Many of us have spent a lot of time either thinking about ways to lose weight, worrying about weight gain or actually spending time, money and energy on attempting to make ourselves smaller. If you are reading this, you may know that weight loss is often futile, and doesn’t result in improved health. Wanting to “lose weight” or “feeling” heavy, while not true emotions, can sometimes still pop up.
If you are living in a larger body, you know all too well the developed world is critical and unwelcoming. Even if you are in a smaller body, the fear you may feel about “gaining weight” is very real. We may not be able to change the world today, but we can begin to shift our own thoughts.
What if there were ways to feel better about yourself that didn’t require changing your body size?
Since we know that weight loss that is achieved by restriction of calories (dieting) isn’t healthy and actually can cause us to gain additional weight over the long term, let’s talk about some ways that can improve our health and well being, without changing our clothing size. No macro counting or willpower necessary!
1.) Optimism is a muscle. Do you know someone who is eternally optimistic? Maybe you thought they were just a born Pollyanna? Recent studies have shown that optimism is a state of mind and can be improved through practice. How do we practice? By beginning to look for the good in the world. You will find whatever you are looking for – so if you are looking for the bad in the world you will most certainly find it, however if you look for the good, you will find that as well. It can be a s simple as someone holding the door for you or a smile from the cashier. Practicing asking others, “what was one good thing that happened today?” Or, change the conversation around the dinner table to include positive topics.
2.) Self care isn’t a luxury it’s a requirement. We have become addicted to busy. I bet you have asked someone recently, “How are you?” And they replied, “busy, super busy, sooooo busy.” Busy has become a badge of honor but let’s not confuse “Busy” with “Productive”.
Women multitask ten hours more a week than men,
but sadly, it doesn’t make us any more productive. In fact, it can just lead to burnout (also more common in women). Take time for yourself, EVERY day. Whether it’s 5 minutes or a 5 hour spa day, rest and self care are a requirement. No guilt required. Put together a self care box. Include things such as a journal, scented candle, nail polish, manicure kit, face mask, herbal tea, dark chocolate, scented hand lotion, poetry, really anything that makes you say, “ahhhh”.
3.) Body acceptance comes before body positive. There is a lot of talk about body positivity and self love these days and if you are anything like me, it might actually stress you out a little thinking that you are doing that wrong too! I’m here to remind you that you have to crawl before you can walk. There are some major influencers out there who seem to have fully embraced their bodies and that’s awesome and inspirational but if you aren’t there yet, that’s okay.
Start with acceptance.
Start with, “I accept my big toe.” And if even that is too much, start by accepting others and seeing the beauty in people of all sizes, colors, races and identities. Curate your social media feed to include all bodies and sizes. Unfollow the ones that leave you feeling less then.
4.) If shopping is your thing, go look for some cute accessories whether they be shoes, a scarf or a new pair of shades. Even if you hate clothes shopping, a cute scarf or thrift store jewelry finds can spruce up even the most boring yoga pant and tee-shirt combo, or basic sweater and jeans.
Sometimes, just wearing something bright can brighten your mood.
5.) Speaking of shopping, you can’t help but feel better about yourself when you are wearing comfortable undergarments that fit. If your top drawer is starting to look a little dingy, buy yourself some new undergarments. Stop living with underwear that has holes or a bra that is stretched out. You are worthy of a new pair of underwear!
Thoughts become things, whether we are stuck in a vicious negative talk cycle or we are just feeling a little down on a Sunday afternoon, our thoughts and mindset can shape our reality. It takes some practice but there are many ways to cultivate good vibes! What are some of your favorite ways to feel better without having to lose weight? Stay tuned – Next week we will post 5 more ways to feel great without losing weight