Being comfortable in your own skin is the reflection of how others will see us. And while we know that real beauty lies deep beneath our skin, there is still so much more that we need to understand. Through the longest years of trying to fit into beauty standards, looking good has always been connected with feeling good, as much as feeling good is intertwined with looking good. It is a never-ending loop, and as our brains are wired with this thought process, we wouldn’t be able to control and realign our emotional responses.
For many, the cycle inevitably comes naturally. However, modern science and psychology are trying to let us know that looking good is not the only reason for us to feel good. Although a few cosmetic touch ups often boost one’s self confidence, feeling good is also related to one’s psychology.
What Does Looking Good and Feeling Good Actually Mean?
Taking the phrase “looking good, feeling good” as directly as it defines shows a reasonable meaning and explanation. However, it is also necessary to look at the phrase on a different and much deeper perspective.
When we say “looking good”, it should not only depict our physical appearance and external looks. Several linguists and researchers describe that looking good should also define our emotion and thoughts from within.
On the other side, “feeling good” is how you perceive and put thoughts into your way of thinking. When someone feels good, he or she should feel calmer and somewhat unbothered by external stress. Feeling good also has the capacity to influence the people around you, encouraging a lighter and better mood. However, if someone has a bad mood, our minds will still have to undergo a subconscious battle of whether or not we’ll get affected by it. This is why we should always be able to control ourselves and be stable with how one really feels.
What Should Come First, Looking Good or Feeling Good?
If you want to achieve the phrase’s genuine sense, experts recommend prioritising feeling good, as the looking good aspect will come afterwards. This is because being able to look good is not the only way to feel good, but feeling good can positively affect the way you will look.
Feeling good may begin from several aspects such as being content with your situation and having a positive outlook towards life. If you can look at the bright side of every situation, you will begin to learn how to appreciate yourself even more. This sense of self-worth will drive you towards maintaining and being a better version of yourself.
An individual’s self-confidence can provide great effects on their overall well-being. You can be productive, self-efficient, and happier without conflicting harsh and negative thoughts. As described earlier, looking good relates to feeling good about yourself, your appearance, and your surroundings.
How Do I Learn Feeling Good and Looking Good?
Find your desires
Being able to feel good starts from within. If you want to feel good about yourself, start looking at the mirror and talk to your current self. Ask yourself some personal questions like, “What is it that I don’t like about me?” or “What can I do to be more confident?”. There may be many factors to consider, but feeling good about yourself should be more subjective, and it all comes down on your preferences. If cosmetic surgery is what you want, then consult a specialist.
Be active
Many people who want to improve their outlook begins with lifestyle changes. Simply switching to a healthy diet, performing fitness routines, and engaging in activities that improve your overall health can bring mood changes resulting in feeling good.
Meditate and relax
Overcoming stressful events and avoiding overthinking is a critical factor in feeling good. Try pausing for a while to relax and meditate before your day ends, and you’ll surely feel better and peaceful from the inside. Whether you’re tired from your day-to-day chores, or just got home after a busy day at work, taking a break is important to keep yourself grounded and be in touch with your mental and emotional health.
Practice healthy diet
If you want to have a good looking figure, you can do so much more to improve. You can start by eating healthy to help enhance your physical attributes. Cut down on unhealthy, fatty, and junk foods and focus on a more natural and organic living. Learn how to control your appetite and decrease excessive intake of unnecessary food.
Take it one step at a time
Surely, the road towards looking good and feeling good is not as simple as it looks. Be patient and know that little progress is still progress, and is so much better than having no progress. Don’t get too frustrated if you don’t reach your goals as fast as others do, because we all have our own phases.
Practise being kind
When we say be kind, it does not only pertain to being kind to other people around you. It would be best if you also learned how to be kind to yourself. Self-love is the key to accepting who you really are, and sometimes, we forget our self-worth. There is nothing wrong with being kind to others, but practising being kind to yourself should also be your priority.
Don’t forget to listen to yourself
You should always know that no matter what happens, this is your life. How you should act, feel, and look is your choice. Don’t ever let anyone talk you down. Self-acceptance is always the first step towards confidence.