Yes, you read that right! Selfcare is the new sexy and I’m going to explain why.
In western culture, our attractiveness and sexy-worthiness seems to be measured in how we look, but specifically in how closely we resemble a certain image. There are many influencers out there – the Kardashians come to mind – who have been very powerful in shaping a certain ideal look. Bee-stung lips like this; breasts shown like this; bums like this shape and size. There are girls still in school getting lip fillers to look like Kendall Jenner.
This is not selfcare. Our attractiveness actually comes from within. It’s a sense of wellbeing that we radiate, which can’t come from a syringe or any other form of surface intervention. And it’s not age-specific – any woman has this whatever phase in life she’s in.
I’m saddened by the news of Linda Evangelista, you may remember her as one of the first “super models” in the 1980’s who famously said she wouldn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000. She’s now in her fifties, and unhappy with her body shape, subjected herself to some anti-fat treatment that went wrong and she is now grossly disfigured. Read her story here and let it be a reminder of the dangers of focusing on the external rather than the internal.
In contrast, I think of my first trip to Rome when I was 18. I was struck by the beauty of the women there which wasn’t defined so much by how they looked – although the matching accessories and stylish hair, makeup and clothing were gorgeous – but by the way they held themselves as they moved. How they walked. Their self-confidence and contentment surrounded them like an aura, especially so with the more mature women.
It was clear they looked after themselves and made the effort to present themselves in a way that pleased them. They weren’t all trying to look the same! Their easy smiles said, “I’m happy with myself”. If a compliment came their way, then great – a bonus but not the main event.
So, selfcare is neither an indulgence nor a chore. Invest in your wellbeing with joy, not for him/her, but for YOU. And when you value and love yourself, you will naturally attract appreciation. Your positive energy will be sensed by others, and that’s the source of your attractiveness. It’s not how you look, but ultimately how you feel. On the inside.
Selfcare can include:
- eating healthily
- exercising/walking/hiking
- practicing yoga/meditation/pranayama
- gardening
- reading
- laughing with friends
- travelling
Whatever flies your kite! And these things are cheaper and less painful than cosmetic procedures! When you feel good, you look good, regardless of age, shape, height and size. It’s all about attitude, it’s that simple.
And that’s why selfcare is the new sexy!
Check out my YouTube Channel for information on yoga and pranayama practices.