1. Cull your feeds
For many of us, social media is the number one source of our body woes. Even though we know photos aren't always reality (more on that later!) it's so easy to look at that Instagram model and wonder why your waist isn't as thin, or booty isn't as thicc, or legs aren't as long as her.
Then, you look at all the 🔥🔥🔥 emojis on her comments and feel like because you don't get comments like that, it's confirmation that you're not as good as her (even though you know that looking good and having a big following is literally her job) Even if you were feeling pretty happy in your own skin before, it can be enough to send you into a total shame spiral.
The solution? Don't have things on your social media feed that make you feel anything less-than-awesome. Sure, confidence needs to come from within, but there's no point exposing yourself to content that you know just triggers you. That person doesn't even necessarily have to notice that you even unfollowed them — you can always just use the 'mute' feature on Instagram.
Your social media feeds should be a safe space filled with content that makes YOU feel empowered, motivated and positive. So, curate it just like you would your wardrobe! Once you've culled some of the accounts that make you feel crappy, try swapping it with some more body positive/neutral accounts. Some of our faves are @kindfulbodymind and @chesssieking, but it can also be helpful to find people who have a similar body type to you that are absolutely rocking it!
2. Dance it out
When you're feeling a bit 'meh' about yourself and your body, dancing is one of the best ways you can shake yourself out of it. It gets those endorphins pumping and that feminine energy flowing (yes, even if you don't identify as female)
We're not talking about choreographed TikTok dance routines either (as fun as those are!). We mean finding some privacy, pumping up the tunes and just shaking what your mumma gave you with reckless abandon.
Even though all dance is for everyone, certain dance styles like Dancehall, Hip Hop and Twerk actually celebrate having a bit more jiggle and junk in the trunk! You could take an online dance class, or just freestyle to your own music (we highly recommend Rihanna, Lizzo and Cardi B tracks for their badass feminist energy) We guarantee it will leave you feeling like the absolute baddie you are!
3. Get a reality check
We've all heard people say "even celebrities and influencers don't look like they look on Instagram!" and thought 'yeah, yeah, sure, ok.' Like, we all know that editing and contouring and surgery are things, but how much of a difference can they really make!? Well, as it turns out, a lot — and accounts like @beauty.false and @celebface are proof.
While we don't always support the messages on these accounts, they exist with good intentions — to show young women just how different some of their favourite influencers look online vs offline. It's not about tearing other women down (because, obvs, they're beautiful either way) but rather, about showing how EVERYONE looks completely different with makeup, editing and the right angles. You'll soon realise that comparing your makeup-less, bloated-from-takeaway-dinner self to their 'heavily edited best photo out of 500 after professional makeup' is completely pointless.
4. Nourish your body
As much as our most body hangups exist only in our heads, we do always tend to feel better about ourselves when we're treating our bodies well. Ever noticed how much better and stronger and fitter you feel after just one workout, even if you literally look exactly the same? The same goes for eating plenty of nutritious foods and drinking plenty of water.
Addison Rae put it well when she hit back at body shamers recently: "“I’ve seen 5 to 10 tweets & TikToks today talking negatively about my body and weight. It makes me feel insecure, but luckily I’m looking at it in a different light. I’ve been very motivated to start eating better and working out every day to become the healthiest version of myself!” It's not about punishing yourself for the nachos you ate last night (eat the nachos, girl!) It's about treating your body like the magnificent temple it already is. Do it for the sake of your own mental health, as well as your physical.
