Did you have a nickname growing up? Often nick-names that are associated with body parts (such as Chicken Legs) make people feel less-than-special, and often end up giving a person a complex about the particular body part that can stick with someone for years. But hopefully, as people get older, they can come to realize how unimportant a nickname is, and they can come to realize that you cannot validate yourself on what others say about you.
I can tell you that most people, even the models you see on billboards, have struggled with their body image.
We tend to be our harshest critics. We compare ourselves against the bodies of others and judge ourselves for not measuring up to our ideals. In doing so, we can do a number on our self-confidence. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be healthier or desiring to achieve a certain look, but don’t beat yourself up on your journey there.
It’s time we start loving ourselves, and our bodies more.
Here are 11 tips to help you do just that.
1. Make a List of Positive Things
Write down at least 10 things you like about your body and who you are. This could include your eyes, the silver streak in your hair, your strong calves, your kindness, or your sense of humor. Then take a picture of the list with your phone and save it so you every time you’re feeling not so hot, you can take a look at it.
Write down at least 10 things you like about your body and who you are. This could include your eyes, the silver streak in your hair, your strong calves, your kindness, or your sense of humor. Then take a picture of the list with your phone and save it so you every time you’re feeling not so hot, you can take a look at it.
2. Focus on Improvement
When it comes to your body, focusing on what you think is a problem area is just going to make you feel worse. Once you’ve acknowledged what you want to work on, focus on ways to improve and what you’ve accomplished so far.
When it comes to your body, focusing on what you think is a problem area is just going to make you feel worse. Once you’ve acknowledged what you want to work on, focus on ways to improve and what you’ve accomplished so far.
3. Get Rid of the Negative Nancys…
When you start to feel better about yourself, some people around you might not be comfortable with your new attitude (or look) and they could start to get a little…mean. If these people are meaningful to you, then you may need to evaluate the relationship with them and decide if they are important enough to you to try and work with them to get the to be supportive. It's not always easy to make changes, and even harder when people seem to change the way they act towards you as you make positive changes, so be aware of what's going on and make sure you can talk to them about it.
When you start to feel better about yourself, some people around you might not be comfortable with your new attitude (or look) and they could start to get a little…mean. If these people are meaningful to you, then you may need to evaluate the relationship with them and decide if they are important enough to you to try and work with them to get the to be supportive. It's not always easy to make changes, and even harder when people seem to change the way they act towards you as you make positive changes, so be aware of what's going on and make sure you can talk to them about it.
4. …And Find People Who Motivate You
There are so many people out there who are inspirational. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Beachbody.com, whereever! Feed off their positivity and let them motivate you. You probably even have some positive people in your life, get out there and spend more time with them!
There are so many people out there who are inspirational. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Beachbody.com, whereever! Feed off their positivity and let them motivate you. You probably even have some positive people in your life, get out there and spend more time with them!
5. Move
If you’re finding yourself heading towards an emotional ditch, get moving. Stat. Go for a walk, Press Play on a Beachbody workout, just move. Doing so will help the endorphins kick in and help your brain get back on the right path.
If you’re finding yourself heading towards an emotional ditch, get moving. Stat. Go for a walk, Press Play on a Beachbody workout, just move. Doing so will help the endorphins kick in and help your brain get back on the right path.
6. Wear Clothes That Accentuate Your Shape
Wearing baggy clothes can make you look bigger than you are. Instead, dress in ways that flatter your body type using these tips. And, ladies, make sure to get a bra that fits properly. An ill-fitting bra can make even the best outfit look less than stellar.
Wearing baggy clothes can make you look bigger than you are. Instead, dress in ways that flatter your body type using these tips. And, ladies, make sure to get a bra that fits properly. An ill-fitting bra can make even the best outfit look less than stellar.
7. Talk to Yourself
This one might feel a little hokey, but especially if you’ve been engaging in negative self-talk (“My stomach is too big,” “my nose is ugly,” “I don’t like the size of my hands,” etc.) it’s important. The next time you look in the mirror, I want you to say (or at least think) something positive about your body or your features. Can’t think of anything positive? Fake it until you make it. Even though it doesn’t feel genuine, forcing yourself to be positive will get your brain moving in a healthier direction.
This one might feel a little hokey, but especially if you’ve been engaging in negative self-talk (“My stomach is too big,” “my nose is ugly,” “I don’t like the size of my hands,” etc.) it’s important. The next time you look in the mirror, I want you to say (or at least think) something positive about your body or your features. Can’t think of anything positive? Fake it until you make it. Even though it doesn’t feel genuine, forcing yourself to be positive will get your brain moving in a healthier direction.
8. Pamper Yourself
Do something kind for your body. My go-to is a long, hot bubble bath. But you could enjoy a massage (which after all the working out you’ve been doing is going to feel incredible), relax in a sauna, try a new haircut, or get a manicure (guys – this one isn’t just for the ladies). By taking some time for you, and doing something that makes you feel physically great, it’ll help you’ll feel emotionally great too.
Do something kind for your body. My go-to is a long, hot bubble bath. But you could enjoy a massage (which after all the working out you’ve been doing is going to feel incredible), relax in a sauna, try a new haircut, or get a manicure (guys – this one isn’t just for the ladies). By taking some time for you, and doing something that makes you feel physically great, it’ll help you’ll feel emotionally great too.
9. Help Others
One way to take the focus and pressure off of you is by helping others. Volunteering or helping a friend in need feels good and helps you connect with others in your community or with those you care about.
One way to take the focus and pressure off of you is by helping others. Volunteering or helping a friend in need feels good and helps you connect with others in your community or with those you care about.
10. Smile
Not only does smiling look good on the outside, it actually releases endorphins that make you feel good on the inside.
Not only does smiling look good on the outside, it actually releases endorphins that make you feel good on the inside.
11. Accept a Compliment
When someone gives you a compliment, receive it graciously. Responding to a compliment with something self-deprecating is not only negative, it also strips the joy away from the person giving it to you. Accept the love you’re getting. You deserve it.
When someone gives you a compliment, receive it graciously. Responding to a compliment with something self-deprecating is not only negative, it also strips the joy away from the person giving it to you. Accept the love you’re getting. You deserve it.
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