How to feel good about your body. This is a really tough subject to talk about, but I think a worthwhile one to discuss. I know that at one time or another, most of us have stood in front of the mirror and hated something about our bodies. Maybe it’s after a day spent looking at fashion magazines or after a workout that didn’t go as planned, or maybe it’s the morning after a big dinner when we are feeling bloated and uncomfortable (read more on how to stop bloating here). In any case, it’s imperative that we don’t let these feelings take over. There are a few things you can do when you start feeling the negativity bubbling up inside.

HOW TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR BODY

Keep a journal. You might feel a little bit silly at first, but this is for you only and no one else needs to see it. Every day take a moment to write down all the things you love about your body. It can be anything, just make sure that you go back once every few days and read what you wrote.

Focus on yourself. This isn’t easy and trust me, I know about spending hours in front of a mirror, in a leotard, starring at myself and a room full of dancers. The trick is to focus on yourself and let everyone else fade into the background. Stop looking at them. If you notice someone on the street who looks amazing, ask yourself what you are admiring. If it’s her clothes or how she carries herself, well that’s an easy fix. Take the time to give yourself a weekly facial or a manicure (at home or in a salon your choice) when you take the time to take care of yourself, you will feel better about yourself.

Wear clothing that fits. The worst thing you can do for yourself is to hide beneath over-sized clothing. Every time you glimpse yourself in a store window or a mirror, all you will see is a shapeless lump. That can’t be good for anyone’s self esteem. Pick out the clothing you would wear for where you want to be in life and highlight your favourite body parts. Do you have great legs? Wear a skirt and a great pair of shoes. Love your shoulders? Well, show them off! Read more about dressing for your body type here.

Beautify your surroundings. Seriously, if you are always coming home to a mess then that impacts how you feel about yourself. You know that feeling of lightness you get when you clean out your wardrobe? It’s the same thing when there are pretty decorations and fresh flowers at home to greet you. I like to buy a beautiful and decadent scented candle which I light when I come home. I can luxuriate in its scent and somehow everything seems momentarily better.

Find inspiration. We can spend days arguing about photoshop and how (un)realistic the models are in fashion and fitness magazines, but for now those images aren’t going anywhere. When you find yourself starting to get caught up in those visuals, head to social media where there are so many people posting inspiring messages and more realistic images of real women.

Move. I can’t stress how important this one is. Embrace the endorphins that are released when you move. Feel your muscles working. If you take a walk outside then pay attention to your surroundings and appreciate them. If you take a class then focus on the amazing things your muscles can do.

Give yourself a break. It’s easy to start feeling bad or angry at yourself for feeling bad about your body because “you should know better” and you end up feeling even worse. Just give yourself a break. If you start feeling negative about your body, stop, accept those feelings and move forward.

If you adopt these healthy behaviours you’ll find yourself feeling better about yourself in no time. It’s about focusing on the positive, accepting the negative and always moving forward.

How do you deal with negative feelings about your body?

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