A Shaping Bodysuit and Positive Self Talk Shape Your Self Image
Have you stood in front of a mirror, pulling at a hemline, adjusting a top, and letting the thought slip into your mind, “I don’t look good in this.” Negative self-talk might start slowly, but as time passes, it can become a lens through which we see ourselves that doesn’t do us any good. How you talk to yourself matters just as much as what you wear. In the shapewear business, we know many of our customers purchase a shaping bodysuit or other types of shapewear because it makes them feel more confident in their bodies. But no amount of stretchy fabric is going to cover up or smooth out the impact of critical inner dialogue. However, you can break the cycle of self-criticism and replace it with habits that build self-love.
Step one - Notice
Negative self-talk is an insidious problem, i.e. one that grows slowly without being noticed. Awareness is the key to addressing insidious problems. We all have a voice in our heads that can be friend or foe. Pay attention to what you say to yourself, especially when getting dressed or shopping for clothes. Notice when that voice is saying...
“I’ll never look good in this.”
“I’m too short / tall / bloated / awkward / frumpy / shy / flat / fat for this.”
These aren’t just harmless thoughts. They add up over time, and they point you towards low self-esteem and get in the way of developing your personal style. The key is to catch negative self-talk the moment it happens. Here is one strategy…
Did you ever have a swear jar at home or at work? Say a bad word and you have to put a coin in a jar? There are two reasons the swear jar works. It punishes the bad behavior, and it makes the accumulated transgressions visible (that’s why you use a glass jar). So, every time you criticize yourself or remind yourself of something negative, put a quarter in a jar, or make a tally on a notepad, or carve a notch in your desk if necessary - whatever works for you. This simple exercise makes your thinking and your self-criticism visible. Over time, you’ll see the accumulation and you’ll be motivated to address it when you see how much it adds up. You will also be motivated to silence your inner critic to avoid adding to the tally.
Lemons? Make Lemonade
Once you’ve caught yourself doing it, you can turn every critical thought on its head. Most negatives can be reframed as positives. Weaknesses can be viewed as opportunities to grow stronger. Setbacks can be seen as repositioning for something better. Lemons can be turned into lemonade. Instead of saying to yourself, “I look terrible in this dress,” try:
“This dress isn’t my style, but I love how bold the color is.”
“I feel more confident in something that defines my waist. Maybe a shaping bodysuit could help this look pop.”
The trick is to shift the focus from flaws to strengths. You could look at shapewear as a confidence tool - not to fix something wrong but to make something even better. The right shaping garment enhances how you feel in your clothes without constraining you or making you uncomfortable.
Shapewear and Self-Talk are the same? Really?
In a way, yes, they are. Confidence looks great on anyone. A shaping bodysuit and your inner voice are both hidden from view, they both affect how you feel about yourself, and they are both at your disposal. Behind the scenes, your body shaper can be your private reminder to master your self-talk and keep it positive.
Tell yourself good stories
Just like a shaping bodysuit will smooth your silhouette, choosing kind, empowering words can beautifully contour your self image. Positive self talk is all about shaping a vision of yourself and reminding yourself of it at every opportunity. It is like shapewear for the soul. We have a story, a narrative, that we tell ourselves every day. Your inner voice shapes your self concept around the realities of who you authentically are. It might take some time to fully take charge of the way you talk to yourself, but it’s certainly worth it.
