Summer is in full swing and that means longer days, romantic getaways and less clothes! Not everyone feels comfortable in shorts, tank tops or (shudder) a bathing suit though, and sometimes the thought of stripping down to next to nothing on a date with someone new feels like torture. If you find yourself declining date invites simply because you don’t feel confident about your body, you might be missing out on a potential love match. Here is how to increase your body confidence for the summer, and all year round.
1. Keep Your Inner Monologue In Check
We are always way harder on ourselves than anyone else could ever be. Stop being your biggest critic! Make it your mission to be aware of your thoughts, and the second you start going down the rabbit hole of negativity switch your thinking to something you do like about yourself. Establish a simple mantra that you constantly repeat in your mind, and practice flooding out any negative thoughts with positive ones.
2. Get Active
Increasing your body confidence does not mean you should go on some crazy diet and workout for 3 hours a day. True confidence stems from how you feel, and nothing feels good about punishing your body for not looking a certain way. However, working up a sweat a few times a week can do wonders for your confidence because you’ll begin to appreciate your body for what it can do, not just what it looks like. It’s hard not to feel sexy and confident after nailing a run, lifting weights or zoning out in a strenuous yoga class.
3. Go Shopping
A fresh wardrobe edit can do wonders for your self-esteem! If you’ve got a few hot summer dates or trips lined up, this is the perfect opportunity to freshen your closet up, and take time to select items you can’t wait to rock on a date! You’ll quickly see that there are way more options out there than short shorts, teeny bikinis and skinny jeans, and that it is more than possible to find sexy clothing for every body type.
4. Just Say “YES”
When someone asks you on a date to the beach or the lake (or basically anywhere that involves minimal clothing) fight the urge to lie and say you’re busy and just suck it up and accept. Newsflash-the person you’re dating has a pretty good idea of what your body looks like, and they are digging it-so don’t let your insecurities hold you back. They like you! They want to spend time with your funny, sexy, charming self…so take the plunge (pun intended) and just go! Of course, it’s totally acceptable to do whatever it takes to help yourself feel more comfortable-may I suggest a spray tan?
5. Prioritize Your Health Over Your Appearance
Many times we feel less than thrilled about our physical appearance when we aren’t making healthy choices on the regular. Personally, I feel terrible after a week of a diet consisting of Captain Crunch, red wine and the occasional green smoothie to “balance” it all out, coupled with zero time in the gym. Unsurprisingly, these are the times when I feel the most uncomfortable in my skin, and really down on my body! The moment I commit to a healthier lifestyle, I not only look better, I feel better about myself. If you are going through a period of low self-esteem when it comes to your body, take inventory of your current lifestyle. Are you treating your body with the respect it deserves? If not, start making small changes today!
