CANDY WASHINGTON

WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE

Harmful Effects of UV Light on your Eyesight and How to Protect your Eyes

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Ultraviolet rays, whether artificial UV rays or from the sunlight, can seriously affect your eyes. Many people understand the UV rays' effect on the skin, but they rarely understand the extent of damage that these rays can cause to the eyes. There are generally three types of UV radiation: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

UV-A and UV-B are known for causing adverse short and long-term effects on the eyes, while UV-C is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. Below are the harmful effects of UV light on your eyesight.

Macular degeneration
This is caused by the long-term exposure of the retina to harmful ultraviolet rays. When the retina gets exposed to these rays for long, the blood vessels supplying nutrients to the tissues start leaking blood or fluid into the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina, which is responsible for the central vision.

Over time, this will likely lead to eye disorder associated with blurred vision or a blind spot in the visual field. Some early signs of macular degeneration include increased blurriness of the printed words and difficulties adapting to the low light levels. Glasses with FL-41 tint are great for light-sensitive conditions that may affect the eye adversely.

Cataracts
A cataract refers to the clouding of the eye's normal clear lens. The effect of the UV rays in the eye leading to cataracts mainly depends on age and the rate of exposure. This may lead to partial blindness if the condition is not corrected well in advance. Ultraviolet rays amplify the deterioration of the lens by damaging proteins.

The glycation process leads to the production of a cloudy substance that reduces vision. Severe exposure to these rays can eventually lead to blindness. The ultraviolet rays substitute oxygen, which triggers harmful oxidative reactions in the lens.

Pterygium & Pinguecula
Exposure to ultraviolet rays leads to uncontrolled growth of the tissues found on the conjunctiva. The Conjunctiva membrane covers the front part of the eyes as well as the inside of the eyelids. With long-term exposure, the uncontrolled growth of the tissues spreads to cover the corner, leading to loss of vision.

The correction mechanism is that these tissues can be removed through surgical operation. On the other hand, pinguecula develops as a raised bump inside the conjunctiva, and you can even feel it. These raised parts are white or yellow and can be treated with eye drops.

Photokeratitis
Photokeratitis refers to the inflammation of the eyeball tissue, similar to the sunburn on the skin caused by exposure to the UV rays. The skin-like tissue of the eyeball is very sensitive to ultraviolet rays and can be damaged within a few hours of exposure. This is not only a summer condition as it can happen any time of the eye if exposed to these rays.

If you live in a highly refractive environment, you should protect yourself from the radiation emitted by shiny surfaces. This could be oceans, snow, sandy beaches, or lakes. Research shows that fresh snow can reflect more than 80% of the UV rays, so you should wear eye protection even when you don't feel it's vital.

The effects of the UV rays can be devastating to the extent of causing permanent blindness. Here are different ways you can protect your eyes from harmful radiation.

Wear UV protective eyewear
Research by most optometric organizations states that sunglasses that can provide adequate protection from UV rays should block more than 99% of the UV-A and UV-B rays. Visit a well-established optometrist to get advice on the best sunglasses which will provide maximum protection against these rays.

Understand UV light
We are all aware of the effects of UV rays on the skin. But many do not understand the harmful effects these rays can have on the eyes. You need to understand the three types of rays and their sources. The UV rays' exposure is always more severe the midday when the sun is overhead. In the morning and evening, the UV rays are less severe, and they don’t have much effect on the eyes. 

Hats
When you are walking in sunny conditions, do not forget your hat. The hat will protect you from the sun's radiations that may enter from the sides or around the frame. This extra hat protection prevents UV rays from reaching your eyes and reduces eye strain from the glares while outdoors.

Soft contact lenses
You can protect the eyes from UV rays using soft contact lenses. Most of them are designed to absorb UV radiation energy, reducing the amount of rays reaching the eye's surface. Ensure that the contact lenses you will purchase meet the regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration. The earlier you start protecting the eyes from these radiations, the better.   

7 Rules of Self Care You Cannot Dismiss

Candy WashingtonComment

Picture by Tiny Tribes on Pixabay

Hi lovelies,

Self-care is something almost everyone has heard of, but not many people actually implement on a daily basis. 

 While it may seem strange to think that anyone could go so long without tending to their own needs and desires, the reality is that this is very much the case for many people. In our society full of stressors and responsibilities, it’s all too easy to put ourselves last on the list. 

However, as we continue to see more and more people become unwell, either mentally or physically, due to a lack of self-care, there comes a point where ignoring these warnings no longer becomes an option. 

 The following are some helpful tips on how you can incorporate self-care into your life so that you feel happier and healthier in every sense of the word.

 

1) Take care of your body, your mind, and your time

Self-care is not something that only affects your body, but also your mind and your time. For example, when you take a walk, you are taking care of your body, as well as giving yourself some time to be alone and let your mind wander free. 

 While you might be able to push yourself to the extreme in some areas, like with exercise, you can’t do that with everything. You need to be able to push yourself in some aspects of your life, while still being able to give yourself a break in others. 

 In addition to taking care of your body, you also need to take care of your mind. This can include anything from meditation, self-reflection, journaling, or even just regular old relaxation. 

2) Try not to rely on self-care as a crutch

One of the biggest issues people have when it comes to self-care is relying on it too much. If you’re constantly searching for self-care, but not actually doing it, you are going to have a lot of trouble meeting your needs. 

 You should be taking care of yourself when you need to, not just the times when you have time and nothing better to do. 

This doesn’t mean you need to reach for self-care every day, but if you need it, you need it. 

 If you notice that you’re relying on self-care too much, it might be a good idea to try to find ways to meet your needs without it. This way, you can be sure you are taking care of yourself and not just replacing one crutch with another.

3) Take time for yourself every day

Self-care is something that you should practice every day. 

 That doesn’t mean you need to do something special or extreme every day. You can do small activities that help you keep your mind off work. 

 For instance, taking up DIY projects, making home improvements with the help of Second Opinion Plumbing or simply taking a day off from stressful work.

Your self-care is critical
At the end of the day, self-care is not something that you can ignore. If you want to feel happy and healthy, you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself. 

There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding this topic, but if you know what you’re doing, you can make sure that you are meeting all of your needs.

How to Live a Meaningful Life

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Living a meaningful life means living a life that matters. It means living your life with more purpose and achieving things that are important to you.

