Health and Wellbeing, Ninemsn reports

Release those endorphins

On top of getting bikini ready and looking great for summer, exercise is also about feeling your best. Quite simply: exercise releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. 

 

Power it up

Still brushing with a manual toothbrush? Do yourself a favour by switching to the sonicare power brush, which can assist to remove more plaque and help brighten up your smile.

Try the Philips Sonicare FlexCare +, $229 RRP.

Eating for confidence

Instead of eating the foods that give you that instant 'tiramisu' (directly translates into 'pick-me-up') or drastic diet overhauls, choose the foods that provide long-term benefits to your body. Lisa Renn, author of Body Warfare says that with eating, there are many shades of grey. "Diet thinking tends to promote inflexibility — things are right or wrong, good foods or bad foods — and life is not like that."

Instead, continue eating lean meats and get plenty of fruit and veg. And nothing yells summer like seafood, a great source of nutrients.

Drink up!

Water has indisputably become the universal symbol of healthy living, and it's no wonder why. Dermatologists and doctors alike recommend drinking water for better-looking skin and a more youthful appearance. Afterall, water not only hydrates you, but flushes out toxins from our bodies.

And isn't everyone more confident with beautiful, clear skin?

Hair, be gone

Despite being permanent hair reduction rather than permanent hair removal, this really is a gem. If you'd squirm at the sight of hair anywhere but your head, laser hair removal will give you the confidence for years to come.

Imagine never having to shave again? Now that's something to smile about. Try: Laser hair removalist specialists Laser Clinics Australia.

See you later, Cellulite

Few women are lucky to escape the burden of cellulite-laden legs but a whopping 90% of us will have cellulite at some point in our lives. While an agreed-upon solution remains unknown, it's agreed that regular exercise and healthy eating can lessen your chances of further damaging your body. Some topical products claim to temporarily treat cellulite by smoothing dimpled skin.

Try: Silhouhette refining cellulite cream available from Guinot

Getting skin ready

Exfoliating and moisturise for silky smooth skin. If you don't have the time to exfoliate and moisturise daily, aim for once a week. If you're going to be out in the sun, look for products that have SPF for sun protection and aloe vera for its soothing qualities.

Fake it

Once you've exfoliated and moisturised, faking your tan is an easy way of becoming summer-ready in a matter of minutes. The beauty of tan is that it makes you look slimmer, giving you that added confidence when you bare your bikini body. You can choose the intensity of the tan colour (usually either a light glow, medium bronze or a deep tan) as well as pick from the product type (foaming products, creams or sprays).

Try: Self Tanning Cream for Face & Body (150ml) from Thalgo, $39.00 Thalgo

Be sun smart

Unlike the Mediterranean sun, the harsh rays downunder are particularly damaging to our skin. Throw your tanning oil in the bin and invest in broad spectrum sunscreen like SPF30+. Remember to reapply every two-to-three hours to avoid sun burn and the awful skin peeling that comes after. By protecting your skin, you'll not only help prevent cancer but keep your skin looking younger longer. Try: Jurlique's Sun Lotion SPF 30+, $70.00 available from Jurlique Australia.

Highlight your hair

Did you suffer from boring hair syndrome this winter? Perhaps you were content with a dull colour that matched the weather more than your mood? Lighten your hair by a shade or two this summer and get that instant confidence that comes with a subtle change to your appearance.

While it may not seem important, a happy outlook is a healthy outlook. What steps towards a healthy lifestyle do you adopt during summer?