Health

There will always be doubt. A dress won’t fit, you’ll be jealous of a friend’s weight loss success, or you’re just feeling down. There so many ways to love yourself more right now, and while this is not a complete list, it’s a start. And most of it is way easier than you think. These are the things that get me through the tough times.

Positive Reinforcement

Make your brain believe that you’re happy with what you have. That might mean putting a Post-It note on your mirror that says “I’m beautiful.” It sounds cheesy, but if you keep telling yourself that, you will start to feel it. Every body is different, and looking at Hollister skinny models isn’t a good guide to what the best you will look like.

Wear Clothes That Fit

And I mean actually fit your body. Stop wearing clothes that tent you. You have no idea how many times I’m helping a client when I’m working retail and they say they want the large and I know they’re a medium. I pull both and make them try both on. Why? Because you’re not doing yourself any good wearing a tent, you make yourself look bigger. If you’re a woman, show your curves, accept your body. You can look good and feel good so long as you know what to do. Long necklaces elongate the body, don’t wear bulky layers, and belts are your best friend. Seriously. A good stylist won’t put you in something two sizes too big for you.

Watch TV

Well, I don’t mean grab a tub of Ben & Jerry’s and sit on the couch watching reruns of Sex & the City. I mean watch shows that encourage healthy living, and if you want to do a few crunches or walk in place, even better. I’ve found that when I watch The Biggest Loser, all I want to do is workout, eat healthy, and be like the contestants. They’re motivated. They have struggles like I do, and they feel better about themselves by the end of the show. Granted they make a ton of money if they win, but getting in shape is a prize in itself. And if that’s not your cup of tea, there are plenty of workout guides to pair with your favorite TV show, like The Walking Dead workout. Are you a mom and have to watch Disney movies, guess what? There’s a workout for you, too. My new favorite, the Psych workout because you really wouldn’t stop moving. I have a Pinterest board here: CLICK to see them.

Listen to Music

Positive upbeat music. And sometimes Skrillex. I have this belief that humans were intended to dance and that we can’t live without music. It’s a personal belief, but think about it. When we listen to upbeat tunes, we get a little upbeat, too. Especially if we’re singing along and dancing. make the mind feel better, and you’ll start to feel better about yourself.

Highlight Your Best Attribute

We all have one thing we’re very proud of on our bodies. Even if you everything else seems to be falling apart, you still get compliments on it. For some, it’s your eyes. Other’s it’s your danty feet. Some, it’s their butt. No matter what it is, embrace it. Find that one quality that you love about yourself and use that as a starting point to finding other aspects you love. Take a look in the mirror and find the good. Don’t pull out the parts you don’t like, but truly take some time, stand in front of your mirror and find the qualities you love. And embrace them.

Exercise

Sure, easier said than done. But there’s been plenty of studies that say exercise elevates your mood. Hello, anyone ever watch Legally Blonde? Exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Twenty minutes, three days a week can do a world of difference in how you feel both about yourself and the world around you. Plus the workout will help you stay fit.

Be Grateful

If there’s one thing I learned over the last year, it’s that being grateful for what you have can enormously elevate your mood. Stop saying, “I’m too weak to run a 5K” and say “Yes, I’m grateful that I can walk a mile.” Your body is your best tool and if you don’t look at what you do have, you’ll only see what you don’t have. Be grateful you even made it to the gym, not that you feel bad that you couldn’t stay for a whole hour. It’s one of the easiest ways to change your mood, but one of the easiest things to forget along the journey.