Let me tell you a little life secret: everyone struggles with their body image. Even the most confident person will have days where they don’t like what they see in the mirror. In an age of Photoshop, airbrushing and filters flooding our social media pages, it can be easy to get lost in an unrealistic narrative. 

So – If you’re having one of those days where you’re struggling with the way your body looks, I want you to remember you are beautiful at any size. There is no one like you! Yes, we all struggle with bad body image days now and then, but those negative thoughts will pass. I’ve compiled a list of tips to help remind you just how wonderful you truly are.

Realistically Stop Comparing Yourself

We are all guilty of playing the comparison game every now and then. You know the one where you scroll through your social media and think if you just had you had her hair, hips and nose. Then maybe you’d be happy? This way of thinking is so TOXIC. It feeds into our need for perfection by associating society’s standards of “perfect” with someone else – instead of ourselves.

In the past few years, we’ve seen name brands like Victoria’s Secret move to more inclusive sizing and visualization with their models. But as a whole, society has a long way to go before everyone is represented. Just because you don’t look like someone in a magazine or on Instagram doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. Because truthfully, even those people don’t look like that. One thing I do on bad body image days is avoid social media altogether or take it as a sign that it’s probably time to clean out & mute people on my socials that are a catalyst to these negative thought patterns and follow accounts with more diversity with a positive message.

If you need an example – check out my latest Instagram reel.

Focus on the things you love!

Whenever I’m struggling with bad body image days, I use a trick a good friend taught me. She’ll sit me down and make me tell her five things I like/love about myself. I’m not able to get up until I pick those five things and say them out loud. Each thing doesn’t have to be physical, they can be personality traits, like a kind heart or an adventurous spirit. 

Most days, when this happens, I’m not in the mood to pick things I like about myself because I’m only focusing on the negative. Which is exactly why it works. It forces me to see the good in myself and recognize that I’m the only person who can control my thoughts. So – what are five things you love about yourself?

Wear something that makes you feel good.

The best thing to do on a bad body image day is to wear something that makes you feel good! Pull your favorite go-to outfit out of the closet and put it on! Lounge around the house in a soft pair of sweats, or wear a cute piece of lingerie that makes you feel confident.. the possibilities are endless. All that matters is you put something on your body that marks you feel good about yourself.

This might sound like a simple idea, but trust me, it helps. No one wants to be already struggling with their self-body image and be trapped in an uncomfortable outfit that’s too tight in the process. See my personal experience with ADHD and a bad body image day. 

Be kind to yourself

This is another simple idea, but a good one. Be kind. Treat yourself like you’d treat your best friend if she told you she was struggling with the way she looked. What would you tell her? Most likely that she’s beautiful just the way she is, right? Start by taking your own advice.

Remember to breathe, and know that these feelings will pass. If you can, set aside some time during the day to do some self-care. Put on a cleansing face mask, paint your nails, exfoliate and put on your favorite lotion. Anything that makes you feel good about yourself.

I know firsthand how hard it is to get through the day when you don’t like what you see in the mirror. But please remember that you are perfect just the way you are. No matter what. I’d love to hear any tips you have on working through a bad body image day below.