There is real power behind feeling good about yourself

Especially because so many people have difficulty with this. It is very common for people to have negative thoughts about their bodies. In fact, almost everyone feels insecure at some point in their lives.

Even being naked when we are alone can make us vulnerable to the critical voice in our own heads. The goal of feeling "good" while naked is often entangled in cultural beauty standards that few of us adhere to.

There are countless reasons why people feel insecure naked:

• Societal beauty standards about what our bodies should look like
• Fatphobia
• Experience with trauma/abuse
• Low self-esteem or self-esteem
• Lack of visibility of body diversity
• Cultural ideals that encourage limiting thoughts around food, exercise and the body
• Stigma, judgment and negative views about the LGBTQIA+ community

How does a negative self-image negatively impact sex?

For example, research shows that women's perception of how attractive they are can influence their sexual desires. Our body confidence is related to how comfortable we feel receiving it, how worthy we feel of receiving pleasure, and how connected we are to our body. A negative self-image can therefore also influence our sex life.

Tips to feel more confident about your naked body

1. Drop the covers when you're alone

   Every now and then walking around your house or standing in front of the mirror in your underwear or completely naked can be incredibly liberating. You'll suddenly realize that little flaws don't matter and that being naked can actually be nice. When you overcome that discomfort with your naked body, you will find that you can accept yourself better. That you dare to be yourself with others. This also takes the first step towards loving yourself more.
   
   

2. Take photos

   You need to practice not only being naked, but also being able to look at yourself when you are naked. Dress yourself up, make sure you have good light and a good pose, turn on your self-timer and click. Take the time to look at yourself and appreciate how beautiful you are just the way you are.
   
   

3. Surround yourself with positive people and role models who love their bodies

   Say goodbye to body shaming and unrealistic body images. Don't see slim, young, tight bodies as the standard, because this is just not right. Surround yourself with women with different body types and be inspired by other women who love their bodies. You can find real support here and show that you can do it too. Girls support girls! Remember that almost all naked adult bodies wobble, have hair, stretch marks, cellulite, scars and traces of life.
   
   

4. Realize that no one is perfect

   Although this is sometimes difficult for women to imagine, it is true. Realize that most photos you see on social media are edited 9 times out of 10. Perfection is an illusion. Therefore, do not be guided by the image you see of others, but learn to appreciate yourself and your imperfections.
   
   

5. Focus on how your body feels

   Shift your attention to how it feels instead of what it looks like. Feel how good the sun and wind feel on your naked skin. Caress your body and feel how good your body feels. Concentrate on the sensations. How does it feel on my skin when I step into the shower? What does it do to my body? By centering the senses, you can connect the brain and body.
   
   

6. Shift your focus during sex

   Yes, although there are bodies involved in sex, it can be helpful here too to shift your focus from your body to the real reason why you have and appreciate sex in the first place. Namely experiencing pleasure, connection, relaxation, stress relief, etc. Focus on that and don't forget to enjoy yourself.
   
   

7. Adjust your mindset

   If you've never felt comfortable naked, the first step is to decide you want it to be different. Immerse yourself and make a plan for yourself how you want to achieve this goal and practice with it. Don't let the fact that you have not yet achieved the goal make you unhappy and instead be proud of yourself for working towards your goal.
   
   

8. Strive for self-acceptance instead of worrying about the opinions of others

   There are several reasons why some people may judge your appearance, and many of those reasons have nothing to do with you or your body. It is important what you think and not what someone else thinks.
   
   

9. Be kind to yourself

   Remember that self-criticism is the harshest form of criticism. And this only makes you feel worse. Instead of focusing on your flaws, focus on your best features and practice self-affirmations. Look at yourself in the mirror as you say these. This will be uncomfortable at first, but it really helps. The more you tell yourself how beautiful you are and that you love yourself, the more you start to believe it.
   
   

10. Masturbate

    Masturbating gives you access to the 'feel-good' hormone endorphins and teaches you to give permission to experience pleasure and relaxation.
    
    

Remember that your opinion of yourself is much more important than that of others. It is important to be kind to yourself and accept your body as it is. Be proud of who you are and the steps you are taking to gain more self-confidence. Remember that no one is perfect and that imperfections make us unique. So throw off those covers and feel good naked!

With these tips you can work on more self-confidence and discover that real strength that allows you to feel good about yourself!