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A figure like Ms Alba, a bum like JLo, breasts like Scarlett, legs like Heidi, lips like Angelina and hair like Jen Aniston… If you had these, would they really make you happier?
Wanting to be thinner, taller, shorter or more beautiful is all good and well, but obsessing to achieve these unrealistic standards of beauty can not only frustrate you, but the pursuit itself can damage your self-esteem.
Instead of trying to change your body, try to change your attitude and the way you think about it.
Here’s how:
1. Be thankful
Rather than finding faults with your body and the aspects that you cannot change, seek the bits that you love and appreciate it!
Reason it works: While you may not be blessed with drop-dead gorgeous legs, at least you have them and they work! It’s the little things, sadly, that we often take for granted…
2. Be realistic
If weight loss is on your agenda, then it should be a medium-to-long-term resolution and not just a quick-fix goal.
Reason it works: Getting healthy – not skinny – is not only encouraging, but it’s a decision that will improve your life and overall well-being.
3. Respect inner beauty
Instead of choosing role models based on looks, consider women – and there are many – who you can look up to and respect for things like integrity, morality, willpower and determination.
Reason it works: If you were honest with yourself, you’d know that true beauty goes beyond a pretty face, slender body and nice clothes. Admiring someone else’s sense of ambition is also more practical and it can help shift your attention away from foolish ideals rooted in appearance.
4. Treat yourself
Find ways to pamper yourself more often. Indulging your senses can be anything from a relaxing spa treatment or a candlelit bath, to a fresh, new hairstyle or spoiling yourself with a slice of decadent strawberry cheesecake…
Reason it works: Rejuvenate your body and you will revitalize your mind too. Besides, isn’t it easier to love yourself better if you’re feeling great? Thought so.
5. Think positive
Banish those negative thoughts telling you that there is something wrong with your body. Write down a minimum of 10 positive things about yourself and every time the dark voices return, destroy them with the happy ones.
Reason it works: Affirmations not only boost your morale, but if practiced regularly, they can improve your self-esteem too.
6. Be comfortable
Clothes that are ill-fitting or those that restrict movement can impinge on your confidence and ruin your mood. Opt, instead, for garments that flatter your shape.
Reason it works: Outfits that make you look good, will make you feel good too.
7. Stop worrying…
… about what others think of you.
Reason it works: Live to express yourself, not to impress those around you. Remember that the only opinions that count are your own and those who truly love you.
8. Do good, feel good
There are dozens of non-profit organizations in need of helping hands.
Reason it works: Diverting your attention to assist in the well-being of others will help you realize that worrying about stuff like looks and appearance are pretty trivial. Doing good feels good.
9. Stop it
Break the neurotic self-hatred cycle by cutting down on the amount of time you spend in front of the mirror and on the scale.
Reason it works: Obsessing will only aggravate your already negative body-image.
10. Move your body
Get fit and reward yourself with a leaner, energetic, less anxious and more confident you!
Reason it works: Getting active will improve your posture (which makes you look better) and the fact you will be firmer and fitter will make you more self-assured too!
What other reasons do you have for loving yourself?
Wanting to be thinner, taller, shorter or more beautiful is all good and well, but obsessing to achieve these unrealistic standards of beauty can not only frustrate you, but the pursuit itself can damage your self-esteem.
Instead of trying to change your body, try to change your attitude and the way you think about it.
Here’s how:
1. Be thankful
Rather than finding faults with your body and the aspects that you cannot change, seek the bits that you love and appreciate it!
Reason it works: While you may not be blessed with drop-dead gorgeous legs, at least you have them and they work! It’s the little things, sadly, that we often take for granted…
2. Be realistic
If weight loss is on your agenda, then it should be a medium-to-long-term resolution and not just a quick-fix goal.
Reason it works: Getting healthy – not skinny – is not only encouraging, but it’s a decision that will improve your life and overall well-being.
3. Respect inner beauty
Instead of choosing role models based on looks, consider women – and there are many – who you can look up to and respect for things like integrity, morality, willpower and determination.
Reason it works: If you were honest with yourself, you’d know that true beauty goes beyond a pretty face, slender body and nice clothes. Admiring someone else’s sense of ambition is also more practical and it can help shift your attention away from foolish ideals rooted in appearance.
4. Treat yourself
Find ways to pamper yourself more often. Indulging your senses can be anything from a relaxing spa treatment or a candlelit bath, to a fresh, new hairstyle or spoiling yourself with a slice of decadent strawberry cheesecake…
Reason it works: Rejuvenate your body and you will revitalize your mind too. Besides, isn’t it easier to love yourself better if you’re feeling great? Thought so.
5. Think positive
Banish those negative thoughts telling you that there is something wrong with your body. Write down a minimum of 10 positive things about yourself and every time the dark voices return, destroy them with the happy ones.
Reason it works: Affirmations not only boost your morale, but if practiced regularly, they can improve your self-esteem too.
6. Be comfortable
Clothes that are ill-fitting or those that restrict movement can impinge on your confidence and ruin your mood. Opt, instead, for garments that flatter your shape.
Reason it works: Outfits that make you look good, will make you feel good too.
7. Stop worrying…
… about what others think of you.
Reason it works: Live to express yourself, not to impress those around you. Remember that the only opinions that count are your own and those who truly love you.
8. Do good, feel good
There are dozens of non-profit organizations in need of helping hands.
Reason it works: Diverting your attention to assist in the well-being of others will help you realize that worrying about stuff like looks and appearance are pretty trivial. Doing good feels good.
9. Stop it
Break the neurotic self-hatred cycle by cutting down on the amount of time you spend in front of the mirror and on the scale.
Reason it works: Obsessing will only aggravate your already negative body-image.
10. Move your body
Get fit and reward yourself with a leaner, energetic, less anxious and more confident you!
Reason it works: Getting active will improve your posture (which makes you look better) and the fact you will be firmer and fitter will make you more self-assured too!
What other reasons do you have for loving yourself?
