confidence

How To Feel Confident In The Gym

April 8, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Confidence in the gym isn’t something everyone gets straight away. The gym domain can be a bit of a terrifying place for first-timers, and it can often feel overwhelming or an invasion of privacy in some respects. Here is how to feel confident in the gym so that you can take advantage of all the benefits it can bring to you.

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Wear The Right Sports Gear

The right sports gear is an essential part of feeling good in the gym. Think about what you’ve currently got in the way of fitness gear in your wardrobe. For most people who’ve never been to the gym or don’t do much working out, you might not even have any proper fitness wear. It could be a collection of joggers and loose clothing. And although that feels comfortable, it’s not going to necessarily help you feel confident in yourself. Find outfits that help hug your body in the right way and make you feel good. Something from godashsports.com, for example, is a good place to start when you’re shopping around.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

When you’re trying to navigate your way around the gym, there’s a lot of equipment that you’ll likely be unfamiliar with. It’s important that you’re not afraid to ask anyone in the gym about certain equipment because sometimes attempting to use a machine that you’re not aware of can be dangerous. If you’re wondering who to ask, it’s a good idea to seek out one of the personal trainers that will be lurking around the gym for help. They might do a sales pitch to be your trainer, but it’s worth it to know how the equipment works.

Have A Routine Ready Before You Go

Going to the gym and simply making it up as you go along is a little counter-productive. It’s worth it to plan ahead after you’ve been going for a couple of weeks and that way you can feel more confident in what you’re doing. You appear more experienced too if you’re confidently going from machine to machine. You might also want to break it down by body parts. So one day you could do chest and back, and on another day, you do legs.

Get A Personal Trainer

As mentioned previously, personal trainers will be at your local gym, actively trying to assign clients and it’s up to you whether you take up their offer of a consultation or not. A personal trainer is really useful to have if you’re someone who wants to hit certain goals, get motivated more or to build their confidence in the gym. There’s nothing like being in the presence of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing and is accustomed to the gym environment.

Feeling confident in the gym is something that you’ll figure out because it’s sometimes a case of finding what works for you and makes you feel most comfortable. Use these tips to help with that and enjoy getting fit!

•What makes you feel confident in the gym?

Thank you for reading!

Health

Embarrassing Body Issues And How To Handle Them

January 11, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

There are some health and beauty issues that we don’t like to talk about. Instead, we often pretend that these problems aren’t impacting us at all. We might try and cover them up and will often not be comfortable discussing them with family or even friends. That’s a problem for a number of reasons. First, a lot of these health issues are treatable once you understand the cause. Second, they can be the first sign of something serious that you need to get checked out. So, let’s explore some of these embarrassing body issues and understand the right ways to take care of them.

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Acne

Acne shouldn’t be embarrassing, but it is. The reason for this is that we often assume acne is something only teenagers experience. However, that’s not the case and a lot of adults can suffer from acne too (ugh including me). Some get periods where acne flares up, while for others it’s more permanent. So, what can you do about this? Well, first you need to identify the cause of the issue and there are a lot of different factors to consider here.

For instance, you might find that your diet is at least partially to blame. There’s also the possibility that it’s caused by makeup. Makeup can clog up the pores on your skin which means that grease and dirt will start to build up (also, wash your brushes!). You can avoid this if you wear the right type of makeup or even drink plenty of water. Drinking water is a great way to clear out your skin and deal with an acne flare up.

For more severe issues, it can be worth speaking to a dermatologist. This is particularly important if your acne is constantly scarring.

Smells Down Below

It is possible that you have noticed your nether regions have an unpleasant odor. There are numerous reasons for this but for women, the problem is likely to be a bacterial infection. It can cause a fishy type of smell. The good news is that you can easily handle an issue like this BV treatment over the counter. You’ll find that once you start using the treatment, the problem will quickly disappear.

Men have a similar issue to this but for them, it’s usually caused by a sweat rash. This can be quite uncomfortable and in some cases, it may smell. In extreme cases, men can develop boils and bumps which can be mistaken for an STD, even by a doctor.

Hemorrhoids

Finally, there is something positive to say about hemorrhoids. It’s not an embarrassing issue that people will automatically know that you have. In many cases, hemorrhoids can remain completely hidden, even to you. However, they are still embarrassing and they can actually be quite frightening. It’s an issue which can cause a lot of blood which you might not be expecting. There are various ways to handle this medical issue. For instance, a long soak in a bath is often enough to provide relief if they are causing you quite a lot of pain.

