Along with malnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle, the cause of overweight, cellulite and other figure imperfections can be … resentment! We despise our body, punish, torture, falling into a vicious circle. Hatred is destructive, so it’s better not to fight with the body, but to cooperate, psychologists say. Only then can change for the better be possible.
Today, a stereotype has firmly settled in our heads: the body must be constantly kept under control and trained. It simply has to be toned, muscular, with smooth curves and without cellulite. Having set such a goal, we begin to give all the best. But at some point we realize that the ideal does not work.
It would seem that one should rejoice at the achieved result. Realize that you are a better person. And that the figure of the cover girl is not an end in itself. But only a few act so wisely. The rest give up, harboring resentment, unable to forgive the “betrayal” of their body.
“Every year in April, I buy a gym membership, choose an innovative anti-cellulite cream, throw sweets out of the house and go on a vegetable diet,” says 32-year-old Polina. – I’ve been exhausting myself with training for a couple of weeks, falling down from fatigue and hunger. As a result, I throw off 3-5 kg. But then the process of losing weight slows down. Yes, and others do not notice the changes. I’m starting to wonder: who needs this torture? And soon I’m dropping the whole thing. And, eating donuts at night, I say: “Get at least some joy from life, since it’s disgusting to look in the mirror.”
Cover deception
Let’s be realistic and, choosing a standard for ourselves, we will begin to take into account age, genetics, lifestyle and the possibilities of Photoshop. After all, the pictures of all celebrities are processed. And even if you live the lifestyle of a wellness guru, the body will still have flaws. After all, both Ryan Gosling and Miranda Kerr have them. The modern rhythm of life makes you think that only an instant effect is good.
If we don’t reach our goal in a week, we come to the conclusion that the goal is unattainable. So, having decided to change the figure, tune in not to the fastest result, but to the process itself. And try to make it as enjoyable as possible. Exhausting workouts and starving, tasteless diets are punishment that will increase irritation and dislike of the body.
Only sincere care and kindness to yourself can motivate for a long time.
“Many people think that if they hate themselves enough, they can quickly get into shape. And for this they will receive the love and approval of others as compensation for their own internal war, ”says Andrea Wachter, an American psychotherapist, a specialist in the treatment of eating disorders, depression and anxiety. – But this is a mistake, only sincere care and kindness to yourself can motivate for a long time. And I would put calmness at the forefront.
Tune in for a long journey and realize that you will not become the owner of reference forms. But you will definitely be more active and healthier than now.
Where to start?
First of all, review your diet. But not from the position “I can’t do this”! Build a diet based on the principle “What tasty and healthy can I replace everything harmful with?”.
For example, instead of chocolate bars, throw cereal bars into your bag, remove the sugar bowl from the table, and sweeten your tea with honey. White rice is easily replaced with brown, pork with chicken or fish, potatoes with salad. Do not build far-reaching plans. Think in the morning what you will eat today. Summarize in the evening. If you succeed, praise yourself. Broke? Do not be discouraged, but just try to avoid temptations the next day.
Do the same with physical activity. Find an activity to your liking. Don’t like to run? Are you out of breath? Walk the same distance, setting the track at an angle: you will also pump up your buttocks. Don’t know which side to approach the simulator, or just don’t like working with hardware? At your disposal is a swimming pool, dancing, Pilates. Enjoy the movement, don’t torture yourself.
Seek the positives in your new lifestyle
“After the birth of my second daughter, I couldn’t go to the gym. And when I tried to study at home, I was constantly distracted. Then I agreed with my eldest daughter that I would not sit next to her while she was doing her homework, but to train in the same room and help if she asked. And she told her husband that she should do 100 squats and 500 leg swings while we watch the series. The family did not feel abandoned, and not only did I have a constant load, but the temptation to eat something extra disappeared, ”Svetlana, 36, shares her experience.
Do not listen to those who advise you to weigh yourself daily. The number on the scale doesn’t mean much. Especially since muscle is heavier than fat, so once you start exercising, you may see weight gain. It is better to track positive changes in your favorite trousers, which are becoming looser. And by the fact that in the store the usual size is already large. The main thing is to see the positive aspects in the new way of life.
Friends and associates
Respecting your body means also taking care of it. You carefully choose books, exhibitions, films – food for thought. Why not be just as reverent about skin nutrition? When choosing a product, pay attention not only to the aroma, but also to the composition and texture. What do you like more – silky butter, melting soufflé or nourishing balm? Tactile sensations are very important, as they help to relieve stress and move forward in self-love.
Of course, creams will not correct all imperfections, but they will make the skin smooth, toned, silky. With them you will feel sexier and more desirable. The same story with anti-cellulite products. They are useful to use, but you should not have illusions.
One of the signs of self-dislike is the lack of desire to touch the body
“Women treat weight loss products like a surgeon’s scalpel or a furnace that burns excess fat,” says Laurent Nogueira, director of scientific communications at Givenchy. – For some reason, many people think that you can eat an extra croissant, then apply more cream – and voila, harmony is preserved. And when this does not happen or, which is logical, body volumes increase, the manufacturers are blamed.
Indeed, the effect of anti-cellulite products requires changes in lifestyle. Unlike anti-aging lines for the face, the result of which does not depend on nutrition and fitness.
Learn to accept yourself
Of course, adjusting to caring for yourself after years of struggle can be difficult. English psychotherapist and expert in the field of eating disorders Em Farrell suggests starting with this exercise: “Stand in front of a mirror and, while examining yourself, concentrate on those parts of the body that you like. Look at them, admire them, instead of (as usual) paying attention only to those details that you do not like.
One of the signs of self-dislike is the lack of desire to touch the body. This is where a professional massage can help. When another person touches your skin with care and attention, your sense of self changes for the better.
Another trick is to get photos taken a few years ago. You will like yourself on them much more than then, although in those days you also saw some flaws in your appearance. Think that today’s pictures will delight you after a while. So why wait when you have the opportunity to love yourself right now?