No matter what your body looks like, everyone struggles with viewing their body in a positive way. With media and society pressuring women to have the "perfect body," loving your body can be hard.
Here are nine ways you can have a positive relationship with your body and begin love yourself unconditionally.
1. Talk positivelyÂ
Talk positively about your body at all times. Then the main source of negativity comes from derogatory terms that society has drilled into our minds since were children. If you change the words you use, it could have a huge impact on how you view yourself. For example, instead of, "this makes me look fat" try, "this isn't the most flattering clothing for my figure." Using words like no flattery or curvy or thin can make you change your perspective on your body.
2. Don't compare yourself to others
Every body is different so try not to compare yourself to others. Although this is still something I struggle with, it always good to remind yourself. The proportion of the human body varies from person to person. Some people have long torsos and some have short, some have long legs and some do not. Some have curvier hips and others have more petite hips.
All are OK.
Just like everyone has different faces, this makes us unique. Imagine how boring life would be if we all looked like the same cookie cutter image. There would be no variety, so no beauty. You have to learn to embrace your body as the unique and diverse thing it is.
3. Show it off
Show off what you love! Everyone had some part of their body that they happen to like more than the others for me it's my waist. When you get dressed in the morning, try to wear something that accents this part of the body. For me, I love to wear high waisted or high rise pants with a blouse that comes in at the waist or is slightly cropped. If you show what you love that can radiate to those around you and give you an extra boost of confidence.
4. Skin care
Take some time to add a skincare routine into your day. This doesn't have to be crazy long, but even putting on moisturizer or lotion can make your skin glow and make you feel more luxurious which can boost confidence.
5. Say goodbye to old clothesÂ
Get rid of clothes that don't fit. Nothing is more damaging than having an article of clothing that you just stare at waiting for it one day to fit. Filling your closet with items that fit can take less pressure off of getting ready in the morning and make you feel like you have more outfit options. If you are able to pick a flattering outfit, you will be more comfortable and confident throughout the day.
6. Don't look at numbersÂ
Stop look at numbers. Clothing for women come in many sizes and one size at one place may not be the same as that size at a different store. If you go into a store for a certain size and realize it doesn't fit your confidence can be depleted. Clothing companies get pieces from different manufacturers and that can play a huge role in how sizing is expressed. This makes looking at clothing more stressful. Instead of looking at the number, look at the piece of clothing itself. Usually, you can tell what will fit your body and what won't just by looking at it and feeling the texture. And if the piece of clothing ends up not be the right size, go a little bigger or smaller. You don't have to stick to one number.
7. All bodies are beautifulÂ
No matter how curvey or thin you are, all bodies are beautiful. They can stretch, get you from one place to another, protect you form danger, they patch up scrapes and even have the ability to grow another human. The human body is extremely extraordinary and if you take pride in the amazing things your body can do, you will love your body.
8. Inner beauty shines
Check your inner beauty. Remember that confidence and looks aren't the only things that make you beautiful. The way you treat people and how you show yourself to the world also has a great part in beauty. If you are kind people will notice. If you help others, you will be noticed. Nothing is more unattractive than a mean and malicious person. If you don't have inner beauty, can you have outer beauty?
9. Relationships are key
Build others up. Nothing changes the way you look at yourself than being around people who you support and who support you. Being around people who constantly tear you down isn't healthy. Society has pressured women to constantly be competing with each other. Instead of bringing each other down women need to build each other up. If we increase the love we have for other women and their bodies, we can begin to love ourselves.
