Summer: a time that some love and some dread. Summer is a time for some to "show off" the body they've been working hard for. For others, summer is a time to try to cover up even more. All of our bodies are different and all of our bodies should be celebrated during all seasons. Here are some ways that have helped me appreciate my body when I'm feeling low.
1. Swap your clothes
It's important to buy clothes that YOU like and clothes that make YOU feel confident. It's your body, dress it the way you want! Stores like Plato's Closet and Clothes Mentor will give you money for your gently used clothes, but you can always donate your old clothes to places like Goodwill and Savers.
2. Surround yourself with people who love and accept you and your body
No body is perfect. Literally. With the constant bombardment of the "perfect body" from all sorts of social media platforms, it's important to surround yourself with people who don't expect you to look unrealistic. But more importantly, it's crucial to surround yourself with people who love and accept you for who you are!
3. Paint it
That's right. Paint it. Or have your friend paint it! If you're struggling with body image, or finding a way to appreciate your body as it is, paint something you love on it.
4. Unfollow people who promote unrealistic body types
Or just unfollow people you find yourself constantly comparing your body to. There's nothing better than feeling confidence in your own self and your own body, once you've scrolled through your social media platforms. If one of the first things you feel when you look on social media is jealousy, that's probably a good time to look at who you're following and start adjusting that appropriately.
5. Do a photoshoot
Put on you're favorite outfit, grab a friend (or two) and take some pictures! Relax, have fun, be yourself and enjoy how much your body does for you.
6. Make a list of why you appreciate your body
Every body is different; every body is unique. On days when you're feeling good, make a list of all the reasons you appreciate your body or a list of why you're grateful for it. The beauty of lists is that you can always add to them, and, on days when you're struggling to love your body, you can refer back to the list.
7. Pamper yourself
Give yourself a break, you're doing a lot! Go to the spa and get a massage, paint your nails, take a bath, do some yoga, tune into your body and give it what it needs.
8. Accept that you're human
We are human, which means our bodies are not perfect. As human beings, we have scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, moles, freckles...the list goes on and on. Our bodies are so much more than just physical appearance! Think of all the things your body is capable of. It digests your food, keeps your heart beating and breathes for you without you even having to think about it!
9. Try not to compare your body to others
I say try not to because in today's world this is much easier said than done. We're all given a body, and your body is just as amazing as the one you're comparing it to, even if they look different. A peacock looks different than a flamingo, but they're both beautiful, right?
10. Know that you are not just your body
Of course we all have bodies, but there is so much more to us than our physiques. Loving and accepting your body the way it is in today's world is much harder than one would think. So, on days when you're feeling really low and just can't seem to find anything you like about your body, remember that you're not just your body. Beauty is defined by the way you live, not just the way you look.
