Body confidence is often toted around as this mythical, magical secret that some people have and others don’t. Well, I’ll tell you the secret to being body confident.
It doesn’t require jumping through special hoops. There’s no unicorn you have to go find and then you’ll be worthy. It’s not just for certain people, but not for you.
The secret to being confident about your body is your intention. Do you want to be confident? If yes, then you can start being confident about your body today.
I’m walking you through several tangible ways you can start being more body confident right now.
1. Your body will change year to year.
In all honesty, you’re probably the only one that will end up noticing the changes because they’re usually so subtle. Most of the time, they’re so subtle your clothing style, hair routine, and skin routine doesn’t really change that much, if at all.
But, your body does change from year to year. You’re growing. You’re aging. So, don’t hold yourself to the standards of where you were at in high school.
Who cares if you can fit into your high school jeans? Your body is going to be a different body than it was in high school. Your body as a grown, adult woman is going to have a different shape than a teenage girl.
Who cares if you can fit into your pre-baby clothes? Your body after making a human from the blood in your veins and sustaining that life for 9 months is going to be different than the body that has never done that before. Your body alters itself to be able to accomplish that seemingly impossible feat.
The point is that holding yourself to “where you used to be” isn’t going to serve you in the long run. Bodies change because they’re living pieces of us. You’re doing great.
2. Your body does not exist solely for aesthetics.
This can be a difficult one to grasp when we live in a comparison world. We’re bombarded daily with picturesque Instagram models and tall, thin celebrities. If you’re part of the 96% of women who don’t look fit the description of tall, thin model, it can be hard to believe that your body is a worthy one at all.
Your body does not exist so it can be visually pleasing for others. Pretty is not the price you pay to exist.
Your body is an amazing place to be. The heart in your chest only beats for you. The sole purpose of it is to keep you alive. It’s not worried about anyone else.
Take sometime to look into the physiology of your body. Try to understand the different organ systems and how they play a role in your body. When you do this, you’ll start to see your body in a new light: a living, mind-blowing phenomenon.
3. Genetics play a big role, societal approval or not.
You can’t change your height. Or your eye color. Or where your body likes to store fat.
Sure, it might be “in” right now to have an hourglass figure, but in 10 years or 15 years, it can all change.
Your genetics? Pretty set in stone. You can attempt to turn certain genes “on” or “off” by manipulating your environment (aka diet, exercise, stress, etc.). But, some things just are.
The amazing thing about genetics is that it’s the blueprint as to what makes us all unique. You can’t be like the 5’10” model because you’re like you. That 5’10” model can’t be like you either.
Start spinning your perspective around. What makes you unique? What parts of you do you love? We all have qualities that makes us beautiful. Take the time to appreciate them.
Body confidence is often toted around as this mythical, magical secret that some people have and others don't. Well, I'll tell you the real secret to being body confident. Click To Tweet4. Your body deserves to be treated well, no matter the number on the scale.
There’s a misconception I notice a lot of people get hung up on. There’s a belief that if you’re not a petite fitness junkie, then you shouldn’t prioritize your health. As though there is a weight limit to taking care of yourself.
Eating well is not reserved for when you hit a certain size or number on the scale. It’s not just for an elite crowd you feel like you can’t be a part of. You can eat well and exercise no matter your size.
Try the green smoothie because you like smoothies. Go for long walks because the fresh air feels nice. Try the new exercise class that seems interesting because you want to do something new.
Don’t wait or hold yourself back from living a great life because of a number on the scale or attached to your jeans.
5. Wanting to lose weight does not make you anti-body positivity.
I love the body positivity movement. It’s normalized normal bodies. It’s celebrated bodies that usually get demeaned and discarded. It’s a great thing.
However, there’s an atmosphere that if you want to lose weight, you can’t be body positive at the same time. This is false thinking.
There’s many reasons why someone would want to lose weight. Maybe it’s medically necessary. Maybe they’re feeling lethargic and want to feel lighter. Maybe it is for aesthetics.
If you want to lose weight, then go for it. If you believe losing weight will help you lead a better life, then do it. It doesn’t mean you love your body any less as long as you are still coming from a place of self-love.
6. How good you feel physically is usually about how good you feel mentally.
There is a strong body-mind connection. While your brain is the central hub of your psyche, your nervous system runs throughout your entire body.
Where are the most neurons in the human body located outside of the brain? Your gut.
What’s one the first things to make us feel physically sick? Stomach aches. Gas. Nausea. AKA, your gut.
It’s not a coincidence. Most of the time, when we’re not feeling our best physically, we’re not feeling our best mentally or emotionally. Our physical and mental well-being are directly tied together. One effects the other.
So, when you start to feel self-conscious, instead of picking your body to pieces, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to fresh air, a little exercise, water, and some good food. Focus on keeping your self-talk encouraging and up-lifting. Practice deep breathing and thanking your body for working so hard every day to keep you alive.
7. You can decide today to be confident.
Confidence isn’t something you have to wait for. There doesn’t have to be a “moment” or “I’ll be confident when x goal happens”.
It’s as simple as to go forward from this moment right now and be confident.
Stand tall. Keep your chin level with the floor. Make eye contact with people. Be loud. Use your voice. Wear clothes that feel good and fit well. Do things you actually enjoy doing, instead of things you think you “should” enjoy doing.
Be unapologetically you. Take up space. You don’t have to earn your right to oxygen. You’re allowed to be seen and heard in this world. You are wanted and needed.
You just need to show up. So, show up.
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