How To Overcome Body Image Insecurities Without Losing A Single Pound
In a world that often equates beauty with thinness, it’s way too easy to feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. It’s so frustrating. Every woman has a complex physical makeup that differs from everyone around her. We all have different genetics, heights, and muscle to fat ratios… and you can only change the last one. So how could we all possibly conform to ONE beauty standard? (Especially when that standard is something that’s often unhealthy, and downright unattainable?) My friend, you don’t need to lose weight to embrace yourself fully. In fact, you can transform your self-perception and boost your confidence without altering your weight at all! Let’s talk about how to overcome body image insecurities – without losing a single pound!
I’m a woman that’s fluctuated on the scale really hard in her life. I gained a lot of weight when I was pregnant with my twin boys, and I’ve been up and down the scale ever since! I know that Covid did a number on a lot of us, too. Myself included. I’m here to tell you that that is NORMAL, and it is 100% ok. The only people that don’t fluctuate are people that get paid to look a certain way (and have the means to pay for a nutritionist and a trainer round the clock). And most of us aren’t blessed with the genetics to look that way without trying! Your body keeps you alive, and that is no small thing – which I know as a cancer survivor! Let’s get into how to honor her and feel great about her!
How To Overcome Body Image Insecurities Without Losing A Single Pound
1. Redefine Your Standards of Beauty. Embrace the idea that all body types are beautiful and worthy of admiration. Start following body-positive accounts on social media. Cling to friend groups and communities that display and uplift inclusive standards. This shift in perspective can profoundly impact how you view yourself!
2. Invest in Tailored, Flattering Clothing. Wearing the right clothing can significantly boost your confidence. And a lot of that is dressing for the body you have! Focus on finding outfits that enhance your natural shape. Prioritize fit and comfort. Or better yet – work with me to help you discover the styles that’ll best accentuate your best features! Well-fitted clothes can make or break how you see your body.
3. Practice Positive Self-Talk. Would you talk to your kid or your best friend the way you talk negatively about yourself? You wouldn’t, because you know how it would make them feel. Therefore, stop talking to yourself like that! Negative self-talk can be beyond detrimental to your body image. Start each day by acknowledging what you love about yourself. It doesn’t even have to be something physical!
4. Cultivate a Healthy Self-Care Routine. Self-care is all about nurturing your physical and emotional well-being. Sure, it can mean going to the spa. But it can also mean prioritizing your nutrition or setting boundaries with a toxic coworker. What if you decided to see working out as a way to make you feel good? I know the aesthetic aspect is hard to forget. But when you honor your body by doing good things for it, the emotional and mental reward is so much sweeter.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Acceptance. Mindfulness practices are one of the best ways to help you stay grounded and connected to the present moment. Try deep breathing for 10 seconds with your eyes closed. I do this between meetings on packed days, and it’s been a game changer! Meditation and deep breathing are proven to reduce anxiety and foster self-acceptance. Both are vital for a positive body image.
The Polished Approach
If you’re new around here – you should know that my work as an image consultant is from the inside out, not the other way around. I don’t dress women to boost their confidence (although, that’s a big perk that always happens!). I give them the tools to source the confidence within themselves. And then I teach them how to build an authentic wardrobe from there!
Sound like your cup of tea? Sign up for The Fall 2024 Level Up Workshop if you’ve been on the hunt for a different approach! You’ll learn how to cultivate an authentic first impression. You’ll learn the tools to build a killer wardrobe that works for you, your lifestyle, and your body. And you’ll join an international community of like-minded women that wanted more for themselves – and found it with Polished! Join us on September 28th from 2-5pm EST in my DC office. I can’t wait to see you there!
(Click here for one payment. Or click here for two!)
Let’s level up how you show up!
