Deep Dive
Shownotes Transcript
Hello and welcome to another episode of Chasing Life. I'm your host, Sarah, and I'm so excited for you to join me today as I hopefully will provide some value to your life. And something that I want you to know about me is that I love collecting quotes. I have notebooks filled with quotes. I have endless notes on my phone about quotes or just tips on positivity and motivation. And so today I'm going to share one of those quotes
items with you. It's about boosting your body image. And I felt like this was just a really important topic, not only because it's something that I've struggled with, but I feel like so many women struggle with. We tend to be our own harshest critics. We compare ourselves against the bodies of others and judge ourselves for not measuring up to our ideals as well as the ideals that are imposed on us by other people. And in doing so, we can do a number on our self-confidence.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to be healthier or desiring to achieve a certain look, but don't put yourself up on your journey to get there. It's time we start loving ourselves and our bodies more, and here are 11 tips to help you do that.
Number one, make a list of positive things. Write down at least 10 things you like about your body and who you are. This can include your eyes, your smile, the color of your hair, your strong calves, your kindness, or your sense of humor. Then take a picture of the list with your phone and save it so that every time you're not feeling great, you can take a look at it and remind yourself of those great things. A positive self-image can improve your health.
Number two, focus on improvement. When it comes to your body, focusing on what you think is a problem area is just going to make you feel worse. Once you've acknowledged that you want to work on, focus on ways to improve and what you've accomplished so far. Focusing on the positive memories you have of exercise can keep you working out and helping you to reach your goals.
Number three, get rid of the negative Nancys. When you start to feel better about yourself, some people around you might not be comfortable with your new attitude or look and they could start to get a little mean or bring you down. If these people are meaningful to you, you don't want to completely dismiss them out of your life entirely. But if you can, try to distance yourself from them or chat with them about why they need to stop and what you really want as a part of your life.
Number four, find people who motivate you. There are so many people out there who are inspirational. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, wherever. Feed off of their positivity and let them motivate you. Surround yourself with five people that you want to be like, not those who will bring you down or don't understand the lifestyle that you want to live.
Number five, move. If you're finding yourself heading towards an emotional roller coaster, get moving. Go for a walk, go to a park, go for a hike, go for a run. Just move. Doing so will help the endorphins kick in and help your brain get back on the right track. Number six, wear clothes that accentuate your shape. Wearing baggy clothes can make you look bigger than you are. Instead, dress in ways that flatter your body type. You'll feel more confident and that will help to show.
Number seven, talk to yourself. This one might seem a little woo-woo, but especially if you've been engaging in negative self-talk like my stomach is too big or my legs are rubbing together and my nose is ugly, I don't like the size of my hands, whatever it is, the next time you look in the mirror, I want you to say or at least think something positive about your body and your features.
Can't think of anything? Fake it until you make it. Or better yet, ask someone in your life, your significant other, your kids, your parents, whoever, something that they love about you, and then that will infuse some positivity in yourself every time that you look in the mirror again. Even though it may not feel genuine when you're faking it and coming up with something on your own, forcing yourself to be positive will get your brain moving in a healthier direction. Number eight.
Pamper yourself. Do something kind for your body. I love to go for a run when I'm not feeling great, but others might enjoy a hot bath, enjoy a massage, relax in a sauna, get a new haircut, or get a manicure. By taking time for yourself and doing something that makes you feel physically great, it will help you feel emotionally great too.
Number nine, help others. One way to take the focus and pressure off of you is by helping others. Volunteering or helping a friend or sending a care package or getting flowers for someone in your life will help you feel good and helps you connect with others in your community and those who you care about. Number 10, smile. Not only does smiling look good on the outside, it actually releases endorphins that make you feel good on the inside.
When you really want your smile to pop, throw on your favorite lipstick or gloss and then your smile will look even brighter. Number 11, accept a compliment. When someone gives you a compliment, receive it graciously. Responding to a compliment with something self-deprecating is not only negative, it also strips the joy away from the person giving it to you. Accept the love that you're getting. You deserve it.
I hope you found these tips helpful today. If you did, I'd love if you could share it on your favorite social media platform and tag me. I'm on Instagram at SarahChasingLife or on Facebook at Sarah Cain. So I hope you have a great day and I'll talk to you soon.