All women at some point suffer from low self esteem or self-worth. It can be after the break up of a relationship or something overheard at work that sticks in the mind and festers and becomes destructive leading to lower self-esteem.
The body and mind are connected and when you find yourself mentally down it will lead to believing that you are physically unattractive or not happy with your own body.
The only solution is to break the cycle of feeling unhappy that leads to low perceptions of your body image. I have a few key ideas to help change the way you think that I hope will improve your feelings about your body image.
1. Don't pretend to know
We have all done it girls and now it is time to stop. You are at the supermarket or in an elevator you see a guy and automatically assume he is thinking your ugly, your arms are flabby or your nose too big. Well girls the truth is he is probably thinking about work, football, what he is going to have for dinner or absolutely nothing (I know a lot of men who do that).
If you are with partner, you think they are disgusted by your cellulite or those love handles. This is wrong your partner loves you for who you are and so should you.
Ladies you can't read minds, don't attribute your thought to other people. You will be wrong on most occasions and you are only hurting yourself.
2. The Perfection Syndrome
Before a date you spend hours in front of the mirror to get your hair just so. When your hair isn't perfect or your skin flawless; you feel self-conscious as if everyone is looking at you and are being critical. This leads to you being unable to relax and enjoy dates or parties or in extreme cases refusing to go at all.
Appearance is the be all and end all; if you are not presented perfectly you feel bad about yourself. Now the trick is to reverse that thought process through counter-intuitive measures for example if you feel your hair isn't right then why not wear your favourite hat? Turn a negative response into a positive outcome such as if you feeling bloated and unattractive drink plenty of water or go and exercise or just put on your favourite shiny shoes.
3. Displacement and passion
Be positive in your outlook through your actions. Sit down and list what you like to do or have always wanted to do.
Instead of thinking about your weight, size or shape concentrate on your passions and you will be immediately be happier. Why not take that dance class, computer course or learn Italian? Have you ever wanted o travel or paint? It is you holding yourself back. It is time to change, explore new avenues and concentrate on what makes you happy. The happier you are in the mind it will make much less inclined to concentrate on your body image negatively because you will too busy being happy, positive and confident.
4. Introduce Yourself to the World
You have to be more open to others not just physically (which can be healthy and life affirming) but emotionally as well. Ladies don't be afraid to reveal yourself to others. If you feel self-conscious about your spare tire or those bingo wings talk about it with your partner. Trust in other people and let them know how you are feeling. The result will be one of reassurance and they will tell you how much they love you for who you are and what you are. Then you only need to let yourself believe them.
5. Healthy Mind + Health Body = Happiness
Your mind and body are interlinked so if you are stressed all the time about body image or a person's perceived perceptions about you, it will lead to your body suffering. Stress leads to raised blood pressure, increased heart rate and lowers the immune system. Ladies by constantly thinking you are ugly and fat your physical health will suffer along with your mental health.
In conclusion
We are all individual and we all have different weights, shapes and body sizes. There is someone out there for everyone. It is a question of belief. It starts within your own head. Ladies you have to be strong enough to believe in yourself and bold enough to do what makes you happy.
Challenge yourself to explore new things. It will lead to personnel achievement that breeds confidence that will lead you to feel good about yourself. Hey presto, before you know it people will notice and it becomes a positive life affirming circle rather than second guessing negative cycle of self-loathing from where you began. The change starts here.
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