When you’re really busy with work, you probably don’t have loads of time to put into your appearance. Nonetheless, looking your best is going to help you project more confidence and make a positive impression on the people who you interact with professionally. Utilize self-care strategies that minimize the effort that you have to put into your appearance but also produce great results. Here are a few simple but important things that need to be a part of your regimen to present a polished, professional image.
1. Get Enough Sleep
If you had to choose just one essential thing that you need to look and feel good everyday, it would probably have to be sleep. Getting enough rest is essential to power through a busy workday and be in top form. Without sufficient sleep, you’re going to be really susceptible to midday fatigue and you’ll have a harder time focusing. Furthermore, both acute and chronic sleep deprivation can take a serious toll on your appearance.
When you don’t get enough sleep, it really shows. Dark circles and bags under your eyes are one of the most telltale signs. Visible effects on people’s skin are also common. While you’re at rest, your body gets to work on cellular regeneration that keeps skin looking healthy. If your body doesn’t have the opportunity to carry out restorative functions during sleep, you may experience more dryness in your skin and age-related damage might appear more pronounced.
Treat sleep like a top priority, and work on developing habits that will help you get the rest that you need every night. Make it a point to go to bed around the same time every night. Being consistent about your sleeping and waking hours will make it easier to fall asleep when you need to.
2. Make Every Day a Good Hair Day
When you’re having a good hair day, it can be a real confidence booster. Great-looking hair is bound to get noticed and maybe get you a few compliments. However, if you have to spend an hour on styling before you head out to work every day, you may need to rethink your hair care.
First and foremost, you need to use products that will help you maintain healthy hair. A lot of things can damage your hair. Excessive sun exposure, frequent dying, or intense heat from dryers and styling wands can make hair super brittle.
Damage that dries your hair also makes it more unruly. Just hours after taming your locks to your satisfaction, you may notice that half of all the hair on your hand is practically standing on end or splaying out in different directions. Use shampoos and conditioning products that build moisture into your hair and fortify it against damage.
Opt for a cut that doesn’t require a ton of maintenance. Wash-and-wear styles can be just as eye-catching as styles that entail laborious upkeep.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
It is important that your style makes you appear professional and well put-together. However, when you’re choosing clothes and shoes for work, you have to pick comfortable options. Constrictive clothing can feel chafing and prevent you from moving freely. Some people think really slim-fit apparel makes them look slimmer, but it actually does the opposite.
Comfortable footwear is a must. Shoes that hurt your feet or slow down your gait are never a good idea, particularly in work settings where your appearance has to convey competence and professionalism.
Wearing sensible footwear will help you get through your day more comfortably and confidently. If you spend a lot of time on your feet every day, consider using inserts for arch support.
Ultimately, as a busy professional, you have to assign the right priority to various components of caring for your appearance. Ignore marketing campaigns urging you to do frivolous stuff. When you invest time and money in your appearance, focus on the fundamentals to get a practical return on your investment.