The Scientific Reason For Why We Have 'I Feel Ugly' Days
I’ve said before that learning about the most random of things is one of my absolute favorite pastimes (I get it from my daddy). When it comes to this particular topic, though, what inspired it was a conversation that I was having with one of my clients about how to deal with her husband, who is “up” about 70 percent of the time — oh, but when he has a bad day, his energy tends to suck the life out of the house. He’s not mean, he’s just…low. And when she asks him why that is the case, he tends to say nothing more than “I’m just having a bad day.” (When I asked him for myself, he said that stress tends to overwhelm him at times.)
As she was asking for tips on how to deal with him when he’s in that kind of headspace, I ended up reading about the science of bad days, in general. The intel behind it? I don’t think that it will shock a lot of y’all. What it all basically boils down to is, if we think that we’re going to have a bad day or we’re in a bad mood and choose to stay that way, a bad day is exactly what we’re going to have. In other words, our mind has more power than our emotions to create whatever it is that we want (always remember that).
For instance, some studies reveal that more accidents tend to happen on Friday the 13th because a lot of folks put so much focus on it being a “bad luck day” that they end up cultivating circumstances for bad things to happen, oftentimes without even being (fully) aware of it.
Hmm…so if that’s the case when it comes to bad days overall, could there be some sort of correlation between why we have days when we feel way less attractive than others? Let’s do some digging and see.
Is There Really Such a Thing As “Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed?”
GiphyOkay, so before we get into the feeling ugly/unattractive part, since sometimes we call that “getting up on the wrong side of the bed,” how much truth is there to that saying? Good question. Again,when we get science in on all of this, it actually holds some weight and relevance. Probably the easiest way to explain it is our bodies naturally go through what are known as “mood cycles,” and it would appear that our lowest points happen around 5 a.m. while our highest is at 5 p.m. (right after work?!). What can intensify us having a lower mood is if we didn’t get a good night’s rest (or we dreamed something crazy because apparently there is a correlation betweendreams and the state of our mental health) — and well, there you have it: waking up on the wrong side of the bed.
So, if there is a scientific reason for being in a bad mood when you get up, can there also be one for not feeling like you look all that great as well?
Why Do You Feel Ugly Some Days and Not on Others?
GiphyIt’s another message for another time,all of the backstories behind whywe feel “ugly” sometimes. From the toxicity of the media and its beauty standards to whatever we heard from our parents and caregivers (about what beauty is and isn’t) to how we compare ourselves with our peers to the fact that all of us battle with self-esteem issues at some point or another — the reasons are vast. What I’m tackling today is why it seems like some mornings, we can wake up and grin back at our reflection while, just 24 hours (or a few days) later, we can damn near hate all of what we see…when the reflection hasn’t really switched up much at all.
Are you ready for what I found? When it comes to women, specifically, once again, you can “thank” your period. The word on the street is that when we go through what is known as the luteal phase (which is when our uterine lining thickens in order to prepare for the possibility of a fertilized egg), the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can wear us all the way out by leading to fatigue, erratic mood swings and, at the end of the day, just feeling kind of crappy overall (especially since that can be when we end up with period pimples and bloating too).
And what if you’re older and you’re shifting out of consistent menstrual cycles as you head towards the latter part of perimenopause and then menopause (and post-menopause)? There is also something known as “perimenopause depression,” where your estrogen levels significantly drop, and that can result in irritability, weight gain, and yes, feelings surroundinglow self-esteem.
In fact, sinceestrogen fluctuates pretty much every month — that can be another cause of semi-unpredictable “ugly” days: when your estrogen is low, you just don’t feel as great as when it is high(er); this is especially the case if your “feel-good hormones” like serotonin and dopamine aren’t where they need to be too.
What Do You Do on Days You Feel Ugly?
GiphySo now that you’re able to somewhat connect the dots when it comes to the reasons why you sometimes just don’t feel your best, is there anything that you can do about it — or do you just have to avoid all mirrors and hope that the next day will be better?
I’ve got a few tips that just might help.
