Need another excuse to get your nails done?
I was scrolling through social media the other day and saw a nail technician’s post about why getting your nails done improves your wellbeing. Now I don’t really need another reason to get my nails done…I’m sold already…and I know she had a financial reason for convincing more people to get their nails done, but even with that in mind, what she said made sense.
Of course, now that I want to share her message, I can’t find the posting, but let me tell you in essence what it said. Seeing something pretty releases the feel-good chemicals, dopamine and oxytocin. In addition, noticing pleasant things strengthens neural pathways tied to gratitude and happiness.
There’s really no better place to put that beauty than on the ends of your fingers, because your fingers are in your line of sight much of the time. Every time you reach for something, while you are typing or writing, when you pet the dog, or wash your hands…you get the idea.
I hadn’t thought about that before, but it’s true. Sometimes, I catch myself just looking at my nails and appreciating the nice color or the intricate artwork.
And since I want to share all that beauty, here are some of my favorite nail designs from over the years.
Your turn
- Do you enjoy getting your nails done?
- Do you have other ways of incorporating beauty into your everyday life?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love hearing from you.
You have had some adorable nails over the years! So cute!! You know I’m a believer. I’m going to keep these pics for ideas for my nails.
Thanks Cindy. You’re the one who really got me started with a gift certificate to see Megan. So thank you for that!
LOVE getting my nails done! finally found someone new after 3 months without getting them done regularly and it has improved my mood so much! I don’t usually do much for my appearance on a day to day bases, so having my nails done makes me feel a bit put together and cute, even if nothing else is done. Such cute designs you have posted!
It’s so hard changing nail artists, isn’t it, Liz? I had to find a new person when I moved down south and then again recently when my lady here closed her business recently. I did find someone new that I like, though, so hopefully she’ll be around for a while. I know exactly what you mean by having pretty nails making you feel put-together. I feel the same way. I’m glad you are back to getting your nails done regularly. XO
Hi Christie – I’m a life-long nail biter and have had no success in stopping completely over the years. Hence my natural nails are very average to say the least (not chewed down stumps, but not particularly pretty either).
I used to get my nails done when I was working for several years – it looks a lot nicer when you’re on a reception desk and justified the expense. But now I just leave them in peace and just try to keep them out of my mouth….
Luckily, nail biting is not one of my habits, Leanne, but I have sisters that were nail biters. When we were young, our grandmother promised to sew us each a maxi dress (when they first came into vogue) if we let our nails grow out for a set period of time. I’ve forgotten how long. Anyway, I had an advantage since I already let me nails grow, but I still got the dress! I can see where you might let your manicures go, if it’s not something that lights you up. There are plenty of other places to spend your time and money that bring you joy.
I really enjoy having my nails decorated; but I’ve pretty much always done them myself. In high school I actually had special nail brushes to paint my own designs on them. Now I tend to use nail wraps as they are much easier/faster and I don’t have to worry about smudging them and letting them dry. But I do find my nails grow so much longer and break far less then when they aren’t decorated.
I love that you can do your own nails, Joanne. You are more talented than I am. One thing I love about gel polish is that it dries fast and hard, so you don’t have to worry about smudging or chipping it. Also, my nails are actually stronger with the gel polish on them. I can’t remember the last time I broke a nail. I do remember the days when I used to paint my own nails or even get manicures with traditional polish, and they always got smudged almost without fail. Or what about getting pedicures, and you had to wear those flimsy flip-flops while they set…no matter the weather?
I used to get mine done all the time. But, my nails are so thin and bad that they would inevitably curl off the back of the acrylic nail. My natural nails never grew to be long enough I wouldn’t need the acrylics. So, they were constantly being taken off and replaced. I just decided it wasn’t worth it for me. Ironically, my mom had to soak her nails for a long while in order to just trim them! I loved getting mine done, and I love all the designs on yours. Strangely, I don’t have that problem with my toenails! Weird, right? So, I get pedicures instead. Maybe, this still works for pretty toes!
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Yes, Marsha, pretty toes definitely count, especially when paired with cute sandals. Have you tried the new gel polishes? They paint right over your natural nails, but dry hard and protect the nail? I tried acrylics for a short time, but had more problems than they were worth, especially considering my natural nails do grow pretty well on their own.
I love your nail art! (and love how you have so many pictures of them.) I’ve never been one for manicure (fingers) as i’m too often digging in the dirt, but I do love a nice pedicure. My last one, I tried the “natural trend” and oh dear, I absolutely miss seeing bright colors on my toes! Next one will be back to bright pink, or yellow, or coral. No art, just color.
Thanks Pat! Whenever I get nail art, I like to snap a picture. When I go with solid color…no matter how pretty…I rarely record it. I love that you go with bright, cheerful colors on your toes.
Your nails always look so nice. I often sit on my hands because I look like a farm hand. I keep thinking once I get the house clean this week, I’ll do my nails. Once I get the yard mowed on Saturday, I’ll paint my nails. Ha!! Never happens. I have 2 bottles of polish here on the kitchen counter that have been down here for a week. Maybe today will be the day.
Ah, thank you, Leslie. It’s one of my self-care habits. To be fair, if I had to do them myself, they’d never get done. If you enjoy doing your nails, you should definitely make time. If not, let it go! I know there are so many other things you enjoy doing with your time.