Learning To Feel Comfortable In Your Own Skin

I’m not there yet (in fact, not even close) but let me share with you a few tips and tricks I’ve learned about how to feel more comfortable – and confident – in your own skin.

Dress For Your Body

That doesn’t necessarily mean shape, as women’s fashion magazines often like to shout at us. You don’t fall into any sub-category of body type, you are you – individual and totally unique in your own special way. Learn to dress in what you feel comfortable in; wear lingerie that makes you feel sexy and clothes that make you strut. When you feel confident on the inside, you glow on the outside.

Don’t Compare Your Appearance To Someone Else’s

Okay, at least try not to. Admittedly, I am terrible at this. One glance at my Instagram feed can slash my confidence in about 0.8 seconds, causing me to head straight for the kitchen and grab the nearest form of comfort food I can find (yep, I’m a big comfort eater). Although I celebrate and admire beautiful women daily, when I’m having a particularly bad day, images of such beauty can be detrimental to my self-confidence – and I know I’m not alone in saying this. I’ve struggled with body image for years; hips too wide, boobs too small and shoulders just that bit too broad. Hell, I could sit here and pick myself apart if I wanted to. But to what end? I can’t change these things, so why dwell on them? And you shouldn’t either.

Be The Best Version Of You

You’re the one in control of how you view yourself, your own perception of you and your appearance. But you’re also in control of what you see when you look in the mirror. Only you know how to treat your body so that it responds in the way you want it to. If you like your arms a little more toned or your stomach a little flatter, introduce weights to your workout routine or do some sit-ups at home. If you’re looking to build a bum, hit the squat rack (fuelled by an extra slice of cake, naturally). I’m no expert on the topic but I do know that weights are a vital part of any fitness goal – whether that’s slimming down or gaining a little. It’s something I only realised quite recently but it’s made a huge difference to my workout routines. Just don’t forget to fuel yourself adequately!

Surround Yourself With Uplifting People

Whether it’s a boyfriend that said it drunkenly or a girlfriend that said it teasingly, we’ve all had that someone who’s gone one step too far – a comment intended to be a light remark, later to play on loop in your head and torment you. Whoever it was, I advise you not to spend time with them. Instead, surround yourself with people who support you, fill you with confidence and love you unconditionally – regardless of what you look like. Your support network is your emotional home, the one place you always go back to when you need advice, love and reassurance. Build it carefully, with people that you know you can really trust.

Be Kind To Yourself

You’ll never feel comfortable in your own skin if you can’t be kind to yourself. Listen to your body and learn from it. Too tired to hit the gym today? Curl up with a hot chocolate instead. Craving biscuits? Go out and get your favourite packet. So what if you accidentally spooned the whole tub of peanut butter (guilty) or if you can’t remember the last time you laced up your trainers? It’s not the end of the world. Those jeans that don’t fit? They will – but only when you learn to look after your body first. Tune in to what it really needs (yes, sometimes it’s green juice) and listen to what it’s telling you. Treat it as you would a friend and I guarantee, you’ll reap the rewards.

Wearing: Just Peachy Lingerie Set in Violet/Coral by Figleaves 

I’m honoured to have been chosen as a representative for Figleaves’ Spring lingerie range Bright Young Things. Browse the collection and read my interview in their new online magazine here.

Love, Beth xo.

This post is in collaboration with Figleaves but battles with self-confidence, admissions of comfort eating and love of pretty lingerie is entirely my own.