Poor body image can have a greater impact on your quality of life than you may realise.
I mean, as women we are so bombarded with perfect images of beauty everywhere- the TV, magazines and even more so on social media.
It is so difficult to not get drawn into the comparison battle when you look at these perfect images of women featured on every feed and every where you look.
A few negative thoughts here and there can soon escalate, resulting in social withdrawal, anxiety and depression.
Honestly, it can be such an easy downward spiral. What we could use to inspire and motivate us, often leaves us feeling hopeless and well just feeling shit about ourselves.
This is further compounded by comments and compliments from others only focusing on how you look on social media. Have you noticed that? You post up a pic or a message and everyone is like “looking great”. Sometimes I have posted up an image to draw attention to an issue or to be empowering but all everyone focuses on is my ‘sex appeal’.
I have a brain you know….
I digress….
91% of women are unhappy with their bodies.
According to the charity DoSomething.org, “approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies” and from those surveyed, “more than 40% of women and around 20% of men agreed they would consider cosmetic surgery in the future.”
So much time and money is wasted on poor body confidence and honestly I believe that this is just one more way that women lose their power.
Negative body image isn’t a subject that should be taken lightly. It’s effects can take a significant toll on the body, both physically and emotionally.
We can often become so consumed by the idea of the ‘perfect body’ that we forget what’s healthy for us. We set unrealistic goals and standards for ourselves, leading to further emotional distress and disappointment and that ever plummeting downward spiral.
Women are the most guilty of not accepting and appreciating their body type. We are culturally wired to strive for an unattainable picture of perfection.
But what we see, what we use to compare ourselves often isn’t even real or possible for most of us.
In my experience and work with female empowerment, I have figured out you can begin to retrain yourself to love your body with just 3 easy steps to better body confidence.
Let’s try to rectify that.
Here are 3 ways to boost Body Confidence:
1. Find A Workout You Love
Science agrees with me that exercise is a certified mood booster. And you know this was going to be in here as a suggestion from me, right? But it is SOOOO important. Once the endorphins kick-in (the happy hormones) there’s no room for low self esteem. The tricky part is staying motivated. If the gym doesn’t keep you engaged, branch out and find a workout that really appeals to you. This way, you’re exercising purely for the love of the doing that practice and not to attain a specific weight or look.
Don’t confine yourself to the treadmill, get creative. That is what I did and look what I created!
2. Express Yourself
When you’ve low self esteem, it’s easy to fall into the habit of wearing things that hide your body. Whilst it’s wise to dress for your shape, you shouldn’t shy away from wearing clothes that you like and make you feel good. Revamp your wardrobe with clothes that you feel both comfortable and stylish in. You’re your own worst enemy at times and sometimes life’s little luxuries can be just the pick-me-up you need to feel amazing. Go for a massage, try out that new hairstyle.
Book a photoshoot. Never underestimate the power of a good pampering session or investing in yourself.
I have to say that so many of my clients who have experienced the power of booking a Body Confidence or Empowerment Photo Shoot say it is the most amazing thing they ever did for their confidence and to feel like Goddess!
3. Be Grateful
Getting hung up on the way you look is a waste of precious time and energy, and sometimes, it takes something pretty drastic to put things into perspective. Rather focusing on the bad, make a list of what you’re thankful for – those closest to you, your career, your home, your health. Others dream of having what you’ve got.
Take the time to be mindful and appreciative of all the lovely things in your life right this moment, and how you can nourish them even further in the future.
Wanting to lose weight isn’t a bad thing if it’s a healthy decision. But when your need for perfection becomes obsessive and no amount of positive thinking can eradicate those bad feelings, it’s time to seek outside advice.
Sometimes, other underlying issues are the root of the problem and only once they’re dealt with can you successfully take the steps you need to be body confident. Talk to someone.
We focus on Sexy Strong.
We focus on how we FEEL and the progress we make not on striving for perfection. We focus on strength goals or on achieving something we never thought we could because we believe if you focus on STRONG everything else takes care of itself in terms of the changes in your Body Shape.
And this is what we like to call Feeling like a Goddess.
And my last tip to have more confidence and truly Feel like a Goddess, well we have partnered with Peter Thomas Photography in Belfast to offer the most amazing Empowerment White Sheet or Little Black Dress Photoshoots to truly step into your power as a Goddess and celebrate YOU just the way you are!
This Photoshoot Experience is offered as a FREE incentive to all our VIP Challengers and a perfect goal to work towards or to truly celebrate your Strong Warrior Goddess Body.
Want to see my own recent shoot, click here or on the image below.
