So you have a cold, and you look as bad as you feel — itchy, irritated eyes; swollen eyelids at half mast; a bright red nose; and dry, cracked lips. But you can’t stay in bed. Commitments and responsibilities require you to get up and get going. I’ll bet we can all relate. If this sounds like you, here are some tips on how to look like you’re on top of the world instead of under the weather.
- While you’re still in bed in the morning, fight back with a series of stretches to limber up and pump oxygen through your bloodstream to help get you moving. This should leave you feeling a little more alive.
- Once you’re up, it’s a question of bath or shower. A bath can be wonderfully soothing, but if time is short and you must shower, make it comfortably hot and steamy to help clear your sinuses. Let the water run over your neck and shoulders to limber you up further.
- After a bath or shower, apply your favorite moisturizing lotionas a protection against the drying effects of winter weather and central heating. While you’re at it, don’t forget to apply a light film of protective lotion on your face. If your nose is red and raw from continuous blowing, apply a little petroleum jelly on the area to the sore skin.
- Good eye drops will relieve irritated eyes and help red eyes look less aggravated. Cold compresses made from tea bags steeped in ice-cold water are good for swollen eyelids and puffiness under your eyes. The tannic acid in the tea reduces swelling and increases circulation. For best results, place a tea bag over each eye and sit back or lie down for five or ten minutes.
- Go light on breakfast but don’t skip it, even if you’re not hungry. You need it for energy. For something light, try juice and toast. Pop some vitamin C and drink extra fluids all day long to flush your system. Hot water with lemon juice and honeyworkwonders to soothe a sore throat, as does gargling with salt water or mouth wash. Honey soothes the throat and lemon cuts the phlegm. Drink it all day long.
- Don’t forget to brush your teeth — fresh breath makes you feel fresh all over. Even if you don’t feel like it, flash yourself a smile in the bathroom mirror; even a practice grin can perk up your mood.
- If you’re really feeling sick, you probably won’t want to wear makeup and perhaps ought to stay home altogether. But if you absolutely must go out, makeup is next and so essential to looking and feeling the best you can.
- Now that you’re relatively ready to get dressed, it time for some fashion therapy. It’s important to think of clothes power as a way of boosting your spirit. Now is not the time to wear your sloppiest, thrown-together outfit simply because you don’t feel good. Instead, wear a favorite, comfortable yet sharp looking outfit — one you often get compliments on. Avoid wearing red or green as they repeat or contrast with redness in your face. Look for something in a soft coral or shrimp, blue or gray.
- You may go through hot and cold spells throughout the day, so dress in layers to stay warm. If you feel flushed you can simply remove a layer and feel relieved. If you have a sore throat, wrap a silk scarf around your neck attractively. It feels great, and when you look great, chances are you’ll soon begin to feel more like it, too. That’s clothes power.
- Take care of yourself. There’s nothing better than hot chicken soup to soothe congestion and an aching body. Take a thermos of soup for lunch. It really does speed recovery.
- Yes, you can cough or sneeze into your elbow, but better yet, take a nice handkerchief with you and use that to cover your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze. Bring an ample supply of lotion-treated tissues for blowing your nose and throw them away immediately after using. If you can, wash your hands, with real soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer in a pinch. Excuse yourself from shaking hands, as hand-to-hand contact is the most common way to spread germs.
- Take eye drops, always a way to soothe and make your eyes look healthier.
- During the day, refresh your lipstick and spritz on some perfume.
- Most of all, think positively.
- Face the day with a smile and if you’ve followed these tips, people may not even know that you have a cold.
If you’d like to learn more about the influence of dress and image in your life, consider reading my Clothes Power book with instructions and examples regarding people a lot like you: Wardrobe Strategy book #1, Clothes Power for $27.97. You’ll find charts that will summarize the information and simplify your learning and application. Order through Conselle’s Store or call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy. Order Clothes Power.