As most of us know, feeling good about ourselves means feeling sexier, too. Of course feeling sexy is not the be all and end all of self esteem, but, if you're part of the human race chances are you want to feel sexy and comfortable in your own skin even if you're not currently engaging in sexual activity with a partner.
Yes, the partner is intentional; I believe making love to and with ourselves counts as sexual activity.
Exercise is crucial to our sense of self worth, self image, and of course, our overall health and fitness level. For a breakdown of how, exactly, exercise can improve a person's ability to feel hot and sexy, the following link gives detailed explanations including endorphin rushes and confidence levels. http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongfitness/a/exercise_sex.htm
It is with this in mind that I begin my Top Ten Ways to Feel Sexy with, yes, you called it:
1. Exercise - with the blood literally flowing to all areas of our bodies, we are energized, revitalized and simultaneously more relaxed. Irritability levels plummet and feelings of sensuality and joy begin to resurface.
2. Eat Something Delicious, But Only a Small Amount - I'm talking about taste, sensory delight, profound pleasure, but not going far enough to feel guilty, overly full or comatose.
3. Connect with Nature - the original source of our sexuality, the Earth itself abounds in sensual delights which are stimulating for us in the visual and auditory, olfactory and tactile. Taking a whole three or four hours outdoors can do wonders for your perspective making you feel good about life, love, sex, your body, yourself.
4. Get a Massage - doesn't have to be an expensive professional massage. This can be done by a friend or even for a few extra dollars at the pedicure place. Even a pedicure itself can access pressure points to bring you back into your body and help soothe you into a receptive, sexy state of mind.
5. Listen to Your Favorite Music and Dance To It - If no one is watching and that's the way you like it or, dance at a party with friends, strangers, or whomever you feel the most comfortable and sexy around. Taking a dance class like salsa or flamenco, something fiery and Latin can spice things up as well.
6. Take a Day Off of Work and Do Something Spontaneous and Decadent - Go for the longest drive you can stand in the countryside and then stop and have a nice long meal somewhere.
7. Go Swimming - This is one of the most sensual activities you can do. You are weightless in the water allowing you to put aside body image issues for a time. The water itself is healing, nurturing, has an almost magical quality. The exercise will get your heart beating faster while the cool water glides across your skin. Sexy.
8. Chocolate - Now this is a no-brainer for most of us. They say it stimulates similar chemical responses as falling in love so how can we go wrong with a little dark goodness?
9. Watch a Foreign Movie. Yes, a different culture, yes, a good, weepy storyline, yes a foreign language full of mystery and intrigue. This is another way to unwind, relax our judgments toward ourselves and others, loosen our binding responsibilities.
10. Take a Nap - Frighteningly, most of our anger, tension, irritability, and subsequent pent-up emotion and sexuality is largely a result of total, sheer exhaustion. Simply allowing yourself a time to sleep during the day on a Saturday or an off day is a wonderful, nurturing way to recharge and get your mojo back.
Here's to Hot, Lovely, Sexy Sexiness!