Be Your Most Confident Self!
Our top 25 ways to stress less, reach your goals and feel happier every single day.
By Gabrielle Gayagoy
THE BEST ADVICE ON...LOVING YOUR BODY
1. Show off, in style. Lost weight but need to drop a few more pounds? It makes sense to wait until you reach your goal to buy a whole new wardrobe, but do invest in a few fabulous pieces that fit you right now. When your clothes fit well, your progress starts to show -- and that has the power to foster self-confidence and keep you motivated to continue working out and eating healthy. (June 2005)
2. See your good side. Instead of zeroing in on your trouble zones when you look in the mirror, consciously shift your attention to body parts you may rarely think about -- like your beautiful eyebrows, mouth, shoulders and hands. Then take a minute to describe them -- out loud -- in positive terms. This helps you get a more complete picture of your attributes and gives your body image an instant boost. (March 2001)
3. Stop watching the workout clock. When you're using any cardio machine (treadmill, bike, elliptical trainer), put a towel over the display screen so you can concentrate on how exercise makes you feel terrific rather than on how long you've been working out or on how many miles you've got left. You'll have a better appreciation for what your body can do if you're not caught up in the numbers. (January 1997)
4. Find realistic role models. Ask women you know for real-life advice on coping with stress, losing weight and juggling work and family. Seeing what helps the people around you will give you ideas for simple strategies that can also work for you. (March 1988)
2006 UPDATE See our Success Stories on pages 140 and 142 to find out how fellow readers shape up, and check out our cover model profile on page 50 for actress Kristen Bell's real-life strategies for staying healthy.
© 2008 Weider Publications, LLC, a subsidiary of
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READER COMMENTS
Keeping a notebook on my nightstand really does help. I began doing this when I was in college because I would lay in bed all night and stress about school and work. When I began writing down my worries I would get to sleep sooner thus being more energized the next day to deal with it.
— Tiffany