Many people don’t like what they see when they look in the mirror. When they are complimented, they have a hard time receiving it. Societal conceptions, magazines, family, friends, and even the person himself or herself can add pressure to be a perfect weight, size, or shape.
Appreciating your body starts with accepting yourself completely with the bodily changes that have happened over time. Ignore opinions that drive you to consider extreme measures to get that celebrity look or the look that is widely promoted on social media platforms.
Here are some ways to start appreciating your body just the way you are.
The images of the models you admire in magazines are often photo-shopped or altered versions made to appear a certain way. In reality, the models are not blemish free or perfectly proportioned. Images on popular social media sites are also photoshopped heavily to enlarge the hips and butt while shrinking the waist.
Filters are added to erase fine lines and blemishes. Upon buying fitness magazines and viewing certain websites, take time to determine the reality behind the ads. Also, ignore the ads and articles about the best method to lose ten pounds in one week or ways to get thin and burn fat. Observe healthy ways to obtain the physical results you desire.
Observation of the body at leisure will give you an appreciation for the way it functions. The hands moving on the keyboards smoothly or the body’s involuntary movements such as the pumping or the heart of the working of the lungs will seem like a marvel. It continues without your need to give the command.
Even if you cringe at this idea, take time to view your naked body in a full-view mirror and examine your shape. It is natural for people to find problem areas. According to experts, this might prove to be a liberating exercise in the end. Examine the naked body before you in the mirror (that is of course yours) to see the curves, the dimples, the freckles, and the lines. Learn that you should admire your body and not scrutinize it.
This is the best time to make a list of all the things that you appreciate or like about your body. Know that nothing is too small or too big to include in the list. You may appreciate your muscular and strong legs because they carry you everywhere you want.
People may appreciate the softness of their bodies as it makes their partners snuggle up to them. Your face may remind you of your father and mother, or you may have a beautiful smile or healthy teeth. You may have expressive eyes, one of the strongest features of the face.
While it is a challenge to find gratitude in a normal and naturally flawed human body, this gives you immense satisfaction and increases your confidence in your personality. Remember that you are alive and the appreciation of your body increases your sense of self-worth and even makes others appreciate your natural beauty and capability.
Comparisons can make you feel inferior. Having a superiority complex isn’t good either. The truth is that being attractive affects how people respond to you. A perfect outfit flatters the body so find something that compliments your body type and personality. Make sure your clothes and undergarments fit appropriately. Also, smile more and show yourself as friendly. This gives you optimal results.
The body uses pains and aches to tell you that you need to slow down. Exhaustion does not signify the need for more coffee. This may signify the sleep requirements of the body instead. Skin breakouts can be a sign of stress or hormonal changes.
It is also possible that the current skincare regimen followed doesn’t work for the skin and needs to be altered. Remember, your body speaks to you and it is up to you to listen and stop the situation from getting worse. Becoming self-aware of the body is a nice exercise to practice to help you recognize the messages the body sends.
There are more than 8 Billion people around the world. So it is possible to find a role model that works for you and gives you a good example to follow. Your aim is to find someone who is honest about how they’ve achieved their results.
Avoid those who heavily alter their photos. It is also okay to find role models for different areas of your life. You can have a different role model for fashion, makeup, hair, fitness, diet, etc. Find role models that inspire you to improve and become your most authentic and confident self.
Practice showing gratitude toward your body even when you are in pain. It can be easy to become angry with your body when it is out of control. This may be the case for those who suffer with chronic illnesses. However, during these times it is crucial to find something to be thankful for.
A wise man said that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Give yourself grace, and do what you can to give your body the care that it needs in the moment. Nurture it, nourish it, and show it that you are grateful that it has brought you this far.
Additional Read
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Conclusion
Every human being is different so the best thing you can do is to accept yourself as you are. Know that you are exceptional and beautiful with the flaws making you special and unique. Whatever a person tells you, appreciation of the body is most important. Do not pursue an unachievable body standard. Instead, seek a standard that best compliments you.
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