The 2017 Dove Global Girls Beauty and Confidence Report, found that only 46% of girls globally had high body esteem, while the figure is even lower in the UK (39%).
Body confidence is about your own internal relationship with your body and how you really feel about yourself.
Negative thoughts about our bodies and feelings of self consciousness or lack of self-esteem can begin from childhood and can be triggered by a variety of things. Nobody in this world is 100% secure with their body, myself included. Which is why, I have tried and tested different ways to feel better about myself, and to help me realise how powerful my body really is.
It does it ALL
It dances, it runs, it hugs, it digests food and lets you dream. Love it, some don’t even have arms and legs and would kill for yours. Appreciate the most basic functions of your body. Go through each body part noticing how hard it works and how much it does for you. Recently I have been feeling low about mine and have had no motivation to go to the gym. To get motivated I bought some high-quality gym leggings and a pair of amazing trainers. These purchases have helped me get back into a routine. Use exercise to help celebrate your body instead of condemn it.
Because negative thinking breeds negativity
What you think about, you bring about. If you have a negative attitude, you attract negativity. Why go through life attracting negativity because of your negative thoughts about your own body? It only does more harm than good.
If like me you need to change your mindset, use social media to remind you daily how incredible your body is. Start following body positive role models. Iskra Lawrence is determined to change the way we perceive models. Another body positive woman is Nia Jax. She is a plus size model and former WWE Women’s Champion. Nia is currently the only performing plus size woman in WWE. She says: “No matter how beautiful you are on the outside, if your insides are ugly, that will be what everyone sees and feels.”
Alyse Scaffidi, a 4’11 doctor of pharmacy says: “I want to create strong, confident women who embrace their uniqueness and promote self love throughout the world!” She has created a body positivity empire and is probably one of the most inspirational people that I have come across in the last few years. Not only does she create fitness plans, help with nutrition but she has created the Dreamwalk fashion show which is described as an inspiring, extravagant, costume-themed fashion show inclusive of all genders, shapes, sizes, ethnicities, ages, setbacks & sexualities. She is the real definition of a boss.
The 20% rule
“You are 20 percent more beautiful to other people than to the woman you see in the mirror every day,” says Eva Ritvo, MD, co-author of The Beauty Prescription. “Why? Because when you look at your reflection, all you see is your physical form. You are looking for flaws.” Beauty is not defined by a digit, or scale. You need to factor in your style, intelligence, personality and wit. This is the whole you.
You’ll miss out otherwise
How many parties or amazing memories do you miss out on because you are too ashamed? Smart Girl Tribe founder, Scarlett Clark says: “Don’t punish yourself by opting out. Your arms can hug, your legs can run, your eyes can see beauty in the world. Stop focusing on that jiggly tummy, it could carry a child one day. And your nose that you complain about? You use that to smell flowers, dew in the morning, fresh food which so many citizens don’t have access to.” Stop putting yourself through stupid diets and have everything in moderation. If you want a piece of chocolate then have it. If you want a glass of wine, have it. Build a positive relationship with food. Stop criticising your decisions and trust that you know your body and what it wants.
Lack of body confidence can be very serious so share your feelings if necessary. Other people are feeling the same way and can encourage you to make positive choices. Show yourself the respect and love that you deserve.
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