As women, we are presented with the idea of the “perfect image” from an early age, constantly being told how we should act and what we should look like in order to be perceived as beautiful and attractive. That’s probably the reason why so many girls and women don’t feel comfortable and confident in their bodies today. Thankfully, the tide is slowly turning, and women are now realizing that they don’t have to achieve an unattainable goal in order to feel gorgeous – they way they are is already more than enough. Here are some positive body image activities that will help you come to the same conclusion:
Wear clothes that give you confidence
The clothes we choose to wear can have a great impact on our body image, both positively and negatively. For example, if you only wear things you don’t like, and that don’t fit you correctly, you probably won’t be satisfied with what you see in the mirror. Instead, invest in the clothes that not only express your personal style, but also suit your figure perfectly, accentuating the aspects of your body you love the most, and hiding the things you don’t particularly like. When you wear clothes that make you feel happy, comfortable and confident, you’ll instantly feel better about yourself.
Change up your appearance
Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash
Whether it’s wearing brighter colors and bolder prints, getting a fresh haircut or trying out a new makeup trend, changing up your appearance every once in a while makes life that much more fun, and it makes us more eager to look in the mirror and admire the positive change. So, don’t be afraid to wear a fun dress instead of jeans, pair a bold lipstick with black eyeliner, or get a new hairstyle that makes you look at your reflection from every angle. Have fun with your appearance, and your body image will improve in no time.
Treat your body right
If you don’t take proper care of your body, how can you expect to feel good in it? If you’re a young girl wasting her time binging TV shows and munching on unhealthy snacks, replace that damaging habit with a healthy brunch out with your friends, and feel your spirits lift. If you’re going through menopause, however, and experiencing mood swings, hot flashes and fatigue, opt for menopause supplements that will nourish your body with necessary nutrients, and finally make you feel at ease. As long as you treat your body right, it will repay you.
Practice positive affirmations
Issues with body image often start with your mindset – those negative sentences you keep repeating to yourself have a tendency to linger, completely distorting your perception of your body. So, replace them with positive affirmations. Try to pinpoint the things you like most about yourself, whether they relate to your body or your personality, and repeat them in front of the mirror every day. That way, you will train your brain to automatically think more positively, and you’ll ultimately be able to see yourself in a better light as well.
Invest in a self-care ritual
Although it might seem a bit cliché, practicing self-care is essential in order to develop the mindset that will help you love yourself inside and out. Whether it’s an exercise routine that energizes you, a relaxation technique that centers you, or even a pampering session that helps you feel reborn, try to do those things that make you feel deserving of time and attention more often. Over time, those self-care rituals will become a habit, and your body will feel worthy of love again.
Photo by Derick McKinney on Unsplash
Forget about unrealistic expectations
It’s high time to let go of those unhealthy expectations and ideas on how your body is supposed to look like. Don’t scroll through social media envying someone else’s appearance, and don’t even dare to think that those photoshopped pictures in magazines actually represent real women. Those goals are unattainable because they’re not real. Instead, think of realistic aspirations, work towards them, and never doubt yourself. And most importantly, don’t ever give up on falling in love with the body you were blessed with.
In time, practicing these positive activities will help you improve your body image, and make you feel more comfortable and confident in your body. One day, you might even be strong enough to share this wisdom and love with other women, helping them feel great about themselves as well.
