Women have always felt the pressure to be beautiful which often equates to physical attributes such as having perfect proportions, a super thin body, beautiful hair, and flawless skin.  We see these images all the time in the media and at times can feel that something is wrong with us if we don’t match up. This pressure usually starts when young girls start to mature and turn their awareness to their changing bodies and also try to fit into society’s accepted views of beauty.

But at no time is the pressure more pervasive and persuasive than when a woman starts to notice the signs of aging. Billions of dollars are spent on anti-aging products, extreme diets and supplements that promise to reverse aging and give us back our youth. Plastic surgery also promises dramatic results and some women are needlessly going under the knife to achieve beauty and turn back the clock and sometimes end up looking like a completely different person.  One woman I know got pulled so tight around the mouth area she ended up looking like the Joker’s sister.

So how can a woman achieve ageless beauty at any age without spending a fortune on products, procedures, extreme diets or surgery?  First, we must realize that true beauty is not just physical. It is a combination of all the qualities of a person that delight the senses and please the mind. If a person is just attractive on the outside, but not on the inside, believe me, it shows.

Beautiful people are those whom others love to be around because they are happy, positive and glow with energy and enthusiasm.  And they are ageless because they never let age interfere with their quality of their life. If we can accept this concept of ageless beauty and focus more on a holistic approach, then we can stay beautiful at any age, take good care of our bodies, but not obsess about what our bodies look like compared to society’s youthful norm.

Here are some holistic tips, that focus on a balanced approach to achieving ageless beauty.

Mental Attributes:  Confidence, curiosity, acceptance of differences, enthusiasm, compassion and positivity are beautiful attributes that we all can possess at any stage in our lives. Also, we need to be proud of our age instead of being embarrassed. Instead of 60 being the new 40, why can’t we redefine what 60 really looks like when a woman possesses ageless beauty?  Wear your age well and be an inspiration to others.

Physical: Take good care of your body. Eat nutritious foods, drink a lot of water, and exercise every day. And also practice the art of self -care.—-Too many women take care of everyone else but themselves and consider it an indulgence to get a manicure, a massage or facial.  Remember, we can’t take care of anybody else unless we take care of ourselves.

Emotional: Love is the most powerful force in the universe, and before we can give it to anyone else, we must love ourselves first. Remind yourself of all your positive strengths and appreciate your body for all it does for you.  Also, let go of the past and resentment. Nothing speeds up aging faster than resentment. Remember that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.  The other person doesn’t even need to know that you forgave them.

Social:  Surround yourself with positive people and those who have interests similar to you.  Let go of the relationships that drain you or make you unhappy, or at least limit the time you spend with these psychic vampires.

Spiritual:  Realize that you are still here for a reason. Consider that you are a spiritual being having a human experience and start focusing on your passion and what it is you really want to do with your life. Now is the time!  What are you waiting for?

Again, achieving ageless beauty is attainable for any woman who utilizes a balanced approach to aging.  Also, skin products, procedures and surgery are always there for those who want them, but remember they can’t change us from the inside. I consider them to be icing on the cake, and you must have a good cake to put the icing on.

Sharkie Zartman Health Coach, Professor, Radio Host, Author

Sharkie Zartman, MA, is a college professor, a former All-American athlete, and award winning volleyball coach. She hosts Sharkie’s Pep Talk on HealthyLife.net Radio Network and is a certified health coach, speaker, and the author of five books including Shark Sense, Empowered Aging, Have Fun Getting Fit, Hey Sports Parents, and her newest, WIN at AGING. She is passionate about helping people take an empowered approach to life so they can have optimal health, happiness, and success at any age.