Easy Ways To Improve Your Body Image (That You Can Implement Right Now)

Body confidence is tough.

We live in a world that, unfortunately, tells us repeatedly that our bodies aren’t good enough – that in order to be accepted by society, we need washboard abs, cellulite-free thighs and a thigh gap. So instead of celebrating what god gave us, we waste time, energy and money trying to fix our perceived flaws – diet after diet, countless hours spent in the gym, and maybe even surgical procedures.

Diet culture and these societal pressures are born out of a marketing ploy – brands and companies profit from us feeling inadequate. Why do we need to have washboard abs? But seriously, why? We don’t, is the answer.

Instead, we need to focus on our values and morals, how we treat people, how we treat ourselves and our achievements. And, crucially, self-acceptance – self-acceptance is the best gift you can give yourself, I promise you.

Feeling comfortable in your own skin is liberating and life-transforming.

But I get that it’s tough, and you’re probably reading this and thinking, ‘Well, this is all well and good but HOW do I get to a good place with my body?”.

So, here you go:

1. Identify what you like about your body

Keep those things front and center of your mind. Focus on the positive, not the negative. Also focus on your good points that doesn’t involve your looks.

2. Stop looking at other bodies and comparing them to yours

You have different DNA to everyone single person on this planet, as well as a different environment. You are never going to look like anyone else, so stop the comparison.

3. Most of the media has been edited

I can’t stress this enough – literally almost every image you see has been retouched or filtered. Meaning that the girl in the photo doesn’t even look like the girl in the photo – more reason to stop comparison.

4. Focus on your qualities, values and accomplishments

These are the things that really matter, that people will remember and respect you for. No one is going to remember you for your thigh gap.

5. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself

And if anyone has concerns with how you look, they’re not worthy of being in your life.

6. Accept who you are right now

Stop focusing on what you could be. It’s time-consuming and massively affects your self-esteem. Realize that you are good enough exactly as you and try to put any negativity about yourself to one side.

7. Shake up your feed

Firstly, unfollow anyone who makes you feel bad, or makes you feel like you have to be someone else. Don’t worry about hurting anyone’s feelings – your mental health is more important. Then, go about following a diverse range of different people – the more different types of bodies you start to see, the better you will feel about yourself

8. Write a list of what makes you happy

What makes you feel good about yourself? What makes you feel happy? Come up with a list and do them as often as you can.

There you have it friends! Go ahead and apply these steps right now, and see the shift in your body image!