It is so important to love the skin we’re in and feel comfortable in our own body, because it’s the only one we have! Yet 70% of women between the ages of 18-30 dislike their bodies, and 45% of men say that they are dissatisfied with their bodies too.
These statistics are quite worrying and for so many of us loving our own body can be challenging. Changing the way we think about our bodies is vital and requires daily effort.
There are so many ways that we can work on practicing body positivity, and different methods will work for different people.
Here are our favourite ways to practice body positivity, to get you started on your self-love journey!
1. Positive affirmations
One of the most effective ways in which we can practice self-love is to say positive things to and about ourselves aloud. Say a kind word to yourself in the mirror in the morning, or maybe place encouraging notes on your office desk, give yourself daily encouragement and reminders. This may feel silly at the start, but believe us, it works!
2. Don’t be so critical of yourself & focus on things you like about yourself
When you find yourself being critical of your body, ask yourself would you say that to your friends? Live by if you wouldn’t say it to your friends, then don’t say it to yourself. Every time a negative thought about your body pops into your mind, change it to something positive! A good idea is to try to make a list of the things you like about your body.
3. Learn to accept a compliment given to you and compliment others!
If you cannot accept a compliment, you are essentially putting yourself down. A simple thank you is a great start! Compliment others freely also, when we open ourselves up to be kind to others, it also opens us up to be kinder to ourselves.
4. Surround yourself with positive & supportive company
Negative messages about body image are all around us, on social media, billboards and in real life, and they have a way of letting themselves into our thoughts. Try to surround yourself with people who are supportive and uplifting. Look for positive people who will encourage you to be who you are.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others
Theodore Roosevelt once said that ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’, we know that this is so true. When you compare yourself to others, this damages how you see your own body and does nothing positive for you. Imagine how boring life would be if we all looked the same? Every one of us is different, all different shapes and sizes!
Working on body positivity can be a challenging and daunting task, but finding the method which works best for you is the very first step of a beautiful relationship between you and your body.