There are some people you just envy not because they have perfect features, or they never have a bad hair day. It’s because they have a countenance about them that make them appear like models on the cover of a magazine.

What is the cause of this radiance or glow? Good health and good grooming definitely play a role, but that’s only part of the picture. The way you feel can make a big difference in how you look. A positive attitude, interest in others, and a stress-free life can make the difference between a face full of frown lines and one of contentment.

Since life rarely goes smoothly all of the time, it is up to us to promote that inner well-being through exercise and meditation. At least once each day it is important to take time for your mental health. There are a number of meditation tapes or CDs of soothing music which you can purchase to assist you in finding that inner calmness. And with some simple techniques you can meditate in your own surroundings.

The most important step is choosing a quiet, semi-dark room where you can be assured of privacy. The idea is that you will begin to relax and all of your tension will melt away. Get in a comfortable position such as sitting in a cozy chair or cross-legged on the floor.

Close your eyes and become aware of your breathing. Slowly inhale through your nose. As you inhale contemplate a positive attribute or thought. Pause for a few seconds, then exhale letting the breath out through your mouth. As you exhale you might try thinking of releasing a negative feeling or a worry.

There are many techniques that you can use. With some methods you repeat a phrase or mantra. There are some where you try to clear all thoughts out of your mind. With other procedures you choose one feeling or sensation, such as love, and think about all of its aspects.

It can happen that your body might feel so relaxed that you begin to drift into sleep. This can be counteracted by standing periodically for a short while. Some people are able to meditate for up to forty minutes, while others only have time for a ten to fifteen minute session. To get the full benefit, it is more important to consistently meditate for short periods, than try once in a while for a long session.

As meditation becomes a part of your routine, you’ll notice that you are not “wearing” your stress on your face. Those worry lines and that furrowed brow will begin to disappear. When troubling or anxious thoughts begin to creep into your mind, you’ll be able to dispel those ideas more quickly. An inner peace that no make-up can produce will become noticeable. Your friends will observe your inner peace. Feeling good inside is half the battle to looking fabulous on the outside.

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