We are not born to hate our bodies, we are taught to hate them. From as early as I can remember I always saw trashy magazines talking about how celebrities had 'let themselves go', they even went as far as to bash them about cellulite which is something almost everyone has...

I'm not expecting you to walk away from reading this blog post absolutely loving yourself (but if you do, that's wonderful), but I hope that if I can give you some tools and tips to go forward with on your own body acceptance/love/neutrality journey, then that's all that matters.

Feel Your Body

Touching and feeling your body can be really difficult, especially if you don't have a good relationship with your all or certain parts of it. Just a simple act of touch is a great first step to getting to know parts of your body. I like to do this by moisturising after a shower. Moisturising is a fantastic way to get to know your body as you're showing it some care by the act of moisturising but also showing it care by the sensation of touch. My favourite moisturiser at the moment is the Almond Milk Body Yogurt from The Body Shop . It's perfect for sensitive skin, it absorbs so quickly, and it smells incredible.

Another way to enjoy the sensation of touch to help you love your body is by touching a little more intimately, after all, it's such a great way to learn about your body! Masturbation releases endorphins, which in turn can help with stress, sleep, and even period cramps. Exploring and feeling your body is just natural, and the more you explore, touch and feel, the more you'll get comfortable with your body, which in turn, can lead to a better relationship with yourself and your body.

Look At Your Body

Again, even looking at your body can be so difficult for some of us. Seeing our body go through different phases and changes can be a triggering experience, but it doesn't have to be. The act of just looking at your body in a mirror can take some time to get used to, especially if it's not something you enjoy. But trust me, just for one moment. Go up to your mirror - it doesn't have to be big. Go to your mirror and just stand there, don't think about what your body looks like, just stand there and look without judgement. This is your body. It has been with you for so many wonderful and challenging moments in your life. If you can, try and say one kind thing about your body - maybe even thank it.

Acknowledge Your Body

If you can't give any energy to the previous steps, then that's okay - just you being here and reading this shows that you're on your own path of body acceptance/love/neutrality, and I'm so proud of you. The act of acknowledging your body is probably one of the easier tasks out of the three - so if you don't have the power to do the others, then try this one. Acknowledging that your body is here, of what it looks like in its current state is a brilliant step. It's now showing love, or kindness, it's just showing pure acceptance and acknowledgement. Your body has taken you so far, and has done so many incredible things. Has your body climbed any mountains or peaks? Have you swum in many seas? Have your arms held those you love? perhaps you've given birth, or have given blood? Your body has done many marvellous things, and seeing it where it is in its current state is a wonder.

I'm so proud of you that you're on this journey - it's one we're all taking together, and I'll be supporting you every step of the way.

Kayleigh x