How to Love the Skin You’re In + Embrace Your Body Image

In today’s fast-paced world, self-love and body positivity can often feel challenging. But there are simple yet powerful ways to shift your mindset, boost your confidence, and embrace your authentic self. 

Even small changes in your daily life can have a big impact on how you feel about yourself. From using affirmations to moving your body with gratitude, these practical steps can help you reconnect with your inner strength and embrace the unique beauty you bring to the world. 

Have a Supportive Circle of Friends

Chances are you’ve probably heard Jim Rohn’s concept that “you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” And if the only people you spend time with on a regular basis often speak in judgmental and negative ways about others, it might be time to find some new circles to surround yourself with. 

Even finding one or two other people who can offer you unwavering support and unconditional love when you most need it can make all the difference in the world. 

Change Up Your Social Media Habits

Plenty of us are guilty of doomscrolling every now and then: spending too much time reading or watching videos on social media, especially ones that tend to be more negative than positive. But this can have a significant impact on your overall mood and views about yourself. 

Consider taking breaks from social media altogether for days or weeks at a time, and notice how it makes you feel. After some time away, take a look at the accounts you typically follow and see if there are any you can unfollow to reduce the amount of negative energy popping up in your news feed. Or even find some new, more positive accounts to follow!

Avoid Comparison with Others

This can happen a lot when we spend too much time on social media, but it also creeps up on us when we least expect it. If you find yourself playing the comparison game even when you’re out at work or running errands, take a second to pause and ask yourself why. 

We all have something we’re self-conscious about, and constantly comparing ourselves to others just leads to a lot of shame, judgment, and feelings of worthlessness. Practice noticing when you’re doing this, and learn to shift the focus to gratitude and self-love.

Spend More Time Outdoors

There are dozens of benefits to being out in nature, from reduced stress and anxiety to a boost in your mood and immune system. This also means even small and simple steps to being outdoors can significantly help you feel better about yourself and your body image. 

And you don’t need to be an avid hiker to have access to all the benefits of spending more time outside. Sitting outside in the sun increases serotonin (also known as the “feel good” chemical) in our bodies. Being by bodies of water like the ocean, a lake, or a river, can create a sense of mindfulness and help bring up positive memories and feelings about ourselves. 

Get Active + Move Your Body

Don’t let this suggestion fool you: there’s no room for judgment here. This isn’t about being at the gym five days a week or “getting fit” for summer. It just comes down to the basics of embracing the body you have and showing your body some gratitude. 

The more you move your body, you have a greater sense of health, mental well-being, and appreciation for all the bones and muscles that make up your physical self. 

Always wanted to try dancing? Sign up for a class! Want to ease into stretching and breathwork? Try yoga. Love plants or bird watching? Make a list of all the local parks in your area and start walking. 

Try challenging yourself and change your perceptions about what you’re really capable of. 

Use Mantras + Affirmations

When you notice you’re being hard on yourself, practice shifting the thoughts and phrases that come up. Show some gratitude and self-love for yourself through positive mantras or affirmations, especially if you can practice speaking to yourself out loud. Saying them aloud, such as into a mirror, can ease anxiety and overcome any self-doubt you have. 

Here are a few mantras I love: 

My body is perfect for me. I cherish the skin I’m in. 

I am brave. I am powerful. I am strong. 

I love and accept myself unconditionally. 

My body is amazing and capable of great things. 

I am beautiful. I am loved. I am worthy. 

My body is a miracle that deserves love. 

Treat Yourself 

…Even when you don’t think you “deserve it.” 

Here’s the truth: you deserve pleasure and enjoyment. 

Massages and spa days don’t have to be a rare occurrence. Good food doesn’t have to be “earned” through lots of exercise. Making your own body feel loved and cared for shouldn’t feel less important than showing that for others. 

Sign Up for a Boudoir Session with a Body-Positive Photographer

I’m Katie, a boudoir photographer based near Denver and Boulder, Colorado. My boudoir photography is focused on empowerment and feeling comfortable and confident in your beautiful body. 

I’ve witnessed firsthand just how impactful a photography session can be for people, especially those that find it hard to love the skin they’re in. And I’ve fallen in love with my work in boudoir, since it has this amazing ability to showcase your beautiful, authentic self! 

If you’re looking for an opportunity to discover a boost of confidence and self-love unlike anything else you’ve done before, then a boudoir session might just be what you’re looking for. Because no two sessions are exactly alike, you can customize your session in a way that feels comfortable, personalized, and uplifting. I promise: it’s one of the most impactful body-positive and spirit-lifting experiences out there!

Have questions about finding the right boudoir photographer for you? I’m all ears! Reach out to chat about your boudoir session with me today.