Got a body hang up? We know the feeling. Sadly, according to Dove’s Global Beauty and Confidence Report, just 20 percent of us feel body confident. However, there are lots of things you can do to boost your self-esteem – read on to find out how the H&W team have learned to feel the love for our bodies
Keep active
Content writer, Stacey
“I think we all have good and bad days when it comes to how we feel about our bodies, but I’ve found that exercise is the key to helping me stay confident in my own skin. From increasing the amount of weight I can lift at the gym to mastering new yoga poses, I’m continually amazed by what it can do. Also, taking the pressure off myself to be a certain size all the time has been a gamechanger for me. Nothing stays the same the whole year-round, so why would anyone expect their body to? My weight and my fitness level fluctuates throughout the year, and not putting expectations on myself to be a particular shape has helped boost my confidence tenfold.”
Support act
Editor, Holly
Body confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you have to work at – especially if you’ve spent years speaking negatively about it. My body has endured a lot over the years, from denying it food, over excising, not exercising at all and breaking bones. But I’ve found the yoga has helped me to reconnect with my body in a kinder way. I’m in awe of how it can be both strong and soft, powerful and gentle and every time I step onto the mat, I take time to appreciate all that it has gone through and all that it continues to support me through.“
Make a splash
Deputy editor, Vicky
“Body confidence is something I’ve struggled with for a long time – I stopped swimming when I was 12 due to the embarrassment I felt of wearing a swimming costume in front of strangers. It was only in the past two years that I rediscovered the sport and realised that I actually love it, and it makes me sad to think of the time I wasted not doing something I enjoy. What helped me take those first few steps back into the pool was finding a swimsuit that made me feel confident and secure in myself, which I recommend you take the time to do too. Once I finally made my return, the fact that I was making my body stronger by doing those laps made me keep going back and work on overcoming those anxieties.”
Stay balanced
Editorial assistant, Daniella
”As I’ve got older, I’ve realised that there is no right or wrong body shape, and I’m letting go of those perceptions of what ‘perfect’ really looks like. I think we all struggle with body hang ups, but I’ve discovered that a balanced plate is what makes me feel good. Whether it’s a spiced almond and quinoa salad with hummus or a vegan burger and fries, I’ve learnt to treat my body with compassion when it comes to nutrition and listen to those important cues for a sustainable and kind approach. Plus, I know it sounds cliché, but this is the only body you’re ever going to get, so be nice to yours and it’ll be nice to you!“
