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Do you body shame yourself? Here are 5 tips to regain your self-confidence

We live in times where we are constantly pitted against other people, especially when it comes to our physique. If you are someone who continuously body shames herself, here’s how to break that cycle.
Know yourself, and start accepting parts that you don’t like. Image courtesy:
Devina Kaur Published: 28 Jan 2021, 15:25 pm IST
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Insecurities are a huge part of our programming, and they are often magnified by others. I have been in a position where I have been told countless times that I am “too much” of something, whether it referred to my body or even my personality. We must remember that everybody speaks from their level of perceived consciousness. Most people do not have the self-realization and awareness to realize that their judgment of other people is not only offensive, but it is misjudged and says a lot about them than it does about the other individual.

We need to get comfortable with our own bodies, skin and personalities, exactly as they are. We need to be able to reassure ourselves of our worth, even when the outside world convinces us otherwise. Here are my top five tips on the journey to regain confidence.

 

  1. Know yourself

 

What makes you unique? What do you bring to the table that others can not offer? Sometimes, it is a journey to understand the potential we all are capable of. Until I overcame an addiction — with the help of professionals — I didn’t even know I was an addict. Similarly self-knowledge is not always about appreciating your external attributes, such as your body or skin, but it is also important to incorporate the appreciation for what lies inside of you. That means knowing and having a relationship with ALL parts of yourself, even the parts that you don’t like. 

  1. Make self-awareness a priority

Being self-aware means knowing who you are, what drives your emotions and what you want to accomplish in your life. There is research that suggests that when we practice self-awareness, we become more confident in ourselves and our abilities. Confidence allows us to have stronger relationships with other people, become effective leaders in our businesses and careers, and enables us to make sound decisions concerning all areas of our lives. 

The road to accepting your body the way it is is long, but you can do it. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Being self-aware allows you to take care of yourself mentally, spiritually, emotionally and even physically. Looking after yourself physically allows you to accept and love your body. If you want to be your best self, make yourself a priority by practicing self-awareness in your daily activities. Perhaps you have realized you need to improve in the way you communicate or relate with others in the workplace – maybe you could host “get-togethers” with your colleagues every month. Perhaps you want to be kinder to yourself – maybe do things that will stimulate your confidence. All of this is practicing self-awareness, which makes you the best version of yourself.

  1. Radical self-acceptance is the key

I was personally body-shamed for most of my life, and I have come to the conclusion that it is part of being authentic  In my journey of self-acceptance, I had to learn and understand that most people have extremely low self-esteem issues. If we don’t love or accept ourselves, how can we love and accept others in return? The goal is to have a loving relationship with yourself, which means accepting your body, just the way it is. Work on your body image constantly and send love and light to those who choose to discourage you. The more you develop a relationship with yourself, the more your inner confidence will grow. 

  1. Give thanks to yourself

The journey to self-love is not always easy – practice simple ways of developing a relationship with your body, look in the mirror and repeat the mantra ‘always sexy, always brilliant’. 

Speak to your family about how body shaming is affecting you. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

It doesn’t matter what size you are or that your double chin makes you uncomfortable. Choose to stand in front of the mirror and give gratitude for what you have and not what you lack. Constant gratitude is the only step forward. 

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PERSONALISE NOW
  1. Kundalini shakti

Have fun discovering yourself. The term ‘kundalini shakti’ refers to spiritual energy that is coiled at the base of the spine. We all have it within us. It can also be released through various physical activities such as yoga, dancing, martial arts, and any form of release encourages us to enhance our energy within. I am a student of both martial arts and yoga, as it has a great effect on channeling our self-awareness through various creative endeavours. The journey of regaining body-confidence, and loving ourselves and our bodies requires self-awareness, so that we may decide to shape ourselves as individuals with great potential.

Wherever you are in your journey of body confidence, never take your courageous aspects of yourself for granted, because that’s what makes you beautiful. Don’t shame others for being their authentic selves’. If you want to regain your confidence, know, appreciate, and love your full self and know that there is nobody like you!

Devina Kaur

Devina Kaur is an inspirational speaker, radio host, and producer. She is also the author of the self-help book called "Too Fat Too Loud Too Ambitious". ...Read More

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