5 ways to increase your body positivity and self-esteem!
Hi Everyone,
I’m Elliott, I’m 20 and a care leaver, I believe that mind and body are one. Your inner self is an intricate network of systems that communicate through various ways. This means body positivity is key, in how you feel about yourself. Inside and out! Below I have listed 5 ways, I find helpful in keeping my mind and body connected and happy.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness
Keep clean! We all appreciate that fresh feeling. This is because once you have wiped off all that bacteria, you hit the reset button on hygiene. It is important to clean yourself regularly. Sometimes, that long bath or shower is just what you need to start and/or end your day. It is also vital, to keep your surrounding areas and workspaces clean. It is difficult to seize the day through piles of random mess. It is called a pile for a reason, so don’t let it pile up. Maintain, maintain. If you feel your space getting cluttered, take a minute (procrastinate if you must) and tidy up. You’ll thank yourself later.
Take care of your mental health
Relax and Recharge Mind and body are connected. Therefore, if your mind is stressed and tired your body will soon follow. Stress has been known to induce risk of strokes and heart attacks. Relax the cogs, if you keep the fire constantly burning, sooner or later you’ll burn out. Take some time doing whatever it is, that puts you at ease. Whether it’s being alone or going out with friends. Do what you feel will help you recharge.
Let’s get physical!
Be active! You don’t have to be a sports player or a jogger. Even a walk with mates is a way to stay fit. Or giving your pet that extra long walk (if you have one). Or just going for a wander. These are only a few examples of making sure your body is awake and getting the activity it needs to function. Working out at home is great but fresh oxygen is good for your brain and respiratory system. Stretching is vital (especially as you get older, trust me), you don’t have to be a yoga master but basic stretches that make sure you aren’t liable to pull something going about your day or during physical activity will pay off.
Food! Glorious Food!
Eat well and eat often, food is how your body nourishes itself. You must make sure you have regular fluid intake. Having at least 1 litre of water a day, will do wonders for both your physical and mental health. It is okay to have a few cheat days here and there (alongside regular exercise). But having a balanced diet is key to staying body positive. Your body responds to the fuel you put in it. So, if you put rubbish in it you will have gunk in your engine. In turn your mental cogs will slow down.
Lights out
A goodnights sleep is another way your body recharges. Rem sleep cycles happen in 2- 4hour cycles, which is why a minimum of 8 hours of sleep is recommended. However, too much sleep can leave your body feeling fatigued too. Everyone has different lives and finding a sleep schedule that suits you may be hard. But you should find the set number of hours it takes for you to feel rested and aim to achieve this consistently.
These are just a few tips to keep you charged for the days ahead. There are a wide range of other things that can be done to maintain high self esteem through being body positive e.g, mindfulness, positive self-talk and many other things. Here’s a link with a few extra tips: Staying Body Positive