Most of us want to live a meaningful life, but many of us do not know what doing so would look like in practice.

Below, we’ll take a look at some basic things you can do to start living a more meaningful version of your life, which will make you feel happy to be alive and joyful to wake up and start your day each morning.

Know what matters to you
If you want to live a more meaningful life, you first need to know what is important to you. Are you passionate about caring for the planet? Do you want to ensure that all animals are safe from harm? Is an irradicating disease of major importance to you? Write a list of all of your values and interests and you can start living your life more in accordance with the things that matter the most to you.

Give back
One of the major ways you can live a more meaningful life is by giving back to people who are less fortunate than you. It doesn’t matter how much money you make or how high you raise your profile, if you are not doing anything to improve the world around you, then your life is not going to be as meaningful as it could. 

So, whether you partner with the Global Health Institute to help them raise their profile and wipe out diseases or you spend every weekend feeding the homeless at a local soup kitchen, dedicate part of your life to giving back to find the meaning in your own.

Follow your passion
Life without passion is meaningless. So, if you want to ensure you live a meaningful life on your term, follow your passion and do what you love. Whether you have a passion for travel or a deep love of fashion it does not matter as long as it is important to you; as long as it makes you happy every day. Life is too short to settle for anything less than what makes you feel truly happy to be alive.

Stick with your principles
A meaningful life is a principles life. If you do not practice what you preach and if you do things that go counter to your deeply held beliefs, you will never feel quite as happy and fulfilled as you could. So, it is really important that you do your best to live as principled a life as you can. No one is perfect and we will all make mistakes, but if you try your best, you will succeed more often than not, and your life will be packed with meaning.

Life is filled with meaning, but you have to get out there and find it for yourself, ap what art are you waiting for? Get out there and start building the best, most meaningful version of your life possible!

What Happens to Your Body When You Lose Weight too Quickly?

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

When you lose weight, where does it go? This is a question that many people are curious about. Well, the answer may surprise you! When you lose weight, your body doesn't just magically disappear. Instead, it goes through several processes to eliminate the excess fat. This blog post will discuss what happens to your body when you lose weight. 

Losing Weight, What Happens to Your Body?

When you lose weight, your body undergoes several changes. Some of these are good for your health, while others can be more detrimental. Here's a look at some of the things that happen to your body when you lose weight:

  • Your metabolism slows down. This is one of the most common side effects of weight loss. As you lose weight, your body requires fewer calories to function correctly. This can lead to fatigue and other health problems over time.

  • You may experience hair loss. This is especially common in women who lose a lot of weight quickly. Hair loss can be due to several factors, including malnutrition and hormonal imbalances.

  • Your skin may become loose and saggy. This is because the skin doesn't have enough time to adjust to your new weight. This can be a problem for people who lose a lot of weight quickly, but it usually goes away over time.

  • You may develop gallstones. Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder. They're more common in people who are overweight or obese. Losing weight quickly can increase your risk of developing gallstones.

  • You may experience irregular periods. This is another side effect of rapid weight loss due to hormonal imbalances. If you're losing weight and not intentionally trying, you must see a doctor to rule out other health problems.

One way to avoid these adverse side effects is to have liposuction surgery. Liposuction Services removes fat cells from the body without damaging surrounding tissue or releasing toxins into the bloodstream. Liposuction is one option that can help contour your body and give you the desired results. Liposuction services can also be used to remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. If you are considering liposuction, you must consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing this procedure.

Overall, losing weight has many benefits for your health. However, losing weight slowly and steadily is essential to avoid potential health problems. If you're considering losing weight, talk to your doctor first to ensure it's safe for you.

How to Maintain Your New Weight

Losing a lot of weight quickly can be unhealthy, and it is not a sustainable way to lose weight. If you lose much weight too fast, your body will starve and hold onto fat stores. This can lead to weight gain, even if you eat less food than before. Losing weight slowly and steadily is the best way to lose and keep it off. If you have recently lost a lot of weight, there are some things you can do to maintain your new weight:

  • Eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day

  • Avoid fad diets or crash dieting

  • Get plenty of exercises

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Avoid sugary drinks

  • Avoid processed foods

  • Get enough sleep

  • Managing stress

If you are struggling to maintain your new weight, you may consider seeking professional help. A registered dietitian can help you develop a healthy eating plan tailored to your specific needs.

5 Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health Right Now

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

At times life can be too challenging to keep up with, and sometimes there’s a need for instant relief. Mental health is something that often takes a lot of work to improve, but there are plenty of things you can do to give yourself a bit more leeway when it comes to how you’re feeling. You feel the way you do as a result of your surroundings, your experiences, and the relationships you have with other people, and that’s not something you can always change overnight.

You’re not going to just drop your job and find happiness, it’s something that takes time and planning - but doesn’t worry, you won’t have to do anything so drastic right this moment.

Start sleeping more
If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health right now, getting more sleep is a great place to start. Your sleep dictates how you feel and function throughout the day, and your emotions are not exempt from that. Make sure that you’re going to sleep at a reasonable hour each day, and sleeping until you wake up. If you find yourself sleeping far too long, there could be other problems contributing to that.

Pick up a new hobby
Your mind might be seeking something new, as being stuck in the same routine day in and day out can only be enjoyed or tolerated for so long. Repetitive can be maddening, so you should consider finding something new to enjoy. A new hobby can be a great way to give your mind the stimulation it requires. You could consider buying a membership at HOTWORX or trying your hand at a skill you’ve always wanted to learn.

Reward your own achievements
A big part of self-care is understanding when to treat yourself and when to push. If you’re constantly pushing towards your goals without rewarding yourself somewhere along the way, it can be hard to feel like you’ve made any progress. Small milestones should be celebrated from time to time, as progress can be hard to make.

Give mindfulness a try
Meditation is something you could try right now, wherever you are. Being more mindful of what’s going on around you, and your current situation is a good way to clear your current thoughts. When you’re struggling with mental health, intrusive thoughts and concerns can get a little too loud to handle, and it’s no use trying to listen to it. Instead, practicing mindfulness can help you to silence those thoughts and give yourself time to think about something positive. 

Enjoy your own company
Alone time is something we all need if we’re going to better ourselves and actually take a step back and look at the situation. If you don’t enjoy being alone, then it’s time you learned to enjoy your own company. You need to appreciate your hardships and your achievements so that you can understand why your company is something that can be enjoyed. When you learn to treat yourself better, you’ll have an easier time spending time with yourself.

