Every year, around the same time, advertising campaigns like «Swimsuit season is open - time to lose excess weight» or «Every workout is a step towards the perfect body» and things like this start.

Social media, television, radio do everything to …lower self-esteem and, against this background, form the belief that the path to happiness and success is only possible through a perfect body.

Millions are spent on forming such a belief, and the same scenario repeats year after year.

So, how does this mechanism work? When messages like "You're fat," "You ate too much today," "You need to lose those pounds" are broadcast daily from all media, the only thought that comes to mind is "I will never be able to do it," which doesn't inspire and really throws you off track. It's hard not just to enjoy life but even to perform your daily duties.

 But internal always equals external, and perceiving yourself as a person with serious flaws will definitely find confirmation in digestive disorders, unattractive physique, etc.

Therefore, if you need to change your appearance, start with your thoughts.

So, here are a few ideas to start:

1. Replace negative thoughts with others.

Start tracking them, and then challenge them. Instead of "I will never be able to do it," think "I am going to do my best today, and that will be enough," or "I can skip the gym tonight because I'm too tired, I'll do it when I feel better," or "I won't make a salad right now because I want to eat, for example, cheesecakes." This little psychological trick will help you get rid of negative thoughts about your body.

2. Forget the word «should».

Notice how often you tell yourself "should" and "should not". Instead, start using «can» or «want». You will be surprised how your perception of the situation changes. For example, instead of «I should go for a run today» tell yourself «I can go for a run today» and then «I want to go for a run today». Feel how your attitude changes towards this situation: from a protest mood when you say "should" to the feeling that you are making a choice when you say "can," and finally a feeling of self-care when you say "I want to and give myself this."

3. Allow yourself to be proud of yourself.

Let it be something seemingly insignificant, like surviving this tough day. It's just important to develop a habit of doing this every day.

4. Practice gratitude.

Numerous studies show that practicing gratitude improves well-being and reduces anxiety, which in turn makes you feel happier and better about yourself. You can be thankful for simple things - for having a roof over your head, a tasty breakfast, good health, etc.

5. Trust your Body.

When you start trusting your body, you will have a good relationship with food and physical activity. Because the body's plans only include good health. Overeating or other weaknesses are just results of "deafness" to its needs. Take care of your body, and it will certainly take care of you.

As you can see, these are fairly simple techniques, but they will help you learn to love and appreciate yourself every day and not react to manipulative advertising campaigns. Hearing your Body = believing in yourself and your strengths. And the phrase "I will never be able to do it" no longer applies to you. If you know "why," you can overcome any "how."

iPsycholog - Your psychologist online.