It’s 2021 and loving yourself is trending but, why are you still not hopping on the trend? 

Beauty standards, social expectations, cultural standard are over! There’s no need to feel ashamed or drown in self-rejection anymore. We can’t control, cover up, or conform our way into confidence. We can’t wake up tomorrow and be perfect. And that’s okay!

So come on and join the positivity train and start loving yourself!

The first step you have to take when starting to learn how to love yourself is learning how to accept your body. Here’s how you can complete your first step to loving yourself:

1. Stop comparing yourself to others

Yes, stop it right now! Stop scrolling through Instagram and looking at all the edited and touched-up photos of influencer while thinking I wish I looked that good. Honey, you look good in your own skin, you don’t have to look like others. 

Comparing yourself with others can bring negative and anxious thoughts which can lead to high rates of anxiety and depression. Instead of comparing, try practicing gratitude. 

2. Focus on your health

Body acceptance means focusing on your health instead of your looks. Don’t think of working out as a way to lose weight or to change your body shape. Think of it as a way to get your heart rate up so that it stays healthy.

You need to think of going on jog not so that you can fit into a size 4 jeans but because it will make your legs stronger. That way you’re not working out to change how you look but to improve your health. 

3. Write positive affirmations on your mirror

Everyday you wake up and get ready in front of the mirror. You look at yourself in the mirror and start judging yourself. The mirror is the place where we experience the highest level of body-hate.

Stop this attitude by sticking positive affirmations on your mirror. It will put you in a good mood and make you feel more positive about yourself. Simple notes like love your body or you’re beautiful would be enough to put a smile on your face.

4. If you wouldn’t say it to someone you love then don’t say it to yourself

Whenever you start being too critical about your body as yourself if you would say this to a friend. Your answer would probably be no. Why would you want to make someone you love to feel bad about themselves? 

Well, if you love yourself then you are someone that you love, so why are you saying that to yourself? 

5. Surround yourself with positive people

We completely understand that loving yourself and learning to accept your body isn’t easy. What makes it harder is having people around you who constantly body shame themselves or others. There are some people who just force you back to your old habits by just saying a few words. 

Sit down and explain to them how they are making you feel. If they don’t understand then maybe start distancing yourself from them. Loving yourself also means putting yourself, your physical and mental health first and doing what’s good for you.