So You’ve Achieved Your Health Goals, What Next?

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

If you are confident that your health is in peak condition, congratulations! But the fact is that while we've all got health goals to achieve in life if we've hit a baseline level of health, there's always something else that we can chase. So if you really have got to the level, strength, size, or vitality that you want, what have you got to focus on now? 

Passing On the Benefits to Others

We all want to achieve a peak level of health, and if we've hit a point where we are able to stay strong and healthy while everyone else around is not, it's time to share the love and knowledge! Sometimes, the solutions are simple. All we need to do is to stay hydrated or eat a little bit better. But the fact is that if you are not actually living by these rules yourself, it's always a good idea to improve your health a tiny bit more as well. You can easily get a water filter to get some cleaner water, or you can always eat a little bit better. When we feel we have hit peak health, now it's time to set an example, especially if we've got friends or family that also want to be in this position.

Improving Your Mental Health

Whatever goals we had a year ago, we can always benefit from fine-tuning our mental health. A lot of people use getting fit as a way to challenge themselves and overcome certain mental obstacles in themselves. This means that when we are looking at being a healthier version of ourselves, it's not just the physical aspects that we need to focus on. If you have really hit your goals, now is the perfect opportunity to start fine-tuning those thoughts and what actually drove you to become the healthy version of yourself in the first place. A lot of people undergo a transformation mentally when they make physical changes but now is the perfect opportunity to start thinking about how you can be stronger in your mind as well.

The Art of Maintaining

A lot of people hit their physical goals and then think it's time to ramp up their efforts. But some people want to stay in a certain weight zone or aesthetic. These people focus on maintaining, rather than doing anything else. But this is where things can get a bit tricky. If you are constantly focused on maintaining, you can easily start to get into the mindset where you can take a day off from the gym or have a cheat day here and there. The problem is that these things start to build up. The art of maintaining is about understanding what will keep you within those parameters you had originally set for yourself. And this is why your physical health and mental health are important as a team. The fact is that when we have achieved our physical health goals, this is where we've got to start on a whole new journey.

6 Reasons You May Have Experienced Sudden Weight Gain

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Achieving the optimal body is a challenge, but even getting a body you’re happy with can feel almost impossible, too. Even people who count each calorie and are strict about their exercise routine can still encounter problems with their weight, and after all that hard work, it can discourage anyone and make them wonder if all this hard work is worth it. 

As awful as this can be, there could be deeper reasons for sudden weight gain. There are several reasons why anyone might experience sudden and unexplainable weight gain regardless of how careful they have been. If you feel your jeans are a little tighter than usual, consider these factors that could be the cause. 

An Inconsistent Diet 
Dieting is always difficult, but if it seems like it never does you any good, it could be because you spend too much time yo-yo dieting without being able to stick to a strict (if not very fun) routine. 

Considering how packed full of carbs and other bad things some foods are especially sweet treats, it’s no wonder that they can have a damaging effect on your diet and your weight loss goals. You might be good for a few weeks, but it’s too easy to fall back into bad habits. It may only seem like a little snack here or there, but it could undo the progress you’ve made, making it difficult to get back to your diet. 

Not Enough Exercise 
Even if you are eating right, you might not be getting enough exercise to work off the extra calories. This is common if you spend all day sitting at a desk and don’t have time to go to the gym or do other exercises in your spare time. 

It’s understandable, too. Nobody looks forward to forcing themselves to go to the gym after work, and the idea of waking up early to go is even worse. However, if you want to make changes to your waistline, you need to make changes and be more active. Even walking to work or the store can give you the essential steps to help you lose weight.  

Undiagnosed Medical Issue 
Although some weight gain is caused by your lifestyle, it could just as easily be an undiagnosed medical issue. This is more common as you get older, but some problems can affect you at any age and could be the root of your weight gain, especially if you’ve not been for a checkup in a while. 

Genetic conditions can have a considerable impact and accelerate weight gain due to an abundance of hormones in the body, such as Cushing Syndrome. As this is one of the most common conditions that lead to weight gain, you can get on the Patient Registry for Cushing Syndrome to find a doctor who knows how to provide the best advice and treatment. 

Stressful Lifestyle 
Stress can lead to several coping mechanisms, especially after a distressing event where you find yourself with time off or are searching for ways to distract yourself. This event could lead to stress eating, where you consume and consume more than you are used to without doing enough to work off the excess calories. 

A busy lifestyle also contributes to weight gain as you don’t have the time to be active. If you identify this as the reason, look for solutions, such as meditation, to reduce your stress. 

Not Enough Sleep 

Experts have found that less sleep increases your appetite, with those who only get four hours of sleep feeling hungrier than those who get eight or more. This isn’t just because they are awake for longer and have more time for meals, though. 

The body needs fuel to get through the day, so you will be hungrier if you don’t get enough sleep. If you can get more sleep, you may see a change in your weight.

Pregnancy 
If you can’t find the source of your weight gain, you might be pregnant. Many women will experience sudden and unexplainable weight gain before experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness or strange cravings. 

This might sound familiar, so it’s worth taking a pregnancy test (or several) if you and your partner have not used protection in the last few months. 

Summing Up 
There are many reasons why someone might put on weight out of nowhere. From an inconsistent diet to an unexpected pregnancy, it’s beneficial to consider the possible causes and find the reason. Not only will this give you the answers you need, but it will also help you avoid repeating them in the future. 

Four Things You Need To Know About Being Confident

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

If you've always wanted to have more confidence in your body, you must be willing to work on it on a regular basis. Body confidence does not come from having a particularly slender or curvaceous form — it comes first and foremost from your mindset. By altering their thinking and outlook, anyone can develop body confidence. Let's look at a few things to know if you wish to acquire lasting body confidence.

Your Insecurities Do Not Belong To You

Your insecurities are not your own. Your insecurities were bestowed upon you! Nobody is born with body issues; they are instilled in us by the media and, in certain cases, by family and friends. Most women despise their cellulite or other shaky spots since the media has taught us through the years that it is something to be ashamed of and mocked for. We'd all be a lot more confident if the media didn't regularly attack women for their appearance. The same applies to if people would keep their opinions to themselves if people choose to use lips fillers or silicone breast forms

Unfortunately, because of how profoundly embedded they are in our society, many of these beliefs are firmly ingrained. You may want to see fat reduction doctors to attain your "perfect figure," but if you're not already in the correct frame of mind, you'll probably wind up desiring many more treatments. While there is nothing wrong with getting stuff done if you want it for the correct reasons, you must be certain that you will not become addicted. You'll quickly understand that modifying your body won't bring you eternal happiness.

