5 Ways to Love the Person in the Mirror

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If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like you didn’t feel comfortable with the person looking back at you, you’re not alone.

The things we continuously see in the media, on TV, in magazines, and in advertisements depict people who present an image that is impossible to replicate. One of the most significant consequences is a culture of yo-yo dieting that ends up taking us on a roller coaster ride that rarely leads to lasting, lifelong results.

Ultimately, feeling uncomfortable in our skin is a common thread shared by women and men alike, particularly those of us who are trying to lose weight.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to turn your state of mind around and start to feel comfortable in your skin. Read on for five ways to fall in love with the person in the mirror.

1) Write out a list of all the things you can do because of your body.

Forget the number on the scale or your pants size. Your body is a one-of-a-kind vessel that makes it possible to do all the incredible things you do each day. Grab a pen and a piece of paper or open a notes app on your phone. Then, jot down all the things that you can do because of your body. For example:
 

• “My hands allow me to create beautiful works of art.”
• “My legs carry me to and from work each day.”
• “My eyes help me see the people I love.”
• “My arms went from being able to do no pushups to five pushups.”

It sounds simple, but it is a truly empowering action that will give you a unique appreciation for what you have.

2) Choose movement for your mental health, rather than to lose weight.

Fitness can be fun. We’ll say it again. Fitness CAN BE FUN. But like anything else, if you feel like it’s a chore or something you are doing to reach one single objective (like losing weight, for example), you’re unlikely to stay the course long.

That’s why it’s essential to stop thinking about it as exercise and start to think about it as your movement instead. Once you’ve reframed it in your mind, choose a movement that you enjoy, ideally something that you’re excited about and want to do daily.

For example, do you like playing a sport? Find a local club and sign up to be on a beginner’s team. Or perhaps you enjoy swimming. Most recreational centers offer things like water aerobics or private instruction. If you’re into more solo activities, try going on a hike or a nightly walk to enjoy nature. Whatever your preference, the key is to find your movement that doesn’t feel like work, but rather something you enjoy.

3) Create a look that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Wearing clothing that is too tight, having a hairstyle that you don’t love, wearing makeup that doesn’t make you feel beautiful, or anything else along those lines is setting yourself up for emotional failure. Stop worrying about the “jeans that fit you when” or the “hair color that’s probably best for work” and change your image to be exactly what makes YOU feel best.

Take a moment right now to consider what external things make you feel good about the way you look. Go shopping and buy a few new outfits. Schedule an appointment and dye your hair that color you’ve been wanting for a long time. Go to a beauty store and get a makeover, or buy some new eyeshadow. Whatever you come up with that makes you feel confident, go do it. It will go a long way towards finding a way to boost your view of the face looking back at you in the mirror.

4) Forget what other people think — the only opinion that matters is your own.

It’s normal to seek validation from others. We think other people’s opinions matter, and we look to them to feel better about ourselves. But here’s the thing: Constantly allowing others to affect the way you feel about yourself is a recipe for pain. It’s likely to turn you into a people pleaser and make you feel even worse on the occasions you do face rejection.

That’s why you need to remind yourself — as often as necessary — that your opinion of yourself is the only one that truly matters. Do it several times a day if you need to, and refuse to allow how others view you to influence your decisions or confidence.

5) Create yourself a world of positivity.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Approaching life with a glass-half-full mentality can work wonders for how you view yourself. Respond to challenging situations with a calm demeanor. Slow down and enjoy the little things. Surround yourself with people who bring you joy, and cut out the ones who don’t. Creating your world of positivity will likely become the single most effective way you come to feel comfortable in your skin. It is truly a powerful approach that can make or break any other steps you take.

Ultimately, you are capable of changing your self-perception for the positive with these powerful ways to fall in love with the person in the mirror.
 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

Lifestyle/Wellness

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