- take a night off for self-care
for some people, self-care looks like a long bath and an indulgent at-home body treatment. for others, it means meditating, taking a nap, drinking more water or watching a scandal marathon. self-care means different things to different people; try to think of something you can do just for yourself to help you feel at peace, mentally and physically.
- surround yourself with positive people
the company you keep has an impact on your inner dialogue. if you’re hanging out with pals who constantly obsess over their own physical “flaws,” or who try to bring down others for their bodies, it can start to affect your own self-esteem. spend time with people who give you positive vibes—and not just in real life, but on social media too. curate your feeds so that the content on your timeline inspires you to love yourself more.
- take stock of what all that your body does for you
this will only take 10 minutes: sit down and make a quick list of the activities you love the most. then take a moment to consider how your body allows you to do those things, whether it’s dancing, kissing, holding your kids or hugging your mom. our bodies do a lot for us and even though on some days, that just means sleeping in and relaxing on the couch, it’s important to show gratitude.
- do a sexy photo shoot
this one can be a big self-esteem booster. the camera allows you to see your body from different angles and in poses a little more dynamic than what your reflection normally shows you. plus, you don’t even need a photographer for this one; grab your phone and start taking selfies. switch up your poses and angles—have fun with it.
- shake it out
sometimes the best way to get in touch with your body and feel better almost immediately is to dance. turn up your favourite tunes, lock the door and dance like no one is watching (because no one is!). if you need inspiration from body-positive folks, search #donthatetheshake on instagram to find thousands of happy dancers. if dancing isn’t your jam, do a yoga routine or go for a swim at your local pool—any activity that helps you relax enough to connect your mind with your body.