Wear Clothes That Make You Happy

Don't believe publications when they tell you that you should only wear specific items if you're a certain shape or size. You should choose whatever makes you feel the most comfortable! Dress to make yourself feel nice every day, and you'll quickly understand how advantageous this can be to your outlook.

Appreciate What Your Body Does 

Make friends with your body and make a list of all the wonderful things it can and has done for you on a regular basis. When you're feeling down, use affirmations to shift your thinking. Rather than focusing on your "chunky legs," consider how they have carried you through your life. Appreciate what your body can achieve without you having to think about it!

Self Love Is A Journey 

Loving yourself is a process that does not take place overnight. On Day 1, you may decide that you want to have a stronger connection with yourself, but by Day 2, you may feel like a failure. It's fine – the journey isn't a straight line. Simply return your attention to what you're attempting to accomplish and try to shift your mentality to discover the good in the apparent flaws you can see. It takes effort to interrupt negative, toxic thoughts and replace them, but you can do it! It will become easier if you become more attentive to your self-talk.

It can take a lot to feel confident, but more of us need to appreciate how great we are! 

You Can Learn To Love Your Body. Here's How

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Loving your body does not just happen overnight, but it does not mean that it can’t be simple and straightforward to achieve. It also does not indicate that it can’t be done in little time!

All it takes to love your body is a bit of time and some effort from you. It can involve a diet if you want, or procedures such as a Brazilian Butt Lift, but it can also be as simple as spending time on yourself. If you are willing to put in a handful of sessions a day then you are already on your way to learning to appreciate your body and gaining the self-confidence that you have been desiring.

Work with mirrors
Mirror work is a simple and incredibly powerful method of learning to accept and love one's own body. All you need is a mirror and yourself to complete this assignment!

To begin, simply stand in front of a mirror and examine your reflection in the mirror. Everything should be taken in. Your contours, your creases, your spots and bumps, the softness and firmness of your skin, your freckles and dimples, the color of your skin, everything. Just start paying attention to the little things about yourself.

Mirror work is particularly advantageous in that it may be done in phases according to your level of comfort with one's own physical appearance. Initially, you can start fully dressed and as covered as you wish, and gradually work your way up to being completely naked. Alternatively, you may jump straight in and start nude!

Take five minutes every day to genuinely understand yourself and how you seem. It will take you no more than that.

Take self portrait photographs
Taking photographs of oneself has the same effect as looking in the mirror in that it helps you become more comfortable with yourself and your physique. In this case, the purpose is to snap images and then look at them.

How many times have you had someone take a picture of you and your immediate reaction when you saw the picture was "awful!" The reason for this is that you have not seen yourself from that perspective before, or you are simply not accustomed to viewing yourself.

Getting more comfortable with yourself will lead to increasing your confidence in yourself.

Taking images from every angle and looking at them later is beneficial, as is being accustomed to seeing oneself in the mirror.
Touch your body
 This does not have to be a sexual situation, just one where youl earn what your body feels like.  However, if you want it to be sexual, then go ahead and do it.  Self-pleasure is a beautiful discipline that may help you gain confidence while also being beneficial to your mental and physical health and well-being.

The objective here is just to get to know your body on a purely physical level. Through the use of your sense of touch, you may begin to realize how smooth your skin is, how the hair on your legs feels, and everything else!

You get more comfortable in your own flesh as a result of touching yourself since you are getting to know it with more than just your eyes. Being touched is a natural human instinct; you do not need someone else's hands on your shoulders to get this sensation; you may do it for yourself and confidence will follow.

Do not be afraid to give yourself a huge bear embrace!

Dress to impress yourself 
The only reason you should get dressed in the morning should be to make yourself look good, not to impress anyone else. Dress in a way that makes you feel nice. Make no decisions on how you should dress based on fashion magazines, what so-and-so is wearing, or what you believe you should be wearing based on your body type.

It is impossible to expect your confidence to grow if you are not leaving the house in something that makes you feel good.

Something that makes you feel good does not have to be über stylish, attractive, or proper for the workplace to be effective. Being comfortable is sufficient for feeling good in. I am all about comfort, so I choose my clothing based on how comfortable I feel moving in them, how well they compliment me, and then how they seem on my body type and complexion.

You are not even need to show showcase your favorite aspect of your attire to be eligible. Spend a little more money on some lingerie and a nice outfit for yourself. Knowing that you look fantastic underneath your clothing is a huge confidence booster. Again, you do not require someone in your life to whom you may dress sexily or elegantly.

Affirmations should be repeated over and over.
Repeating affirmations is really simple and can be done at any time because you do not have to repeat them out. It is also quite convenient.

This may also be linked with mirror work, in which you can look yourself in the eyes and tell yourself what you appreciate about your physical characteristics.

Move your body
Getting your body moving is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself, both psychologically and physically, and it surely helps to boost your confidence! The more you understand about your body's mechanics (how it moves), the more comfortable you will be with it. In addition, you will be able to walk with greater self-assurance, and you will adopt a new posture.

As the bad energy leaves your body, you create an opening for love to enter as it leaves your body. The important thing to remember about movement is that you should move your body because you like it (or want to enjoy it), not as a kind of torture or because you have to.

Be grateful and appreciative
The ability to express thankfulness and appreciation for one's surroundings is critical in life, and this is certainly true for one's body! It is impossible to love anything if you do not understand what it is capable of doing for you.

Due to the fact that love has a higher vibratory frequency than gratitude, you must first express appreciation for your body before you can express love for it.

Think about how magnificent your physical structure is. Your skin cells regenerate themselves, your hair grows, and your body communicates with you when it is hungry or thirsty—all without you even being aware of what is going on!

How can you not be appreciative for everything that it does for you and your well-being? It is all for you!

Begin to take note of the small things your body is capable of, and you will find yourself feeling more loved and confident in no time.

Make use of social media to follow a diverse range of accounts.
Examine your social media accounts, the shows you watch, and the people you interact with while you are out and about. Have you shown yourself a varied variety of body types, or are they all tiny, skinny, or whatever other adjective you want to use to describe someone who is on the smaller side of things?

