Lately I've been feeling a bit rubbish about myself, for no
reason at all really. I find that trying to keep on track with my health and
fitness can sometimes lead to me been really overly critical about my body,
scrutinising every little imperfection in the mirror. Of course I know this
isn't a good thing to do and it always passes quickly, but it did occur to me
that a lot of girls feel this way every now and again and we shouldn't! Beyoncé
is right when she sings: 'Pretty hurts, we shine the light on whatever's
worst...perfection is a disease of a nation, it's the soul that needs the
surgery'. We constantly strive for perfection when we are missing the point
that it is our imperfections that make us the unique individuals we are. No
matter how healthy your body is, if your mind is negative and 'unhealthy', you
won't get very far! With that being said, I have come up with a few of my
favourite tips and tricks to get your self-esteem back on track, nobody should
have to feel bad about themselves when there are so many things you can do to
combat that feeling.
1. Affirmations
So you may think it sounds a little cheesy, and you might be
right, but this actually works! Write down five things you love/like about
yourself that have nothing to do with how you look, for example: 'I love that I
am determined to do well in my degree'. You might find this really hard at
first, but that's kind of the point! We focus so much on our looks as a society
that it's important to take time out to think about other things we like about
ourselves. Once you have written them out, stick them to your mirror so you can
see them every day, this will eventually reinforce that positive attitude!
2. Paint your nails
I don't know about anyone else, but I always find painting
my nails pretty therapeutic and it makes me feel good about myself knowing they
look nice. I try to keep this interesting by mixing up patterns and colours and
if I'm feeling brave I even attempt nail art.
It seems like a really small act, but it does help to make me feel that
little bit more put together.
3. Hair masks and face masks
I love that feeling after I wash a hair mask out, I blow dry
my hair and it feels like I should be in a Loreal advert! (Move over Cheryl
Cole!) I'm particularly fussy and protective when it comes to my hair so
treating myself to a hair mask makes me feel really good. I really like the
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle ones as they seem to work really well and are only
£1.09 in Boots for a sachet! I like using face masks too because I have really
dry skin, so my skin tends to look a bit lifeless most of the time, however
after I've used a face mask it looks great! I don't tend to wear a lot of make
up so face masks are perfect to keep my skin looking nice naturally, plus they
are a pampering essential.
4. 'Me time'
I find a lot that I don't tend to stop and take time out
from working and studying to just relax and unwind. Although a lot of these
tips could come under the heading 'me time' I think it deserves its own
section. Mostly when I am not working, studying or in the gym, I'm staring at a
screen (either the TV or laptop) and this is not a great way to relax! Watching
TV isn't strenuous on anything other than your eyes, but it keeps you cooped up
indoors away from fresh air! Simply just going for a walk is a really good way
to unwind and be alone whilst getting some fresh air, which in itself will make
you feel better. You don't need to have a destination in mind, but it's good to
aim for somewhere like a park where you can find somewhere to sit for a while
quietly and just think. I recommend not taking your phone too, so you really
can be alone for a while! If you don't fancy walking or it's just too cold for
you right now, grab your favourite magazine (Elle is mine) or a good book (cup
of tea and biscuits are also essential) and find somewhere cosy and quiet to
sit and read. Since starting Uni I haven't read purely for pleasure very much,
for lack of time, and it's getting me down! Immersing yourself in something
other than technology every once in a while is definitely necessary. Also,
whilst you are back home one weekend, take advantage of the bath! I love having
a nice bath every now and again with a Lush bath bomb and some candles, sounds
very clichéd I know but there really is nothing more relaxing!
5. Yoga
For some this sounds like a scary word full of contortion
and many VS model instagram posts, but honestly it doesn't have to be! I am a
complete beginner at yoga, but I try to do a little routine every evening to
wind down from the day. You can find many YouTube videos and blogs showing you
the correct positions and routines. There is something about this kind of
stretching that just makes the body feel good, you don't have to be very
flexible or fit at all, you just have to be willing to try. You never know, you
might actually start to enjoy it and want to start a class!
6. Bake
Even if you aren't great in the kitchen, you will be able to
make amazing cookies/brownies/cake with a Betty Crocker kit! All you need to do
is follow the simple instructions on the back of the box! If you are a
'seasoned' baker, maybe try out new recipes or get creative with old ones to
make something new. I really don't know why, but I always find baking a nice
way to do something a little bit different and it completely distracts my
attention from any worries for a little while. Also, the sense of
accomplishment when you take your sweet treats out of the oven and they look
good (and taste good!) is a really nice feeling.
I hope you find these ideas useful and they work in making
you feel a little bit better about yourself when you are feeling low, I know
they work for me!
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