Body Positivity and Acceptance: 5 Ways to Boost Body Confidence

Our bodies are incredible. Just the fact that they keep us moving from day to day is amazing when you think about it. They allow us to experience the world, carry us through life's adventures, and are the foundation of our health and well-being.

So, why can one look in the mirror send our day from "whoa!" to "oh no"? Many of us struggle to accept and appreciate the bodies we're in. This is often due to negative body image, a common experience where people disapprove of their physical appearance. Social media, unrealistic beauty standards, and constant exposure to "perfect" bodies can contribute to feeling dissatisfied with our own.

Thankfully, the body positivity movement is well underway, offering a powerful counterpoint to negative body image. Body positivity is a social movement that promotes the radical idea that all bodies deserve respect and love, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, or physical ability. It challenges unrealistic beauty standards and emphasizes self-acceptance, celebrating the incredible things our bodies can do.

Here are our 5 tips for boosting your body confidence and embracing body positivity:

1. Make a list

Sounds a bit like schoolwork but stick with us. This helps you see on paper all the amazing things your body has accomplished. You've grown, carried children, run marathons, fought off illness or simply kept yourself healthy and strong. Put pen to paper or take notes in your phone and get ready to see just how awesome you are.

2. Adopt body positive affirmations!

Don't knock it till you try it. You don’t have to stick affirmations on your mirror either, though some women love looking at them each morning. Your challenge - find three phrases you can either write down or say like a mantra to help you to feel more positive about the body you’re in.

3. Take a social media hiatus

Curate your online experience! Female self-esteem can be fragile at the best of times. If scrolling through social media leaves you feeling down about yourself, take a break or unfollow accounts that make you feel bad. If cutting out social media feels too drastic, limit your exposure by setting daily limits. Then, reward yourself for sticking to them by treating yourself to a yoga session or taking a walk and cranking up your favourite podcast. Life's too short to let unrealistic portrayals impact your self-worth.

4. Reframe your negative thinking

Do you automatically go into negative self-talk mode when you’re with family and friends? Or, alone by yourself in front of the mirror? We all have that inner critic, but it's important to challenge those negative thoughts. Do you see a body that looks different after carrying children and long for your ‘pre-baby body’? Or do you see a powerful, strong, inspiring body?

Instead of focusing on what you perceive as flaws, shift your perspective to appreciate your body's strength and capabilities. Cut out weight conversations with family and friends if they only inspire negative thoughts. Weight is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. You’re better off focusing on having a healthy body, a relaxed relationship with food and being kind to yourself.

5. Prioritise your body

Make your well-being a priority. Nourish yourself with healthy foods, get enough sleep, and move your body. Invest in lingerie that fits well and helps you feel sexy and confident. Take relaxing baths or walks in nature. Do something that helps you connect with your body. You’ve only got one, so treat it well and show it the respect it deserves.

Let's celebrate what our bodies can do! Every body is unique and deserves comfort and confidence. That's why we created a guide to help you discover lingerie that fits you perfectly and makes you feel amazing. Celebrate Your Body: Discovering Lingerie for Every Body Type (triumph.com)

By incorporating these tips and embracing the principles of body positivity, you can cultivate a healthier relationship with your body and achieve body acceptance. Remember, you are worthy of love and respect just as you are.