Everyone experiences embarrassing body issues at some point in their lives, so it’s important to remember that you’re not alone!

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

Finding Yourself And Loving Who You Are

October 12, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Image Credit Pixabay.com License CC0

It can be hard to look at ourselves and like everything that we see. We all struggle with image issues from time-to-time, but for many people, it can be a near-constant problem that takes over their whole lives. If you are not happy in the skin that you are in, it can kill your confidence. You may not want to leave the house, or look another person in the eye properly. You may not push yourself in your career, and you may be terribly depressed as a result.

Coming to terms with the way that you look can be a challenge, and it will take a lot of strength and courage to build up your confidence for you to start appreciating the way that you look again. There are things that you can do that can help you.

Treat Yourself To A Treatment

Getting a makeover, or going to the hairdresser may be something that you have always shied away from doing. You may feel as though you were getting judged whenever you are sat in the chair. And having somebody prod about you can make you feel even more self-conscious. But if you can find somebody that can help in a way that lifts you up, it can be helpful. Look for someone caring and positive to help give you a makeover or haircut. They will know what to say to you so that you start to feel better about yourself.

You may want to look at a range of medical aesthetic services that may help you to create a look that you feel more comfortable with. Or having a new wardrobe of clothes may be precisely what you need to give yourself a confidence lift.

Look At The Positives

When you look at yourself, might be consumed with the negatives about your appearance. There may be a whole heap of things about yourself that you don’t have a problem with, or that you might even like. But these will get overshadowed by negativity if you’re struggling with body image.

It’s important to pay attention to the positives. The positives are getting smothered with the negatives and the things that you dislike. Though they may be all that you see, they won’t be all that others see. Learning to look at the things about yourself that you do like is essential.

Make a list of your best features and start to tell yourself every day that those things are BEAUTIFUL. Take selfies that highlight that aspect of yourself. Try and dress, or wear your hair in a way that lifts up that part of you.

Soon, you will start paying more attention to these parts of yourself. The more that you tell yourself that something about you is beautiful, the more natural it will feel.

Everybody is beautiful in their own way, and we all have hang-ups. Finding confidence in yourself is about learning to not focus on the things that you don’t like, and think of the things that you do!

•Do you struggle with low confidence? What do you do to help bring it up?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

Don’t Let These Common Issues Derail Your Self-Confidence

August 17, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

(Pixabay License)

So, how are you feeling today?

If you’re feeling on top of the world, with oodles of self-confidence, and a raring to go attitude, then congrats, long may it continue!

However, many of us struggle with feelings of low self-esteem, and our confidence levels drop in tandem. Consequently, we are less likely to engage in social situations. We take fewer risks because we don’t want to do something that could result in failure. And we hold ourselves back from achieving our dreams, perhaps because we don’t feel capable.

It is important to deal with the issues that derail our self-confidence. We will then break free of those things that bind us, and move forward with renewed positivity and a can-do attitude that will get us to where we want to be in life.

These are just a few of the common issues that can negatively affect our confidence levels:

Issues That Affect Us Socially

From genuine psychological issues, such as social anxiety, to debilitating conditions, such as issues with hearing and speech, many of us struggle with confidence as a result. We then limit ourselves in social situations and lack the courage to take on simple tasks, such as using the telephone. Thankfully, these can be overcome. Anxiety can be overcome through counseling therapies, speech therapy is available to those who need it, and hearing can be improved through a range of hearing aids, including cochlear implants. Should you be suffering from any issue that is affecting you on a social level, speak to the relevant professionals for the help that you need.

Issues Around Our Physical Appearance

None of us are perfect, but many of us suffer from low self-confidence because of the way we look. This is partly compounded by the images we see in the media, many of them falsely prescribing to the notion that to be beautiful, we have to be slim and have perfect skin. Now, you can take steps to improve your physical apperance when necessary. If you are struggling with weight issues, you can exercise more and eat a healthier diet. And for your skin, there is a range of creams and beauty treatments available. However, providing your health isn’t at risk, it is okay to be who you are! That’s all you should ever be: you. Work on your imperfections if you need to, but do other things to stop hating your body. Begin by offering gratitude for your best bits, and ignore the toxic messages that the media bombards you with.

