Top tips to boost your body confidence: It’s all about self-love
As children, we don’t think much about the appearance of our bodies. But when we enter the teen phase, we begin noticing changes in our bodies, and we don’t become fans of all the changes. Same goes for women in other age brackets. Whether it is social media or magazines, some women always find platforms that can contribute to body confidence image issues. Some might find their arms too skinny or their faces too chubby. But even if you don’t have the hourglass figure, you must love yourself.
Let us tell you how to increase body confidence.
What is Body Confidence?
Body confidence refers to the acceptance, appreciation and overall positive perception of one’s own body, explains Dr Rahul Chandhok, Senior Consultant and Head Psychiatry, Artemis Hospitals, New Delhi. It involves feeling comfortable and content with your physical appearance, regardless of societal or social media-influenced ideals. Body confidence or body positivity is not about attaining a specific body shape or size but rather about embracing and celebrating the uniqueness of your own body.
Why body confidence is important
It is good and healthy to be comfortable in your own skin.
Here are some of the benefits of body confidence and the importance of self-love for the way you look and feel.
- Improved mental well-being
Body confidence can lead to decreased anxiety, depression and stress related to body image concerns, says the expert. This allows people to focus on their overall happiness and well-being rather than getting fixated on looks. - Better physical health
People with body confidence are more likely to engage in regular physical activity and prioritize their health without the sole goal of changing their appearance. This means that they will have improved physical fitness and overall health. - Enhanced self-esteem
Embracing and accepting your body can boost self-respect and self-worth. This enables people to see themselves in a positive light and appreciate their unique qualities. - Stronger relationships
Body confidence can improve relationships with others as people become more comfortable in their own skin, leading to improved connections with friends, family and romantic partners. - Increased body respect
Having body confidence encourages people to respect and care for their bodies. This may lead to healthier lifestyle choices and self-care practices. - Freedom from societal pressures
Being body confident means not being governed by unrealistic beauty standards or societal expectations. It empowers people to define beauty for themselves and not feel constrained to conform to external ideals.
Tips To Boost Body Confidence
If you have any negative thoughts about your body, these body confidence tips will help you feel better.
- Practice self-acceptance
Recognize that everyone is different, and there is no one ideal body. Embrace your unique features and learn to love yourself just the way you are. - Surround yourself with positive influences
Hang out with people who promote body positivity and support your journey towards self-acceptance, the expert tells Article Powers. Avoid those who always talk about unrealistic beauty standards or into body shaming. - Focus on what your body can do
Shift the emphasis from how you look to performance. Appreciate your body’s capabilities, such as strength, flexibility and endurance, rather than merely its appearance. So, if you can run faster than the others, be happy about it. - Challenge negative thoughts
Do not indulge in negative self talk and critical thoughts about your body. Replace them with positive affirmations and compassionate self-reflexion, suggests Dr Chandhok. - Dress for yourself
Regardless of what people say, wear outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Focus on how the clothing makes you feel rather than trying to fit into specific societal fashion norms. - Do physical activities you enjoy
Do exercises or play sports that bring you pleasure and make you feel good. Focus on the enjoyment of movement rather than using exercise as a means to punish or change your body. - Limit exposure to unrealistic beauty standards
The next time you check social media or read a magazine or watch TV, stay away from shows or accounts that promote unrealistic beauty ideals. Unfollow social media accounts that make you doubt your body or make you feel insufficient.
If body image issues are affecting your mental well being, consider reaching out to a therapist.
