More than ever, so many women are desperate to change themselves, trying to trying to emulate the unattainable bodies they see on social media. In Australia alone we are spending $1 billion each year on cosmetic surgery, with our most popular procedures being breast implants, liposuction and eyelid surgery.
We are our own harshest critics. Chances are, you would never put someone else down the way you put yourself down. So why do so many of us speak to ourselves so poorly?
Today we’re encouraging you to take care of your body, not because you hate it, but because you love it. Don’t starve yourself for a bikini bridge. Don’t exercise for a thigh gap. Eat well and look after yourself because it makes you feel amazing!
Here are 5 ways to show your body the love it deserves:
Remind yourself what you love about it
Start from a place of gratitude. Accept your body right now for what it is, and instead of focusing on the things you don’t like, look for the good. Go ahead, right now. Make a list of all the things you love about your body. Maybe those dimples on your face or your luscious locks. Maybe your freckles or your strong legs. Write out your favourite features, and come back to this list whenever you are having negative thoughts about your body.
Feed it greens
Better than any beauty product you could buy, let your body glow from the inside out by making smart food choices. If the idea of changing your diet is too overwhelming, this simple trick will have you feeling healthier in no time: eat more greens. If you make no other change to your eating habits, just start adding more greens to each meal and you’ll notice a big difference. You don’t have to cut anything out, just include more greens. Add a green smoothie to your breakfast, add spinach to your lunch, and add some broccoli to your dinner.
Move it regularly
It’s hard to feel good about your body when it’s tired. Boost your energy by getting your body moving in a way that feels good to you. If you hate running, don’t bother. If you detest going to the gym, don’t force yourself to go. Find a form of exercise that you can look forward to. Trust us, it’s out there! Try barre, Pilates, kickboxing or get a group of girlfriends together for a quick fast walk session in the park. Think of exercise as a way to instantly boost your mood, instead of thinking of it as weight loss.
Stretch it out
Help lengthen your body and improve your posture by stretching regularly. Start slowly by adding some simple stretches after your workout, then try going along to a beginners yoga class or even youtube some stretching methods and see how it makes you feel. Your muscles love a good safe stretch, and you’ll find every day tasks become easier once your flexibility increases.
Stop measuring yourself
Kilos, centimetres, dress sizes… let go of the numbers. You are more than the number on the scales. Take a step back and let yourself take in the big picture.
You are a living being, full of beautiful intricacies. You are strong, shy, purposeful and afraid. You are caring, kind, thoughtful and unique. No one in the world is like you. How amazing is that? Don’t waste your time trying to be like anyone else and instead, embrace who you are.