We’ve all heard the term body positivity, but what does that even look like? It’s not as easy as just immediately accepting your body for what it is and moving on. Body positivity starts with your mindset and your feelings. It’s finding compassion and love for your own body - like you would for your best friend or family member. It’s learning to love yourself every step of the way no matter how you physically look. This is especially important when a day like your wedding day is approaching. A lot of stress and anticipation can naturally come with these experiences, so the least you can do for yourself is take it easy on your mental and physical health. Here are a few pieces of advice to remind you of how to find your own peace when it comes to your beautiful self.

1. Pick a dress that makes you feel good right now.

Whether your wedding day is months away from now or just weeks, pick a dress that makes you feel great right now. I know it’s tempting to purchase a size or two down in hopes for the big day, but all this does is add another layer of stress on top of everything else you’re arranging. This is not the time to take a risk. I know you’re motivated, but it’s much easier to get the dress altered than it is to alter your body shape in such a short amount of time. 

TIP: Afarose offers a try at home option that allows you to pick up to 4 dresses to try on in the comfort of your own home. What better way to find the perfect dress.

2. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good.

Speaking of trying on dresses, make sure to include only the people who genuinely make you feel good. If that means excluding specific family members who give you bad vibes- then do it. You and your spouse are what matters most on your wedding day and this is the perfect time to put yourself first. This also includes social media! Be mindful of what you’re seeing on your feed and how it makes you feel. You don’t have to be following anyone who is making you feel negatively. Treat your social media like your friend group. You don’t want to be hanging around the person who is always making snide passive aggressive comments or even body shaming themselves. Make sure the people you are engaging with online and offline are inspiring you to feel your absolute best. 

TIP: If you don’t want to unfollow someone, you can always mute them! Now, there’s no excuse to clean up your feed.

3. Be mindful of your own thoughts!

I know this sounds cliche, but it’s the truth - You and your body are perfect just the way they are. Do you judge your friend's body as harshly as your own? No! You would never. You love your friends just the way they are and believe they are gorgeous inside and out. So why are you not giving yourself the same amount of compassion and grace? Take a step back and observe the amount of judgment you have on yourself. Try to shift any negative thoughts about your body to gratitude. Say thank you to your body for being the vessel that allows your beautiful soul to experience this life. Thank you for keeping you safe. Thank you for taking care of you every day. Turning those intrusive thoughts into appreciation can automatically raise your vibe and make you feel better. You deserve to feel happy and loved, especially by yourself. The more you tell yourself these things, the more you will begin to believe them.

4. Do something everyday that makes you feel good inside and out. 

The better you feel, the more it will show on the outside. Take care of yourself; whether that be by sipping on a fresh juice full of vitamins, journaling your feelings, or going for a “hot girl walk”. Take the time to nourish your mind, body and spirit. Day by day, these seemingly minimal tasks will build up and strengthen your confidence. The energy spent on your self care radiates outwards. I’m not saying all body confidence issues will go out the door once you juice one vegetable, but what i'm trying to say is that the more you show yourself love, the more it combats those intrusive thoughts. The more those thoughts will feel like the lies they are. The more you will uncover your own truth to who you are. Confidence is built through consistent action, it’s not something that everyone is just born with.

5. Let go of diets and numbers. 

There’s nothing wrong with a healthy diet, but if you’re trying to enforce a whole new eating plan for yourself that you are not used to, you could end up doing more harm than good. If you’re not used to dieting, then it probably won’t make you feel good physically or emotionally if you begin to restrict yourself. Most diets are not sustainable and usually have the person gaining the weight back just as rapidly as they lost it. Remember that your spouse loves you for who you are, not the number on your clothes. It is 2022! It’s time to let those numbers and negative thoughts about yourself go, and welcome in all the love and admiration you deserve.