Late Spring and early Summer is always challenging for women and men. Media is filled with tips and tricks to help you attain that "beach body," and have a successful summer diet. It can get overwhelming, so here are some ways you can treat yourself and celebrate every body!
1. Buy a piece of clothing that you normally wouldn't buy because of your body type.
Ever hear someone say 'fat girls can't wear crop tops', or 'petite people shouldn't wear horizontal stripes', or even 'girls with small butts can't pull off bodycon dresses'? Ignore all of that. Buy something that is usually 'off limits'. It's empowering, and odds are you look damn fine in it anyway.
2. Give your friends body-positive compliments.
By being positive about other people's appearances, you create an environment that is open and accepting to all. Plus, giving a compliment usually leads to receiving a compliment, which is nice.
3. Spend a little more time looking in the mirror.
It may sound silly, but creating a positive internal dialogue while looking at yourself in the mirror can be very helpful. A lot of times, we first and foremost notice the things we don't like in the mirror. If we put priority on the things we do like, looking in the mirror becomes a mini self-love pep talk.
4. Take selfies when you feel good. Lots of selfies.
A selfie session can be great to feed your ego and positive energy, and scrolling through those photos when you feel negative can help remind you what a fine face you have, or remember how awesome your body looked in that outfit.
5. Follow models on Instagram who have similar body types to you.
Luckily, we live in a world where there are starting to be more models representing more body types-men and women alike. Although they may not be in the limelight, they definitely exist. And they post on Instagram A LOT. By seeing people with similar body types celebrating their bodies on social media, we can learn to follow their lead.
6. Treat every body type the way you want your body type to be treated.
It's easy to bring down other body types to empower your own. But it's damaging, hurtful, and unnecessary. To truly be body-positive, you must be positive about all bodies. Skinny, fat, chubby, slim, curvy, petite, tall, hairy, muscular, pear-shaped, the list goes on and on. They are all perfectly fine. Spread the positive vibes!
7. Take time to pamper yourself.
Take a bath with good smelling soaps, use a fancy cleanser, give yourself a manicure. Your body deserves it, and it makes you feel good!
8. Don't take any negative comments. Protect your mind and body!
When somebody tries to bring you down, explain to them why their words or actions are problematic. If they refuse to change their ways, maybe it's time to decide whether their presence in your life is helpful or hurtful.
9. Don't compare your body or capabilities to others. Every body is unique.
Everyone has different metabolisms, different genes, and different habits. Remember that you are your own. It's easy to become full of envy. Why don't I have her hips? Why don't I have his abs? Why does she have a thigh gap and I don't? Why don't I have curves? If you constantly compare, you will be left in a sea of 'why me?' thoughts. Let's celebrate instead!
10. Remember that, at the end of the day, your body image is up to you.
Healthy mind, healthy body, healthy life! Keep your mind balanced and your thoughts rational. You have control of this situation. You have the choice to be body-positive, even when it's hard to be. Be strong, and be inspiring. Together, we can make a body-positive world.