Issues Around Social Media

Many of us compare ourselves unfavorably to the people on our friends’ lists. We envy the exciting lives that they seem to be leading, and wish that we had better things to post. We place value on the number of likes our posts get and start to feel down when nobody seems to notice what we write. These factors can negatively affect our confidence levels, so perhaps it’s time we unplug ourselves for a while. We might then start to become less reliant on Facebook, Twitter, etc. for our social needs, and finally start to enjoy life and regain confidence away from our screens.

What impacts your self-confidence? How do you find confidence?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

How to Stop Hating Your Body

July 3, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Photo by Andre Furtado from Pexels

It can be pretty hard to love your body. We’re bombarded with unrealistic images and constant pressure to look a certain way. It’s no wonder that so many women report hating their bodies (including me). If you hate your body right now, it might be a big leap to fall in love with yourself. But perhaps there are ways you can learn to value, like, and respect your body. We can all learn to go beyond the toxic messages in our cultures and find ways to embrace ourselves. Below are some things to consider!

Reframe What You See in the Mirror

Many of us look in the mirror and immediately start listing our [perceived] flaws. This can be tricky, but maybe you can make a conscious habit of naming one thing you like about yourself every time you catch your reflection? [AKA affirmations]. This could be something as simple as having nice teeth, a cute freckle, or that your eyebrows look great today. By training your brain to jump to the positives, you may be less likely to fixate on the things you don’t like.

Note: I understand that body dysmorphic disorder is a very real mental health condition, and often requires professional help. The advice stated above is my opinion and is not meant to diagnose or treat, and does not refer to those with BDD.

Focus on Being Strong and Healthy

So much focus is put on dieting and exercising for weight loss. But what happens when we turn our attention to health, instead? This could mean that you’re less harsh on yourself, and avoid harmful habits like skipping meals or overworking yourself. After all, it’s not healthy to push your body to extremes. [Though some aspiring “health coaches” say pain is good, it’s not true. Pain means there is something wrong!] Approach your diet and exercise with love and positivity, rather than hatred.

Get a New Wardrobe

It can be tempting to keep jeans that don’t fit, because one day we hope to squeeze into them (there was a recent poll in my Facebook group asking how long is acceptable to keep jeans that are too small; some people said forever!). But inevitably, this leaves us feeling ‘less than’. Try to embrace your current body shape and size by getting clothes that fit you beautifully and accentuate your best bits. Nobody needs to know what size you wear, but everyone will see how confident you look in clothes that flatter you. You could even have an in-store stylist pick out some items that would look amazing on you. Personally, I use StitchFix! I also like Amazon Wardrobe. I love having a “personal” stylist to pick flattering clothes for me. The right clothes make all the difference in how we feel!

Switch The Focus

Lots of work towards loving your body involves a lot of focus on your body. But if you struggle with body image, this could be triggering. Could you switch the focus away from your body for a little while? Some people find it helpful to journal about all the positive traits they love about themselves – things like being kind, funny, intelligent, generous. Having an ever-growing list of compliments that have nothing to do with how you look can be a real boost to self-confidence.

Know When You Need Help

Everyone can feel uncomfortable about their body sometimes. But if you have developed excessive worries about your body, or compulsive behaviors and routines, you may have body dysmorphia, which is an anxiety disorder relating to body image. If you think your body image is impacting on your life or you think you may have body dysmorphia, it’s important to seek help. You can speak with your doctor or visit a counseling center to get specialist advice to help you heal. [I shared a note about this above]

•What do you struggle with? How do you build confidence for yourself?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Beauty Health

What It Takes To Feel Confident In Your Own Skin

May 9, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 7 Comments

Feeling confident in your own skin can often be something that takes a lifetime to achieve. We all want to feel confident while we’re young and in our prime, but there are so many things that make us feel bad – like magazines only showing super slim, photoshopped women, and the media telling us we’re too much/not enough constantly. Yes, being confident in your own skin in 2019 is hard. However, it’s not impossible. Below, we’ll talk about what it takes to feel confident in your own skin so you can finally hold your head high and have a healthy self image. Take a look!

Become Aware of All Of The BS

Start becoming aware of all the BS out there. Ever noticed how magazines will give you great cake recipes on one page and then show you pictures of celebrities on the beach on another page, commenting on their shape and size? Magazines are designed to make us feel like we’re not enough so we buy stuff. They are full of contradictions. Many of us pick up insecurities from here that we wouldn’t have had otherwise!

