How do I love my body?
The body positivity movement is HERE, yet, it is easier said than done to hop on this train. How can you switch your mindset from being critical of body to having confidence in yourself? Boosting one’s self-confidence is a sure way to decrease levels of anxiety, depression, and potential deconstructive habits.
By following these tips, you will be able to push through some destructive thinking habits and find a way to feel more powerful in your own skin.
1. Visit the past, but don’t overstay your welcome.
To understand one’s relationship with body image, it is beneficial to go down memory lane and recall your relationship with your body and try to understand where you felt betrayed. Did your parents or significant other make a comment? Did your body fail you at one time? Were you last to be picked for gym class? Whatever the memory is, acknowledge it and recognize how transformative that moment(s) was.
2. Fake it ‘till you make it.
You recognize that you feel uncomfortable in your body and long to feel free in your own skin. Why wait? While you’re working on some emotions that might be present underlying the lack of confidence, fake your way to your goal. What would it be like to talk to yourself in the mirror and acknowledge a trait you are comfortable with? When you focus on the good, the good gets better.
3. Self-talk.
You are beautiful, capable and worthy. Say that again, and again. You create your own reality. It is time to choose yourself. We have gone through so many years of education, so many courses, yet somehow, nobody taught us how to love and value ourselves. What are you proud of yourself for doing today? Tell yourself how much you’ve accomplished to get this far.
4. Ask around.
We are our toughest critic. What do your friends, family and coworkers value in you? Yes, this can be uncomfortable at first, but great things rarely came from staying in one’s comfort zone.
5. Practice.
These skills need to be exercised regularly. Just as its extraordinarily rare for someone to practice one song on the piano once and suddenly know how to play any song by ear, the execution of self-confidence also takes reinforcement and repetition.
