Beautiful You feature: Top five ways to look, feel great

The secret to looking good and feeling great is actually not a secret, it’s pretty logical when you think about it.

It’s a combination of physical and mental wellbeing, which doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be overly complicated. You might just need to change your way of thinking and dedicate more time to the task. Here are our top five ways to look and feel great …

1. Exercise

The benefits of exercise, in terms of physical and mental wellbeing, are well documented and include increased energy and mood levels, improved physical health, disease prevention, better sleep and many others.

Adding exercise to your routine does not have to cost the earth, with heaps of low-cost and free activities on offer across the City of Moreton Bay. Check out council’s Healthy and Active Moreton program.

The Redcliffe Peninsula offers a network of scenic walking and cycling paths, with views that make you forget you are exercising. Many local parks also have free-to-use outdoor gym equipment.

2. Eat well

Healthy eating may help you live longer, keep your skin, teeth and eyes in tip-top condition, support muscle development and function, boost immunity and lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend people eat a variety of nutritious foods from the five food groups (vegetables, fruit, grains/cereals, meat/alternatives and dairy/alternatives) every day, and drink plenty of water. You should limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars, and alcohol. 

3. Catch up with friends

Spending time with friends and meeting new people can be good for the soul, lifting mood and energy levels.

One-on-one catch-ups with close friends or group gatherings don’t have to be huge social events and can be as simple as going out for coffee, heading to the beach or enjoying a backyard barbecue. 

4. Volunteer/give back

Philanthropy and volunteering not only benefit our community but also those who donate their time and energy.

The act of giving makes us feel good, adding value and purpose to our lives no matter what age we are. It also provides opportunities to meet new people, develop new skills and become more active.

5. Take time out

Making time to relax and doing something you enjoy is central to mental wellbeing at all stages in life.

You know best what those activities are. They could be reading a book, watching a movie, meditating, going for a walk or even riding a motorcycle up the coast. Carve out some time and do whatever works for you. It’s important.