Body-Positivity: 4 Tips for more self-love!

In a world where social networks dominate our everyday lives and we are constantly confronted with images of unattainable body ideals, our self-esteem can sometimes falter. Because what we often see are not normal body images, but idealised and flawless people who represent a kind of model image of the perfect human being. After all, this model image is representative of a social norm that constantly raises expectations. Thus, at first it seems to be aspirational for the "average" person to conform to this prevailing norm in order to receive society's recognition. Diets, cosmetic surgery and visits to the hairdresser follow. The only problem is that the result does not correspond to the propagated ideal and even if it does, the next flaw makes itself felt again after a short time. You guessed it, striving for ideals is a hopeless endeavour and not a sustainable solution in the long run. But how can we learn to accept and love ourselves? In the following, L'Officiel Austria therefore shows you ways to define your own beauty standards and feel self-satisfaction again.

What is Body Positivity?

Body Positivity (also known as #Bodyneutrality or #Bodyliberation) is a social movement that campaigns for more acceptance of different body images and for people with impairments, illnesses or atypical skin images. The movement draws attention to the discrimination against the overweight and other disadvantaged people and appeals for a stronger presence in the media, fashion and culture. For individuals, it works to strengthen self-esteem, regardless of appearance, and teaches them to accept and love themselves.

Instead of obsessing about the appearance of your own body, you should take care of your body in a caring way. Diets and supposed "anti-cellulite creams" have more to do with economic exploitation interests than with your worthiness and health. Therefore, do not let yourself be distracted and focus on a more sustainable healthy lifestyle. It is not only important to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, to give your body enough sleep and rest, but also to question what media you consume. Because what is true for the body - you are what you eat - is equally true for the mind. If you notice that certain content demotivates you more than it inspires you, you should consider taking a break from certain media for a while.

As soon as judgmental thoughts about yourself arise, turn them into positive beliefs. Remind yourself how great you are and what your body does to keep you alive. Most of the time we only criticise the surface of our ego, but we seem to forget more and more often which powerhouse is actually behind it. So practice gratitude and integrate positive mantras into your everyday life that remind you that you are unique and significant!

"i am worth more than my appearance."
"I am enough."
"My body is my home and I will build it up, not tear it down!"
"I honour my body by trusting the signals it sends me."
"I let go of self-criticism and choose self-love."
"I nurture my mind, body and spirit with absolute self-love!"
"My body is a gift!"

The habit of comparing oneself with others is normal. But comparing yourself with other people and especially with distorted images in the media can make you unhappy in the long run. Therefore, always turn the focus to yourself and remember that you are an individual with your own talents, needs and dreams.