If you are continuously exposing yourself to bodies that do not look like your own, it will take a lot longer for you to feel comfortable in your own skin, much alone confident in it.

Make an effort to identify people and media who look like you but are also diverse from one another, and who are not just the conventional model types you grew up seeing.

The greater the number of bodies that you see that look like you, the more love and confidence you will have in your own appearance. It is important to observe a varied range of bodies because the more diverse a range of bodies you see, the more you will appreciate how remarkable, different, and beautiful all bodies are, including your own. When you witness how individuals who are different from you can love themselves unconditionally, it will undoubtedly lead to more love in your life.

Give yourself a fighting chance by putting role models in front of you on your screen and in your immediate vicinity.

Dealing With Distressing Events: The Best Ways to Cope

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Numerous historical, global events have happened in the past few years and they’ve not been nice things. From the pandemic to Brexit, markets crashing, the fuel crisis, now the war between Russia and Ukraine threatening to start World War Three- if you sit and think about it all too much it can become a huge source of anxiety. On top of this, we all have our own life issues to deal with as well. From pressures at work to relationships, our own financial hardships, death or illness in our family and other events each of us have to work through- if you’re feeling frazzled lately then it’s no wonder. At this point it feels like we’re all ‘used’ to having our lives disrupted, and things seeming to get progressively worse with no end in sight. But with so much out of our control, all we can do is focus on what we can change, and how we respond to things. Here are some ideas for coping through these distressing times.

Switch off the news
Keeping in the know about what’s happening across the world when so much is changing might seem sensible, but if you find it’s affecting you then the best thing you can do is switch it off. Constantly hearing bad news will only make you feel worse, if you feel like you have to find out the details then allocate yourself ten minutes a day to catch up on important highlights or read the latest news. From there, try and switch off. When there’s nothing you can do about a situation, sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself is remain as ignorant as possible towards it as a way to protect your mental health. 

Find healthy coping mechanisms
If you feel your stress levels rising, it’s important to know how to deal with this in a healthy and productive way. Don’t be tempted to reach for alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, coping mechanisms like shopping and gambling can also spiral into dangerous territory, Instead, find ways to relax your mind and body that will do you good. This could be anything from exercise to hot baths, journaling to meditation or taking cbd, you can find these products on an online cbd store. This is safe, effective and completely legal. Hobbies are another way you can mentally cope with difficult situations as they keep you distracted and can improve your state of mind, as well as enable you to learn or improve your skills.

Get professional help
If you’re really struggling and the steps you’re taking yourself dont seem to be working, dont be afraid to reach out for professional help. Depression and anxiety can easily arise in these sorts of times, and are best managed by a professional. Depending on your personal circumstances, therapy, medication or a combination of the two might be used. 

How To Lead More of a Stress Free Life

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Looking after your wellbeing and trying to lead as stress free a life as possible is both good for your mental and physical well being. So anything you can do to help improve this aspect of your life is certainly something positive. So here are some ideas on what you can do to help improve yours and reduce any levels of stress you may be experiencing. 

Get a Good Night’s Sleep 
Regularly getting good quality sleep will help you to feel more refreshed during the day and help alleviate your stress levels. Feeling stressed can then lead to a lack of sleep as you are busy worrying about different aspects, which will then disrupt your ability to sleep well in the evenings. If you can try to improve your bedtime routine and encourage relaxation it will help you to drift off to sleep and hopefully get a good night's sleep. 

Don’t Let Debt Build Up
Financial worries and not keeping track of your expenditures can certainly be a good cause for stress in your life. If you can try to keep track of your monthly expenses and compare credit online to get the best credit card for your needs, you can make sure that you are not spending money unnecessarily so that you are fully in control of your finances. Knowing what you can realistically afford and trying to stick to your budget will help you to gain control of your finances and prevent you from stressing out over money. 

Pursue a Career You Enjoy
If the root of your stress lies with your employment then maybe you are in the wrong job. Although it is necessary to have a job for financial reasons, you don’t want to be subjecting your mental and physical wellbeing to endless stress if you are currently in a job that really makes you unhappy. You should move away from a negative, stressful atmosphere and instead look for a job that will not leave you feeling disheartened and unhappy. 

Meditate
Spending a short amount of your routine doing a relaxing activity such as yoga or meditation, and perhaps taking mood-boosting supplements like St. John’s Wort and Delta 9 Gummies, will help you to feel more relaxed. It allows you to focus on the task ahead and let any stress or concern that you may be feeling slowly drift away. So it's good to try and incorporate this into your routine to help keep a positive mindset.

Find Time For You 
Amongst your busy schedule you should always find time for yourself to help you feel more relaxed and destress. It is good to make time in your week to do something that you thoroughly enjoy that will boost your confidence and overall well being. You will feel better for it, knowing that you are doing something positive for yourself that will help you to relax and feel more optimistic about life. 

Top Tips For A Healthy Back

Candy WashingtonComment

Image - free for commercial use

Hi lovelies,

Whether you’re living with a herniated disc, strained muscles, or spinal stenosis, it can take some time to diagnose and treat the causes of back pain. While you’re struggling with it, you’re also trying to navigate health insurance, work and family life, and other everyday demands as well as your back pain.

Here are some of the best things that you can do to keep your back comfortable and get relief from pain. If you are living with back pain, see your doctor or a chiropractor before changing your routine. 

Let Your Spine Rest While You Sleep

When you’re lying down, all the structures in your spine that have worked hard all day can relax. To make the most of this, you need a mattress and pillows that will allow your spine to rest in a supported and comfortable way. 

When you sleep:

  • Use a firm or medium-firm mattress. Most people do well with a mattress that is firm enough to support their spine, rather than an older or soft mattress that will let the spine sag. As long as you choose a mattress that gives support and the right sleeping position for your condition, there are lots of types that could help you. 

  • Keep your spine naturally aligned. If you sleep on your back, try placing a pillow under your knees to reduce stress on your lower back. If you sleep on your side, try placing a pillow between your knees to keep your hips balanced. You could also benefit from a neck pillow. Try a few different options to see what you find the most comfortable. 

It’s important to get good sleep, to prepare your back for a new day of hard work. 

