When we think of wellness, we often focus on physical health – exercise, nutrition, and avoiding illness. However, wellness is a multifaceted concept that encompasses our physical bodies. One dimension of wellness that is often overlooked is our appearance. Our appearance can have a significant impact on our well-being. How we look can affect how we feel about ourselves, how others perceive us, and our level of confidence and self-esteem.
Many factors contribute to our appearance, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. While we may not be able to control all of these factors, there are things we can do to enhance our appearance and improve our overall wellness. Indeed, the trend of non-surgical procedures enhancing one’s appearance has been gaining popularity in recent years. Many males and females opt for these procedures to achieve a more youthful and healthy look without invasive surgery. One of the main advantages of non-surgical procedures is that they typically involve minimal downtime and are less invasive than surgical options. They can often be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients can return to normal activities the same or the next day. Non-surgical procedures can include a variety of treatments, such as injectables, laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are some of the most popular non-surgical procedures. These treatments work by relaxing facial muscles or adding volume to areas of the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
It’s important to note that non-surgical procedures are not without risks or potential side effects. It’s crucial to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced professional to ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively. Patients should also have a realistic expectation of what can be achieved with non-surgical procedures and be prepared for the possibility of needing multiple treatments to achieve their desired results. Furthermore, our mental state can have a significant impact on our appearance. When we are feeling stressed, anxious, or unhappy, it can show in our physical appearance in a variety of ways. For example:
Skin: Stress and anxiety can cause inflammation and breakouts on the skin, leading to a dull, tired, and unhealthy appearance.
Hair: Negative emotions can cause hair loss and lead to a dry and brittle texture.
Body: When we feel down or anxious, we may be more likely to slouch or hold ourselves in a tense, rigid posture. This can lead to chronic aches and pains and overall discomfort.
Eyes: Our mental state can affect the appearance of our eyes, causing them to look tired or puffy. Stress can also cause dark circles under the eyes.
Weight: Our emotional state can impact our weight, as stress and anxiety can lead to overeating or undereating.
In addition to these physical effects, our mental state can influence how we present ourselves to the world. When we feel confident and optimistic, we are more likely to stand up straight, make eye contact, and engage with others in a friendly and outgoing manner. Conversely, when feeling anxious or down, we may be more likely to avoid social situations, speak softly or hesitantly, and generally come across as less confident and self-assured. A recent article by McKinsey & Company envisions the future of wellness in 2023. The wellness industry is now worth $1.5 trillion with an expected yearly 5% to 10 % increase.
“…consumers are most interested in six wellness categories: health, fitness, nutrition, appearance, sleep, and mindfulness.”
In the Arab world, appearance, and wellness are highly valued, and people care significantly about maintaining physical and mental health. Many Arab countries have a rich history of traditional medicine and natural remedies, which are still widely used today alongside Western medicine. For example, in Egypt, people often use herbal remedies to treat common ailments. In addition, traditional massage techniques are used to promote relaxation and well-being. Despite the emphasis on appearance in the Arab world, many voices advocate for a more holistic approach to wellness. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in yoga and other forms of mindfulness-based practices, which emphasize the importance of inner well-being and self-care.
Overall, our mental state can profoundly impact our appearance in terms of our physical attributes and how we present ourselves to the world. Taking care of our mental health and well-being is important to look and feel our best inside and out. Adopting healthy lifestyle choices is something we heavily promote within our programs to help individuals achieve personal well-being and live fulfilling lives.
Here are some quick tips that can help you preserve your appearance:
Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help nourish the body and improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails.
Develop a skincare routine: Regular cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating can help keep the skin healthy and glowing.
Protect your skin from the sun: Use sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours to help prevent sun damage, which can contribute to premature aging.
Gibran Khalil Gibran, the Lebanese-American author, wrote in his book “The Prophet” about the importance of caring for one’s body and mind, stating, “Your body is the harp of your soul.” Gibran also emphasized the importance of balance in one’s life, stating, “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”
