Let’s Chat Body Image And Confidence

Being in a few heat waves this summer has got us thinking about body confidence; social media is flooded with 'perfect' bodies living idyllic lives. We tend to forget that social media is a highlight reel where people only post snapshots of their lives from the best angles. That's not to say we are to blame; it's so easy to compare ourselves to what everyone else is looking like and doing.

First and foremost, it's important to remember there is no such thing as a 'perfect body; I'd like to thank beauty standards for making us feel this way! Who's to say what's beautiful and what's not?

Although feeling confident in summer is easier said than done, with fewer clothes and hotter days, it's normal to feel the pressure more. 61% of adults think negative or very negative about their body image most of the time; this is a shocking figure that needs to be changed but just knows at least you aren't alone.

Body confidence is accepting your body regardless of size, shape, skin tone, etc. The benefit? Free up your time and energy to focus on the more critical things in life, for one, your mental health!

Let's do something about it…

Top Tips For Changing Your Body Image And Confidence

• Fish through your social media, unfollow people you obsess over, wishing you looked like them or had their life. That is not making you feel good, and you deserve to consume content that lifts you.
• Let's not forget about the offline world, though. Surround yourself with friends and family who make you feel good. It works the other way round as well, be that friend who always compliments; it doesn't go unnoticed and might make someone's day!
• Practice self-affirmations; each morning, when you wake up, say out loud 3 things you like about yourself or your life. Starting the day on a positive note will set the tone for a good day.
• Remember, your self-worth is much more than the way you look. Your worth stems from the whole of you, regardless of your appearance. We all know the saying, "it's what's inside that counts," and that speaks the truth.
• Don't focus on the numbers on the weighing scales or the size of your clothes. At the end of the day, it's just a number. Rather than basing how much you exercise and eat on this, change your attitude; Eat when you feel hungry and exercise because your body can and deserves to!

Remember to be mindful when discussing a topic like this, but it is also just as important to open up the conversation and talk about your feelings to others, it can make a world of a difference. Be more Wǒ, embrace unique and celebrate people's differences today!

If you feel like you may need to seek advice from a medical professional, contact your GP for an expert’s opinion.

Author - Lily Scales