
Do something you enjoy every day. Whatever makes you feel alive and creative and beautiful!
You need to check your fiber
Not getting enough fiber in our system can make you feel down right miserable. It will leave you feeling bloated, tired and irritable. Check your plumbing.
Zip it
A gossip is very unbecoming! She is also known to be crude and cruel. Have your conversation honest among men and God. You will make yourself more beautiful for it. Also put aside the negativity. Learn to be more positive and optimistic.
I love this! Thanks for sharing. Super practical and not what I was expecting. I do appreciate the sugar/salt reminder. And especially liked the Q,R,S,T, and U.
You’re welcome!