Topics mentioned: body image, self-esteem, self-care
About: "Body insecurity is a feeling that comes in waves. There are days when I’ve felt semi-comfortable with how I look, and there are days when I’ve felt that nothing looks right on my body." Lily shares her tips for overcoming body insecurities.
Growing up, I have always been insecure about my face – specifically, my acne.
When it comes to body insecurity, it can range from insecurity over our thighs and belly, to our face, arms, or other parts of ourselves. Growing up, I have always been insecure about my face – specifically, my acne.
Since undergoing my studies and with the fluctuating seasons, my face has been going through multiple breakouts and my lips were chapped on and off.
Body insecurity is a feeling that comes in waves. There are days when I’ve felt semi-comfortable with how I look, and there are days when I’ve felt that nothing looks right on my body or nothing is blending right on my face.
These are some of my personal tips on dealing with body insecurity:
I discovered that the more open I was in sharing my struggles, the deeper I connected with people in my life.
Practise positive self-talk
Understandably, we are our own biggest critic. We know ourselves best, and it’s easy to nit-pick at everything that we do. Therapist Kati Morton advises that starting your day right can contribute to a world of difference.
So, I have been pasting positive affirmations around my workspace and letting sunlight in from the windows. These steps may seem minor, a less cluttered workspace and cheesy affirmations? But these little things do help, as the more you allow yourself to be surrounded by a positive environment, the less entrenched you feel in your struggles.
Be unafraid to be vulnerable
Over the years, I have written more openly about my insecurities and the importance of mental health awareness. I discovered that the more open I was in sharing my struggles, the deeper I connected with people in my life, even those who I had not known were struggling similarly.
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, because there are so many others out there who could not only could relate to you, but may also be wishing that they had someone who could understand and not judge what they are going through. Vulnerability is not weakness, but rather, a strength!
Just getting out of your head both physically and mentally from what you are doing does help.
Take yourself outside
Sometimes when I feel stuck in a rut, I choose to walk out of my room for a short while. Whether it being walking the streets, to the store to get snacks, to meet a friend, or listening to music.
Just getting out of your head both physically and mentally from what you are doing does help. I often feel calmer or more relaxed once I return, and I am able to re-direct my focus back to my tasks.
Be more mindful of how you treat your body
“You are what you eat” is a cliché for a reason. I monitored the difference between a week where I was stress-eating on nothing but fast food and sugar, and a week where I ate balanced meals in mindful portions. Although I was fully awake when I needed to be during the week I had fast food, I had crashed so hard when I slept.
In comparison to the week I had a balanced diet, although I did sleep earlier, I did not feel as lethargic throughout the day. Be more mindful of how you treat your body, because how you are physically, does affect you mentally!
Everyone is rooting for you on your journey to become the best version of you!
Be patient with yourself
Above all, be patient. Change, recovery, and healing – these will take time. Set goals, but don’t set unrealistic ones: you are not racing against anyone else other than the person that you were.
Always remember that you are more than your struggles, and everyone is rooting for you on your journey to become the best version of you!
More information and advice on body image
If you're struggling with negative feelings about your body, have a look at our body image page for tips, advice and suggestions on where you can get help.
Where to get help
However you're feeling, there are people who can help you if you are struggling. Here are some services that can support you.
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Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
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Youth Access
Provides information about local counselling and advice services for young people aged 11-25.
Put in your location and what you need help with into their 'Find help' search, and see what services are available in your area.