Exercise Your Core

Your core muscles, which are located in your lower back and abdomen, need to be strong and supple in order to support your spine and take pressure off your lower back. 

Unfortunately, most of us have core muscles that we don’t use enough during our everyday activities. These muscles should be toned through specific, targeted exercises. Check with your doctor, physical therapist, or other health professional to learn which exercises might be most appropriate for you. A lot of core exercises will help to reduce back pain. 

Your Shoes Should Support Your Spine

Whether you often walk for exercise, or you just walk to get to where you need to go, the shoes that you wear play an important part in properly supporting your lower back. Good shoes provide you with a supportive base that will help your spine and the rest of your body to stay in alignment. For example, you should make sure that the area of your shoe that fits the back of your heel is snug, but not too tight. A good fit will prevent overpronation or supination, or too much rolling of the foot to the outside or inside. You could also try using shoe orthotics or inserts if you need more help with balance or support. 

4 Practical Ways to Start Eliminating Stress in Your Life

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Do you feel like you're constantly under pressure? Do you feel like you can't get a break from the stress of daily life? If so, you're not alone. Stress is one of the biggest problems facing people today. It can cause all sorts of health problems, and it can make it difficult to enjoy life. This blog post will discuss four practical ways to start eliminating stress in your life!

1) Get organized
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to get organized. This means taking some time to plan out your day and making sure that you have a system in place for everything. When you're organized, you'll find that it's easier to stay on top of things and that you don't have to waste time searching for things. Organization can also help you avoid last-minute scrambling, which can be one of the most stressful parts of the day. So take some time each day to get yourself organized, and you'll start to see a difference in your stress levels! If getting thoroughly organized seems too much work, try breaking it down into smaller goals.

2) Set aside time for relaxation
It's essential to make sure that you're taking some time out of each day to relax. This can be anything from reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk. It's essential to find something that works for you and that you can do regularly. It will be easier to unwind and de-stress when you have this time set aside. Stress can also lead to problems sleeping, so it's essential to make sure that you're getting enough rest. This means setting aside time each day to wind down before bed and ensuring that your bedroom is dark and quiet. If you have trouble sleeping, plenty of resources are available to help you get the rest you need.

3) Use natural remedies
Several natural remedies can help reduce stress. For example, lavender is known for its calming effects, and it can be used in aromatherapy or as an essential oil. Chamomile is another herb with relaxing properties, and it can be brewed into tea. There are also many products at dank-lite that can help reduce stress, such as magnesium and omega-three fatty acids. So, if you're looking for a natural way to reduce stress, there are plenty of options available to you!

4) Talk to someone
If you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, talking to someone about it is essential. This could be a friend, family member, or therapist. When you talk about your stress, it will help reduce the burden you're carrying. It can also be helpful to find a support group for people who are struggling with anxiety. When you have other people to talk to, it will make managing stress more manageable. So don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it!

Stress is one of the biggest problems facing people today. It can cause all sorts of health problems, and it can make it difficult to enjoy life. This blog post will discuss four practical ways to start eliminating stress in your life!

Practical Tips For a More Zen Everyday Life

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

The idea of living a more “Zen” life naturally conjures up all kinds of mental images of going with the flow, being calmer, and savouring the present moment.

All of these things are likely to sound appealing to many people, to various degrees — particularly with many people reporting being under chronic stress, and with some needing to seek out American Addiction Centers reviews and skilful counselling to help them move past particular issues.

Fundamentally, living a more Zen life doesn’t need to mean withdrawing from the world and joining a monastery at the top of some mountain.

Here are a handful of practical tips for living a more Zen everyday life today.

View basic acts like household chores and beautifying your space as acts of self-care
In the book “Zen: The Art of Simple Living” by the Japanese Zen Buddhist monk “Shunmyo Masuno,” the author points out several times that for Zen monks, cleaning is a kind of a sacrament — a thing that all of the monks have to do each day, and that contributes to spiritual and mental harmony and wellbeing.

In addition to household chores, he also suggests that simple ways of beautifying the home or workplace, such as by lining up pens on the desk at the beginning and end of each day, can have the same sort of powerful effect.

A big part of a more Zen approach to everyday life is finding ways to live that encompass and promote a deep sense and appreciation of harmony, day by day. Small shifts in how you relate to and interact with your daily environment can be very impactful in this regard.

Be present to experience and savour things in the here and now
A core part of a more Zen approach to daily life is to avoid being excessively caught up in anxieties about the future and rumination about the past, and instead maintaining a perspective that keeps your awareness primarily focused on the present moment.

To be more present-focused, regularly “check in” with yourself during the day and notice what’s happening around. Take the time to savour your meals and experience every bite. And when you step out of your front door and feel the crisp morning air, breathe it in mindfully and enjoy the sensation.

Take up a meditation practice
No matter how little you may know about the lifestyles of Zen Buddhist monks, it more or less goes without saying that you’re aware of one thing: they meditate a lot.

A meditation practice can have a powerful impact when it comes to helping you to be more present. It can reduce the degree to which you stress about things. And it can help you to greet each day in a more optimistic and positive frame of mind.

The traditional Zen method of meditation — Zazen — involves sitting on the floor with a straight back and meditating with the eyes open. But you could just as easily take up the kind of meditation practice promoted by popular platforms such as Headspace and Calm.

Three Health Areas You Didn't Realize Could Be In Jeopardy On A Daily Basis

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

When you think about your health being in jeopardy, there are probably certain things that you think of. Heart attack, broken bones and things like this are the common perceptions of what being in jeopardy means, but it’s wrong. Of course we are all at risk of this, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other things that are consistently at risk too. As such, you need to know as much as you can about them so that you can take measures to protect them. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Mental Health
The first thing that we are going to look at is mental health. Your mental health is in danger on a daily basis. Whether you work with people who stress you out to the max, or you feel as though you are all alone so you isolate yourself, this will be impacting your mental health. Mental health is one of the most misunderstood and uncomfortable topics to talk about when really it should be taken front and center. 

Protect your mental health by removing yourself from situations and scenarios in which you are either uncomfortable or where you feel as though it is going to be bad for you. This can be for a short time or a long time, as long as you need to calm down and realign yourself.

Hearing Health
Of course, there is also hearing health and this is constantly in danger. Are you in the washing room with the washing machine when it is on a cycle? This is dangerous and contributes to hearing loss and tinnitus. Or, if you make a habit of frequenting music concerts, this is another thing that could be potentially dangerous. Make sure that you wear earplugs here as you will still be able to hear everything that is going on but you are also reducing your risk of tinnitus. 

