8 Little Ways to Show Your Body Love
We punish, criticize, deny and take them for granted. I’m talking about our bodies. If we were dating our bodies, they would have broken up with us long ago and moved on to partners who appreciated them for the wonders that they are. Today, I want to encourage a loving relationship with our bodies. Take a moment to think about how truly amazing your body is. Really think about all it is capable of. It’s pretty awe-inspiring, right? If you need some suggestions on showing your body how much you care, take a step in a more gracious direction with these gestures of love.
1. Write Down Your Love
Everyday write down something you love about yourself. Really challenge yourself! You can go old school and write your daily notes on pieces of paper and keep it in a jar or, like me, keep a running list on your phone. Push yourself to focus on more than your appearance. Include all the amazing things your body does for you. On days where you are doubting your awesomeness read through your list and remember how incredible you and your body really are!
2. Snuggle Up in Lux Fabrics
Grab your favorite cashmere sweater or cocoon yourself in satin sheets. We are tactile creatures, but we often forget to slow down and really experience our surroundings. Take the time to fully enjoy the sumptuous feeling of soft fabrics on your skin and the natural sensuality it brings out. Make a conscious effort to bring materials into your life that allows you to enjoy your silky soft skin. Avoid fabrics that irritate your skin.
3. Unplug
Turn Off Your TV/Cellphone/Computer for 30 min a day. I know, I know this is a tough one, but all those “oh so helpful” electronics in our lives are also major contributors of stress. Stress wreaks havoc on the body. It keeps you up at night, drains your energy, and it shows on your face. Treat your body and your mind to 30 minutes a day of quiet stillness. Take 30 minutes a day to remove the strain on your eyes, the hunching of your shoulders over a desk, and feeling the need to be at the immediate beck and call of others. Taking a hiatus will give your mind an opportunity to stop multitasking and rest, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on each new day.
4. Dance Like No One is Watching
Turn off the lights, kick out the cat, and get down with your bad self. Don’t judge, don’t second guess, don’t think! Allow yourself a song (or two) to let your body move to its' natural flow. If you are a pole dancer you may be tempted to cling to the pole, but do yourself a favor and let go of the security blanket as you let go of your inhibitions. When you move your body, not only will you feel more in tune with yourself, but a burst of exercise will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
5. Sniff Your Body Good
Smell is our strongest sense and is one of the quickest ways to improve your mood and relax your body. When you need a boost, incorporate essential oils into your self care routine with a diffuser, candle, or for bonus “body loving” points, add to a relaxing bath. Use rosemary to fight aches, cramps, and exhaustion. It can also be used topically to relieve muscle aches and pains. Both jasmine and lavender have calming properties and relieve nervous tension. My personal favorite, cinnamon, is a great mood booster and helps relieve fatigue.
6. Stand Tall
Bad posture is one of my biggest pet peeves. Why? Because it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to show pride in your body and many people fail to do so. To start, stand up straight, rolling your shoulders back and squaring them off - your ears, shoulders, and hips should be inline. Your chest will be pushed forward and your stomach pulled in. Make sure your weight is centered on the balls of your feet, not your heels. Good posture not only prevents backaches and pains, but it shows your body off to its' best advantage.
7. Breathe
This is a simple one so no excuses. Take 5 - 10 deep breathes. That's it. Allow yourself to focus on each inhale and exhale, relaxing your muscles and centering yourself as you breathe. You will instantly feel calmer and more focused.
8. Say No
How many of us pack our days and nights full of commitments only to get to the end of the week dead tired? Show your body and mind some love by giving it a break. Say no to something … big, small, anything… and experience the glorious feeling of weight being lifted off your shoulders. I promise the world will not collapse if you actually leave work on time or if you don’t make it out to your coworker’s sister’s husband’s birthday party. Make your mental and physical wellness a priority and your body will return the favor.
What do you love about your body? Share the body love and let us know in the comments.
1. Write Down Your Love
Everyday write down something you love about yourself. Really challenge yourself! You can go old school and write your daily notes on pieces of paper and keep it in a jar or, like me, keep a running list on your phone. Push yourself to focus on more than your appearance. Include all the amazing things your body does for you. On days where you are doubting your awesomeness read through your list and remember how incredible you and your body really are!
2. Snuggle Up in Lux Fabrics
Grab your favorite cashmere sweater or cocoon yourself in satin sheets. We are tactile creatures, but we often forget to slow down and really experience our surroundings. Take the time to fully enjoy the sumptuous feeling of soft fabrics on your skin and the natural sensuality it brings out. Make a conscious effort to bring materials into your life that allows you to enjoy your silky soft skin. Avoid fabrics that irritate your skin.
3. Unplug
Turn Off Your TV/Cellphone/Computer for 30 min a day. I know, I know this is a tough one, but all those “oh so helpful” electronics in our lives are also major contributors of stress. Stress wreaks havoc on the body. It keeps you up at night, drains your energy, and it shows on your face. Treat your body and your mind to 30 minutes a day of quiet stillness. Take 30 minutes a day to remove the strain on your eyes, the hunching of your shoulders over a desk, and feeling the need to be at the immediate beck and call of others. Taking a hiatus will give your mind an opportunity to stop multitasking and rest, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on each new day.
4. Dance Like No One is Watching
Turn off the lights, kick out the cat, and get down with your bad self. Don’t judge, don’t second guess, don’t think! Allow yourself a song (or two) to let your body move to its' natural flow. If you are a pole dancer you may be tempted to cling to the pole, but do yourself a favor and let go of the security blanket as you let go of your inhibitions. When you move your body, not only will you feel more in tune with yourself, but a burst of exercise will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
5. Sniff Your Body Good
Smell is our strongest sense and is one of the quickest ways to improve your mood and relax your body. When you need a boost, incorporate essential oils into your self care routine with a diffuser, candle, or for bonus “body loving” points, add to a relaxing bath. Use rosemary to fight aches, cramps, and exhaustion. It can also be used topically to relieve muscle aches and pains. Both jasmine and lavender have calming properties and relieve nervous tension. My personal favorite, cinnamon, is a great mood booster and helps relieve fatigue.
6. Stand Tall
Bad posture is one of my biggest pet peeves. Why? Because it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to show pride in your body and many people fail to do so. To start, stand up straight, rolling your shoulders back and squaring them off - your ears, shoulders, and hips should be inline. Your chest will be pushed forward and your stomach pulled in. Make sure your weight is centered on the balls of your feet, not your heels. Good posture not only prevents backaches and pains, but it shows your body off to its' best advantage.
7. Breathe
This is a simple one so no excuses. Take 5 - 10 deep breathes. That's it. Allow yourself to focus on each inhale and exhale, relaxing your muscles and centering yourself as you breathe. You will instantly feel calmer and more focused.
8. Say No
How many of us pack our days and nights full of commitments only to get to the end of the week dead tired? Show your body and mind some love by giving it a break. Say no to something … big, small, anything… and experience the glorious feeling of weight being lifted off your shoulders. I promise the world will not collapse if you actually leave work on time or if you don’t make it out to your coworker’s sister’s husband’s birthday party. Make your mental and physical wellness a priority and your body will return the favor.
What do you love about your body? Share the body love and let us know in the comments.
Jillian is an avid pole dance student, accessories and costume designer, rhinestone aficionado, and a PDBloggers Executive Commitee Member. She also writes at PoleGeek.blogspot.com.