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Yes, summer might look a little differently this year, but it’s still happening. And while beach trips and pool parties are supposed to be fun, they can also cause serious anxiety if you already aren’t feeling good about yourself. That’s why you should consider starting this summer off right with the help of Noom. It’s a weight-loss program that’s so different–in a good way!–from anything you’ve tried before. Rather than giving you impossible dietary restrictions or requiring you to log and count every single thing you put into your mouth, Noom takes a different approach. It’s called cognitive-behavioral therapy and instead of getting you to make small changes in the short term, it’s all about helping you shift habits and patterns for long-term success. Yes, Noom is a great way to shed a few pounds for the season, but it’s also a great program to help change your mindset so you feel confident and good about yourself all year long, no matter what the scale says.
Armed with a positive new outlook, here are a few more ways to build your confidence so that you can truly enjoy yourself this summer.
Wear clothes that work for you. Warmer summer weather means everyone’s wearing less clothing, which can be stressful if you don’t feel good about your body. In this situation, the key is to find duds that are right for you. Instead of trying to squeeze into clothes that look great on models or were your size a few summers ago, look for items that are right for the body you actually have. Remember, if a dress or pair of shorts doesn’t fit right, you don’t need to change your body–you just need to find something different to wear. No matter how pretty the outfit is, it’s not worth beating yourself up over.
Watch your words. While words might seem harmless, the way you talk about yourself can have serious impact. And in the summer, when conversation tends to center around bodies, it’s especially important to mind what you say. Whether you’re talking to yourself or with friends, try using gentle, loving words to describe yourself rather than disparaging terms. Even if you don’t totally believe what you’re saying, it’s still worth a shot–think of it as a sort of manifestation. Stick to it for long enough and you’ll start to notice a difference.
Cultivate what you love. When your mind starts to fill with all sorts of problem body parts and areas, fight back by focusing on things about yourself that you love. This can be hard to do on the spot, so take some time when you’re in a good place to identify positive personality or physical features. Literally–make a list of awesome things about yourself. Get detailed and specific! Then, next time you find yourself in a spiral of negativity, focus on those qualities. And next time you’re buying new clothes, jewelry, or makeup, look for items that accentuate the things about your body that you love. Pull them out when you know you’re going to need an extra boost of confidence.
Create healthy habits. As tempting as it might be to start a crash diet three weeks before pool season starts, it’s not a great way to go–for a number of reasons. Extreme weight-loss measures are virtually never sustainable, and normally just set you up to swing even further in the opposite direction. Instead, try an overall lifestyle change with a program like Noom. The app uses cognitive behavioral techniques, nutrition coaching, and group support to help users build sustainable and healthy habits. Finding a sustainable way to take care of yourself is one of the quickest ways to build self-confidence.
Don’t hold back. This might seem like circular logic, but stick with us for a minute. Do your best not to let insecurities stop you from (socially distant!) activities and events that you enjoy. And yes, that includes hanging out in a swimsuit at a pool or the beach. It definitely might be uncomfortable at first, but doing the sorts of things you would if you had confidence is one of the very best ways to actually build that confidence.
