People tend to focus on spring cleaning their homes and wardrobes, but there’s another area that also needs a refresh as the weather warms up: your mindset when it comes to body confidence.

No matter what size you are, most women are conditioned by the media to think they need to be “beach ready” in time for summer—which usually means prepping your body to wear a bathing suit and more revealing clothing. For many women, that translates to extra hours in the gym trying to reach an unattainable goal set by someone else, and time spent in dressing rooms trying to find shorts, swimsuits, and dresses they feel comfortable in. Or, more simply, it just makes us feel like we’re not enough, and that can be the worst feeling of all.

While I, too, fell into that trap for a long time, my mindset is very different now. My yearly spring cleaning routine also includes my spring thinking — especially when it comes to my body confidence. As secure as I feel now about the beauty and power my body naturally holds, sometimes those old voices come back, making me doubt everything. Now’s the time to sweep out the thoughts that are dragging you down and lift yourself into positivity again!

To get your mindset back on the right track, I’m returning to the advice that’s helped me most, which I share with others when they hit a rough patch.

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut right now and need a little refresher, here’s my guide to a total body confidence overhaul. Even if just one tip applies to you, that’s enough to help pull you into the positivity zone!

 

If you’re feeling alone in your struggle…
Remember, there’s an entire community here on Girl With Curves that has shared your pain at sometime or another—myself included! Read through some of our Real Talks and Dear Diary entries for inspiration, and know you’re always heard in the comments.
If you’re afraid to take fashion risks because of your size…
I get it—but don’t let what other people may think hold you back from trying something that will make you happy. Finding the pieces you feel most confident in is the key to being confident in yourself and your personal style, and you shouldn’t avoid something just because so-called style experts have said stripes and bright colors are unflattering on a figure like yours. Forget the rules, create a uniform, and play up your favorite existing pieces to get started. See my full guide to boosting your style confidence here.
If you hate how you look in pictures…
Know that I did, too, at one point—and now half my life is spent in front of the camera! Here are my tips for getting over your picture-taking anxieties and embracing the spotlight.
If you’re constantly battling bullies in your life…
Look, some people are so unhappy with their own lives that they feel the need to bring down others to their level through bullying. Instead of cowering under their negativity, meet them head on with positivity and tell them to stop because it’s only a reflection of their own unhappiness. I’ve had my fair share of dealing with cyber bullies over the years—here’s how I deal with them.
If you’re having a hard time feeling positive about yourself…
Shift the attention to someone else. Helping another person feel confident about herself is a great way to remind yourself to do the same, whether it’s by giving a heartfelt compliment or having a thoughtful conversation about perspective and positivity. I recently chatted with my six year old niece about self esteem which reminded me of how important it is to empower the women around us. So when you’re feeling down about your body or life, lift someone else up! The positivity will come right back to you.