Well hello to you my reader chums and happy Wednesday to you! Body confidence affects all of us, and we all have our own journey.
For me personally, I know I've had a big struggle accepting and loving my body and self, which has taken time to overcome. I can now happily say I'm in the process where I'm learning to be content with my body and no longer ashamed of all the flaws I used to pick apart. This stage wasn't easy to get to and therefore I'm going to explain some tips and tricks to help get reach it.
I know for a lot of people being confident in your own skin isn't easy, as the saying goes 'we are our own worst critics'. When I went to LouiseLive, the exercise at the end about body confidence really opened my eyes to how we perceive ourselves in comparison to how complete strangers do.
The worries in our minds about our appearance are completely heightened when we compare to other people we may see. For instance, if a girl walking past has longer hair or a skinny waist or simply a fab pair of shoes on, we immediately think they are better or prettier than us when really it doesn't lessen the beauty you have.
Everyone including those who don't believe it is beautiful in every single way. A size, shape, or number on the scales doesn't define beauty and it certainly doesn't decide how beautiful you are.
Whether you're struggling with body confidence or need a boost, here are my best tips on being more body confident.
Acceptance
This is the first and hardest thing to tackle when wanting to be confident in yourself, however, it's something we should all attempt to do as it truly does give you a better outlook on your body. We all have bits of our bodies we don't love but also parts that we do.
It's important to embrace those flaws you aren't keen on about yourself. For example, it's always been a problem for me that I have small boobs and quite a petite figure as I thought it made me look even younger than I was. However, over time, seeing the benefits in it and even making jokes about it in a crazy way has made me more comfortable with these flaws. This method not only lightens the situation but will not make you take life so seriously.
'Don't think too much, you'll create a problem that wasn't there in the first place' - this fits in with acceptance nicely because it shows that the overthinking we make when deciding an outfit or doing our makeup just puts that extra problem that didn't need to be there. Every time you're just about to leave for school or work, look in the mirror and say 'I look fab' and pick out one good thing about yourself as it'll really lift your day.
Stop comparing yourself to others
One of the most obvious things is simply not comparing. Yes, this is easier said than done, yet it is doable. Instead of putting yourself down every time you see someone with ultra-gorgeous makeup or figure, for example, compliment them on it. Go up to them and tell them this because I can guarantee you the person will be so surprised and it'll genuinely make their day - as they may not see the beauty that you're seeing due to their insecurities.
If you're too shy to go up to them, then as well as complimenting them in your mind, compliment yourself too. For instance ' wow I adore the top she is wearing but I also love my hair today'. By doing this it'll put you in a more positive mindset about how you look and take away the negativity of comparisons.
Work it with confidence
Every day isn't a good hair day or makeup day, however, working anything with a smile will make you look good. 'Beauty always shines from within' - I love this quote because it shows kindness is the most important thing. When out in public and you're not having the best 'appearance day', smile- just keep smiling.
Smile at everyone you see as if you receive one back it'll give you the best feeling inside. Being kind is the ultimate gift to anyone and it'll enhance your beauty even more to these strangers you pass. Therefore whatever outfit you decide to wear or if you are going out with no makeup on, work it with pride and a smile because you'll look good regardless!
Treat yourself
As a little booster, small presents to yourself can be a great thing. For example, if you go shopping and find a dress which really suits your figure well and you think 'I look amazing in this' buy it as every time you put it on, you can strut the look with confidence!
Having you time
This is more on the edge of body confidence, however when pampering yourself or even painting nails, the end result you always feel better. I think having time alone to be with your thoughts can be quite beneficial. Something that can help with this is meditating to pass the negative thoughts in your mind.
My favourite app to use is Calm.com, where it has a range of different calming methods to help relieve the mind, reducing stress and anxiety levels. This intertwined with a lush bath and full-on pamper evening can result in feeling like a fresh and revived person by letting those minuscule worries float away. Whether they're to do with your confidence or any other issues, pampering and alone time can truly be valuable towards your well-being.
Be the best version of yourself as there's nobody else like it. If we were all created to look the same then what's the point? Embrace your little quirks and flaws as they're unique to you and only you.
I hope you enjoyed this post and the tips I've given. Are there any methods that make you feel more body confident?
Thank you for reading <3
I love this Della! Just wrote a similar post on 'Accepting Your Bikini Body' too - pampering yourself is always a big factor and I love your keep smiling tip haha xx
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Aww thank you so much! I just read your post and loved it :) xx
DeleteI love this post, thank you for the motivation:) your blog is amazing. Do you want to support each other's blog by following each other?:) Please let me know if you do so I can follow you right back x
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Thank you! :)
DeleteGreat post Della, and I am very envious that you got to go to Louise Live, I am trying to be more accepting of my body, it's got better as I got older.
ReplyDeleteMeme xx
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Thank you, aww I feel so lucky to have gone! Same here really xxx
Deleteconfidence and self respect is everything.i agree with you.and hey,i am following ur blog now! cool blog u got there.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteOkay, I think this is the best blogpost i have ever read!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the tips!
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Aww thank you so much, that makes me really happy knowing you loved it! :)
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