Body Love Tips

1. Say something nice to yourself, even if it feels daft

Speaking kindly to yourself does actually make a difference — especially on those days when you feel like hurling your reflection out the window. Try saying something vaguely complimentary to yourself in the mirror. Scribble down a few kind words on a post-it and stick it on your kettle. Pop a reminder in your phone if that helps. Pick phrases that don’t make you inwardly cringe — this isn’t about becoming a walking Pinterest board. Start with a few things you don’t completely hate about yourself and build from there. Feels silly? Fine. But it works. And you’ve done sillier things before, let’s be honest.

2. Eat well and move because you deserve to feel good – not because you hate yourself

We’ve all been there — panic-Googling “how to lose half a stone in three days” before a wedding. But long-term? That’s not it. The goal isn’t to shrink yourself into oblivion — it’s to feel well, strong, and actually enjoy being in your own skin. Focus on what your body can do, not what size your jeans are. Eat food that fuels you (and yes, sometimes that’s chips), and move your body in ways that don’t make you want to lie down and cry. Dancing in your kitchen counts.

3. Give compliments without overthinking it

We’re often our own worst critics — and sometimes, that bleeds into how we see others. Next time you notice something you like about someone — say it out loud. No agenda. No “but I look like a troll” spiral afterwards. Just be kind. You might just make someone’s whole day. And surprise surprise — it might even help you start seeing yourself in a kinder light too.

4. Ditch the crap that messes with your head

Let’s face it, some corners of the internet and certain people in real life are absolute drains on your self-esteem. Unfollow anyone who makes you feel less than. That includes fitness influencers flogging detox teas, your mate who’s always on some bonkers diet, and any celeb with a suspiciously edited jawline. Fill your feed (and your life) with people who remind you that your worth isn’t tied to your dress size.

5. Focus on the good bits (yes, you have some)

Your brain’s like a heat-seeking missile for your perceived flaws — time to rewire that. When a negative thought pops up (and it will), follow it with something you do like. Doesn’t have to be big — maybe you like your laugh, or the fact you’ve got strong legs, or that you’re actually quite funny. Write it down if you need to. The more you practise, the easier it gets.

6. Stop playing the comparison game – you’ll never win

We’re not meant to look like each other. Life would be so boring if we did. One person’s gorgeous is not another’s — and that’s the point. Trying to measure up to someone else’s highlights reel (especially online) is a one-way ticket to misery. You’re meant to look like you. No one else gets that job.

7. Move away from negative self-talk – it’s not helping

If you wouldn’t say it to your best mate, don’t say it to yourself. That voice in your head that’s constantly criticising your thighs or telling you you’re not good enough? It’s a liar. And frankly, a bit of a dick. Call it out. Challenge it. Replace it. You deserve better than being verbally abused by your own brain.

8. Fill your head with better stuff

If the world’s going to bombard you with nonsense about how your body should look, then you need to fight back. Read things, follow people, and watch stuff that reminds you your body is not a problem to be fixed. Counter the crap with content that makes you feel seen, strong, and actually human.

9. Do something kind for your body — just because

Your body’s carried you through every bad day, every illness, every trauma. It’s earned a bit of appreciation. So do something just for it. Take a long bath, go for a walk somewhere quiet, wear the soft pyjamas, stretch. Or lie down and do absolutely sod all — rest is revolutionary too.

10. You’re a whole person – not a body with feelings attached

You are not just a bum, tum and bingo wings. You are creativity, resilience, belly laughs, stories, mess, and magic. The way you look is the least interesting thing about you — and it’s certainly not your defining feature. Go live, go do, go be. You’re not here to be looked at — you’re here to take up space.