You can learn more about hearing loss, it’s causes, and how it is treated by speaking to a professional. They will be able to give you the information that you need  and help you come up with a plan to look after it.

Muscle Health
The final thing that we are going to look at is the health of your muscles. If you aren’t using particular muscles, they aren’t going to be as strong as the others that you do use regularly. As such, you should be completing a workout to ensure that you are getting all of them. The reason is that if you are not careful, you will end up with muscles that find it difficult to stand, let alone anything else.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the areas that you didn’t realize could be in jeopardy on a daily basis. It’s important that you know as much as you can about this so that you can take the right measures to ensure that it doesn’t get to a point where your health becomes impacted. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you have found this advice helpful.

Practical Self-Care Tips For Seniors

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

When you think of self-care, you may think of a young person catching a break from the stresses of life in a nice bubble bath. But what about the elderly? Well, the practice of self-care has no limits. Both young and old need to take time to take care of themselves. It is what you do to ensure your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is in a good place. So, what self-care habits can you indulge in as an older adult? Here are a few.

Socialize with friends and family
Socializing is a part of human nature, which is why spending time with friends and family is usually a great way to improve your physical and mental health. However, the sad truth is as you get older, the more likely you are to live alone. Although this may mean living independently, it also means dealing with the feelings of loneliness that negatively impact your health. Therefore, it is advisable to connect with loved ones often. Studies have shown that being in the presence of people and being in physical contact with them can increase the body’s production of oxytocin, the happy hormone, and reduce stress. 

Take your physical health seriously
Physical health is important, but it is even more so with older adults. Remember that you are what you eat. It is important to treat your body to good healthy food. This would ensure you are fuelled on the right nutrients, have enough energy, and provide your body the strength to fight off various diseases. In addition to a healthy diet, you must consider exercise. Being active also helps your body fend off various age-related diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. 

Regular visits to the doctor are also another way of taking your physical health seriously. Schedule monthly appointments with your health professionals to ensure that you are in good shape. Being consistent would help doctors try your progress, give you the right advice, and even detect option health threats or resolve others on time. During such visits, be sure to get various upgrades if necessary. For example, if you wear hearing aids, you may want to consider using the new and improved smart hearing aids that connect to your phone (you can learn more about that here). 

Go outside
Being outside of the walls of your home to enjoy some fresh breeze or the warmth of the sun can do a lot for you! According to research, spending time outdoors can reduce your blood pressure and reduce the creation of the stress hormone cortisol. Therefore, you should consider setting up a backyard garden to spend some time outdoors. You can also create an outdoor lounge area to enjoy a book outside in your home. 

Practicing self-care is a vital aspect of senior living. It helps manage various chronic illnesses, improves mental and physical health, and improves one’s quality of life. Therefore, if you are a senior, you should consider practicing a few of the above routines or recommend them to a family member or friend. 

Developing The Right Mindset to Start Taking Care of Yourself

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Virtually everyone is aware that some degree of self-care is highly important in order to live a thriving and happy life.

There are many different steps that can be involved in properly taking care of yourself, ranging from things like taking the time to learn more about hearing tests, to ensuring that you are getting enough sleep on a nightly basis.

Ultimately, though, any self-care practices that you might potentially undertake will generally need the right mindset in order to be effective and sustainable.

If you don't have the right mindset to support a self-care-oriented approach to life, you may end up struggling.

Here are some tips for developing the right mindset to take care of yourself properly and consistently.

Get moving and take action instead of allowing yourself to get caught up in your thought cycles and low moods

One of the worst things that people do when they are feeling down and disheartened – and unfortunately also one of the most common things that people do in this situation – is to try to battle against their own negative thought cycles and moods, while lying in bed or sitting on the sofa.

The bottom line is that it almost never works to actually try to internally debate yourself out of a negative state of mind. Although challenging negative self talk is important, taking care of yourself relies on getting up and taking action first and foremost.

In many cases, you can expect to find that when you begin taking action, you begin feeling better, and end up in a better and more proactive position to properly take care of yourself.

Remember that even small positive actions can make a big impact

People sometimes fail to take proper care of themselves, in part because they have let themselves fall into the belief that doing so will be very difficult, and will require a huge effort.

While certain elements of self-care may involve a good deal of effort, however, it's important to realise that even relatively small everyday actions can make a very big impact, in many cases.

If your routine has become topsy-turvy, and you aren't feeling like you have a foothold to work from, something as straightforward as tidying up your home may give you a lot more energy, and can help you to feel more positive, as well.

Other examples include things like making a phone call to a loved one, or going for a stroll in the park.

Realise that taking care of yourself benefits the people around you too, not only you

A very important mindset shift when it comes to taking care of yourself, is to realise that self-care is not usually at all “selfish."

When you're taking good care of yourself, this will also tend to benefit the people around you, and especially those who love you, not just yourself.

After all, don't we all feel happy when we see someone we love taking care of themselves, being happy, and thriving?

Effective Ways To Boost Your Confidence For Good

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Being confident isn’t all about being happier with your appearance, it entails deeper connections and emotions. Sometimes, people are not confident due to a lack of happiness or simply feeling like they haven’t achieved their goals in good time. 

Knowing that other people lack confidence too can help, as can these tips.

Find a community
Being in a community of like-minded people can help you feel comfortable with who you are as they will accept you, as should you. Therefore, a top tip for boosting your confidence for good is finding yourself a community. 

For example, you might lack confidence due to a hearing loss issue. If so, you can find online communities and help to help you realize that other people have the same issues and it isn’t anything to be shy of. 

You can learn more online about how hearing loss can affect your communication. You will pick up some tips and also realize that you are not alone.

Practice self-love
Self-love is an amazing way to boost your confidence. It isn’t something you should do once, as you likely won’t attain long-term results. Instead, you should make time almost every day to practice self-love. It helps us focus and balance our minds in order to acknowledge how amazing we are. 

Some ideas for practicing self-love to improve your confidence include:

  • Write down something positive about yourself. Writing down positives about yourself might seem strange, as many of us talk about our negatives. However, writing down positives will make you realize how incredible you are. 

