We all suffer from one insecurity or the other. Having insecurities about our bodies can do some serious damage to the psyche. It affects how we see and feel about ourselves. And if too many of those feelings are negative, then we can really be in the danger zone. But never fear, because teenAGE is here with some teenADVICE to help you feel better about being in your own skin.1.       Look to the stars

And by that we don’t necessarily mean only celebrities, but they are a good start. If you are in the heavier category, there are plenty of celebrities who rock all their pounds gracefully and kick butt using all their talent and beauty for eg. American ‘Blackish’ actor, Anthony Anderson, and our local ‘Fluffy Diva’ Miss Kitty. For the tall or skinny girls, check out Taylor Swift and all the tonnes of famous runway models of the world. The short, petite, toned… you name it there is someone out there like it who is doing great. So try to find role models who look like you and make you see the good in yourself and your size.

2.     Make a list of likes

Give yourself some love by writing down the things you do like about your body. It could be something as small as your belly button, once you like it, put it down, and keep that fresh in your mind.

3. Work on the things you don’t like

Even if you have set a goal to gain weight, lose weight, get a flatter tummy, gain muscles etc and still haven’t quite gotten to your goal, keep going. The fact that you have taken such interest in yourself is worth celebrating and is something to feel excellent about. Plus, in the midst of working on yourself, you will start to find joy in the simple fact that you are being active and taking charge of your body.

4. Talk about it and get help

No one should suffer alone, and feeling depressed about the way you look and feel in your own body can really tear you down. But it doesn’t mean you should suffer in silence. Be as vocal as you can about it and do not isolate yourself from friends and the ones who love you. Speak to your loved ones about your challenges and allow them to shower you with the love and encouragement you need. There is power in being vulnerable and relating your personal struggles with others. You would be surprised at how much better you feel after emotional release.

It isn’t easy, but once you get started, you might not want to stop and could seriously help someone else similar to you.           

5. Love you for you

At the end of the day, you are always more than whatever is on the outside, but you have to learn to embrace that too. It’s a package deal, and you should be your biggest cheerleader, so keep focusing on all your strengths and building new strengths along the way. There is so much about you, a unique human being to love explore and adore, so start by being your first fan, and love yourself first.