Unfortunately it’s not an uncommon experience: looking in the mirror and finding things to criticise. According to the Butterfly Foundation, nearly half of Australia’s 12 to 18 year olds are dissatisfied with the way their body looks, and more than 90 per cent have some level of body concern. These numbers are high, and highlight the concern that as a society, we put unfair pressure and expectations on each other when it comes to our appearances.
Many of us feel that there is a way we are ‘supposed’ to look. Logically, we probably know that’s not true — there is no ‘right’ way for anyone to look — but that doesn’t change the reality that it can feel this way at times. If you’re finding yourself feeling like this, start by reminding yourself that the expectations of others when it comes to your appearance do not matter. Try to remember that the pressure we often put on ourselves is often completely unrealistic and unnecessary. If you’re looking for some strategies to lift yourself up, try some of the following:
Start a Mood Board For Outfit Planning
Sometimes a new outfit truly can make all the difference in how we feel, but it can be hard to know what to buy, do, or use to achieve the look you’re going for. If you’re feeling stuck, try creating a mood board to help you form ideas, plan outfits, and get creative. Pinterest is ideal for this, as it allows you to easily create mood boards and quickly pin images and web pages. If you’re more of a pen and paper person, make a physical mood board. You can print out photos, cut pictures out of magazines, and arrange them on some paper or card, adding notes or whatever else you like to make it your own. Don’t limit yourself to outfits, think about hairstyles, makeup, and accessories too — you never know where you might find inspiration. Trying new things and letting your creative side out might make for new looks you never would’ve tried before, and they might make all the difference when it comes to feeling a little more confident in your look.
Take Action
Once you’ve got an idea of where you want to take your look, it’s time to make it a reality. By working out exactly what new things you’d like to try with your look, you put yourself in a much better position to actually try them. Without a clear direction, we often end up spending time and money on things we don’t love, leaving us in the same position we started in — that’s why starting with a mood board, before making any decisions or purchases, is so crucial.
This step is the real fun part, it let’s you see your vision come to life and allows you to reap the rewards of your hard work. Small changes can go a long way when it comes to a confidence boost — a great pair of jeans, a new pair of glasses, or a change in hairstyle really can do wonders.
Enjoy Your New-Found Confidence
Once you’ve found ways to change up your appearance and create a look that you feel more comfortable with, it’s time to get out and show the world. Remember that what’s important is that YOU feel good, so try not to worry too much about other people’s opinions — there’s a good chance they’re not as worried about your looks as you think they are.
If you’re ever finding yourself overwhelmed by self-consciousness, you should speak to a mental health professional. While it can be normal to feel a little self-conscious, it should never be at the detriment of your wellbeing, or affect your day-to-day activities.
