Seven Simple Rules to Boost Your Body Image This Summer

So here you are again: a new summer at his start and you hate the sight of your own reflection. It sadly happens to almost all of us and it’s something we don’t usually worry as much during the winter, when our clothes are an effective shell to cover our weak points. Now it’s time to throw the shell away and reveal our true selves, and we should try to make this passage as painless as we can.

Stop panicking and memorize these 7 simple rules to improve your self-confidence and flight through the hot months of the year with no more trepidation.

1. Stop looking at celebrities’ magazines: you’d agree with me, there is nothing more discouraging than looking at magazines packed with super tanned/skinned celebrities; read a nice book or a refreshing magazine instead!
2. Practice affirmations: repeat to yourself a short phrase of self-acceptance every morning in front of the mirror (“I am unique and charming”). It might seem really stupid at the start, BUT believe it or not, day after day those words will ring more true to your head and subtle changes will start to happen.
3. Stop comparing yourself with other people: this is never a good habit to have, therefore the sooner you come out of it the better. Too tempting to look at those gorgeous legs sit at the table beside you? Believe me, when there is a will there is way: distract your attention by shifting to something you like, get in your head a nice thought or appreciation for what you have. If you really can’t refrain from your comparison’s pastime, try at least to compare yourself with somebody less good looking than you!
4. Always regard beauty as a matter of subjective taste: remember that what you see and what others see are INVARIABLY two completely different things. We all have different rules to assess beauty and (surprise, surprise!) there will be always someone out there who will think you are adorable just as you are. Example: do you know anybody who is definitely unattractive under conventional terms, but you can’t help feeling attracted to them? Yes! The world is crowd with bad looking people who are at the same time attractive and charming as a result of their own witty /enthusiastic/ loving attitude! It’s all about yourself and your personality, your look is just half of the story.
5. Go on holiday where you feel more at ease: for instance, if you feel uneasy in your swimming gear, try to avoid going holiday in places crowded with model-looking exhibitionists. And if you are too self-conscious about your weight, you’d be amused to realize how the appreciation for a fuller figure can change SO dramatically according to geographic and cultural factors (India or Africa from my experience!)
6. Appreciate and enhance all your strong points: there is not use in looking at the mirror only to dismiss yourself with at negative attitude. Next time you look at the mirror close your eyes first, take a deep breath and imagine to see the reflection of someone REALLY awful! Open your eyes and try to locate at least one or two aspects that you like -or find acceptable- about yourself. Your dress or make-up should always have the ultimate scope of emphasizing these points and drawing attention away from your weaknesses. If you are not able to do this by yourself, do a bit of research on the web or magazines: identify your body’s type and you will see that today there’s a plethora of free available material and suggestions regarding what would best suit your body’s shape.
7. Pamper yourself: find the time and energy to love and pamper yourself at least once a day (even better, join a yoga class or a group in your area); anything which involve dedicating care and time to your own person will make a real difference to your inner feeling and the way you feel about your body. Remember that real beauty starts within: by addressing and caring for your emotions – your inner self -you will make real progress in the way you perceive your outer self (and I am talking from experience).

May I wish you the best for this summer and please don’t forget to remember how unique and wonderful you are!