Saying “thank you” to others is something you learn at an early age. But how often do you thank yourself? In today’s era of clickable reality and social media blitzes, it’s no secret that plastic surgery culture is thriving like it never has before. Celebrities and influencers who casually share their surgical or injectable journeys with their fans contribute greatly to the normalization of cosmetic procedures, as does our ability to airbrush our selfies before posting. If everyone looks so perfect and polished, why shouldn’t anyone? And if everyone is doing something, it can’t be dangerous or outrageous, right? While these questions are in no way intended to judge anyone who has chosen to undergo a cosmetic procedure, they are intended to promote critical thinking.
Given that cosmetic procedures work to “solve” aesthetic issues (which are largely subjective), it’s unsurprising that many patients remain unsatisfied post-op, even when their procedures were deemed successful. This is because dissatisfaction with one’s appearance tends to originate from insecurities—which are inherently inoperable: not treatable or remediable by surgery.
Here are Ways to Love Yourself, No Surgery Required:
1. Mindful Movement
Moving your body in a mindful way is much different than exercising or working out. This isn’t about forcing yourself to do something you hate. This is about tuning in to your body and asking yourself what you need. Find a way to move that makes both your body and mind feel good. If you haven’t found your mindful movement of choice, keep looking. Because the best part about finding it is that you get to choose something you enjoy!
2. Recognize That Numbers are Deeply Limiting
Don’t let yourself be defined by your size or weight. We’re so much more than a set of numbers, every last one of us. How you feel, for example, is more important than how you appear—and the latter is deeply subjective, of course.
Fact: health has never been determined by size, symmetry, or flawless skin. Focus on feeling good and the rest will follow!
3. Celebrate Your Strengths and Unique Abilities
Learn to love your body by focusing on everything it enables you to do: walk, run, climb, dance, teach, and/or anything else. The key is to focus on what your body can do versus what it can’t. When you do something active, appreciate the fact that you can. A healthy, active body is beautiful, and for some, exercise can be a great way of celebrating this.
4. Surround Yourself with Joy
Where do you spend most of your time? Is it your desk at work? Is it your car? When you look around your surroundings, do you feel a burst of joy? If not, the next step is to create an environment you absolutely love. It’s an act of self-love when you are in a comfortable environment full of the things that bring you joy. When you can smile by just looking around, you’re practicing self-love!
5. Slow Down
We live in such a fast-paced environment. Give yourself permission to slow down, enjoy the special moments, and take care of yourself. Here are a few different ways to slow down in your daily life.
Eat slowly. Every time you eat, make it a point to sit down without distractions. Make sure you chew slowly and actually taste what you are eating. This simple practice is a game changer in how you feel in your body every day.
Breathe. During your day, take a couple minutes to just breathe. Take 10 deep breaths and check in with your body. Allow yourself to re-center and refocus before you move on with your daily tasks.
Rest. If you can tell that your body or your mind is overly exhausted, it’s important you allow yourself to give your body what it needs. Going to bed early without finishing the dishes is okay. Skipping your workout so you can get home early to relax on the couch is okay. It’s okay to let your body rest. After all, it’s the vessel that carries us through every moment — it needs your attention and love. Resting in your own way will help you rejuvenate much faster and feel good in your body.
6. Mirror Work
I’m sure you look in the mirror daily. When you look in the mirror, look yourself in the eyes and say “I love you.” Do it, even if you feel silly! Self-talk is proven to work. You can also put up a few notes on your mirror with positive, loving reminders. Waking up every day with a kind and loving message to yourself and your body will change the relationship you have with yourself in the most positive way.
Final Words
Remember, self-love is a multifaceted concept. Like any other relationship in your life, the one you have with yourself requires nurturing, patience, and kindness. There are many ways to practice self-love, and these are just a few. Explore different methods of caring for yourself, and find what makes you feel joyous and healthy — in your mind, body, and soul.
It can begin with a simple “thank you.”
Article Credit: https://www.healthline.com/health/8-ways-to-embrace-self-love-and-thank-your-body https://www.goalcast.com/good-as-new-how-to-love-your-body-in-a-plastic-obsessed-culture/
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