A brand new year is just around the corner, and like many of you, we're keen to kick this off with some resolutions - only this time we're aiming for something we'll actually be able to stick to.
- Giving up sugar? Nah. A new doughnut place has just opened up around the corner, so we're going to fail this one.
- Alcohol? Would be good, but cancelling our standing order of Prosecco could prove to be the downfall of the local wine shop.
- Sex? (You crazy?!) It's a free, feel-good past-time that puts colour on our cheeks, a spring in our step and perhaps a bruise or two on our tushies... No, we'll keep doing that!
Instead, let's throw caution to the wind and start loving ourselves a li'l bit harder!
Feeling good about our bodies and how we look can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. From constantly being bombarded with photoshopped beauty standards in magazines to the increasing pressures placed upon us to present ourselves as attractive and desirable on social platforms and dating apps, feeling good about what God gave us isn’t always the easiest. (Preach, Sister!)
If you’re struggling to find your inner goddess and constantly feel down in the dumps when you look in the mirror, check out our top tips for boosting your body confidence.
1. Delete apps/profiles that make you feel sh*t
Social media is heaving with people who, it would seem; only exist to make the rest of us feel inadequate. Most of us are incessant scrollers these days, and wasting an entire evening staring at other women’s cellulite-free thighs (but are they though..?) wondering why yours aren’t as toned or tanned is easily done.
To avoid this, delete any and all apps or unfollow profiles that lead you to obsess over bodies - your own and others. (Hallelujah!)
Wiping apps will also work to free up some time in your evenings, so why not put those extra hours to better use by getting stuck into a juicy book or relaxing in the bath? (Both at the same time is our favourite.)
2. Avoid conversations about appearance
We've had it drummed into us, often since childhood, to be over-aware of our appearance. While it can be tempting to talk to your friends about your wobbly butt, doing so leads to more negative thoughts and will eventually end up sucking the sunshine out of even the cheeriest of human sunbeams - you!
Instead, steer clear of these conversations and focus on discussing positive things like how strong your last downward-dog was or the tough targets that you’ve been smashing at work.
3. Be kind to your body
We all enjoy indulging from time to time, and doing so is a really great way to boost your confidence and make sure that you appreciate your body. Whether it’s getting a massage, enjoying a facial or simply taking some time out to rest, respecting your body and listening to what it needs will help you to feel better and happier in general.
4. Make room for exercise and a healthy diet
A bagful of takeaway Maccy D's can make anyone feel happy for a wee while, but the joy is short-lived and tends to be followed by feelings of regret and promises to do better. (Been there, done that.)
As dull as it sounds, healthy food can be really tasty - just ask our FD Sophie, who's recipes gets copied time and time again. If it looks and tastes great, who cares if it's healthy! :p
We’re not gym-bunnies by any means, but even we've worked out (post-Prosecco haze, it must be said) that regular exercise makes us feel better - and this will probably work for you too.
Exercise doesn't have to mean hours sweating away in a gym, it can be a brisk walk in fresh air or a swim at the local leisure centre. An activity you enjoy that'll get the blood pumping for around 30 minutes works really well (ahem...we'll delicately throw in another suggestion here: sex is excellent for getting the pulses racing!).
