Body confidence tips — how to put your best foot forward

We all go through our personal struggles to maintain perfect Victoria’s Secret model bodies by engaging in eating disorders and excessive exercise regimens. But what does it take to be confident about your body? Here are a few tips:

Appreciate your body:

I remember, in 2007 when I was on bed rest for a month due to slip disc, I learnt to appreciate my body more for all that it could do. It was so important to relax my body and take care of it as a whole rather in parts.

I started to do things for myself — going to a spa for a massage, pedicure, or a head massage — that made my body feel appreciated.

I started the right food that would uplift my mood and make my body feel good and light.

I started to go that extra mile to do whatever made me feel amazing about myself and my body.

Spread a sunshine smile:

Whenever I catch someone looking my way, I give them a genuine and confident smile. This does wonders in dispelling anxiety about the self.

How you feel makes a huge difference to the vibes that you give out, which will ultimately either attract or repel others. So always remember to smile, even at strangers, because people pick up on positivity and respond in kind. There is, hence, an upward spiral of positivity instead of a downward spiral into negativity.

Surround yourself with positive body image thoughts:

The problem is not with your body…. the problem is what you think of it and of yourself.

Did you ever realise how much your body loves you? It’s always trying to keep you alive — it breathes, heals, protects.

It’s time for you to love it back, think positive things about your body, and stop all the negative self-talk.

Body confidence doesn’t come from trying to achieve the perfect body — it comes from embracing the one you already have.

Happiness isn’t size-specific — be happy with your body while working for what you want!

Mirror, mirror, on the wall:

Post my delivery and going through a bad marriage, I had stopped paying attention to my body. One day, a girlfriend asked me when the last time I had seen myself naked in front of the mirror was.

And there I stood in front of the mirror, naked, and boy, did it change my perception of my body! Your body is an absolute mirror of your mind. If you worry, it shows on your body.

Stop picking yourself apart in the mirror. Blow yourself a kiss and tell yourself you’re amazing.

Tell yourself how proud you are of your body.

If you are a new mom who has issues with her post-baby body, take pride in the fact that your body carried and gave birth to another life.

While at first, this may be uncomfortable, after forcing your naked image to be in your face more often, you’ll soon get used to seeing your reflection without looking away or picking it apart.

You can be the most beautiful woman in the world but see yourself as hideous. You must love yourself to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are a rock star

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)