There is something particularly disappointing about being self-conscious. It leads to anxiety and apprehension. It can make you avoid all kinds of things. Going to a pool party, joining an exercise class, or even taking family photos can trigger self-doubt.
It is really easy to scroll through social media and believe that everything you see is normal. We forget that everyone is trying to put out the best (or an exaggerated) version of themselves all the time. Constant comparison isn’t healthy. All bodies are beautiful — your body is beautiful. And frankly, life is a lot easier when you aren’t constantly worried about how you look.
Unfortunately, saying those truths can sometimes be easier than believing them. So let’s dive into a few ways you can increase your self-confidence and learn to be comfortable in your own skin.
Care for the Skin You’re In
Did you know your skin is your largest organ? It’s common to try to eat right for heart health or take multivitamins for brain health. But what are you doing to take care of your skin? There are so many great products out there to keep your skin healthy, but it’s important to do your research. Something that works for one skin type may not work for your own.
Do you have fair skin? Then it’s extra important to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. Do you need acne treatment? There are so many customized solutions out there — you don’t have to live with the frustration of pimples and blackheads.
Do you have birthmarks that make you feel self-conscious? Laser therapy or surgical removal may be options to try. If not, try talking about your experiences with a trusted friend. Sharing your worries with someone takes the power away from your negative self-talk.
Listen to the Right People
Whom are you following on social media? Are they body-positive? Do they complain about their weight or looks a lot? It’s important to pay attention to the kind of voices you’re listening to. Seek out influences in your life that boost your spirits and lift you up.
There are so many body-positive Instagram and TikTok creators out there. Lizzo broke out on the music scene a few years ago, making plus-sized people everywhere feel proud of their bodies. Seeing someone who looks different than your average Hollywood model on the screen helps normalize other body types.
Luckily, buying clothing that both fits and flatters is easier than ever. Stores like Target and Torrid are finally making expansive clothing options more affordable.
There’s even research showing that being underweight can actually be more harmful to your health than being obese. And guess what? Stress causes weight gain. If you are stressing about your weight, you aren’t doing yourself any favors.
Pamper Yourself
Some of us are still coming out of our pandemic hibernation. You may have gotten comfortable staying in your pajamas all day long. You may have stopped putting on makeup every day. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with PJs and fresh faces. But if you’ve been feeling a little dowdy, you might just need a good old-fashioned shopping spree or spa day.
Sometimes all that’s necessary to pull yourself out of a funk is a new nice-fitting outfit. Being excited about what you’re wearing can spill over into being excited about how you look. Pick out a new jacket or piece of jewelry that makes you proud to show off.
Maybe you’re one of those people who hates going shopping because it feels like you can never find anything you like. Treat yourself to some new makeup or a manicure instead. Get a massage, a facial, or a new haircut. You’ll feel more upbeat about your looks for sure.
Don’t Be a Follower
Trends come and go. The standards for conventional beauty change on the regular. In the 1990s, women were plucking away most of their eyebrows. Today prominent eyebrows are popular. There’s an abundance of products and services out there for shaping your eyebrows. But just because there’s an ad for it doesn’t mean it’s something you need.
How you dress, style your hair, and otherwise groom yourself are deeply personal choices. So don’t let someone else’s opinion dictate your own. When you try to live up to society’s standards — whether those of family, peers, or Instagram influencers — you will always fall short. The standards change too quickly to keep up. That’s why it’s far better to establish your own.
Being comfortable in your own skin is really about being confident in who you are, regardless of appearances. There are so many things that make you, you. The way you look is just one small part. Try out some of these ideas, and if you still lack confidence, it might be a good idea to explore that feeling further.
Keep a journal, talk to a trusted friend, or take a break from social media for an extended period of time. Identify the people and activities that make you feel comfortable in your own skin and pursue those over the others. All bodies, faces, and minds are different. It’s time to celebrate what you love about your unique self.
