The holidays are a great reminder for us to lavish love upon those whom we cherish. It is also a very good time to lavish love upon ourselves.  Think about it, being loved and cherished not only intensifies our sense of inner well-being but also radiates outwardly and enhances our beauty.

As the old adage reminds us “beauty is only skin deep.” We can make ourselves very attractive with clothing and accessories, but true beauty comes from within. How many times have you seen someone who is not conventionally attractive but is perceived as beautiful because he or she radiates a sense of well-being and inner knowing of their self-worth and purpose in the world? They are completely at ease with themselves and the people around them.

It is vitally important that we take as good care of ourselves within as we do on the outside. It is much easier, though, to enhance our external beauty than to develop aspects of ourselves that make us comfortable within our own skin and accepting of our perceived physical flaws. Many of us have internal gremlins that are hell-bent on eroding our confidence and self esteem. We can counter those critics by learning to accept ourselves as we are — large hips and all! Of course it is important that we try to modify negative behavioral patterns and take action to improve our physical well-being in any way we can. But always be realistic. Some of us simply don’t have a Julia Roberts smile. But a smile is a smile is a smile, and it can lift your spirits of those around you.

There are many simple things you can do to improve your inner well-being. Myriads of books and articles have great advice on how to achieve this, but here are some of my quick and easy pointers:

• Breathe! Learn some simple breathing techniques that are calming and centering.

• Avoid negative thinking and people!

• Take time out to truly relax whether it is just being quiet listening to music or taking a stroll alone or with someone you love.

• Turn the lights low or light candles when you eat, take a long bath or shower.

• Choose a physical activity that resonates with your body whether it be yoga, pilates, tai chi, qi gong, hip-hop, pole, swing or ballroom dancing, roller blading or simply walking. Make time for whatever it is regularly. Once you develop the habit, you’ll find your body demands that you keep it!

• Meditate. If sitting still for any length of time is challenging, try an activity like tai chi that incorporates meditation with movement.

• Find ways to create harmony in your mind and in your life through a mind-body practice.

• Be grateful each day for whatever it is that is good in your life whether it be health, loving family and friends, a roof over your head, a comfy bed, a delicious meal, a beautiful sunny day.

• Be optimistic against all odds.

• Live in the moment.

Remember we all have the capacity to be beautiful, no matter our physical appearance.

[Photo from HTB via Flickr]