At Your Best
When that "mom"-entary lapse of self-confidence sets in, we always have two choices: We can dwell on the negative (the love handles that won't shrink, the energy we don't have, the acne that just doesn't want to leave) or we can make an effort to pull ourselves out of our funk. "Looking and feeling your best starts with you," says Lazina Mckenzie, founder and CEO of Style Ivy—an online program that teaches women how to style and brand themselves. "I can definitely say that you can look and feel your best immediately—regardless of your body shape or budget," she says.
In the Middle
When it comes to looking your best, always focus on highlighting the smallest part of your waist, suggests Mckenzie. "I know this might seem counterintuitive, especially if you're uncomfortable with your tummy," she says. "But regardless of your shape, wearing a blouse or dress that narrows a bit at the waist is actually going to visually draw attention to that small part of your torso and will make your legs look longer and leaner." A few garments that will achieve this effect include wrap or faux-wrap dresses and blouses.
Quality Over Quantity
While it may seem outrageous that a pair of dress pants at one store could cost more than four pairs at another, you may want to consider having a couple of high quality garments in your closet. "As soon as you wear something that is made well, you immediately feel put-together," says Mckenzie. "This doesn't mean that you need to wear head to toe silk. Instead, look for material with higher thread count, better stitching and better lining."
Shoulders Back
When you're feeling down, chances are it's manifesting itself into your posture, causing you to slouch more than usual. Not only will good posture make you appear more confident, it's also "super stylish," says Mckenzie. Doing a simple "shoulder roll" to encourage your shoulders to shift back and lifting your chin slightly so that your head is level should do the trick. Or, stand with your backside against the wall and then slowly walk away as you try to maintain the uprightness.
Spring in Your Step
Just putting on your favorite pair of shoes can immediately transform both your look and mood, says Jia Wertz, owner of New York City fashion boutique Studio 15, who likes to quote Christian Louboutin's style wisdom: "Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally." But if you have yet to find that perfect pair, Mckenzie suggests trying out an almond-shape or pointed-toe shoe. "A shoe with this shape immediately makes your legs look longer and leaner. Who doesn't want that?" she says.
The Lipstick Trick
Even if you can't do your full makeup routine, figure out what you can apply in under three minutes so you'll always leave home feeling presentable. Wertz suggests putting on a quick under-eye coverup, a few swipes of mascara and your favorite lip gloss or lipstick to make you feel and look put-together in no time at all. Interestingly, makeup can do more than just boost yourself-confidence. One study led by Harvard and Boston University researchers found that wearing makeup—especially lipstick—caused others to perceive women as more competent, likeable and trustworthy.
Feeling Berry Good
As the old adage goes, you are what you eat. And as Rebecca Lewis, a registered dietician with HelloFresh, notes, "Your skin is especially a reflection of what you've been eating." Vibrant, healthy and clear skin comes from the inside out and our skin's health has strong ties to our diet she adds. Incorporate more dark purple or red fruits and veggies (think berries, plums, tomatoes and sweet potatoes) or bright greens (such as spinach, kale and broccoli) into your diet. These are rich in antioxidants like vitamins A & E, which fight inflammation, causing you to feel at your best and your skin to look its best.
MORE: Energy Boosting Smoothie
Cinnamon Over Sugar
While we're quick to put the kibosh on sugar in our kids' diets, are we following our own rule? All it takes is one busy week and suddenly iced mochas and chocolate-coated protein bars become our go-to breakfast. But according to Lewis, sugar puts extra stress on us internally, which then shows up on our skin. "A high intake of sugar raises our insulin levels and causes stress in the production of our hormones like testosterone which have been linked to causing skin inflammation like acne," she says. Instead, opt for anti-inflammatory spices, such as turmeric, ginger and cinnamon, and drink green tea. If coffee is a necessity (as it is for most moms), sprinkle cinnamon over the coffee grounds before brewing to add a touch of flavor and minimize the need for sugar.
Water Works
While another coffee may be what you habitually reach for as a pick-me-up, the fatigue you're feeling may be a sign of dehydration. When your energy is waning, down a glass of water. Plus, the extra hydration will only help your skin look more refreshed and less oily, says Lewis. "When we are dehydrated, our skin is one of the first places to show theproblem. Initially, skin becomes dry and this causes us to produce extra oil to try and keep our skin hydrated. However,this can lead to overly zealous oil production," she says.
Follow Your Nose
Lifting your spirits could be as easy as the next breath you take. For instance, research has shown the scent of pine can alleviate stress; citrus can make you more alert; and peppermint can elevate your mood while stimulating your mind. "Do some research on what aromas you need to feel your best and invest in candles or lotions in that scent," suggests Sarah Theresa Pendley, stylist and creator of the beauty and fashion YouTube channel Style, Edit, Repeat. "Take time each day to sit and take in the fragrance, clearing your mind and boosting your mood," she says.
Smile Like You Mean It
Even if you're not in a smiling mood, forcing yourself to put on a happy face has been proven to make you happier and decrease stress. As an alternative, merely surrounding yourself with smiling people can produce similar results. And even if you might not believe it at the time, your smileis your best asset, says Pendley. "Make a conscious effort to smile and you will instantly appear confident and composed," she says. "A genuine smile will also put your counterparts at ease, allowing any conversation to flow smoothly and naturally."
