How to Improve Your Self Image

Do you usually feel run down? You might be eating a little bit more of not-so-good-for-you stuff, giving your reflection in the mirror a sad look. I know these symptoms way too well, and they usually come hand in hand with another one – poor self-image. Don’t take me wrong; I want to feel beautiful, but the reflection in the mirror, mess in the house, and dirty dishes in the sink tell me that I am just not trying hard enough.

Moms and dads, don’t you agree – caring for a baby puts everything onto the backseat? These days, the self-image is the last thing on my mind between nursing, diaper changing, and cleaning. And how confident would you feel about yourself after spending 24 hours a day attached to an infant, sleep deprived, wearing the same nursing t-shirt for days?

Anytime is the best time to think about improving your self image,
won’t you agree? Tweet it 

A few days ago I was browsing Sam’s Club’s “Healthy Living Made Simple” magazine and came across “Boost Your Self-Image” article that got me thinking – anytime is the best time to think about good old self. With more than one way to improve confidence, I can’t wait to share the knowledge with you.

Create your definition of success

It seems like it’s in our nature to always compare our well being to the Joneses. Their kids are well behaved and better dressed. Their yard is cleaner, and the grass is greener, they are taking better vacations, can afford better food, and just are happier people.

Adrienne Hughes, a life coach and a motivational speaker with Atlas Consulting Group, points out in the “Boost your Self-image” article, that individuals who spend a lot of time watching television and following celebrity news  have lower self-confidence, because they constantly absorb somebody else’s beliefs and standards instead of defining it for themselves.

Turn the TV off, put down your smartphone and get outside. You might not have time for a jog, but you should be able to carve the time for chilling outside or doing a little stretching. Always wanted to train for a marathon? There is no better time than present – check out the 18-week half marathon training schedule.

Stand Tall

If you are anything like me, you are probably aware that years in front of the computer screwed up your posture and adjusting that can change your body chemistry –  increase testosterone and decrease cortisone, the stress hormone. Healthy Living Made Simple recommended stretching often and enjoy every second of it. While stretching, focus on the neck, lower back, arms, and legs, and you will soon realize how good it makes you feel.

Practice proper posture – your ears should be above your shoulders, with shoulder blades back, and put some curvature in the lumbar spine.

Who is in Control? You are!

It is easy to feel victimized by the surroundings as we see things were not going the way we want them to take place. It sure seems like things happen to us and there is nothing we can do to change that while in fact we create our reality. John McGrail, a clinical hypnotherapist and author of The Synthesis Effect: “Your Direct Path to Personal Power and Transformation” suggests that the latest scientific studies strongly insist that we have an awful lot to do with how our experiences unfold.

Of course, there are plenty things that are beyond our control. However, you can decide how to react to these changes: embrace the power you have, take control of the things you can control and start building the resilience.

Self-image: work in progress

Improving self-images require physical changes, attitude adjustments, but that is not all – putting yourself at the forefront of your thinking demonstrates self-worth, and treating yourself with respect can go a very long way when it comes to boosting confidence. Here are the three elements you need to keep in mind every day to help you keep yourself in the focus

Make better food choices, because you are what you eat.

 Workout – you will feel like a million bucks!

Dress up – wear clothes that make you feel good 

What do you do every day to improve your Self Image?