Ever looked at a picture on Instagram and felt that jealous twang in your stomach? There’s a good chance that this picture was tweaked and photoshopped in some way. Not every beautiful person photoshops their pictures, but many celebrities do. It may be only slight sometimes, but it’s still not what they look like. Even regular people use Facetune and filters to change how they look. Things are not all they seem online, on TV, and on social media. Don’t pay too much attention to it.

Make ‘I Am Enough’ Your Mantra

The whole idea of being confident in your skin isn’t thinking you’re better than anybody else. It’s feeling like you’re enough. When you feel enough as you are, you won’t worry about what anybody else is doing, or what anybody else looks like. You won’t want to change this or that about yourself. You’ll feel totally content. It can be a tough place to get to, but it’s possible! Stop comparing yourself, and when you start thinking that you need something else to be whole, whether that’s nail extensions, a new outfit, or even a new hair color, remind yourself that you’re enough just as you are. It doesn’t mean you can’t have those things you want, it just means you’ll get them from a more confident, informed place rather than a place of not liking what you see.

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Practice Self Care Regularly

Self care is crucial to feeling confident. Show yourself some love! Take baths. Do things you enjoy. Eat your vegetables and fill up on food that you love. Look after your skin. If you have skin issues, such as psoriasis, see if you can get prednisone treatment prescribed to you. Skin issues don’t make you less worthy, but if they affect your self esteem then see a professional.

Don’t Let That Negative Voice In Your Head Take Over

We all have a negative voice in our head, but you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s not your own. You don’t have to listen to it! Like a radio station, just don’t tune in. Think of something else. If you wouldn’t stare at your friend or call them fat/ugly, don’t do it to yourself. You’ll feel much better very soon!

What do you do to feel confident in your own skin? Comment below!

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Lifestyle

How to Deal with Poor Body Confidence Issues

May 4, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Having a negative body image can have a huge impact on you emotionally. You may find that you focus on having the perfect body so much that you set unrealistic goals, and that you also find it hard to feel confident in yourself, too. If you want to help yourself, then there are a few things that you can do to try and rectify the issues that you are having.

Fake It Until You Make it

Confidence is very attractive. If you love the way that you look, then other people will, too. Ditching your negative mindset can seem impossible at times; if you want to get around this, then maybe to try and fake it. When you catch yourself in the mirror, don’t pick up on every single flaw. Instead, tell yourself that you are stunning. When you do this, you will eventually feel more confident and you will also be able to break those bad habits that you have developed. It’s tough, but it’s possible!

https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-woman-looking-upright-standing-against-yellow-wall-1536619/

Be Your Best Friend

When your inner voice starts to tell you that you don’t look good, try and quiet that voice. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend, and try and give yourself the respect that you truly deserve! You deserve better, and the sooner you understand this, the more confident you will feel about your own body image.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photography-of-group-of-people-jumping-during-golden-time-1000445/

Trade Negative for Positive

If your family members always have something negative to say, then stay clear of them. Surround yourself with people who are able to support you and who want the best for you. People who say nasty comments about other people are usually massively insecure, and they need to say those things just to make themselves feel better. Ditching people can be difficult, but if you can, you need to push yourself, and you should also try to socialize. This will help you to connect with new people who really want the best for you, and sometimes, this is exactly what you need!

Exercise

Exercise is scientifically proven to boost your mood. When those endorphins kick in, you will soon find that there is no room for low self-esteem. The hard part is staying motivated. If you can, it helps to sign up with a personal trainer so that they can talk you through the exercises you need to do in order to change certain parts of your body. You can also sign up with The Club Fitness facilities as they can help you to really get in shape.

Express Yourself

When you have very low self-esteem it can be very easy to fall into the habit of wearing clothes that hide your body. It can also make it harder for you to wear your fave outfits. If you want to help yourself, then don’t shy away from clothes that make you feel good just because they aren’t trendy or fashionable. You should try and avoid covering yourself up! I know I need to be better at this, especially when it’s 100+° F in Las Vegas.

Another thing I do to combat my poor self-esteem is attend therapy. It really helps to simply talk it out.

•How do you combat negative talk and self-esteem? Please share below!

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!