It’s that time of year, when holidays poolside start getting arranged, cameras lenses start flicking and the nagging doubt about whether you’ll still fit in your bikini looms large. But we thought this was meant to be fun, right? We here at IDEAL say it’s time to banish those worries and woes about how you’ll compare on the beach and just focus on feeling the very best you can in your beautiful, unique frame. So, here are 5 IDEAL ways to boost your body confidence this summer.
DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE
You’re probably being bombarded with ads right now about ‘how to get beach body ready’, but rather than raising anticipation for the summer, your body anxiety is instead in danger of reaching an all time high. In our image and Instagram driven society, it’s hard not to compare yourself to unrealistic images of woman daily.
According to a study conducted in 2016 by Dove, 69% of women and 65% of girls across the world say they experience a constantly increasing pressure from the media to reach an unattainable standard of beauty. This is one of the driving forces behind not feeling confident about your body, so bear this in mind next time low self-esteem hits.
There’s nothing more beautiful than self-confidence, so it’s time to curb all of that comparing yourself to others and banish those media-defined ideals of beauty. Instead of going on a diet, do yourself a favour and cut down on the amount of media you’re using. You’ll be amazed at the results.
FOLLOW BODY POSITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA
If you can’t curb your obsession with social media – and yep, we accept it’s tough – then you could do worse than following some bloggers and Instagram influencers who promote self love and a body positive image. Spend some time cleaning up the people who you follow, removing those who make you feel bad about yourself and instead fill your feed with people who focus on feeling good about yourself, no matter what you look like. Everyone has different quirks and flaws, to be embraced and savoured, so save all that perfectionist stuff for the professionals.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO BE BODY POSITIVE, TOO
Research suggests, counter-intuitively it seems, that your friends might be making you feel self-conscious. Indeed, women are particularly, prone to competitive self- criticism. When friends complain about their fat thighs or bulging belly it impacts on you too, as you’ll probably be compelled to tell them about something you don’t like about yourself. Moreover, this body bashing talk may increase worry about an element of your body you’ve been fixating on. However, it’s time to battle this detrimental self-talk. Instead of the ‘fat-talk’, bring in some positivity. Compliment your friends and celebrate your positives. Create an atmosphere of self love and surround yourself with body positivity and soon others will follow suit. Result!
FORGET ABOUT SIZES
Think this size 10 is the same size 10 as at the boutique across the street? Think again. Sizes differ from shop to shop, person to person, and figure to figure, so don’t fret if a certain item isn’t exactly your fit – size after all ain’t nothing but a number and an erroneous one at that. We’re all different. When you’re trying on clothes, take several sizes (both bigger and smaller) with you into the changing room and pick which one fits best, no matter what the label says.
INVEST IN CLOTHES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL FABULOUS
Did you know that the style of and clothes you put on your body reflect and affect your mood, confidence and self esteem. Scientists call this phenomenon “enclothed cognition”. So if you’re wearing frumpy old clothes, you’re probably going to feel the same.
One of the keys to feeling fabulous in your own clothes is getting the size, shape and style of the clothes right. Start with quality, well fitting underwear. It’s astonishing the number of women who don’t know their bra size, and as we come in all shapes and sizes, from bras in sizes small to xxl, get yourself measured, dress accurately, and you’ll feel great.
Underwear that actually fits you will help your clothes fit you better, too, and give extra enhancement to your body, accentuating your best parts, helping you to feel good about the clothes you’re wearing. And we all want that, right?
