5 Ways to Boost Your Confidence & Have a Fantastic Summer:
Let’s face it, this summer is off to an interesting start. The world seems a bit disheveled, and there is still a lot of unknowns. The reality this summer may be difficult to accept. If you love the beach like me, this summers social distancing may face some challenges. The first challenge is… I am NOT summer body ready!
I have struggled with body image difficulties throughout my life. “Why can’t I lose 10 lbs!? Maybe I will feel better about myself then.” Getting beach body ready may not be so easy, but you know what… It certainly is not impossible!
Paying for gym after gym memberships, we all have an ideal body weight and image that we chase after. Being in quarantine these past few months has been a halt towards the yellow brick road of self-fulfillment. Eating or working out? Maybe both? Oh, how I miss the gym!… Or maybe just my gym crush…OH LOOK PIZZA!!!
Below are some helpful tips for your mental, physical, social and emotional well-being. Being a mental health clinician has taught me that we as individuals like routine, structure, and achievable goals. Although some goals are easier to reach than others, starting with small goals paves the way to great success.
1.) Set Small Health Goals:
It’s important to be realistic. Times are tough, and it is ok if you are not in the best shape of your life. However, it is important to not give up!
Setting small goals for myself to accomplish, has been extremely helpful. I try not to push myself to perfection. However, sometimes that is easier said than done. I like to write down goals that I want to accomplish throughout the week. I also try to make sure I work out at least 30 minutes a day. Although I am not perfect, I challenge myself each day to be better than the next.
Everything comes with an app, right? That is in fact true! From sleep tracking apps to calorie-tracking apps…Health is just one click away. I recently invested in a Fitbit, and I couldn’t be happier! Although it certainly is not easy to get 10,000 steps a day, I find it holds me accountable for my overall health and gives me a push in the right direction. Exercising and eating clean makes me feel accomplished, energized, and boosts my self-confidence! I believe that taking small steps can truly make a significant difference in your overall health and body image.
2.) Dress to Impress:
You mean I shouldn’t still stay in my pajamas all day? Probably not. Sticking to a routine, can decrease depression, and can help boost your energy throughout the day. Whether you are working from home or transitioning back to the real world, challenge yourself to dress like it was still in style! I’m not suggesting you wear your prom or wedding dress, or a fancy tux at home… but hey then again, maybe you should!
Whatever makes you feel confident and happy… Wear it! … Be it! … Own it!
3.) Photoshoot Time!
Whether you are in your back yard with the family, out on a nature walk with a close friend, socially distancing by your favorite lake, or on a fun-filled hike… try to capture those moments. Sharing moments with someone special, with a friend, or with a family member is a great way to boost your self-confidence, have fun, and shine your light.
I love selfies and photoshoots. Some may see this as egotistical, or even vain. However, I think taking pictures shows off your own personal passions, interests, and life story… and to be honest you only really need the camera on your phone, and you can rock that selfie!
4.) Dance in Your Livingroom & Turn Up the Beat!
With this summer’s social distancing guidelines, the “new normal” can be just as fun, right? Dancing in your home to your favorite songs is a great form of exercise. Music and dance have always been my true heart’s passion. Add a little disco light, and just like Gloria Estefan sings Turn the Beat Around!
Let’s face it…music is life! Music has always been there for me on the tough and most difficult days. Music changes my mood instantly. Apps such as Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, & iTunes, makes it easy to access all the best songs at the touch of a button. The app TikTok has also taught me one thing… that dogs really do know how to dance!
5.) Connect With Others:
As my previous story mentions below, it is essential to stay connected with others. Everyone benefits from positive social interactions. Feeling supported and cared about boosts your health, well-being, and self-esteem.
Connecting with others does not always have to be in person, this can be done by phone, text, computer, tablet, or by video chat.
Throughout this past month’s social distancing I have gone on walks with family and friends, and have kept the upmost safety precautions. Being in quarantine the past few months has great potential to increase mental health symptoms. However, taking small trips with family, or friends to the beach, to the park, or wherever food is available… I am all for it!
In conclusion, try not to worry if you are not beach body ready. I certainly am not! However, this is not going to stop me from having a fun-filled fantastic summer. It may be a summer that we all have to improvise our version of fun. I believe it is the small things in life that truly matter… like a picnic, or a walk in the park, a trail hike with a fluffy friend, or even an exciting car ride adventure. As a health and wellness professional, my suggestion would be to stick to your own values and comfort, be kind to others, and have the summer you and your loved ones deserve!
Best wishes for a stress-free, adventurous, blessed, and fantastic summer!
❤ -J-Shine