Changing how we view ourselves and our bodies isn’t easy. With unrealistic beauty standards and a constant bombardment of other people’s definitions of the ‘perfect’ body to content with, finding the motivation to make those positive changes can be difficult.
A UK Parliament committee report noted that in a Mental Health Foundation study, 35% of adults (just over one third of adults studied) felt depressed because of their body image. An additional 34% of adults confessed to having anxiety because of their body image too.
This can’t happen overnight. Achieving true body confidence requires time, effort, and patience. But by making some small changes today, you can quickly begin to feel better about yourself, and start your journey towards self-love, step by step.
Below are some of the most important things to do to become more body confident.
Create a Positive Environment
From the ads we see and hear to the social media feeds we scroll through, the images and content we consume plays a huge part in how we perceive ourselves. Airbrushed and photoshopped images or A-list celebrities with superhero physiques can cause insecurities to develop.
Consider muting the social media feeds that make you feel this way and surround yourself with encouraging content instead. Write small inspirational notes and pin them to mirrors as a reminder to prioritise loving yourself.
There’s no Such thing as Perfect
Judge your progress on how you feel, not what you weigh. A healthier lifestyle should always be about wanting to feel good in your own skin and enjoying your life, not punishing yourself and constantly hitting the scales to determine whether you’re happy.
Self-acceptance has no perfect body shape or weight limit, so focus on what makes you feel better, not what any unachievable societal expectations tell you to be.
Pay Yourself one Compliment Per Day
For many of us, this will be the most uncomfortable step in achieving body confidence. But there’s nothing wrong with being kinder to yourself and focusing on some small but important positives.
If you’re struggling to come up with anything, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for some support. But don’t allow negative thoughts to go unopposed and hold onto those compliments.
Don’t Neglect the Other Areas of Self-Love
Your body is such a small part of who you are as a person, and yet, it’s all that some of us can ever focus on. Make time to prioritise the other parts of yourself through mindfulness, creativity, and doing the things you enjoy most.
Negative thoughts thrive in environments where you aren’t being kind to yourself, so don’t lose sight of your other qualities that are equally deserving of your time and effort.
Support and Guidance from Health Assured
Achieving self-love and body confidence doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Our team of counsellors are always ready to listen, support, and guide you towards better mental health and wellbeing. Sometimes, speaking about your concerns in a confidential and safe space is the key to loving and appreciating yourself.