  • Move your body. Although not everyone enjoys exercise, it can offer incredible mental health benefits, which can help with confidence. Finding an exercise that you enjoy is key. It could be walking, swimming, HIIT, or yoga. Moving your body can help your mind and body connect, which is a stepping stone for improved confidence. 

  • Believe that thoughts are not reality. We can all have negative thoughts. Yet, understanding that they are imagination tricks and not reality will help you realize that most thoughts are in fact, not going real. 

Surround yourself with positive people
Just like finding a community of like-minded people, it will also help to surround yourself with the right energy. Whether it is your parent or close friend that surrounds you with negative energy, it is important to remove yourself from it. The negative energy will only hinder your confidence. 

Therefore, surround yourself with positive people and energy in order to attain a positive attitude. A more positive outlook on life will help you build your confidence. 

Don’t accept failure
There is always a way around mistakes. Therefore, it is important to not accept or give in to failure. If you fail once, there will always be an opportunity to try again. 

Hence, always make sure to pick yourself back up and try again. You never know, the second time around you might succeed and you will forget all about the mistake. The more you try, the easier it will become to succeed and feel more confident in yourself and what you have achieved. 

How to Stay Positive while Trying to Conceive

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

The process of trying to get pregnant can be long and exhausting, but it doesn't have to be. The best thing you can do is try your best to stay positive. This article will give you tips on how to stay positive while trying to conceive in order for you and your partner to enjoy the process more!

#1 Support one another
The first thing you can do is to support each other and make sure both of your needs are met. This means that if one partner starts feeling down or frustrated, the other steps up and supports them (or tries their best). Even though this may be difficult at first — especially if one person feels like they're doing all the work — it's worth it in the end! If both partners feel satisfied with how things are going, then there will always be a positive outcome. You can even do some research on things your partner may be going through, like does trt raise cholesterol levels, even if it’s just to put yourself in their shoes for a minute.

However, sometimes it's hard for couples to find ways on how to stay positive while trying to conceive because they forget about themselves. They focus too much energy on making sure their significant other isn't stressed out and neglect taking care of themselves as well. It might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually backfire in the long run.

So make sure to take some time for yourselves, even if it's just 15 minutes every day, where you can relax and not think about anything else related to conceiving. This will help both of you recharge and feel more positive when you're around each other again.

There are also plenty of support groups out there that can be helpful in staying positive while trying to conceive. Sometimes it feels good knowing that others are going through the same thing as you are, and they understand what you're feeling! Also, it can be really encouraging to hear their stories and advice on how they've stayed positive throughout the process.

#2 Take things as they come
Another great way on how to stay positive while trying to conceive is by taking things as they come. This means that you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself and just let the process happen naturally. This can be difficult, especially if you're a planner or like to have everything under control, but it's important to remember that not everything goes according to plan. 

So try your best not to stress out about every little thing and just go with the flow! It's also helpful to give yourselves some time off from trying to conceive. If you've been trying for a while and haven't had any success, take a break for a month or two and relax. This will help clear your mind, and when you come back, you'll be more relaxed and positive about the whole process.

#3 Don't force anything
Something that can really kill the mood and make it difficult on how to stay positive while trying to conceive is when you or your partner start forcing things. This means that you're not taking things slow and enjoying the process but instead are trying to do everything as fast as possible.

This often happens when people get impatient and want to see results right away. But, unfortunately, this isn't always how things work, so it's important to be patient! And if you find yourselves getting frustrated with one another, take a break from trying to conceive until both of you have calmed down. There's no need to rush anything — especially since stress can actually hinder conception. So try your best to relax and let nature take its course.

#4 Be open about your feelings
Lastly, it's important to be open about your feelings while trying to conceive. This means that both of you should feel comfortable talking with one another and letting the other person know if something is bothering you or bringing down your moods.

Sometimes things can get tricky when trying to conceive because partners may start taking little comments too personally. So make sure not to let these kinds of things bother you since they're usually out of context anyway! Instead, focus on being supportive towards each other, which will help make conceiving a lot easier in the process.

In addition, it's helpful to have a positive outlook on trying to conceive. It doesn't help anyone if one partner is negative! So try your best not to worry too much and stay calm when you're around each other so that both of you feel comfortable in expressing yourselves openly.

4 Ways to Become Happier With Your Appearance

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

How you look is not who you are. In the modern world of advertising and social media, too much emphasis is placed on appearance. Marketing campaigns make us feel like we are not beautiful enough in a bid to drive purchases of makeup, perfume and moisturisers. Instagram feeds are awash with gorgeous influencers with toned bodies and perfect smiles. It’s no wonder then that 61% of adults today have a negative body image.

But it shouldn’t matter what you look like. Your complexion or the size of your thigh gap is not important in the grand scheme of things. What really matters is your character: the kind of person you are, your values, and your actions. Looks come and go, but character is an immutable part of your being.

If you are unhappy with your appearance, you would do well to remember this fact next time you start to obsess over your looks. To help you boost your confidence and mental health, here are four ways to improve your body image.

Turn off your phone
With advances in modern technology over the past two decades, almost every child in the Western world has their own smartphone with unfettered access to the internet. Young girls are experiencing increasing pressure to look and act a certain way, leading to low self-esteem and mental health issues. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to spend less time on your phone, particularly on social media. Set timers to limit your use of apps, or turn it off altogether. Spend this time more wisely on activities that make you feel good such as socialising with loved ones, exercising or reading your favourite books.

Wear your favourite clothes
It’s time to stop worrying about what other people think, and be your own person. Wear the clothes that you want to wear. The ones that make you feel comfortable in your own skin. Style your hair in whatever way you like and wear your favourite Cap America hat whenever you wish. Ignore the haters and dress just for you.

Find a new focus
When the people who truly love you look at you, they don’t see the same flaws and imperfections that you do when you look in the mirror. They see all your strengths and positive attributes that make you who you are. They might see your intelligence, your shining personality, or your sharp sense of humour. Work out your best characteristics and focus on these rather than obsessing over the way you look. You will learn to look at yourself in a new light and gain a whole new level of confidence.

Avoid negativity
If there are people around you who make you feel bad about yourself, you should make a conscious effort to remove them from your life. These might be classmates, coworkers, or even overly-critical family members. You could have a word with them about their judgments and attitudes or you could avoid spending time with them altogether. Spend time with those who make you feel happy and confident instead. Life is too short to surround yourself with negativity.