Balance your hormones out (just a bit). Believe it or not, there are certain things that you can do that can help to balance your hormones out rather quickly: exercise; consume more protein (it can help to decrease stress and anxiety); eat less sugar (it can have your hormones going all over the place); take care of your gut (check out “80% Of Your Immunity Is In Your Gut. Take Care Of It Like This.”), and take a quick nap (so that you can “recharge”). Also, stepping out into the sun and hanging out with friends can help elevate your serotonin while listening to music and meditating can increase your dopamine.
Put on your favorite color and scent. Color psychology really is a thing (check out “Understanding Color Psychology Will Sharpen Your Lens On Life”). So, when you’re not feeling great about yourself, opt for a hue that professes otherwise.For instance, while yellow represents happiness and, green represents balance, pink represents love and blue represents calm. Also, believe it or not, there are scents that can help you to feel better about yourself, too.Some of those include citrus (it makes you feel joyful and energetic), lavender (it can make you feel more feminine),and sandalwood (it can make you feel sexier).
Do what makes you feel beautiful. I don’t know about y’all, but on the days when I’m “mirror dodging,” it’s easy to stay in that rut. Now I’m in dark colors, I’m rolling my eyes at putting on lipstick, and it’s easier to stay negative throughout the day. If you can certainly relate, the thing to keep in mind is there is “feeling ugly,” and then there is “believing that you are” — and your thoughts are stronger than your feelings.
That said, do what makes you feel beautiful by thinking about the actions that you can take to help with that. Paint your toes another color. Wear something that makes you feel extra pretty. Soak in a long and luxurious bath. Jot down a quick list of things that you love about yourself. Have some really amazing sex! At the end of the day, by definition, "beautiful" is about pleasure and satisfaction — so put your focus on what will cultivate those feelings for you.
___
One of those “days” is coming (again). Hopefully, all of this makes them make more sense.
Sis, you don’t have to take an “I feel ugly out of nowhere” day lying down.
When your hormones are clowning, now you know what to do to feel like your ole’ beautiful self — again.
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- How I Let Go of My Insecurities & Owned My Stretch Marks ›
- An Honest Conversation: I DON'T Have Pretty Privilege. And It Sucks. ›
Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
Skylar Marshai Talks Hair Reset With SheaMoisture Bond Repair 'Revive & Thrive' Campaign
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
Skylar Marshai is known for her extravagant style, and her hair is no exception. But now, she’s giving her hair a break and focusing on hair care with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection. “I feel like my hair has always been an extension of my storytelling because I know it's so innately linked to my self-expression that I've been thinking a lot about how my love for crafting my hair into these different forms and shapes has honestly never given it a chance to just be,” Skylar explains.
“So for the next few weeks, I will be wearing my natural hair out.” The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is infused with AminoBlend and HydroPlex technology, scientifically proven to make hair 6x stronger with 84% less breakage by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds (vs. non-conditioning shampoo). That’s why it's the perfect hair reset for Skylar.
“It's been a long, long time since I've worn my natural curls. I haven’t nurtured it in its natural form so I’m scared of breakage, of it being dry, of it being damaged,” she admits. “I do feel like my hair is in good hands because I will be using the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection and it’s known for repairing damaged hair making it smoother, making it stronger like all of these very real concerns I have.”
Thanks to the unique blend of Amino Blend Complex (fortifying amino acids), Amla oil, and fair-trade shea butter used in each product, the hair will become visibly healthier after just one use. That’s because the collection focuses on repairing and reviving dry, damaged hair due to color, protective styles, heat, and more. This 4-step system, which includes Bond Repair Shampoo, Bond Repair Conditioner, Bond Repair Masque, and Bond Repair Leave-in, also enhances weakened hair bonds to reduce future breakage.
Skylar shows us how she uses the collection and it’s giving big, beautiful, healthy hair. “So I think it's gonna be some beauty to allowing my hair to rest,” she says. When it comes to styling, the influencer is “just gonna let Mother Nature do her thing.” Learn more about the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection below.
