Nowadays we are constantly being bombarded with social media posts showing us how our skin should look like, how we should look and making us feel bad when we don’t. We are shown what to eat, how to work out, and which facial regimes to use. This has its pros and cons. On the plus side, we have free access to all kinds of valuable information that can help us lead a healthier lifestyle. On the other hand, body image is more important then ever and not looking “right” can really affect your self-esteem.
Now, it seems like the only things that matter are having a flat stomach and a peachy bum. As long as you look like Beyonce you’ll be happy. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to be content with yourself and comfortable in your own skin without spending every waking hour working out and agonising over what you eat. Here are some easy ways you can start to feel good about yourself no matter what your shape.
Stop Striving for Perfection
Even the Victoria’s Secrets angel are not perfect. They have stretch marks, or moles, or other bits of their bodies that they aren’t too fond of. And that’s absolutely fine. Your body has done so much for you, it is normal to have some visible signs of this. Scars, blemishes, stretch marks, spots, flabby bits – these are all part of who you are so don’t be ashamed of them. They show your story and make you who you are. Everyone has them and they are fine.
Stay Away from Junk Food
You might think a burger and fries is all you need to make you happy in that moment, but you probably won’t feel good afterwards. Our bodies don’t want to be filled with bad food. This doesn’t mean all you can ever eat is vegetables. But, if you want to feel comfortable in your own skin you should think twice about grabbing that chocolate bar. Not only is it loaded with calories but the sugar or grease or whatever bad thing it has in it will make you feel sluggish and generally unhealthy.
Go Outside
It can be hard when you are working full time to find a spare half an hour to be outside. But, spending time in the great outdoors is important for both your physical and mental wellbeing. Some fresh air and vitamin D from then sun can make you feel a lot better. It is good for your complexion as well as your mindset. Just spend a few minutes looking at some trees or watching the ripples on top of a lake, you’ll soon feel the power of Mother Nature.
Focus on Fitness, not Weight
We are obsessed with watching numbers fall or rise on a scale when actually this is hardly indicative of what our bodies are capable of. Instead of setting yourself weight targets, instead focus on how your body feels. Do you get out of breath walking up the stairs? Can you go on a walk without panting afterwards? If your body lets your do all of the things you want to do then what’s the problem? You don’t need to look like a super model so long as your body isn’t preventing you from living your life to the fullest.
