by Fion Li

Created on: March 19, 2007   Last Updated: April 20, 2007

To accept your body the way it is, you must have confidence in your body.
We always judge our bodies more harshly than others - which is why many women think their friends "can wear anything" while we bemoan our own shape. But what makes a body beautiful is not its shape, but the confidence with which it's flaunted. The next time you're tempted to think these negative thoughts about yourself, counter them by:

5 steps to Body Confidence

1) Exposing your body more
Counters: The thought that you're not attractive.
Psychologists say people who live in hot climates have a better body image because they're used to seeing themselves. So take the plunge and "practise" exposure. You'll find most people are more concerned with their own bodies than with yours!

2) Complimenting yourself
Counters: The tendency to zoom in on your flaws.
We're good at pointing out how nice our friends look. Instead, learn to praise yourself. It helps to write down negative thoughts and then reverse them - this will lift your mood and spirits.

3) Being less demanding
Counters: Persistent self-criticism.
Perfectionist and demanding women can be hardest on themselves, leading to poor body image and possibly, eating disorders. When you become less demanding, life can be more fulfilling and rewarding. You may be surprised to find that you're quite happy as you are - and if you still want to make changes, you'll feel happier doing it.

4) Focusing on more important things
Counters: Negative self-image and behavior.
Oddly enough, people often believe that life will begin only when they reach their target weight. Swing your thoughts the other way and don't let your weight hold you back from living the richer, more meaningful life you could.

5) Getting on with your life
Counters: Thoughts that thinner people lead better lives
Somewhere in your head is the belief that thin people lead better lives. But the truth is, if you were thinner, you would simply be thinner. The next time you start thinking how losing weight would make you happier, remind yourself that thin women have relationship issues and face the same career challenges as any other women.

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