It’s OK to accept compliments, even if you don’t believe they’re true
“When we don’t feel good about ourselves, it’s natural to excuse people’s compliments or turn them down by talking negatively about ourselves in return,” says Dr Albers. “Instead, be open to them and practise saying, ‘Thank you,’ even if you don’t believe them at that moment. The more you start taking compliments instead of shutting them down, the better you’ll feel in the long-run.”
Use social media as inspiration
It can be all too easy to fall into the abyss that is #bodygoals on Instagram. To keep it positive, unfollow any accounts that constantly make you feel bad about yourself. “Only follow people who are positive and inspiring,” says Dr Albers. “Scrolling through your phone and seeing only positive messages can really shift your mood.” Unfollowing people and profiles that don’t serve you is one way to have a healthier relationship with social media.
Shame and guilt don’t sustain long-term motivation
“Those negative feelings might motivate you for a day, but what you end up doing is avoiding the things you feel bad about, so then you’re no longer making progress,” says Dr Albers. If you do catch yourself talking down about yourself, follow it up with something positive.