It’s no surprise to anyone why so many people don’t feel positive about their bodies in our society today. Images of the ‘ideal’ body for both women and men are plastered EVERYWHERE – magazines, television, advertisements, social media – unless you live under a rock, there is just no escaping it. I sometimes accidentally click the explore button on Instagram and find myself 50 weeks deep into an Instagram model’s feed, vowing I will never touch carbs again as THAT is what I want to look like in a bikini ( of course this doesn’t last more than half an hour, who am I kidding?). It is undeniable that this bombardment of the ‘ideal’ body on us leaves most of us feeling a bit rubbish about ourselves and how we look. It is of course important to remember that so many of the images that we see are modified – but that doesn’t always cut it when it comes to cheering yourself up.Instead, here are some simple tips to try to get you feeling more body positive!
Find a positive for every negative
When you’re stood looking at yourself in the mirror, do you often find yourself picking out features of yourself that you don’t like (for example – my nose is too big, my hair won’t go right, UGH my thighs are so fat??). If so, for every negative you find yourself automatically thinking, make yourself pick out a positive to counter act that, such as – my skin is so clear/this top really suits me/ I like my smile. If you force yourself to make this a habit, it can help you to train your brain to stop picking out what you perceive as your flaws, and instead starting making you realise there are plenty of things you like about yourself.
Allow yourself to take a compliment
Think about the last time someone gave you a compliment. Did you say ‘thank you, but –‘, and then proceed to put yourself down? Perhaps you just straight up rejected the compliment and said something along the lines of ‘oh no I look a mess, I’m so tired’. I know I am guilty of rejecting compliments in this way, and one great way to start feeling more positive in yourself is to try and stop this, and just make yourself accept compliments. Next time someone compliments you, say ‘thank you’, without a following sentence where you put yourself down in some way. In just learning to accept compliments you will start to believe them, and it can really help to improve your view on yourself.
Start to appreciate what your body does well, not what it can’t do.
This will be so different for everyone depending on your body type, and which parts of your body you wish you could change. My own personal example here is that I have big legs, and have grown up feeling very conscious about this, in particular my ‘fat’ thighs. All I used to want was long skinny legs, I felt like I would feel so much better about myself if my legs were thinner. However, due to my body shape, even when I lose weight, my legs refuse to get any smaller. This year I decided I was no longer going to beat myself up about something I can’t change, and instead decided I was going to appreciate the good things about my legs. Through training in the gym I have built up my leg strength so much, and have hit personal bests with weights I never thought I would. I am now proud of my big legs, because of the strength they have. Take something about yourself you don’t like, and turn it into something you’re proud of!
Look after yourself
Sometimes you just need to treat yourself and your body, because where would you be without it?? Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, and are hydrated – all of these things will impact your energy, and in turn how good you feel. Make sure you take some time out each week to have a long bubble bath, or put on a face mask, or use a deep conditioning hair treatment – whatever is your favourite thing to do. This relaxing time can be used to reenergise and to help you feel good about yourself again if the stresses we all face in daily life are wearing you down. Afterwards, make sure you appreciate how shiny your hair looks or how that face mask made your skin glow!
These are just a few tips to help with increasing your body positivity! As I said, it is undeniably hard to feel good about yourself all of the time, and if you have a down day, it’s okay. Just make sure to remind yourself that you are valid and you’re doing great.
Edited By Isabelle Walker
Sources
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/explore/goodnight-gorgeous/
http://theladiesfinger.com/brazilian-artist-marcela/
https://www.tumblr.com/search/body%20positive%20illustration
Images
https://78.media.tumblr.com/9b3c76967d53cbb0a7fa352904539d4f/tumblr_ocynvuwE0V1upddseo1_r1_500.jpg
http://theladiesfinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/marcel1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a4/db/7b/a4db7b7731b99c88616c1d5f8a674f1e–bod…