Social media and glossy magazines can have us feeling all kinds of ways about our own bodies. Here are five ways to instantly feel better about the skin you’re in.
There are moments when we really don’t feel good about our bodies or how we look. It could be a passing glance in a mirror or a despairing thought of ‘why don’t I look like that?’ as you scroll through image after image of beautiful models, actors, influencers and pop stars. It’s a thought that’s popped into most of our heads at some point, but, for some, it can be a constant worry.
You’re not alone. It’s widely thought that up to 61% of teenagers across the world are unhappy with their appearance. Worryingly, a recent study* has found that teens who have serious body dissatisfaction are more likely to develop depression as young adults. Girls are more likely to find fault with their bodies, putting them at an even higher risk of suffering from depression in later life.
There’s no quick fix for body blues but there are ways to replace negative thoughts with positive vibes. Give these small steps a try today to change the way you view your body:
- Jot down all the things you like about yourself on sticky notes, focusing not just on your outer appearance, but also everything that’s amazing on the inside. It might be your hair, your sense of humour, or something as small as a dimple or cute freckle. Stick them on your mirror to read every time you find yourself scrutinising your reflection. Your happy notes are a daily positive reminder about everything that makes you great!
- Fake it ’til you make it! Acting as if you have confidence is one of the best ways to boost your self-esteem and confidence. Put on your favourite outfit, stand tall, smile, and act as if you have all the confidence in the world, even if you’re feeling the exact opposite. The more you practise this, the easier it will become. Check out Childline for more tips on boosting your self-esteem.
- Exercise. Not to lose weight or achieve the so-called ‘perfect body’, but to make you feel happier and healthier. Exercise releases endorphins that trigger positive feelings inside. Set yourself small, achievable goals and keep a track of your progress – there’s no better feeling than ticking off your achievements and giving yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
- Switch off from social media. The perfect pics you see of your favourite celebs and influencers are often photoshopped or edited in such a way that they portray a completely unrealistic image. Demi Lovato is a well-known champion for body positivity who decided to drop the airbrushed photos of herself, saying, “I was on Instagram and I started comparing myself to these Instagram models, and I just thought to myself, someone needs to show my fans and anybody that’s looking at my account that what you see isn’t always what’s real.”
- Lose yourself in music. Make a positive playlist of your favourite upbeat tunes and pop it on whenever you’re feeling down about yourself. Music can be an instant mood-lifter and a great distraction from unhappy thoughts. You’ll be dancing and singing away before you know it… how amazing is that fabulous body of yours?!
*Study conducted by Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