Step One: Bond Repair Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are infused with the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, Shea Moisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Conditionerdeeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Feature image by @skylarmarshai/ Instagram
I Went To The Spa For A Deep Tissue Massage But Got A 'Happy Ending' Instead
As Told To is a recurring segment on xoNecole where real women are given a platform to tell their stories in first-person narrative as told to a writer.
This is Q's story, as told to London Alexaundria.
This was a few years ago. It had to be back in '21 because it was during the pandemic. And I work out, so my body is always sore, and normally, I would go to a chain, like a Massage Envy, for the most part. And I got bored with it. I got bored with changing locations. I got bored with changing the therapists.
And so I said, let me try to find something different. So what I did was, and it was like, later on in that evening. So I was trying to find somebody who do late-night massages outside of Jeju (Atlanta spa) and going that far. And so I did, like a simple Google search, just massage therapists that are open. I found one, and it was Black-owned, and it was in a reasonable amount of time. It wasn't too far, like it was less than 45 minutes from where I am. And I decided to give it a chance.
I wasn't looking for anything in particular except to get a really good deep-tissue massage because I was in a lot of pain, and they were open up until midnight, and so I went ahead and booked. I submitted my down payment, and I showed up. And when I showed up, it looked like it was maybe; I don't know if you want to call them; they could resemble homes, but it's like a plaza, I guess. It's his actual business. And when I went in there, it was clean. It was small and quaint, but it was very clean. No issues. And the massage therapist was very nice; very professional.
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He broke everything down for me. I told him my areas that I needed attention on, and then he gave me a few minutes just to get undressed. He said, if I'm comfortable, I can just lay on the table. If I would like to be covered up, just go underneath the cover. You don't have to get completely naked. You can keep your undergarments on if that's what you choose to do. But me, no matter where I'm at, no matter what type of massage I'm getting, I just like to be completely naked. And I just laid on top of the table because it was pretty warm in there. Like, it wasn't too cold, it wasn't too hot, it was just right for me. And so once he came in he got everything situated, he got the music playing, and he just gets to going, and he's massaging me on my back.
I opted for a deep tissue, and he's really focusing on my trigger points. And normally, when I get a massage, naturally, I'm relaxed. Naturally, I might get excited. But this time, it was different, and I think it was just because of the way that he really paid attention to my body. And not only was he good at paying attention to it, it had a certain type of sensualness to it. So I guess you can say it reminds you of something similar to a sensual massage therapist that you might see online, like a TikTok or Instagram. So it was something similar to that. So once he finished with my back, and he started going to my lower back and buttocks area, he went into my inner thighs, and he's doing my inner thighs and my calves. And the more he starts working my inner thighs, the more excited I'm getting.
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I'm getting super wet, but in my head, I'm thinking, okay, play it cool. Just be professional. Keep it going. But the more he kept going up my inner thighs, the more excited I got, and I know he felt how wet I was. The closer he got to my private area, I slowly open my legs up a little bit more so he can get the idea that I'm okay with him just going all the way through. And if you want to give me a happy ending, I'm okay with that too. But he still took his time, still kept massaging. And the more I opened up my legs, the closer he got, and then he had touched me on my vagina area, and I liked it, and I let out like a sigh.
And so he kept going and going and going. And then he didn't stop until I came. And once I came, he just like... it was nothing. Just kept massaging the rest of my body, and he told me to flip over. And when I flipped over, you know, he did the top portion of my body. He did like my temples on my head. He did my décolletage area, like the chest area. And then he did my legs and my feet, you know, on the top side. But then when he went into my inner thighs again, I get excited again, and he does it again, and so I come again, and after that, I'm completely relaxed, and this man is like, your massage is complete.
And I was just stunned, because I've never had that happen before, but it was amazing. And I said I could do this again. But then I started thinking, does he do this often? Or did he do it just because he knew that I was okay with about opening up my legs a bit more, so he knew that it was okay to keep going in that area. And I really didn't ask him, 'cause deep down inside, I didn't care. I just knew that it was something that I was going to keep with me that way if I want to see him again. I still got him in my back pocket, and I did see him again, but we'll save that for another time.
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